New to cycling

[smilingcat]

kilo for $400 is a bargain. It is a good bike. And welcome. Ask all the questions you have. I always tell people, "there are no stupid questions. You don't know that is why you ask."

And don't worry about your speed. It's been said over and over, comparing speed is like apple and oranges. so ride at a pace you like.

smilingcat

[RoadRaven]

Welcome Amy...

Like Cat, your comment about riding at a "snails pace" caught my eye.

Just compare it to running - I'm sure you don't train at a sprint pace all the time. Cycling is the same. Wahtever your goal with cycling... racing, commuting, mountain biking... most of your rides are unlikley to be at "full tilt"... just enjoy riding, and if speed is an issue there is a wealth of information here in existing threads, and in future answers, to guide you in your aspirations.

In the meantime just enjoy being on a bike - its a way of life!

[amylc]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

[Jiffer]

Welcome! Welcome!

Sounds like you are doing great with your new cycling adventures. I know it takes some getting used to venturing out in the "real world" and clipping in and all. I'm pretty new too. Lucky for me, I have a cycling freak husband to show me the ropes. Regarding cadence, he encourages me to stay somewhere between 80 and 90. I find myself in the 75 range a lot because it seems to feel right, but somewhere in the 80's is starting to feel better depending on the terrain and how warmed up I am, etc.

I know what you mean about wanting to be able to be fast enough to hang with other people. I'm righ there with you. Speed comes in time. The more you ride, the better you'll get. If you have trained to run faster, you'll find it's similar with cycling. Shorter "speed" rides and longer "endurance" rides that you pace yourself on, etc. You'll find threads about it if you search or start a new one if you want.

Congrats on your new passion! I completely agree that running is so way better than cycling, which is why I officially "retired" from running.

[RoadRaven]

I completely agree that running is so way better than cycling, which is why I officially "retired" from running.

Confusilated Raven here...

if running is way better than cycling - why have you retired from running