Bikes Not Films

Last week I said I would write about what films I was looking forward to but I also had this blog lined up. 

As I've said many times cycling has sort of taken over my life. Now I'm not saying I'm an expert but its a hobby that I take quite seriously. 

So the confusing world of road bikes... do you have a carbon frame? or carbon forks with alloy frame. Shimano or Campagnolo? Fit winter tires or not? (for this one I suggest you do) 

I think that with cycling a lot of it is down to two main factors your budget and your personal choice.  My bikes have always been chosen for me, which normally meant what was cheapest from a certain high street bike shop. However for my 18th birthday I decided it was time to set foot into the world of road bikes and take my riding a little bit more seriously. Now it took hours and hours of research and going to bike shops and reading forums to decide "actually it really doesn't matter what other people ride". I got measured for a bike (This is really important when it comes to buying a bike), and I went on a website called wiggle and searched for a road bike in my price range. Luckily for me my birthday is in January so I get the sales! Within weeks I had my first road bike and was loving riding it every chance I could. Then you look at other people that are riding and see they have cleats and posh computers on their handle bars and you start to get a bit jealous... My advice on this is just buy what you can afford, there are so many good websites and shops that sell mid range cycling accessories. 

I know I just mention the high street shops and websites but nothing beats an independent shop in your town,! From my experience its those people that really know about bikes, so if your thinking about getting into cycling, find out where your nearest is and see what they can do to help. 

I find when it comes to buying all the shiny accessories though, just get what you need to start with, a set of decent lights, two bottle cages, mini pump and puncture repair kit. As time goes on and you get more into it all then look at things like cleats and expensive helmets. 

My last point on buying a bike is, do some research and then go out and enjoy the freedom of riding your bike. Cyclists on the whole are really nice people. 

(My mum wasn't pleased about the bike being in front room) 

Thanks for reading,

Sam :) 

Miserable weather and exercise

So as I said in my first post I'm really into my cycling. But that is made hard by the weather we've been having here in the UK. So I thought I'd share my 5 top tips for getting out in this weather.

1. Wrap up warm and be seen. Lots of thin, easy to remove layers are the best thing to do. And most importantly been seen make sure you have a bright colour on your top layer.

2. Know your body. If its blowing a 30mph wind outside and you've only just got into cycling. (Or if your experienced). You need to know when to say "actually I'll wait to see if it improves"

3. Turbo train. Lots of people rave about them, personally I find them boring, but will still use them when its really horrible outside. With brands like b'twin you can pick them with decent build quality, at a reasonable price.

4. Don't burn out. Make sure your just doing lots of little rides of the winter. If you've got a charity ride or race planned you really don't want to over do it and injury yourself before it.

5. Drink. Make sure your taking on water when you ride. I'm always forgetting to drink when I'm on the bike. So make sure you have a bottle cage on your bike.

That's been my top tips for getting through the winter months. And it doesn't just apply to cycling, it can apply to running or any other sport.

Thanks
Sam