Just bought a bike.

[Gazz]

Been considering buying one for a wee while now and having never ridden a bicycle since school (probably primary school), I am starting to get used to it; like they say, you never forget.

Had a sore arse for a couple of days after been on it for the first time and constantly keep trying to check mirrors that are not there and pull the rear brake when I come to junctions like I am trying to pull in a bike's clutch lever.

Anyway, the real reason I bought it was to do some off roading on it. There are shitloads of trails around here, and I would love to take my dirtbike on them (and have the odd time) but I worry that my licence will get taken away if I get caught so pedal power is the best alternative.

The bike is a Muddyfox Storm. Got it from ebay for £62, so if it turns out that I dont enjoy cycling then its not a lot wasted.

https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/c5IAAOSwZjJU-KlX/$_57.JPG


A couple of questions I need to ask though if anyone can help:

Tonight I was trying to wheelie (getting the priorities in order) and when I pull up on the bars to lift front wheel there is a knocking noise from the suspension bottoming out (or should that be 'topping out'?) I don't know much about bicycle suspension, is it the same as bike suspension? Is this something I should look at or is it normal? The suspension seems fine otherwise.

Anyone know what the tyre pressures should be? The bike didn't come with a manual. Also, will tyre pressures for bicycles vary on the riders weight; like it does when you take a pillion with luggage on a real bike?

And finally, the helmet issue.... When I was wee it was uber un-cool to wear a helmet and never actually owned one, but I was out the other day and clocked up speeds of 24mph!!! (on a steep downhill stretch). I am shit at cycling, the incline takes all the credit for the speed. But it got me thinking, that maybe I should wear some head protection.

I've got 5 motorcycle helmets but don't want to look like a 'tard wearing one while cycling. I have a motocross one. Do you think that would be enough not to look out of place or is it still a bit OTT for the pedal bike?

Cheers.

[stinkwheel]

Max and min tyre pressures are usually marked on the tyre sidewalls.

Pump up to maximum for roads and hard, smooth surfaces for minimum rolling resistance. Minimum for deep, slippy mud for maximum grip. A sliding scale inbetween depending on the surface otherwise.

Main problem with a motorcycle helmet on a push bike is lack of ventilation. You'll cook. Usually only hardcore downhill riders who wear a full-face helmets (I've seen some in neck braces too).

I choose not to wear one one the road but I always do offroad. You can pick up a basic bike helmet for a tenner.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[G]

The suspension on your bike, I'm afraid, is likely very poor - so yes, likely to be topping out.

It looks likely to be rather heavy with suspension that will hinder more than help - if you're not sure if you enjoy it, worth seeing if you can get a go on a decent bike to compare, as there should be a significant difference.

Motocross would be your best bet - having recently ended up with a hole in my head, I'd look less of a 'tard for the months after, having worn a motocross helmet PROBABLY (quite likely the same injury with a cycling helmet and still the possibility a mx helmet would have seen my head twisted at a bad angle.)

[Seb]

Indeed, that looks like a URT rear end, bouncy bouncy

Defoe try and blag a go on a reasonably decent hardtail or the like if you don't get on with that. You'll see a pretty huge difference in pedalling efficiency for a start.
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST