For the last year I have focused on strength training, did kettlebells for a few months and eventually got some 80lb adjustable dumbbells. I’m currently on week 18 of a 20 week program, lifting 6 days a week, and feeling extremely stronk.
It’s warm where I live and only going to get warmer, and for the next year I want to start focusing on cardio and endurance training, lifting 3-4 days a week, and continue losing weight.
Got a stationary bike for $50 from FB marketplace, and found a 2010 Fuji road bike in excellent condition. Bought it for a song, fixed up what I could, and now it’s at the bike shop to fix some of the stuff I can get justify purchasing tools to fix myself. It’s stuck there till Friday, but I’m still riding the stationary bike every day but leg days (cuz them shits are gnarly).
Any other bike enthusiasts in here? Im looking for any and all advice for new riders. Also, I live in city with deeply carbrained, bike-averse infrastructure. What are the best ways to stay safe on the road?
I’d definitely recommend like I’ve seen others do and get yourself a taillight and headlight. I use mine day or night.
I’ve recently upgraded to a head headunit + radar enabled taillight. I don’t think it’s a requirement but it’s such a massive upgrade for my sanity. Really helps you determine how close, how many cars, and whatnot without looking behind constantly.
Depending on what your saddle looks like on your road bike and geometry you might want to think about bib shorts at some point or some kind of padded short. Took me a while to get over myself and just own the Lycra look when I’m using my road bike for fitness versus my other bike with racks and stuff for going to town and hauling groceries.
I’d also recommend trying like ride with GPS or some tool to plan your routes. Helps you find roads / trails and paths that avoid congested areas. Even though I’m a more confident rider with traffic and things now, it’s a lot safer to try and plan ahead and try and avoid spots you know drivers are gonna be an issue.
While I’m thinking of it, helmet for sure. Virginia Tech does a helmet ranking and there’s some helmets on there that aren’t tremendously expensive but perform really well. Don’t think it’d have to be a 5 star rated one but one that scores well is a good idea.
Everyone else has had great tips, most important thing is to enjoy it! For me it lets me get out and do stuff in a way walking around and running never could.
I did get a good helmet, its a Specialized Align II and it’s got MIPS and is a 5 star on the Virginia Tech Scale. I am so scared of a head injury so I made sure not to cheap out.
I’m gonna get some padded MTB shorts for now, I decided I would buy Lycra when I get to the point that I like cycling more than I hate the idea of wearing Lycra.
Fortunately, a cycling coalition in my city have started working on a map that shows all the bike friendly routes and easiest ways to get to and from trails.
Thank you for your reply!
That’s a great helmet pick! I’m the same way, I’m already on a bike not like skipping the helmet will make me look any cooler nor any safer.
And yeah, you don’t have to go crazy with the padded shorts. I brought it up because I know it’s such a major comfort boost if I’m riding for longer. Some surprisingly good gear and whatnot on AliExpress and from Chinese Brands as well. I’ve got stuff from Lameda, YKYWBIKE and Rockbros that’s impressive considering the price.
Anyway have fun and yeah enjoy it!