Cycling For Beginners Pt1: Your Local Bike Shop

[@purpleaki7135]

Nice one, hopefully we won't have to wait too long for remainder of this series.

[@jollygoodvelo]

+nigel b Thanks Nigel! All things being equal, I'll be making and posting another three films in this series over the next three weeks.

[@ute.fritzkowski]

I am not a "cyclist", I just go places by bike. Or E-Bike lately, me not exactly getting younger too and living in a hilly area. I like that you do cycling videos without being a super fit young guy with a lot of money and all the top gear. There are not so many people on youtube for the "normal" person to watch.

[@thecorbies2521]

Hi Leonard. Excellent video as always. Nice editing too. Any chance you might do a video on pros and cons of various tyres (unless I've missed it). i.e. 'normal' tubed tyres, tubular tyres and some that I'm particularly interested in, solid tyres. My son has had no less than 7 punctures in the last 2 weeks! The worst case being when in an 80 mile road race. After about 6 laps (~35 miles), he and another guy had a one minute lead over the peloton and he got the 1st puncture. Amazingly after only one lap he was back in 8th position, but the 2nd puncture occurred after 74 miles. Gutted. Regards Mark in the UK

[@jollygoodvelo]

+thecorbies Hi there Mark, I hadn't thought about making a film about tyres but now you mention it, it is an excellent idea. I'll see what I can come up with in the coming weeks so stay tuned. Just s thought but has your son thought about kevlar lined tyres? I rode with them myself for a while, They may be a bit heavier than regular race ones but, as the name suggests, they are literally bullet-proof.

[@thecorbies2521]

+leonardmlee WOW. That was a quick reply! We've thought of all sorts (they taste nice but not much good for tyres haha). Many tyres CLAIM to be puncture resistant, but that's a bit like how long is a piece of string. Some claim to be 100% puncture proof because they include Kevlar etc., but still people report getting punctures. So, it seemed to me that solid tyres might be the way to go, but again other riders say they're no good for racing. I emailed Tannus (solid tyres), on Monday 9th asking for evidence of racing performance and reliability etc. I'm still waiting for a reply, so maybe they haven't got any evidence or they can't be bothered. It would be great if you could include a solid tyre review as well. Your videos rate amongst the most enjoyable to watch for me. Concise, factual, calm, no crappy music and excellent editing and video quality (I remember what you said you do for a living, so no surprises there then). Regards Mark

[@jollygoodvelo]

+thecorbies Sadly Mark, punctures are an occupational hazard as a cyclist. Puncturing 74 miles in to an 80 mile race is just plain unfortunat but its certainly happened many times before, including on pro races. Hopefully he will have better luck next time. Incidentally, one of my cycling chums hates punctures so much he even refuses to say the word out loud, preferring to call them 'the P word'! I personally have never ridden solid tyres on my road bikes but I remember them from when I was a kid and how they transferred every little lump and bump in the road. I think what your son may gain being puncture free he may well lose in weight, comfort and overall speed. Thanks for the compliments on the channel. As I said before I welcome any constructive comments, both good and bad.

[@vincewhite5087]

Just started cycling again in earnest. Been watching your videos and others since I am similar age. Bought a Garmin 800 (used) and just figured out how to save a ride an upload to Connect. I planned this year to be my breakout into cycling year. Bought the bike last winter (good price, :)) My first saved ride was a 13.25 km ride which was to my doctors office. So, it's about 6.25km each way. It says I had a 172 m elevation gain. Is that a good number? It's very hilly here in Calgary.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Not a bad set of numbers, although it’s all very personal. For some that may be an easy ride while for others it would really stretch them. If you felt it challenged you it was an excellent set of numbers.

[@roberttolliver5763]

What do you think about the Surly Orge for my first bike. I will be riding on gravel and asphalt.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Must admit that I've not heard of that bike, sorry.

[@greenpedal370]

Going into any purchase without knowledge is asking for trouble. Unless you are very lucky your LBS is almost certainly not your friend, he is profit driven and will probably recommend what is in stock. Become knowledgeable long before you go near the shop. You tube or local bike group is your best friend.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I must be lucky. I’ve always had good experiences with my local bike shop.