About The Evolving Cyclist Project

Mark Pawlak    Cycling     commuting, cycling, cycling gear, Evolving Cyclist Project, hybrid, road bike, Road Cycling

My wife got me into cycling. Just over 5 years ago I sold my car and have rarely missed it. Living in a city it makes so much sense to cycle – and riding safely in traffic is rewarding, despite the dangers.

But why take the step up into road cycling? What’s it all about? And is it true you’re better off going on a diet than spending lots of money on a lighter road bike?

With 6/7 months of training ahead, I thought the only way to get The Evolving Cyclist Project started was with a good old-fashioned weigh-in.

Road cyclists are obsessed with weight. As a commuter I can’t say I’m that bothered. My hefty Scott hybrid, just like its owner, is good at carrying weight. And I like a solid bike. Bashing around town, hitting potholes and the occasional road fissure, I really feel I need something with a bit of brawn.

Over the coming weeks and months distances will increase, and I’ll be looking more closely at the skills and equipment all cyclists need to ride safely and quickly.

It’ll take 2/ 3 months to build a basic level of fitness. Maybe then I’ll see about joining other road cyclists on a weekend ride…I can get a long rope and hang off the back.

So, for the record, and before I start piling on the miles, here’s the figures.

Heavy weight commuter + hybrid =242lb/ 110Kg

And you can expect some strong opinions about cycling and commuting, backed up with some first-rate cycling tips – I teach kids to cycle through Bikeability and know some excellent cyclists with knowledge to share.

My new road bike got its first outing last weekend – have to say I’ve little love for it yet. It’s clearly well made and impressed in many ways, but I’m not in this to create an advertorial.

Reviews will follow, of the Carrera Virago and other gear, but I’m looking at blogging about what it’s actually like for a commuter to step up into road cycling. So on one hand I could whinge about the gears not shifting well, but on the other I should be explaining that there’s a technique involved – and I haven’t mastered it yet!

Comments, advice and tips all welcome.

If you Tweet then you’ll catch me on @travelsportcopy and #evolvingcyclist

All photos © Julia Horbaschk

For more cycling blogs and guides, check out: Buying a road bike and living with it /  Buying Bike Lights: Knog Blinder Reviewed / 5 cycle safety tips for commuters / Buying a Road Bike: Gears and losing your Megarange

About the author

Mark Pawlak wrote 232 articles on this blog.

Editor at Adventure Sports Holidays, Mark's love affair with travel and the challenges of adventure sports continues... "You could save all year for a two-week, all-inclusive, doss by the pool, booze and buffet binge. Or, with a little planning and some good equipment, get off your arse and plan an adventure!"

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Related posts:

1. British Cycling: The Sunday Ride
2. Buying a road bike and living with it
3. The Evolving Cyclist Project

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