Any advice for the new guy?
07-29-14, 08:43 PM
#1
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Any advice for the new guy?
I am just getting into biking and I am looking for any advice on things I should buy or anything I should know. I am mostly biking for exercise and for fun.
07-29-14, 08:52 PM
#2
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Tell us...
Do you have a bike? If so, what do you have?
If not, where do you plan on riding (paved roads and trails or dirt trails)?
Overall, you don't need much to get on your bike and ride. A few items come to mind for specific needs.
For me, items I like to have on a ride are a saddle bag to carry my phone, wallet, spare tube, and 3 allen keys. I also have a water bottle and holder with an air pump attached to it.
Other things that are nice to have are flashing front and rear lights and a computer to tell your speed and distance.
And a helmet...my head isn't just a pretty hat rack
Do you have a bike? If so, what do you have?
If not, where do you plan on riding (paved roads and trails or dirt trails)?
Overall, you don't need much to get on your bike and ride. A few items come to mind for specific needs.
For me, items I like to have on a ride are a saddle bag to carry my phone, wallet, spare tube, and 3 allen keys. I also have a water bottle and holder with an air pump attached to it.
Other things that are nice to have are flashing front and rear lights and a computer to tell your speed and distance.
And a helmet...my head isn't just a pretty hat rack
07-30-14, 09:13 AM
#4
The Improbable Bulk
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Welcome!
I agree with clarkbre.
A helmet is critical. The brain doesn't heal as well as other body parts that you may damage in a crash. Being as visible to others as possible is a key factor to safety as well.
As many tools and parts as needed to prevent having to push the bike home in case of a flat tire. Water is always good to have. A little food for longer rides.
Wicking clothing if riding in hot weather is nice. Cycling shorts help me, especially if I am riding more than an hour or so.
Lube the chain whenever it starts to make sounds, and replace the chain every couple of thousand miles... along with any other maintenance to keep your bike riding smoothly.
Be sure to check here and/or ask if you have specific issues as you get more into cycling.
I agree with clarkbre.
A helmet is critical. The brain doesn't heal as well as other body parts that you may damage in a crash. Being as visible to others as possible is a key factor to safety as well.
As many tools and parts as needed to prevent having to push the bike home in case of a flat tire. Water is always good to have. A little food for longer rides.
Wicking clothing if riding in hot weather is nice. Cycling shorts help me, especially if I am riding more than an hour or so.
Lube the chain whenever it starts to make sounds, and replace the chain every couple of thousand miles... along with any other maintenance to keep your bike riding smoothly.
Be sure to check here and/or ask if you have specific issues as you get more into cycling.
__________________
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
07-30-14, 10:52 AM
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Bikes: 2014 Specialized Crosstrail Disc, 1995 Specialized HardRock Ultra, 1991 Trek 1200, late 80's Tunturi 500R, plus various others moving through my garage...
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I'll second the recommendations for a helmet, and a small under-seat or frame bag for carrying small items. A basic multi-tool and patch kit can be nice as well. A water bottle holder and bottle are good as hydration is extremely important, especially during the warmer/hotter months.
07-30-14, 11:21 AM
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Wear what's comfortable FOR YOU,could be a Bozo the Clown suit and BIG Red Shoes!.....
If your under 18,wear a helmet.If not,Welcome to America,do what you want....
When riding on the street,look at doors and front wheels,they will tell you what the car is going to do.....Nobody's going to turn in front of you if the wheels are going straight.....The wheels will give you a heads up long before the driver turns their head to look.....The person in the car will not kill you,but the car will......
People driving can/do look right at you and not see you....Their brain is thinking car,not bike.....Making eye contact is NOT always what it appears to be.....
Red lights and stop signs are only a suggestion these days,chances are you only get 1 mistake,DO NOT think that everybody is going to stop,THEY'RE NOT!
The Internet IS NOT THE LAST WORK ON ANY SUBJECT!...EVER!...
Most important,HAVE FUN!
If your under 18,wear a helmet.If not,Welcome to America,do what you want....
When riding on the street,look at doors and front wheels,they will tell you what the car is going to do.....Nobody's going to turn in front of you if the wheels are going straight.....The wheels will give you a heads up long before the driver turns their head to look.....The person in the car will not kill you,but the car will......
People driving can/do look right at you and not see you....Their brain is thinking car,not bike.....Making eye contact is NOT always what it appears to be.....
Red lights and stop signs are only a suggestion these days,chances are you only get 1 mistake,DO NOT think that everybody is going to stop,THEY'RE NOT!
The Internet IS NOT THE LAST WORK ON ANY SUBJECT!...EVER!...
Most important,HAVE FUN!
Last edited by Booger1; 07-30-14 at 11:42 AM.
07-30-14, 03:42 PM
#8
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Two most important new things I've learned as an adult new to cycling since a kid:
1. Seat height. You can't get max efficiency out of your legs effort if your seat is so low you can touch the ground. Also you have to learn a new way to get up on the seat or down off of it. Starting and Stopping
2. cadence. pedal faster than you think you should. pedalling slow and hard comes from when we were little on single-speed bmxes. choose a lower easier gear that spins your feet faster and you'll last longer.
1. Seat height. You can't get max efficiency out of your legs effort if your seat is so low you can touch the ground. Also you have to learn a new way to get up on the seat or down off of it. Starting and Stopping
2. cadence. pedal faster than you think you should. pedalling slow and hard comes from when we were little on single-speed bmxes. choose a lower easier gear that spins your feet faster and you'll last longer.
07-30-14, 03:59 PM
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I think that it's essential for a rider to be able to pedal the bike with one leg, either leg, while kicking at a 90* angle with the other!! for at least a block,,,,
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