Cycling for Noobs

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XB 🌈🇬🇧 May 2020 4:32pm, 19 May 2020 9,568 posts	XB 🌈🇬🇧 What about Ebay? Decathlon? Go cheaper and have it serviced annually. I would think the hills will become easier with time and training.
um May 2020 4:58pm, 19 May 2020 2,430 posts	um Gooner - are you commuting every day? If so, will you want the bike to have good mudguards, paniers, lights/holders etc, or just looking for a sleek, lightest possible bike? And one that survives with minimal maintenance?
LindsD May 2020 5:05pm, 19 May 2020 36,699 posts	LindsD I agree with XB and was also going to ask about mudguards and panniers.
Gooner May 2020 5:38pm, 19 May 2020 15,606 posts	Gooner Dvorak - will look into e-bikes a little further before discounting them, thanks for the extra avenue for potential. XB - Would be using the cycle to work scheme which only allows certain local cycle shops or cycle solutions as the retailer. If we use cycle solutions we get a 10% discount too. I do however agree about the hills given time and a bit of consistency. Um - I had been commuting one in 4 shifts due to baby commitments but think I have worked a way to get it up to 2 in 4 now with a view to trying to increase it further in the future where possible. I do have lights and a pannier but my bag is a little small so am currently using a backpack instead. Decent mudguards are definitely on the list though. Minimal maintenance was the big draw of the Cube Travel SL but the price puts me off somewhat, that and never having ridden with a belt drive before.
EvilPixie May 2020 6:03pm, 19 May 2020 17,505 posts	EvilPixie Lights don’t forget lights all accessories can be included in scheme So get your panniers and bike rack and lights etc at the same time
richmac May 2020 6:26pm, 19 May 2020 14,053 posts	richmac EP re tops riding up, are you putting stuff in the pockets? Some rely on the weight, stick a spare tube in?
EvilPixie May 2020 6:49pm, 19 May 2020 17,506 posts	EvilPixie Rich no never used pockets because it rides up! Catch 22 maybe!
halfpint May 2020 6:55pm, 19 May 2020 31,102 posts	halfpint I find cycle jackets ride up too. I think it’s my shape. I’ll try loading pockets though.
MudMeanderer May 2020 7:20pm, 19 May 2020 1,892 posts	MudMeanderer EP, how low is your jersey starting - you say covering your bum? How high is it riding up? A snug jersey will stay fairly well in place, but it's going to be a challenge if it's initially covering muscles that are moving as you cycle (and also end up uncomfortable if it's resting on your glutes). The pockets should be on your lower back. You may already have it in this position, but thought I'd check.
LindsD May 2020 8:21pm, 19 May 2020 36,713 posts	LindsD I always have stuff in my pockets and mine never ride up