Bicycling---Starting next month--what to do 1st

LovelyLibra79

Okay Guys..
I haven't rode a bike in YEARS..I'm talking over 10 yrs to be exact.
My sister and I have decided to take up cycling over the summer and I need some advice /tips on how not to injury myself or go too hard the 1st time around. My right knee and ankle were injured a few years back.
Should I limit my distance to 1 mile for awhile?
I am planning on buying a "good bike" once I'm committed to doing this..I dont want to spend $800 and don't follow thru.
I am looking to purchase the bike below for a trial run while I condition myself..Your thoughts please! Thanks!
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Susan-G.-Komen-Multi-Speed-26-Women-s-Cruiser-Bike/17206772

eksb

#1--Stay far away from Walmart bikes! Go to a local bike shop that will LISTEN to your needs as a cyclist. Don't let them talk you into a bike that doesn't fit your needs. You can get a great intro bike for $300-$500 but you need to work with someone who knows what they're doing and can help fit you to your bike. You dont' want something that is too big or too small or it'll be terribly uncomfortable and you'd never use the bike. You can also injure yourself that way.

You don't need to limit your mileage to a certain number, just go with how you feel. Stick to comfortable, mostly flat roads until you are comfortable. Do you have any local bike paths you can start with?

Bicycling is the best! But don't go to Walmart for a bike. Ever.

FlyByJuly

Once you've obtained your bike, I think it's a good idea to learn how to patch/change a flat tire. Ya never know how far out you might be when you blow a tire.

eksb

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/town/recreation/hybrid/700_wsd/#

Trek is a great brand. Something like this would be much better quality.

LovelyLibra79

Someone told me to stay away from Walmart but there's a bike shop in my town ..I will stop by there tomorrow, I think they do rentals too!
Thanks for the advice..but what about my knee...I'm hoping it doesnt give out on me while I'm miles away from home
Should I do strengthening exercises before hand?

LovelyLibra79

Once you've obtained your bike, I think it's a good idea to learn how to patch/change a flat tire. Ya never know how far out you might be when you blow a tire.

Absolutely right, I have no clue how to do this and neither does my sister..thanks!

eksb

Bike shops often have bike classes to teach basic repairs. REI has great classes if you are near one. It's a good idea to rent a bike first to get a feel for what you like and what you don't like in a bike. Don't go out too far until you know your limits. Happy riding!

leester

My husband had knee surgery and they told him riding a bike was great therapy. But you must go to a bike store and get the appropriate bike. His short ride is about 30 miles and he has no knee complaints when riding. Good luck

LovelyLibra79

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/town/recreation/hybrid/700_wsd/#

Trek is a great brand. Something like this would be much better quality.

Bless you for this

MiloBloom83

Someone told me to stay away from Walmart but there's a bike shop in my town ..I will stop by there tomorrow, I think they do rentals too!
Thanks for the advice..but what about my knee...I'm hoping it doesnt give out on me while I'm miles away from home
Should I do strengthening exercises before hand?

Some bike shops offer a "trade up" policy. Check on that. The bike that suits your needs today may be obsolete in 3 months if you take to cycling like i did. It would be nice to lessen the wallet pain. And be warned, it's an expensive hobby, but one with incredible benefits!

LovelyLibra79

@ Leester..that makes me feel better..When I exercise I have knee pain..I just dont want it to get worst while I'm miles away from home. I'm thinking of using the stationery bike @ the gym for a week before riding again.

JamesThiel

1) Make sure you stretch before an outing.
2) Keep hydrated get a comfy hemet
3) Get some padded biking shorts (Well worth it) for both male and female riders
4) start slow...and build into the great Biking machine that you are!!

sebbysmommy

I just started riding again after many many years not touching a bike. My normal ride is about 7miles and I love it. Be forewarned that your bottom is going to kill you the day after your first ride :sad:

NaeNaeJanae

Buy a "female" bike seat. Seriously! The best purchase I've ever made!

graelwyn

I bike 14-25 miles most days, and it does wonders for weight maintenance or loss, believe me.
I am on a carrera crossfire, but looking into finding a lighter and faster bike, as this thing is hell to get up hills, lol.

wellbert

If the saddle looks like a couch - it's going to be uncomfortable for the long ride. A narrower saddle with anatomic cut out is the way to go!

Daydreams406

yep, trust me, you will want a good seat! All the rest is irrelevant to me. I don't bike professionally so I really could care less about all the other stuff. I would never spend 300 + on a bike. We have months and months we wouldn't even be able to ride the bike (winter). So no way.

hawkeyegal1995

Gonna echo what everyone else has suggested....Make Friends with your local bike shop! They are the guys and gals in the know when it comes to the bikes, the gear and the best trails in your area. As you get more comfortable on your bike, try finding some organized charity or fun rides so that you can get a feel for riding in groups as it is a whole different beast than riding out on a trail or road.

I speak from experience on your concerns of knee and ankle pain....biking is the way to go to avoid the pain. I have been under the knife 6 times for knee and ankle problems. I rarely have knee pain whereas running about brings tears to me eyes some days.

As for your starting riding as distance, go by feel. You will be surprised how easy and comfortable it can be if you are on a good bike with good gear.

Last but not least---WEAR A HELMET!!!

Have fun and get pedaling!

