Question for cyclists?

Anonymous

Question for cyclists?

Anonymous

I need some information regarding the basic equipment you'd recommend for someone who wants to take up cycling, from the types, brands and price range for a decent mountain bike (will be riding on paved streets and dirt trails) to helmuts, shoes and attire. What all do I need and how much should it cost?

~Marin

faithandfifty

I certainly DON'T qualify as an informed cyclist regarding the heavy duty equipment ....... but I would highly recommend getting cycling shorts for your derrierre's comfort.

I actually found a cycling "skort" and am THRILLED that I invested in it. It's padded for the posterior, but has a 'wrap' layer that goes across the front, giving a sort of tennis-skirt appearance. I ride in the summer in a resort area and feel like I'm very presentable to stop in and get brunch or a muffin, while out riding in my skort.

Got it at an upscale cycling shop.

I didn't think the world was really ready for me in the spandex look of most cycling shorts.

Have fun.

Oh. I am also THRILLED to have gotten the gizmo to track mileage, speed, mph, etc etc. Mine's pretty capable at breaking down all sorts of specs and I found that VERY VERY motivating/informative.

My longest ride of the summer was 50 miles..... and I rode a total of 685 miles after I got the gizmo. Probably had about 200 miles before that investment. And all of these miles were ridden starting about 48 hours after I finished my rads. Keeping track and seeing the total grow was completely motivational... addictive in the best sense of the term.

Happy trails.

Just thought of my other good accessory. A good light weight riding jacket in day glow green, with serious reflective details. It has sleeves that zip off. A zipped pocket on the back for cell phone etc. Made me feel much safer as I'd wizz about in the early mornings.

One last accessory. I got a small little zipped pouch thing that attatched under the seat -- just large enough for the little things -- like taking a camera. If you're doing serious trips, I'm sure you'll need different bags. Having something was very nice for my little day trips.

Like I said. It's all about the accessories for me.

Of course you'll need a good water bottle holder contraption. Make sure that you can fairly easily get the bottle off. No fun having to stop to wrench the thing outta it's holder. My DH has a camel system that he wears on his chest. I haven't gone there yet. Cuz peeing in the bushes isn't quite as easy for me to pull off. So I monitor my liquid intake, as to where the rest stops are.

enough already.........

where do you intend to ride?

My bike is a hybrid mountain/road bike and I'm glad to have gotten it for my treks.... heavy enough, but not toooo heavy.

Tigwin

I road bike but you can purchase products from performance sports. It is an online store. The best thing to do is go into your local bike store and talk to them.  I have a fantastic trek bike which I love. I test drove the bikes to see which I likes. Same with clothing and assesories check them out in person.  Have fun.

AnneW

For a couple years I rode a hybrid bike. It had the upright position of a mountain bike, with straight handle bars, but the tires were not as huge. Plus, it was much lighter. I rode it down the Oregon coast, and it performed beautifully. We put a rack on the back for a nice-sized pack that could hold extra clothes and gear.

If putting a bike onto a car rack or on top of the car is required, the light weight hybrids may be what's needed. If trail riding isn't in the picture, again, a hybrid can be great. Check out the Trek website for specs.

And I do recommend going to a good bike shop. They'll fit the bike, add on all the contraptions, and give you free yearly tune-ups.

Anne

bomber410

I do both road and mountain bike.  My BF is much more of an avid biker.  One thing for sure is to wear bright colors if you are going to be on the road.  You need to be seen.  Scott was hit by a car a couple summers ago.  In the hospital for two days, etc.  The driver was just not looking. 

As for cycling shorts/skorts, I must be a fragile sort.  ;-) I have this one pair of shorts with good padding which I think I got from Performance a while ago.  The padding is outstanding.  Add to it a gel seat designed for a woman's butt, I am very comfortable.

Gloves do help take the strain off the hands.  

I do wear the cycling shoes and clipless pedals for both road and mountain but I'm not necessarily recommending them.  Just a consideration. I've decided I just don't like to be clipped in when on the trails.  I feel like Arty Johnson and it's me and the bike when it goes over.  

For sure you want a water bottle holder.  And for sure you'll like having a cat eye for mileage.  I like the cat eye with a cadence meter.  That way I can monitor getting my cadence up even if my speed is only so so.  You'll want a bike pump.  We have the Joe Blow, I think it is called.

