Damamabear Posted March 8 Posted March 8 Can I ask what is baseline knowledge should find out (about getting 1st bike etc.) before starting biking? 20sF starting out. Thank you & welcome any input. 3 Quote
bud Posted March 8 Posted March 8 Welcome to the forum. I would suggest doing your CBT before getting your first bike. That is unless you have ridden before. It's good to have some experience to decide whether biking is for you. The instructors are helpful if you have any questions. Also it's not just the bike. I would suggest at a minimum you want a helmet. Gloves and a pair of boots. The cost of insurance should also be something to consider. I'm sure you will love it once you have tried it. 2 1 Quote
ChrisBiggsUK Posted March 8 Posted March 8 I second what Bud has put and will add; If this is indeed all completely new to you, and you don't know where to start, go and visit a couple of your local bike dealers. Have a look at the kit, the bikes, have a chat with the people there, and try on a helmet or two! They will be able to tell you which training schools in the area might be a right fit for you, and can really help out with getting you started off on the right foot. Welcome to the best community you will ever find! 2 1 Quote
bonio Posted March 8 Posted March 8 (edited) Your first step is to get a CBT on a 125cc bike. This is a certificate you get by going through typically one or two days of training with a registered training school. If it were me, I'd phone (or better still, visit) the schools you have near you. Ask them about their CBT course and listen to what they have to say. It's important to find instructors you feel comfortable with. Once you settled on the school you want to go with, they can tell you what you need to have to do the CBT. I think they all provide helmets you can borrow, but they will likely other kit - boots, gloves, jackets - available as well. If you've not driven a car before, you will need to apply for a provisional driving licence, and it would also be a good idea to read the Highway Code before you turn up for the CBT. Once you've got your CBT you can think about getting a 125 and riding it on L plates. This is the time you will need to get your own kit, but remember that insurance can be costly for people starting out, so factor that into your budget. The CBT allows you to ride for 2 years, and then you must retake it, or take a full test on your 125cc bike and get a licence (A1) that restricts you to riding 125s. If you're over 24, you could instead opt for the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) which allows you to continue training with a school on a 650cc bike, ending in taking your full test and getting your full unrestricted (A) licence. If you take this route, the good thing is that you never have to take another test again, and you can ride any bike you like, not just a 125. But it's more expensive, and not everyone wants to start riding a bigger bike straight off. You'll have an idea what's right for you once you've done your CBT, and your instructor can help you come to the right decision. Edited March 8 by bonio 1 2 Quote
Shepherd Posted March 8 Posted March 8 In the meantime, get out on a pushbike and learnt to lean in corners etc Quote
billysugger Posted March 8 Posted March 8 1 hour ago, Shepherd said: In the meantime, get out on a pushbike and learnt to lean in corners etc Vroom vroom noises are optional 1 Quote
onesea Posted March 9 Posted March 9 As above with CBT, go on Facebook ask about local instructors/ schools. There is probably a local FB group that will advise. When it comes to gear don't get conned into a £400 lid. You can get good ones for £100-150 it's the fit that matters. The same with gloves £50 Jacket £150 or less, same with trousers. Boots £70ish Don't laugh at pushbike idea, it's all the same skills but different. 2 1 Quote
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