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Cycling into 2008 and beyond, a healthy start to the year
How often have you said to yourself that all your problems of excess weight and feeling of lethargy would be solved if you could only manage to get to do some regular exercise?
How often do we hear in the news that exercise is the solution to all our problems?
The only problem is that we are not all cut out for the gym where we feel on view or for that daily jog round the park. And the thought of getting wet and going for a swim well is not at all appealing. Most of us are not good at doing things that we have to force ourselves to do. We want to enjoy our exercise!
I have always liked walking but unless you have a dog to take out, walking alone is not a good idea. Cycling was the only option left to me. I feel safe even when out on my own.
I am able to do this exercise without being conscious of my attire; I would just get into my old leggings and pedal off.
I started this new found hobby on my son’s mountain bike, the only one at the time without a flat tyre! And it soon became a very important part of my daily routine. During the summer months I would get out for half an hour each weekday before the rest of the family are up and needing me and before I get to go to work. At weekends I can get to do longer rides but still I do it without taking time away from my family. I could not do this so easily if I had to get to the gym or to the swimming pool. It is also a sport that appeals to the family too.
I have now been able to take this hobby to the next level by becoming the proud owner of a brand new bike chosen with the experience of many months of cycling, a Carrera Subway 2 from Halfords. The process of choosing the right bike was greatly helped by the advice given by Antonio Civitillo, the Duty Manager, and Andy Norman, the Manager at the Winnersh branch.
It was the extensive Winnersh store I had visited a few days before, to look, seek advice and to listen before I took this bold step, one destined to change and possibly extend my life. Antonio was a sheer gem, not merely an employee, more a dedicated and highly knowledgeable enthusiast, his love of cycling was highly infectious, I immediately succumbed to his thought, direction and guidance. In my ignorance on bicycle selection, yes, I don’t mind admitting it, I had been living in the past, thinking it would be a ten minute exercise in selection. There were so many choices to make in terms of both bicycle and accessories, and, in Halfords, so many of both to choose from. Not only that but the bicycle, when chosen together with any accessories to add, ensure each and every customer has a highly individual bike designed and completed to suit them entirely.
The bicycle itself was adjusted to suit both my height, pedal preferences and riding style, even the position of the handlebars was adjusted to suit me. This was akin to spending time in Saville Row, having an expensive and well chosen made to measure suit cut, stitched and tailored, the end result bringing pride, pleasure and a high degree of self confidence.
At the end of my personalised bike fitting it was accessories next, a fitted helmet, fitted mudguards, cut and fitted whilst I waited, and lights more powerful than my car, again selected, fitted, tried and tested. There is even a service package to maintain your bicycle at little cost, an investment that is sure to pay immeasurable rewards for someone like me.
With great pride and a high degree of sporting expectation I collected my highly personalised bike a couple of days later, a moment in time destined to change my life for the better.
And what a perfect baptism for my new bike, the maiden journey, the excitement was barely containable.
As I climbed into the saddle the sun was shining and I was full of excitement. I had easily raised the saddle and I was ready to explore all I could of this new steed. The bike was so clean, in fact it was immaculate! Well that certainly didn’t last long!
Five minutes down the road the heavens opened. By the time I got home after this first excursion the bike and I were very wet and very, very muddy, well and truly christened, literally and metaphorically.
But that is how it should be don’t you think! A bike used on muddy lanes and tracks cannot be pristine, mud and real perspiration, a feeling of real sporting achievement!
I had been used to my old mountain bike but immediately my heart was transferred to my new Carrera, a smart Matt grey with lilac markings, nothing flashy but colour coordinated with my cycling helmet. I don’t like to be dressed in bright lycra, I don’t like to stand out, I just want to be safe and comfortable, hence the helmet and lights when the weather is dull.
Why the Carrera? It is a hybrid, not a mountain bike or a road bike but it takes the best points of both types of bike. Its wheels are the same diameter as a road bike but the tyres are thicker with good tread, not as thick as those of a mountain bike. This means that road cycling is much improved but that it can be used on tracks too such as tow paths along canals, nothing too bumpy.
The bike is really light compared to my old mountain bike as it does not have the heavy suspension found on mountain bikes but so as to save you from the bumpy ride there is a special feature on the saddle post giving a degree of flexibility, gentle movement and total comfort.
What other features are there that make it the perfect bike for a ** year old lady and her daily exercise, and for all the challenges she proposes to achieve in 2008?
The size of the bicycle frame is very important for comfort just as much as the height of the saddle. One’s inner leg measurement is necessary to gauge the frame size but once the correct size is found this bike also offers the chance to change the position of the handlebars. They can be moved backwards or forwards without any changes to the brakes or gear workings. In other words this bike can be individually measured to suit its rider. We each have our own style and our own comfort positions and they are available here.
There are sixteen gears on this bike. Not as many as one would expect but really they are all that are needed for the road and track cycling that this bike is suitable for. I like to keep the gears the highest and hardest possible as that way I know that I am working myself to the maximum level possible but there are plenty of gears to use for those challenging hills! Up the hills with that push on the pedals and then those brakes are needed on the downhill stretches. This bike has the special feature of its disc brakes. They are very, very efficient. Don’t use the front brake first; otherwise you will be over the handlebars and overtaking the bike!
Where do I go now? I now have the perfect means of transport for all those challenges I have been dreaming about. It is not just suitable for those daily half hour cycles that help keep up the fitness levels it is perfect for those long distance treks too.
I am determined to make cycling a habit that I will enjoy and continue as I slowly age and now I have the perfect bicycle to make that possible. I hope I have managed to attract others to this means of transport and exercise.
Thank you to Halfords and your professional support, personal care and highly knowledgeable advisors. Have a look at www.halfords.com and pedal off to your nearest branch; there are more than 430 stores around the country.
Sue Caratelli
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Alan McColm is QFOL's Restaurant Critic and Travel reviewer. Alan is working all over the country ... more