I had a Trek mountain bike but replaced it with a Novarro from REI.  Main thing I was after was the front shock but now also have disk brakes.  The shock is nice for trail riding.  Not needed on the road.  I also got the Novarro because I could use my REI dividend and get an extra 20% off.  I have a Cannondale road bike.  Plan to spend in the range of $1K plus or minus.  I'd purchase from a bike shop.  Find a place that does the bike fitting as part of the deal so you get the bike fitted to your body for comfort.

As for whether to get road, hybrid or trail, consider what you'll be doing mostly.  And if you are trail, how rocky, muddy it might be.  One option is to get a mountain bike with a second set of wheels and put road tires on the spare wheels.  Most bikes have quick release front and back making it easy to switch tires.  This way you can use the mountain bike on the road.  Mountain bike tires on the road are slow.  When I relaced my old Trek, I put road tires on it plus side baskets in the back.  It is now my go to town bike. 

That's what comes to mind for now.  I guess that makes this list the basics.

Of course, no matter what, you must look good.  Be sure your socks match your shirt and your helmet matches the bike.  Sunglasses that wrap around your face are really cool. BTW as for sunglasses, if you are going to mountain bike and have some fun in the woods, you can get the sunglasses with three sets of lenses.  One of them should be clear.  Great for protecting your eyes without darkening.

OK now I think I'm done.

Happy trails!

Debbie 

trigeek

Hey Marin,

I am not a mountain biker (tried it couple of years ago with the wrong bunch and came home like a domestic abuse case ! sold the mtb but will try again this year)

However I do help out a lot of people who are starting out road cycling, couple of things.

- Do not go and splurge on equipment immediately this is especially true for the bike, find one to borrow, or buy a second hand at a reasonable price..one that will let you have some experience and figure out what kind you really like. Do not go and get a new one from the department stores ( sorry I am picky on the bikes) This of course is assuming that you are planning to ride a bit, not 2-3 miles around the block.. in that case those bikes are perfectly fine.

- Find a couple of people that you could ride with who will show you the 'quirks' of riding and mentor you. Make it a social event.. Your local bike shop will be able to direct you to some groups. Cyclist love to boss ( ehem help out ) newbies !

If I really would guesstimate here is how the finances would go .

bike - 150/200 ( assuming used good one)

helmet - 50-80 usd ( you do not want to skimp on this one)

Shoes - You can use your old gym shoes at the beginning.

Attire - Shorts (30-50 usd) if you go with the skorts ( that terry sells) it will be higher. Any top will do at the beginning.

You are already a workout person so I am sure you have some technical wear that you can wear/use ( water bottles and stuff)

Andmost of all HAVE FUN !!!

AnneW

Debbie, you are our cycling fashionista after my own heart! I was just bemoaning to the hubby today at Performance that they didn't have the cute socks to match my favorite top--I'll have to go to Bicycle Village instead!

I love those cool white wrap around sunglasses. Especially when matched with white shoes! Woohoo!!

I hate falling over when I can't unclip quickly enough. I did mountain biking, I'd have to go with traditional toe clips, so I coupld keep a foot free to hit the ground before the rest of me did, with the bike! Fortunately, I'm getting better this season about clipping in or unclipping. Less anxiety.

Anne

rockwell_girl

Marin good luck with your biking. Just last year I bought a used mountain and rode bike and am having so much fun on both of them. Debbie's comment about the Joe Blow bike pump made me think about my question I had just asked ; ) lol

Something you'll want in your little bike bag is always a spare tube, tire changer tool and a few bucks if you want to stop for a drink or energy bar.

Sounds like everyone else thought of most of the other items.

Last year I got some awesome deals on:

http://www.rei.com/outlet-cycling

http://www.nashbar.com/

http://www.performancebike.com/

Have fun on the trails and paths : )

Anonymous

You guys have me so excited about this! I'm training for the RFTC right now, but once that's over, I'm psyched to get started. It's not only sounding fun, fitness-wise, but in terms of fashion! Well, who knew????!

I was especially intrigued with Debbie's suggestion: "...if you are going to mountain bike and have some fun in the woods..." and wondered just what you meant by fun? I am surely planning that since I'll be biking with my new man ! Oh wait, we're talking about serious sporting here, aren't we?

Thanks, y'all!  I'll be sure to report back once I've made some selections or if I have further questions.

