Noob

Jae-So

Jae-So

Jae-So

Soldato
Joined
9 Jan 2010
Posts
3,795
Location
UK
Hi guys looking to get into bikes, I'm a real noob, so chuck all the advice you can at me.

I took the CBT a few weeks back, but both my handling skills and gear abilities sucked to say the least. I ended up passing the CBT on a 'ped.

I spoke to a school near me and said I will need lots of training up, so I will just keep training up there and do the direct access when I am ready; I'm over 24 and have a full driving licence.

The plan after that is to get some gear and just ride friend's bikes and do short rentals when visiting places with friends (nothing powerful), and perhaps do some further training after getting the licence.

I know everyone will urge me to get a bike and just do it that way, but TBH I have nowhere to keep it and am too busy to maintain a bike at the moment, so I would rather do it this way and just take it slow and get out there when I do get the chance.

EDIT: Ooo also, where can I get some decently priced but good gear, helmets, jacket, kevlar jeans etc. Maybe 2nd hand, except for helmet?

Anyway, chuck some advice my way
 
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SPG said:
Wouldnt advise a second hand helmet, go to a bike shop and get one to fit, there are lots ranging from £30 to well £1000. Thing is all helmets that are legally sold in the UK have to pass certification to X level. All your paying for beyond the cheapness lightness, fashion etc. Dont worry we all succomb to expensive helmets at some point though. I would recomend paying for one with a internal sun visor. As for the rest second hand kit etc. Biking is not like any other clothes you buy, its designed to save your ass when something goes **** up and it has to fit well. Try aldi or lidl if they still have some stuff knocking around.

Buy a cheap 125 and just get on the road in quiet times (after 1900) and ride and take your time. As they say its like riding a bike you never forget.
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Hi, thanks for your reply, in my OP I asked about 2nd hand kit except hemlet i.e. I will definitely buy the helmet new. I have heard about a lot of hardly used but 2nd hand gloves, jackets etc, that's what I'm looking for, people that splashed on stuff but never did use it much. I wondered if you knew of any specific websites for that stuff (besides ebay). I agree it has to fit well though, I was just on the look out for stuff, I will mot likely buy new anyway

As also said in the OP I would prefer not to buy a bike until I have a full licence and more training.
 
Ah brilliant, on sharp.gov right now, looks useful. That's exactly yhe kind of advice I need :)

Guys I know a fair few of you bought a 125 and learnt that way, fair play, but it is not how I want to do it. I want more tuition and I don't want to pick up any bad habits or come off in my early days. As stated earlier I also don't have time to maintain a bike right now, nor do I want a bike right now.

So paying for tuition and direct access is my preferred method to learn and skill up. When I have the licence I may well get a modest bike, hey it may even be a 125, but I'll be much better on the road. Riding a similar bike after weeks of training vs riding it with 1 days training should mean I have more control.

I have friends with 2 bikes (of which 1 is a 125) who are happy for me to ride with them, so with that option available yes I would rather throw money at a good school and gain skills, rather than buy a bike right now.
 
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See for me I want to learn that stuff and I can learn all that when helping friends maintain their bikes after riding them. However I have no time right now to maintain my own bike well enough. So I will learn on a school's bike then when things settle down get my own and maintain it.
 
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