Well first off, hi! I typed in cycling forums and speak of the devil this popped up. I'm actually from the States but really sports are universal so that's not a problem I guess.
So I was going to ask:
I'm a junior in high school (17) and I am interested in taking up cycling as a sport/hobby. I'm actually a runner (mid-distance type stuff) and I love doing it but at the same time cross training is wonderful for muscle groups and as anybody in here who runs knows, running routes are far more limited and after the umpteenth time they tend to become a bit jaded. Cycling would be something new and fun for me and that's why I'm interested.
I'm mostly interested in the fitness benefits but if I eventually decided to compete that would be great too and I'm interested in taking up swimming as well.
What stuff would I need to get started? I have a mountain bike, should I ride that (assuming it still fits) for awhile and then progress to a road bike? Or should I just start off with a road bike and just work with that? Also, typically how do runners and noncyclists transition into the sport and what kind of training specifically would help me do better and last longer on rides? Also, how expensive is cycling? Obviously I assumed it is more expensive then running or swimming. Any wisdom y'all could share would be greatly appreciated.
I always just sort of envy those bikers I see out early in the mornings riding and if I want to do it too I feel like I need to learn what I can first
So I was going to ask:
I'm a junior in high school (17) and I am interested in taking up cycling as a sport/hobby. I'm actually a runner (mid-distance type stuff) and I love doing it but at the same time cross training is wonderful for muscle groups and as anybody in here who runs knows, running routes are far more limited and after the umpteenth time they tend to become a bit jaded. Cycling would be something new and fun for me and that's why I'm interested.
I'm mostly interested in the fitness benefits but if I eventually decided to compete that would be great too and I'm interested in taking up swimming as well.
What stuff would I need to get started? I have a mountain bike, should I ride that (assuming it still fits) for awhile and then progress to a road bike? Or should I just start off with a road bike and just work with that? Also, typically how do runners and noncyclists transition into the sport and what kind of training specifically would help me do better and last longer on rides? Also, how expensive is cycling? Obviously I assumed it is more expensive then running or swimming. Any wisdom y'all could share would be greatly appreciated.
I always just sort of envy those bikers I see out early in the mornings riding and if I want to do it too I feel like I need to learn what I can first