Yet another Newbie...
08-02-13, 06:02 AM
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Yet another Newbie...
Hey everyone, another newbie here! Jeff from VT...Just back into biking after oh about 20 years.. 6'1 280lb now, after dropping over 100lb in the last year, was running, but foot injuries have forced me to switch my focus back to 2 wheels. Just had my first bike set up - Dawes Lightning Cross - Took it out for maiden voyage last night, and ended up getting a pinch flat after about 3 miles...without a spare....Very excited to be back in the saddle.. Been spinning for about 6 months, but now back to the road...Looking for any information to get me up to speed, and starting from scratch with gear & equipment, so any and all suggestions would be appreciated. Finding it difficult to find stuff online within a tight budget....Thanks!
08-02-13, 06:26 AM
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Hi, and welcome!
Congratulations on your progress so far!
Obviously, the first gear suggestion is to get yourself an emergency flat kit: patch kit, tire levers and means of inflation
at bare minimum. These can be carried in a ziploc bag in a rear pocket if nowhere else.
I have carried a spare tube and a foldable tire with me always for years. I tote this stuff in an under-saddle bag.
CO2 inflators are handy, but I still recommend toting a pump as backup.
Congratulations on your progress so far!
Obviously, the first gear suggestion is to get yourself an emergency flat kit: patch kit, tire levers and means of inflation
at bare minimum. These can be carried in a ziploc bag in a rear pocket if nowhere else.
I have carried a spare tube and a foldable tire with me always for years. I tote this stuff in an under-saddle bag.
CO2 inflators are handy, but I still recommend toting a pump as backup.
08-02-13, 06:29 AM
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You might need a good floor pump.
One with a gauge.
Air up the tires before each ride.
One with a gauge.
Air up the tires before each ride.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
08-02-13, 06:43 AM
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Thanks...just purchased floor pump, seat bag, & flat kit.....if nothing else...at least I put to use changing a flat already.... Looking forward to the end of the work day to get back out there!
08-02-13, 06:45 AM
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Welcome!
You have already discovered the most important gear you hope to never use. Get you a seat bag. Fill it with flat repair items. I do not like repairing tubes on the ride. I carry 1 or 2 spare tubes depending on my distance. I have a co2 inflater with 4 spare cartridges. Tire levers and a multi tool. I also run Armadilo or Had Case Lite tires aired up to proper pressure before every ride.
Good Luck
You have already discovered the most important gear you hope to never use. Get you a seat bag. Fill it with flat repair items. I do not like repairing tubes on the ride. I carry 1 or 2 spare tubes depending on my distance. I have a co2 inflater with 4 spare cartridges. Tire levers and a multi tool. I also run Armadilo or Had Case Lite tires aired up to proper pressure before every ride.
Good Luck
08-02-13, 05:30 PM
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A coupla bottles andc cages are next. Hydration is very important, especially in the summer heat.
After that then shorts and jerseys would be next. After those shoes and clipless pedals would be the next step.
That should fix you up for some time. Only other things may be comfort items like bar ends or grips and so on.
Oh yea a good set of gloves are a must. Helps the hands from going numb .
Mark Shuman
After that then shorts and jerseys would be next. After those shoes and clipless pedals would be the next step.
That should fix you up for some time. Only other things may be comfort items like bar ends or grips and so on.
Oh yea a good set of gloves are a must. Helps the hands from going numb .
Mark Shuman
08-02-13, 08:42 PM
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Don't want to start another helmet thread, but get one if you don't have one. It's my first year of riding, and I've already had to replace my helmet that took a hit during a crash, dented and broke the styrofoam. That's enough information for me to be a helmet advocate.
08-02-13, 08:55 PM
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Congratulations on you success! Running at 380, whew that's dedication for sure.
Verify you're running enough pressure in your tires. Was the tube damaged on top or bottom, reason I ask is as it's a new bike and you only went 3 miles I'd be on high alert for loose spoke(s).
Verify you're running enough pressure in your tires. Was the tube damaged on top or bottom, reason I ask is as it's a new bike and you only went 3 miles I'd be on high alert for loose spoke(s).
08-02-13, 09:31 PM
#10
Ancient Clydesdale
A coupla bottles and cages are next. Hydration is very important, especially in the summer heat.
After that then shorts and jerseys would be next. After those shoes and clipless pedals would be the next step.
That should fix you up for some time. Only other things may be comfort items like bar ends or grips and so on.
Oh yea a good set of gloves are a must. Helps the hands from going numb .
Mark Shuman
After that then shorts and jerseys would be next. After those shoes and clipless pedals would be the next step.
That should fix you up for some time. Only other things may be comfort items like bar ends or grips and so on.
Oh yea a good set of gloves are a must. Helps the hands from going numb .
Mark Shuman
Enjoy the ride (no matter the distance) and ride as often as you can. You'll figure out what you need as you build up the experience and miles.
