Coast to Coast - for an amateur!

Egon

Egon

Egon

Soldato
Joined
9 Jan 2003
Posts
6,801
Location
Darlington
So, I'm planning on doing the coast to coast (Whitehaven to Sunderland) in about 6 weeks (I was only asked on Monday). I bought a bike last summer in a cycle to work scheme with the aim of cycling more.... I think it's fair to say I haven't got my £600 out of it yet!

It's a Boardman MX Comp (hybrid) - this one here to be exact http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes-and-classic-bikes/boardman-mx-comp-bike

So, I'm looking for advice. We're planning on doing it in 3 days, so as not to be too strenuous for non-serious cyclists. But I'm lacking in equipment, I have the bike and a helmet and that's about it... I have no idea what I really need to invest in. So hence the reason for my post, this is the start f my research! What would you consider the essentials and what would you consider good purchases but non-essentials. I've considered the following:

  • Water bottle
  • Spare inner tube
  • Some sort of tool kit (help needed here)
  • Gloves
  • Clothing - but what?
  • erm ???

Any help greatly appreciated. As you can see, I need it!
 
I think it's fair to say virtually none, I'm not an enthusiast and haven't been on my bike since last September/October, I only really use it for occasional family rides even though the intention when I bought it was otherwise! I think the longest ride I've done is about 20k a couple of summers ago, which I didn't find too bad.

I'm not unfit, although I have definitely been fitter, I play football weekly and run occasionally, but don't cycle.

We're planning to do it over 3 days, so 45m a day (so about 70k)... quite a bit longer than 20k!
 
Oh, what about footwear? Is it worth getting cycling shoes and clipped pedals (is that the correct term) or is that overkill?

Sorry, I have questions popping up in my head every minute at the moment! :)
 
Quick update....

Been out on 3 rides so far,

11 miles
11 miles
13 miles

Each ride a little easier than the last and building up slowly, but tbh they were quite comfortable. Still need some gear, so far only bought:

*a new pump as the last one just didn't cut
*decent lights (for being seen)

To limit my spends, as this could turn out to be quite expensive, I plan to borrow a few things, so my essential items list is currently:

*Shorts - I have a sore arse already!
*Bottle and holder
*Gloves
*Bar ends
*2x Inner Tubes
*Multitool
*Vest perhaps, but not sure whether to bother.
 
touch said:
I'd get those tubes up to the top of the list.
Your new pump is pretty much useless if you dont have spare tubes with you.
Click to expand...

Will do, the list wasn't necessarily in order as such... more a semi order :p

Vonhelmet said:
What do you mean by vest? If you mean a jersey, get one. If you mean a base layer, you can probably live without if the weather is decent.
Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking... OK, without wanting to be a total scrimp merchant, what would you recommend shorts and vest wise that is lowish/mid range, but still reasonable i.e. bang for buck ( or miles for buck :D) I'm trying to keep the ever increasing costs down a bit.

Was also thinking of baggy shorts rather than the tight shorts... don't think I'm quite ready for that yet ;)
 
touch said:
Wiggle have cheap base layers at the moment:
£5 short sleeve
£7 long sleeve

I have a short sleeve one. It's nothing fancy but it does the job.

Not sure what the best value shorts are just now - possibly the ones in decathlon? I'll wait to see if anybody else has any suggestions.
Dont get baggy shorts though. If you must, get some proper cycling shorts and wear baggy shorts over the top but even then you can still get seams and folds of material getting in the way.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that, they are now added to my shopping list :)
Spec me some shorts next please :)
 
I'm looking forward to it, I think the first day is going to be challenging, but yeah, spread over 3 days it should be doable for us. The posts in this thread so far have been encouraging, thanks :)

I don't plan to carry much, small back pack with a change of clothes for the evening, plus the essentials as already listed and that's about it.

We've got a 40mile ride planned for the week before, cycling a circular from Darlington to Hartlepool. I'm building the distances up slowly and I'm planning a 20m ride this weekend. Most of all, I'm enjoying it, the evening rides have been relaxing and I've been needing something to motivate me into improving my fitness and diet so it's win win really!
 
Another update for those interested in following my progress:

I've purchased a fairly cheap set of gear from Wiggle - jersey, shorts, gloves and glasses - which make me feel less of a noob, but do genuinely enhance the riding experience. Happy with everything, but need still a proper set of cycling shorts for the big event.

I've clocked a couple of 20 miles rides now, I'm finding my fitness has improved (I've dropped 4 pounds) and I'm getting faster too. Every ride I'm finding I can push myself a little further/harder/faster. I've also tackled a few hills... this is the worrying part, because I'm bloody knackered on anything too steep.

I'm finding my thighs have a very mild constant ache in them now, doesn't it affect my riding at all though, it's just my legs telling me the ride last night was tough! Although last night it hurt a little bit on the inside leg behind the knee... not had that before. Makes me wonder if I'm over doing it or my riding position is poor.

Here's my profile on strava so you can see what I've done and offer any advice on future rides... if you can be bothered ;)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/5851704
 
Unexpectedly, cycling over the last 2 weeks has made me want a road bike... have loved the rides so far!

However I think my hybrid is probably best for the C2C.
 
1 week to go...

43 mile ride on Saturday which took me 4 hrs, admittedly not much in the way of uphill climbs, but it's still my longest ride to date and other than some sore legs the next day, I felt pretty good doing it.

Bring on next Monday! :D

2 things left to buy - Still need some decent shorts, could do with a decent backpack.
 
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Got a saddle bag already but I like the look of that tribag too.

Struggling to find a decent backpack that doesn't cost the earth and is comfortable, I don't plan to carry much in it mind you.
 
Vonhelmet said:
£35 for decent bib shorts at Decathlon.

Now sure, you could buy 3 pairs of terrible shorts for that, but seriously, you'll thanks me at the end of day 3.
Click to expand...

OK, so after a lot of looking around I ended up buying these bibshorts that von recommended a while ago. They arrived today, I ordered a large which at 6ft I thought would be fine, however I'm not sure if they're too small. Is it normal they give you a... well... a camel's toe?

:o
 
Well, we're in Whitehaven, we've had our meal and now ready for tomorrow. Had to get some last minute rack and panniers after realising carrying a backpack for 3 days was going to be torture.

Weather here is fab right now, but that is supposed to change.
 
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