Davidc316 said:Hi,
I've been heavily involved in athletics (track and field) since around the age of 15 (I'm now 28) and have enjoyed several years of competative middle distance running (mainly 5000m and 3000m steeplechase).
The trouble is, over the past few years I've developed terrible arthritis in my feet from my many years of pounding the streets. This has left me unable to run (without being in terrible pain) and dare I say it, slightly depressed.
So, I was thinking about trying cycling since it seems to be similar to running in many ways but far let stressful on the joints.
The thing is, I really don't know where to start. So, I was wondering if anyone could give me a few tips on getting started. In particular, I would be interested in becoming involved in some sort of competative racing but I don't know whether I should be going for track cycle racing, road races, tours or something else. I also don't have a clue about what kind of bike I should get and how much would be a reasonable amount to pay for a newbie.
My ultimate goal would be to find a cycling event that offered the same kind of competition and demands as a 5000m (running) race.
Any tips or advice would be much appreciated.
Many thanks!
-David
Davidc316 said:Hi,
I've been heavily involved in athletics (track and field) since around the age of 15 (I'm now 28) and have enjoyed several years of competative middle distance running (mainly 5000m and 3000m steeplechase).
The trouble is, over the past few years I've developed terrible arthritis in my feet from my many years of pounding the streets. This has left me unable to run (without being in terrible pain) and dare I say it, slightly depressed.
So, I was thinking about trying cycling since it seems to be similar to running in many ways but far let stressful on the joints.
The thing is, I really don't know where to start. So, I was wondering if anyone could give me a few tips on getting started. In particular, I would be interested in becoming involved in some sort of competative racing but I don't know whether I should be going for track cycle racing, road races, tours or something else. I also don't have a clue about what kind of bike I should get and how much would be a reasonable amount to pay for a newbie.
My ultimate goal would be to find a cycling event that offered the same kind of competition and demands as a 5000m (running) race.
Any tips or advice would be much appreciated.
Many thanks!
-David
Hi David....
I was in pretty much the same Boat as you, except I was a Footballer (Soccer, I'm from the UK but live in California now) and had a debilitating back injury which finally became manageable as long as I didn't run etc....
This originally happened in '91...
I started Cycling seriously, well, as seriously as I could, last October, I've covered about 2000 miles since Jan 2004...and now have ZERO back problems plus I'm as fit as a Butcher's Dog again....
I'd deffinately recommend Cycling...
To start with, I just bought a cheap Comfort Bike...which isn't what they really are if you plan on covering a few miles, they get bloody UNcomfortable because most of the weight is on your [censored] and your arms and hands are stuck in the same position with straight handlebars..BUT I got a good 400 miles of Cranking in..which I guess you could call base miles...
Sooo...I graduated to a cheap Road Bike (A Felt F90)...it felt really wierd at first, but once I got used to it it was fine...I found I could cover more miles and endure less pain..you can change your riding position with drop bars plus the geometry helps you to transfer more power to the Pedals...
Anyway, I'm 5' 11" tall, and the Bike shop recommended a 54cm...I discovered it was too small for me as I have a longish torso...
After about 4-5 months, and quite a few miles I decided to start shopping for a more expensive Bike...I ended up with a really nice 58cm Cannondale...
BUT, after riding the Felt I was used to a Road Bike and knew exactly what felt right or wrong as I test-rode more expensive Models...so I was able to make an educated descision...I LOVE my 'Dale...
So my whole point is, don't pay too much for your first bike...and my advice is go straight for a Roag Bike..an entry level one...and just get some base miles in...start riding as soon as you can...
Plus, as you ride, learn about the different types of Bikes and Frame materials etc etc...
You'll find as a begginer you won't have a clue as to what Brand of bike to buy...you'll also find that most experienced Riders have their "Dream Bike"..they know exactly what they'd buy if they won the Lottery...that's where you need to be when you decide to trade up to a really spendy bike...
Then of course, if you fancy racing, that means riding in a Peleton, so you'll need to learn all the skills involved in doing so, pace lining, drafting, eating and drinking on the saddle whilst keeping the bike straight etc etc..oh, and all the etiquette and hand signals...
This is all probably more than you needed to know, but I hope it helps ...
Good luck mate!!
🙂
