u/Red_sparow

Not sure why I decided to buy a bike 3 hours from home, obviously didn't think through the fact I'd have to ride it home.

Got caught in a hail storm. Soaked through, wind was nuts.

I have waterproofs but hadn't considered a way to actually bring them with me and it wasn't raining when I left.

Nobody warned me your balls get cold. Everything else was toasty warm but I'm definitely going to have to rethink the underpants situation.

Bike did OK though, just about would get up to 70 but mostly just cruised behind lorries. Hadnt gone above 30 in the basic training so even 60 felt fast. Didn't dare filter yet... I'm guessing that confidence will come with practice.

I know this is sacrilege to some but I'd really like to have music for the long commutes. I don't need the comms part, meshing etc, it's just me on my commute.

What out there has the best sound quality for music listening while non stop sitting at red lights?

I've seen them but can't think of the name. Like a paddock stand but fixed in place, bolted to the floor.

Anyone have any recommendations on specifics or are they all much the same?

Also if anyone has any suggestions on who might be able to secure one in the back of my van in the east anglia area that would be appreciated (does it bolt to chassis or just the wood floor?)

Or rather, what setup?

Do you wear something protective over your normal trousers? Use the bike jean style? underlayer and leather?

What are you doing for waterproofing?

I'm not sure why I'm struggling here, jacket, boots, gloves etc I can get sorted but I just can't work out what setup works best for trousers. Curious to know what you're doing that works for you

I just wanted to say... If like me, you haven't been on 2 wheels in over 20 years, it's absolutely worth spending a day on a pushbike before doing the cbt. It's probably so obvious that nobody bothers saying it but my first cbt was just struggling with the stuff you'd sort out on a pushbike.

Bought a pushbike after and spent an afternoon doing figure 8s and u turns. 2nd cbt absolutely flew through and could focus on clutch control etc like you're supposed to.

Now for the expensive bit... Gear and bike!

Any suzuki van van fans?

Is it even important?

I'm not a teenager, I've been driving a car for decades. Should I start with something basic / underpowered? What makes a bike beginner friendly or not?

I like the look of the modern retros so kinda leaning in that direction, maybe a triumph speed twin or a BMW r12 ninet etc

But with no baseline of what I actually like in a bike I'm just going purely on vibes. Are some bikes better suited to new riders than others? Does it make much difference?