~Marin

revkat

My husband is a serious mountain biker and one thing he would add to the list is to factor in maintenance costs. That all depends on how hard you are on your equipment, but do be sure to have brakes, shocks, etc, checked regularly especially if you are riding on dirt roads or trails.

rockwell_girl

Tonight I just went to nashbar.com and got some awesome deals.  They had a spot you could click on that had 72 items 72% off plus today use code May Sav and get another 15% off purchase over $50.  These are my good deals I got : )

Ascent Button Water Bottle Cage  $1.35  
Peppers Railroad Sun Glasses   -   -   -   $8.32 
Louis Garneau Women's Windtex Eco Glove L  $8.49
Nashbar Women's Iris Thermal Jersey M - BG -   -   $16.99 

Camelbak Sugar Hydration Pack 70 OZ SL/PK -   -   -   $16.57
Nashbar Gel Flask with Holster  $1.90 
Nashbar Knit Arm Warmer By Defeet SM - $11.04
Nashbar CO2 Mini Pump  $8.46  

Nashbar 10 Function Folding Tool  $5.91

Nashbar Brilliant Taillight  $12.71

I could have bought more but had to stop myself since I have another toy I want to buy

debiker

I would suggest your local bike shop as a valuable resource. I have purchased items from Nashbar and Performance as well but my best service has been from the local bike shop and they have helped me get into some great bikes. I have mountain,road and tri bikes. Also a professional bike fit was the best money I spent.

For shorts I recommend Terry Bicycles, very comfortable, seats also.  

FEB

Okay,all your serious biker chicks. I am going to make everyone else feel a little better. I have been riding my $100 KMart bike for years. My husband keeps begging me to get a new one because I look like such  a dork, but I am happy with it. It is a 1 speed, which is fine for me because I live in a flat state. It is a little tuff to ride on windy days, but I just get a better work out. It has a big padded seat that never gets me saddle sore and I love the foot breaks because if you stop fast, you skid, not fly over your handle bars. I wear these great sandles that I bought at Aldi's for 8 bucks. Everyone thinks they are some designer brand, but I have had them for 3 years. They are so comfy and have a hard toe so if it drags, I am not hurt. The only bad thing is that my feet have funny tan lines. I have a basket in the front that holds everything I need, water, cell phone, IPod, and paper and pen in case I get a bright idea I want to write down. The best part is I live within a mile of the forest preserve so I can go for miles on trails through woods, and prairies looking at the birds and the wildflowers. I bike several times a week and just love it!!!!!! As Lance Armstrong says: "It's not about the Bike!!!"

bomber410

Linda, do you have a bell and do you have baseball cards clipped with clothespins to the spokes?  I sure hope so. 

I am not a true bike geek but it is all relative.  I do own three bikes - road bike, mountain bike and my old mountain bike which I turned into my going to the store bike.  It has road tires instead of mtn bike tires and it has two side baskets in the back for carrying groceries.  Of course, I have a bell.  Must have!  <ding ding!>

FEB

Bomber, I hope your are just teasing? People who need bells are those that do the passing. I just let them zip by.I do not have a bell, but I am thinking about getting one, and a new odometer, which broke getting it in and out of the car. I know I look like a dork, but I love riding so much and I am in my own world when I do. To me, my bike is like a Clydesdale among all you stallions. It may not be as pretty, but is sure gets the work done!!!

Happy trails to you. . .

bomber410

Linda, I wasn't teasing.  :-)  I have a bell and the wire baskets on the sides in the back  It takes me back to my childhood.  I'm in my 50's.  I need that.  OK, the baseball card with a clothes pin was teasing. Gosh, I loved doing that on my bike.  Of course, those baseball cards would have been worth a lot today if they hadn't been abused.

Enjoy your riding. <ding ding! - It lets people know we're here> 

Cheers!

Debbie 

debiker

riding a bike makes you younger than your "real" age. enjoy - any bike -does not matter. I just love to go fast.

Texgirl

My husband just bought me a Specialized bike and I have been doing about 10-13 mi every other day..Don't think that is too bad for having my bike for 2 weeks and the fact that I am 58. The new road bikes (look for WSD ) are ergonomically made for women and after trying out numerous ones ,I found it really made a difference. I have some very well padded bike pants +a gel seat..so I really am very comfortable.I really need an odometer  and I'll be set.

Want to do the Tour de Pink in about a month in Houston anone out there going too ?