Peleton/Peleton + Bike

[PSumbler]

Phil I have been riding regularly on the road for about 10 years, like you I was a bit wary, I started off just doing the Afan Argoed cycle track from Penhydd car park to Cymmer and back, even went after work in the dark, it was about 9 miles up and took me about an hour on the way up and about 20 mins coming down, I then started making it longer by riding from Cwmafan and eventually Baglan, bit by bit adding more road work to the route.

I then started riding up to Glynneath from Baglan on the old road which is virtually free of traffic which was now between 25 -30 miles, I then entered a few charity rides to keep it up but I regularly do 60 miles every Saturday on the road, I have got a load of my friends into cycling. I would say the key to it is to go out with someone first who is experienced and is happy to share that experience and encouragement with you.

If you want some support to start off getting into cycling and gear I am more than happy to assist, you have your running fitness now so it’s just about getting bike fit in your gentleman’s garden area.

I know when you used to catch the supporters bus, you had special treatment from Avril and would be collected outside the Sumbler family estate, so riding on the A48 is not an ideal place to start but you do have the cycle path to the tradesman entrance to Margam Park and there is the cycle path from there over to Tondu which is all off road.

Rather than buy a Peleton bike, buy a road or hybrid bike, then a cheap turbo trainer to put it on and use free YouTube turbo trainer sessions. I use CTXC videos which are set in Melbourne and you ride along and do a HIIT session, it is all based on your perceived effort so make it as hard or easy as you want. You then have the ability to train from home fairly cheaply and a bike to ride outside when you fancy it.

I think you (and Leighton yesterday) are swaying me more to a real bike especiall with the concept of a turbo trainer.

Aside from the cost differential then it does give that benefit of being able to choose to go out on the road if I want to and, as you pointed out, the family estate ( :lol: ) is on the edge of Margam Park so there are plenty of options without needing to be anywhere near a car at any point in time.

I think the fear of the road is driven by seeing too many near misses and knowing people who have been clipped by cars naturally being impatient (and I am not opening up the old debate that went around on this beforehand) but maybe that will come in time and particularly using your suggestion of early rides being with those who are more used to it!

It's all good advice and better for my bank balance now comes the challenge of what is good or bad in terms of road and hybrid bikes :lol:

I will be back for advice!

 

[Pacemaker]

I have far too many bikes for my own good, if your employer has a Cycle 2 Work schemes they can be a good tax efficient way of getting a decent bike.

The biggest issue I found I was quite happy with my hybrid going up and down Afan Argoed then I entered the Gower bike ride 25 mile route, my mate was on a road bike I was on a hybrid and the difference in weight, quality of gears etc became very evident.

I bought a road bike on C2W and became a lot fitter and a lot more confident on the road as I knew I wasn’t going to be jumping off like a paper boy every time I saw a hill. Then I bought a better road bike to reward myself for the money I saved by cycling to work rather than driving, then I started going cross country so I bought a mountain bike and it goes on!

I have had a few close calls and close passes but if you ride with the mindset that everyone else is an idiot who is trying to kill you then you tend to stay safe. Riding with experienced riders is good because they will keep you safe and point out anything likely to become dangerous.

It can become very addictive and very expensive but Dr Jackfath is your man, always seems to find bargains on the bike front.

 

[Fbreath]

Did some research and found there are ways of settling up normal exercise bike with bolt on sensors etc and using the £12.99 per month subscription. Not the same as the real deal but a close second.

https://realfoodwholelife.com/selfcare/how-to-use-peloton-app-without-peloton-bike/