LovelyLibra79

Gonna echo what everyone else has suggested....Make Friends with your local bike shop! They are the guys and gals in the know when it comes to the bikes, the gear and the best trails in your area. As you get more comfortable on your bike, try finding some organized charity or fun rides so that you can get a feel for riding in groups as it is a whole different beast than riding out on a trail or road.

I speak from experience on your concerns of knee and ankle pain....biking is the way to go to avoid the pain. I have been under the knife 6 times for knee and ankle problems. I rarely have knee pain whereas running about brings tears to me eyes some days.

As for your starting riding as distance, go by feel. You will be surprised how easy and comfortable it can be if you are on a good bike with good gear.

Last but not least---WEAR A HELMET!!!

Have fun and get pedaling!

Agreed...I tried the C25K training program and it killed my knee in little over a week!
I concluded running isn't for me but I remembered my passion for cycling. I havent done this since college but I'm willing to embrace it again.
I have a helmet from long time ago..I would never ride without it!

LovelyLibra79

yep, trust me, you will want a good seat! All the rest is irrelevant to me. I don't bike professionally so I really could care less about all the other stuff. I would never spend 300 + on a bike. We have months and months we wouldn't even be able to ride the bike (winter). So no way.

Good advice! a comfy seat is on the top of the list in the morning! I'm stopping by the bike shop after the gym

zoom2

Buy the best bike you can afford--the less you spend, the more issues you are going to have and it won't likely fit (dept. store bikes are one-size-fits-few). A better bike that fits you well and is reliable will make you want to ride it more.

Wear a helmet. Always.

Get your sit bones measured and purchase a saddle that fits you...the less squishy, the better (sit bone pain eventually goes away. Soft tissue pain "up front" never will...and squishy saddles contribute to those issues).

Ride in a gear that allows you to pedal at a relatively brisk cadence (a bike computer with a cadence sensor is a REALLY good tool for a new rider). Riding in too hard a gear is the quickest way to angry knees. 80-90rpm is golden.

Get a flashy red tail light for riding during low light and a blinky white headlight. These help keep you visible.

Ride with traffic, not into it. A bike is a vehicle, so you need to follow the same rules and laws as any other wheeled vehicle.

Have fun!

eksb

A 10+ year old helmet won't protect your brain. They usually expire in about 5 years of after a bump. It's an investment at first but little cost after, just tune ups, patches/tubes, etc. If you start biking as transportation, not just exercise, you'll see the savings add up, too.

cohophysh

learn how to "spin" and not "mash" the pedals...your knees with thank you
also, what others said, do not buy a bike from walmart
and dont forget to budget in a water bottle, bottle holder, frame pump or CO2 cartridge,underseat bag to store flat repair stuff, good helmet, shorts, shirt...hmmm, am I missing anything?

crystallayne

I have a trek hybrid that I am currently using, I got it from a friend who is an avid cyclist. It was her starter bike. I love it! To save your knee you really need to go and get your bike fitted by a professional. Having the height adjusted properly will make or break you! Also start with lower miles and build up so the muscles develop slowly without injury. Your first ride you are going to want to go far and haul booty, but it trust me it will hurt tomorrow. Have fun!

LovelyLibra79

A 10+ year old helmet won't protect your brain. They usually expire in about 5 years of after a bump. It's an investment at first but little cost after, just tune ups, patches/tubes, etc. If you start biking as transportation, not just exercise, you'll see the savings add up, too.

I will pick up another helmet too! I'm super excited about tomorrow! The weather here in Chicago will be upper 70's with some showers...I have a 26 mile bike path behind my condo which leads to the lake. I walk the path often..can't wait to take that ride!

LovelyLibra79

learn how to "spin" and not "mash" the pedals...your knees with thank you
also, what others said, do not buy a bike from walmart
and dont forget to budget in a water bottle, bottle holder, frame pump or CO2 cartridge,underseat bag to store flat repair stuff, good helmet, shorts, shirt...hmmm, am I missing anything?

I will talk to the specialist at the shop about spinning for pointers..I truly want to preserve my knees! Thanks!

lizaferraro

Yah! ..I'm about to start biking this Sunday! loved reading everyone's post. Thanks for the info..let's get pedaling. :bigsmile:

LovelyLibra79

Thank you all for responding! My sis and I had a blast at the bike shop today!
We put a deposit on the bike below...what do you think? Good choice?
http://orlandparkcyclery.com/product/12trek-7100-wsd-72943-1.htm#.T4n_HGnVvrM.gmail

hawkeyegal1995

Looks like a nice ride but the most important thing is how you feel on it! Hope you have a great time getting out on the trails!

knightreader

i love my trek. i hope you will be happy with yours. i have severe knee issues. biking is one of the only things my orthopedic allows me to do. make sure the guy at the bike shop fits you. don't just let him sell you the bike and have you leave. i found with mine a half inch up or down with the seat changes the way my knees react to cycling. i wouldn't go too far until you know you are comfy on the bike. in fact, i rode around the block time and time again just to make sure that my knee wasn't going to start hurting when i was 5 miles in to a ride, then had to bike home. by going in circles, i knew i was never more than a mile walk from home.

good luck!

stenochick0417

Padded shorts! I balked at this at first, but my bum thanked me when I finally relented and got some.