I just started commuting to work by bike just over a week ago. Yesterday it was quite chilly with a light wind. I only have a short commute - 2 1/2 miles. I did my fastest time yesterday - 16 minutes - and that included a stop at the shop. Not bad for a 50 year old Born Again Cyclist

Going home is uphill all the way (some of it quite steep). Took me 20 minutes to get home. I went all the way uphill in 2nd highest gear. No wonder my legs felt like lead weights. I had new tyres fitted the other day and the guy who fitted the tyres (I didn't know how to) messed with my derailleur and it is now very difficult to get into gear and the bike changes gear itself now. I haven't got a clue how to fix it but I wish I could get it back to how it was. My bike's a Raleigh Impulse Ladies Racer from circa early 1980's and has the old-fashioned friction shift (Huret gears).