Newbie!

[Team Hayley]

Hi Ladies!

Im a newbie bikie. Im 33 and the last time I was on a bike was about 17 years ago!

Having said that, Ive just bought my first Giant Road Bike (though already I am also thinking a mountain bike would be fun to have too and what could I possibly upgrade to in the road range!) and was smitten from our first date! Im still getting a handle (pardon the pun) on gear changing etc and feeling comfortable on the handlebars and being out on the road. Im not yet riding in cleats, though im sure its my next obstacle.

My biggest obstacle is the fact that I have around 45kg to lose. Im already down nearly 20 through boxing and walking and a very careful diet.

Eventually I want to do endurance rides with packs. And some racing.

Now, even skinny I still have defined calves and quads and quite a shapely leg, I think that Im just naturally a bit muscular (endo/meso) but Ive been warned off cycling because it will make my butt and legs bigger. Is this actually true? I love being on the bike; I feel unstoppable on it, even just cruising down the road. But I want to build lean endurance muscle. Im not afraid of being muscular, but I dont want things to get bigger!

Also, Ive read that core work is really important - I observed on the bike that I tend to lock up my arms and shoulders to support myself, rather than my core, resulting in a deathgrip on the handles and numb hands. The more nervous I get, the more I feel like im not in control. Will this come with time?

Any more advice for me? Right now I feel unco (though my Mentor - who is a man - thinks im doing really well all things considered), but I want to make this my life (well not all of it...but a very big part of it!)

[TigerMom]

Welcome to TE!

I still have a death grip on both my MTB and road bike. I wish I could not scrunch up my shoulders and waste my energy.

As to the butt and legs getting bigger, I guess you'll have to see how you like the look of women biker butts and legs. It's true about the muscular thighs.

But then again, a lot of TE members have lost lots of weight because they fell in love with biking. So, in the end, their butts and thighs are still much smaller than before.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

[BonnieS]

I am a newbie too. I want muscular legs, I've never had them and I really want them, and I also desperately need to lose belly weight. I'm making biking a huge part of my life and I'm scouring this forum for hints and tips on exercises to do to help me get good bike legs (they're too weak right now after years of non-activity).

[murielalex]

Welcome!

You're right. Core work is very important. I learned almost all of what I thought were saddle issues or numb hands issues had to do with a weak core early on. I now religiously do core work two to three times a week. It's made a huge difference in comfort as well as I look better, too.

Team Haley, I was 40 pounds overweight when I started cycling, and almost all of it in my rear and thighs. Yes, they got a bit bigger at first because I was building muscle underneath the fattage, but I've really been focusing on diet, and my legs are starting to look damn good, if I do say so myself.

For me, cycling is about fun and health. I could only do three miles at first without thinking I was going to faint at first, and now I can easily ride 80+....well....not this week as I'm just coming back from an injury unrelated to cycling, but all of it was fun. I've met new friends, developed a kinder relationship with my middle-aged body, and just enjoy getting out there, like I'm a kid again.

Have fun, take things slow, see if you can find a couple friends to ride with or a club you can join. I've learned everything from riding with others, though I often ride by myself because I find it meditative and relaxing to go at my own pace, whatever that might be on any given day.

[Owlie]

Welcome to TE, fellow Giant owner! (And yes, bikes are like potato chips (crisps?)--can't have just one. My bank account hates me.)

Yes, core work is very important. I can tell when I've neglected my core. (Like lately, for instance...) I do remember that death grip, and core work and putting in time on the bike helps. You might want to get a bike fitting and check the saddle threads over in the Gear and Accessories section to rule out saddle or fit issues, as those can force you to put weight on your hands and make it so you have a hard time taking your hands off the bars.

As for the muscular thighs/butt thing: It depends on your individual physiology and how much you ride. I haven't lost a ton of weight, but I've definitely lost fat and gained muscle mass. I definitely don't "bulk" as much as some people do, though.

The important things are to make sure that you're comfortable on the bike and to have lots of fun. And don't burn yourself out.

[thekarens]

Weight loss is mostly diet, exercise is mostly for fitness (which obviously is extremely important.) As an enabler I definitely think you need that MTB!