Cycling

I sold my car when I left my field-based job and started local job in Jan. I bloody love it!

I went to a local bike shop as they do a discount for NHS staff and my sis had awful probs with an expensive bike she bought in Halfords. I spent £130-ish. I'll look in the shed if you want a specific recommendation ?

Thanks doughnut, Im actually really excited, Ive walked the route I would cycle and got it all planned, now I just need the bike and some confidence to cycle on the road! Didnt really think about local bike shops, I work fro the NHS too so maybe could get a discount, good thinking!!!!!

Not sure I can advise on the bike, but you will need to get mudguards and locks and lights, which all add up. I would really recommend getting a panier (bag that clips onto the bike at the back) as it's hot work cycling with a rucksack on your back

When I needed to replace my bike after mine was nicked I struggled to find anything cheap. I ended up getting mine in a supermarket in France (and it has a rather lovley basket on the front!) when I wasn't actually looking for a bike ?

Don't get a bike with hundreds of gears, depending on where you like and how steep it is, you can probably get away with about 7 gears. I only use about 3 different gears in my bike, but then I live in London & it's not hilly where I am

Good luck!

Not too many hills on the journey, pretty flat really which is why I think I could do it, Im gonna be knackered to start with arnt I, lol!!!

I had thought about getting a second hand one, is that a big no no?

The Trust I work for do a scheme where you can get a £500 loan or something towards a bike and pay it back out of your salary (before tax maybe?)

Paniers sounds like a good idea, I do arrive a bit hot around the back area ?

It's amazing how 15/20 mins each way every day does make a difference to fitness and tone.

Absolutely nothing wrong with getting a 2nd hand one. If you did get a 2nd hand one, get it serviced before you start cycling.

I used to ride to work and I loved it - I felt so energised in the morning.

Oh, another thing, you may want to get a pump and puncture repair kit. When I go out on my bike I always carry that with me, not that I'd be any good at fixing a puncture - that's why I cycle with my H who can fix most things on a bike ?

Better a second hand one I'd say than getting one from Halfords! See if your council does any kind of bike recycling scheme - there are several where I am. They recondition bikes that are headed for the dump, you'll get a good bike and still be able to buy all your accessories with your hundred quid.

good idea, Ill have a look now