Hi, I have been cycling for a bit under two weeks now and bought a Peugeot Outdoor 300 for cheap and got some maintenance done on it. Rode it today for the first time, tried kinda hard. Temp was +25 C and there was frustrating headwind in the first half. I stopped to turn around halfway through to come back, which added some time.
The tires weren't filled enough, they bulged annoyingly while I rode, they also are two entirely different ones. My lower back ached badly, the seat was too high. The steering was unnervingly wobbly, felt like I was on a knife's edge when going fast. I still like the bike though.
Is my time alright, considering all the negative factors? One online cycling level calculator says my watt/kg ratio is 3.4, is that okay? I know beginners should really worry about times etc. but I am curious.
by Finlosopher
4 Comments
30kph average is actually pretty quick given the lack of experience and equipment. You should be happy with that.
However, for now, forget numbers. Watch some videos on how to measure your saddle etc and then just go out and ride. Your aches and pains should ease the more you ride.
I say just ride your bike & get comfortable on it. That stuff can come later.
If you’re back is sore you prob need a proper fitting. Might want to find someone who can help you with that and have a mechanic thoroughly check the bike and wheels… It shouldn’t wobble.
You’re falling into the noobs dilemma. It’s common in all endurance sports. Cardiovascular systems improve much faster than muscles. Muscles improve much faster than tendons and ligaments.
Folks that are new at a sport tend to be far more aggressive than they should be. They wind up hurting themselves and dropping out of the sport early. They suddenly feel like they can fly like the wind after a couple of good sessions. Then they pull a muscle, tweak a hamstring, or in your case go into a corner much too fast and then wreck out.
Most importantly, get out and enjoy yourself for a while. Start off slow and add incrementally. Give yourself plenty of time to rest between sessions. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
Best of luck and we will see you out there