belfast-biker

First time here, looks like a brilliant forum so far, been kurking for a day or two, and using the search facility like mad!

From Belfast, Northern Ireland, 33years old, without bike at the moment, and looking for one to improve fitness mainly.

Had a Avanti groupset roadbike in the past and loved it, but sold it when my weight shot up a few stone....it became painful (in the ass) to cycle any distance!

Trying to get weight down again, and am hoping to introduce a bike to add to my speedwalking outside and rowing, weight training and biking sessions in the gym.

Was 16stone 12 (I think) at the start of March, and am currently 16stone 2, and going down.

Into Amateur Photography as well and am a bit of a nerd with 'puters.

So there you go....a bikeless underfit overfat person from the other side of the pond....

Here's to change.

RonH

Hi Paul and welcome.
Glad to see you found the Introductions forum.

Many of us (including me) were in a similar condition when we started riding. Just enjoy riding and you'll get there.

Be sure and tell us what bike you get.

belfast-biker

Not sure whether to get Sora components and change the bike later, or get tiagra now and keep it, with possibility for easy upgrade.

Anything else, 105 and over I ain't got the money for.

I *think* I want a double chainring, and that's my only requirements so far, but space for mudguards would be nice.



Will either buy low end stuff on the 21st April, or wait a month and get a little above low end.

willic

Hi Paul....Welcome.

Good to see someone from N. Ireland on the forums, I don`t think I am mistaken in believing your the first on B.F`s to register.

Hope you get yourself a nice bike, then give us your input on the province cycle scene.

Regards Willi`c.

SamDaBikinMan

If the seat is a real problem consider a recumbent. One of my riding buddies rides a recumbent on the road exclusively and suffers none of the ailments of the Brick like seats or lower back pains.

He can ride his mountain bike like a demon and is in the best shape of anyone I know.

belfast-biker

Sounds expensive, and I'm a tight-ar$e!

(Although you wouldn't think so from the rear....)

belfast-biker

Originally posted by willic
Hi Paul....Welcome.

Good to see someone from N. Ireland on the forums, I don`t think I am mistaken in believing your the first on B.F`s to register.


Excellent! Blazing a trail...(on foot for the moment anyhow)




Hope you get yourself a nice bike, then give us your input on the province cycle scene.


Well, with my last bike (Capmpag Avanti/Mirage equipped Peugeot Comp 4000) I did a few "longer" rides....

Some lovely roads up the north coast, and the east coast as well. Really lovely. And energy sapping.

But we're going back a few year, and a few stone....

SamDaBikinMan

I understand. Wish you lived next door, you could use my spare til ya get one.

belfast-biker

Top of my list so far, is a Raleigh R300 for £435 including delivery.

Any thoughts?

Viper

Welcome to the Forum Paul!!! We have some very good friends just east (and a bit south) of you at Donagadee, we hope to visit them in the near future. We also hope to bring our tandem along. We want to get out and cycle your area for a few days...do you think we will enjoy the cycling in that area?

belfast-biker

Yup...you'll love it. Cycle round the coast - Belfast - Holywood - Bangor - Donaghadee - Portavogie - Portaferry - Greyabbey - Newtownards - then onto Bangor or Belfast.

Lovely scenes, nice roads.

Done it once, loved it.

Killed me though.

belfast-biker

Damn mail order delivery will take ages...

Going to have to buy from LBS - either a:-

Giant OCR4 - Sora and below equipped road bike, or a:-

Giant Hybrid Central Park - 700c Deore-ish equipped.

Hmmm....






I want it for fitness improvement, and 3 mile journeys initially. I weigh 226lbs, so perhaps the hybrid (dirty word!) would make more sense?

I've got a small motorbike for longer journeys.... (!)


What I've read of the OCr4 is not good. Unlike the hybrid.

Decisions, decisions....

willic

Hello again.... The Giant Central Park would be an exellent aquisition for a general purpose bike. It is an upgrade and newer version of X800 which has surved me well for 7 years or so (still using it) as a commuter and winter bike. You can always puchase a road bike as finances and addiction LOL, increases later.

Regards Willi`c.

belfast-biker

Damn Central Park's aren't in stock yet..and I'm off next week - I want it now!

Theres a nice Specialized Sirrus A1 in stock... I think I'll go for that instead for £399.

Definitely.*
















* I reserve the right to change my mind. But I'm an impatient bugger.

belfast-biker

Got it!

summeroff

Pleased to meet you,
You seem to be about my size. Get the right sized seat your bike and you'll be fine. I've just started biking after a long time off and it was a pain in my backside too for a while. Nashbar has a good wide seat that is really comfortable, just save the seat that comes with your stock bike and try it again when you drop a stone or two. Good luck.

belfast-biker

I'm surprisingly findng the supplied "Body Geometry Milano Comfort Max" seat is excellent so far.... using the sides of my ass more than the, um, central bit, and it's nice.




Overall hugely impressed with the Sirrus - it feels light, easy to move around, and is comfortable.

willic

What are the tyres Paul? If they are stock knobilies a worthwhile extra investmet is to change them for a pair of road slick or semi-slicks.
I can recommend the "Conti top touring 2000" not cheap about £18 each but I have increased my commute and other rides by 2MPH since I fitted a pair to my Hybrid. Just pump em up to 90 PSI. and watch them roll......

belfast-biker

Slick-type - Nimbus EX 700x28c.

Well pumped up, just like me...

Lightyear

Paul,

I don't think "hybrid" is a dirty word at all. You're making an excellent decision. I'm about your size, and I am looking at hybrids also. I just bought a Specialized hybrid this week. I should be able to pick it up early next week.

A buddy of mine, who happens to be the most fit person I know, rides a hybrid. He could choose any bike he wants, but he gets his workouts on a hybrid.

I have really enjoyed this forum over the last few weeks, but I've heard alot of people talk badly of hybrids. They may be "masters of nothing", but so am I.

I love bikes. I love all kinds of bikes -- from high performance stage race or time trial road bikes to hard core aggressive rock climbing mountain bikes. I also love the bikes that fall in between. The fact that, at this point in time, a hybrid was the best choice for me does not diminish my love of bikes or of cycling. It sounds like it was the right choice for you too.

I saw a picture of your Sirrus on another post. It's a great bike.

belfast-biker

Originally posted by Lightyear
I don't think "hybrid" is a dirty word at all.


I NEARLY bought a full road bike....nearly. but it seemed that there were no decent road bikes in my price range, luckily!


I saw a picture of your Sirrus on another post. It's a great bike.


Cheers!