I am completely new to cycling and looking for as much advice I can get. I have been a road runner for years and an ankle injury has forced me to limit my running to short distances so I can't get the endurance training I am used to. So I have decided to take up cycling as a way to fill the void.

I do have a bike that I bought 5 years ago. It is a very nice Gary Fisher mountain bike which is geared more toward road riding as I was living in the city and wasn't going to be doing much trail riding.

I guess my first question is this...would this bike be OK for me to use to start out with? Since I am just getting my feet wet and not looking to do 30 miles at a clip, I don't want to invest in a $1500 road bike if I am not going to like it.

Second question, are there any good websites that I can to go to read up on cycling and get some good training information? I would like to start cycling a few times a week. My main goal is to drop some added weight and potentially work my way up to doing some local tours or races.

I know that the best thing to do would be to hook up with a local bike group, but I am not at that stage yet. I want to get started on my own, see how I like cycling and then get involved with a group.

Thanks in advance for any advice and help you can provide.

For fitness you can use this bike. Buy high pressure (~60-85psi) slick (no tread) tires and either lock out or put maximum resistance/pressure on shocks. Adjust seat properly and handlebars low for some drop (with comfort) and you should be fine for fitness. You won't be competetive, but you will get fit and have enough speed to enjoy yourself.

Al

I agree with noisebeam on the adjustments to your mountain bike. While you have it, you might as well set it up the best you can and use it. Check out www.sheldonbrown.com for info on bikes (hopefully some of the other forum members will be able to point you to training sites).

Getting involved with a local cycling club is a good idea. They could probably help you find a new or used road bike at a good price and they could help you set goals for training.

As a new commuter just a few months ago I'll take a stab at some of your questions.

1) Almost any bike will work to get started. Since you bought it just a few years ago I hope that it is sized to fit you comfortably. If you have not ridden it much you might want to take it to an LBS (local bike shop) and have them check things like the seat and handlebar height and position to make sure they are correct for you. Getting these in the correct position goes a long way toward making riding comfortable, preventing knee pain and maximizing efficiency. You or the LBS should also check that everything on the bike is working well and that everything is properly lubed. Obviously a mountain bike will not be as fast as a road bike, but it will certainly give you a good workout.

2) As to websites use the search function on this website or specific forums to find a lot of information. You can also check out Sheldon Brown's site for good inforamtion on riding technique and strategies. Just remember to read all web postings with a grain of salt -- there is much good advice to be had but also many old wives tales, urban legends and just BS to be had as well. As you get into it you will have more questions which you can first start to research here and then branch out to the web. Also your local LBS might have information and advice that will fit your particular area and conditions.

Take it easy as you get started and generally yield to your body's signals. I hope that helps and gets you started on the right pedal.

It's hard to disagree with riding frequently as a strategy. Don't worry too much about equipment at first, just ride often. If you don't fall into the trap of riding the exact same route all the time, farther and faster will come naturally. After a bit of experience you'll learn what changes, if any, you want to make with your equipment too.

I rode with a guy yesterday on a century (100 mile) ride, he was riding an extremely cool Bianchi single-speed mountain bike with slick tires! Yup, you've got all the equipment you need, except for the slick tires.

Thanks everyone for the quick responses...your advice is appreciated. I think I am going to grab myself some slicks and get my money's worth out of my bike and see how things go.

You all were very helpful. That doesn't mean others can still reply with their advice, keep it coming!

Thanks again.

One more thing, mate. LISTEN to your body.......closely. If it hurts....STOP & DON'T DO THAT ANYMORE.
In time you you will find what you can and can't do so be patient.

1.5" slicks will really help. Get ones with a kevlar anti-puncture band.
Bike shorts will prevent lots of problems. You wear them without underwear and ALWAYS use a clean pair so get a few.
Gloves not only protect your hands froom vibration but, in the event of a spill, will prevent you skinning yourself.
For more athletic riding, some form of pedal retension system is needed. You can use toe clips (but with loose straps) for a cheap intro. You will probably want to go to a clipless system using proper cycling shoes but take care not to injure your ankle with any system.
Take a basic repair kit (sape inner/patch kit/pump) and learn how to use it.

Get used to riding before starting any serious althetic training .