Bought a bicycle - now what?

oh ya, if you don't want to know when you are about to be run over from behind wear headphones. Otherwise leave them home.

Don't crash on gravel. It really, really, really hurts. I second the "No headphones" as well.

No running with dogs either, dogs are so unpredictable. Ask me because I have first hand experience.

There is no shame in dismounting and walking alongside the bike if you don't feel safe riding in suddenly-changed conditions.

There is also no shame in making a bunch of right turns to avoid the left turn lane business. (Note: I don't even know if Brooklyn has left turn lanes or two way streets or really anything. Sorry if this is not applicable.)

Do you have fenders? Definitely get fenders for city riding.

Solid colors - light colors (shirts/jackets) are the most visible. Of course you are still dependent on the observational skills and distractedness of others, but it helps.

Be sure you're wearing your helmet properly.

Camo_xxx wrote: »

My recommendations would be to start on bike trails away from traffic

This.
My first time on a bike in forever was in Philadelphia two years ago. My friend, an avid cycler as it was his only form of transportation, took me through the streets. Literally.
It was absolutely terrifying. Fun and a great workout, but terrifying none the less! Definitely start off the streets of Brooklyn, and wear that helmet! I didn't rent one with my bike, and I was in fear of my head meeting the street all day.

Look out for people opening car doors! I tried cycling in the city and forgot that, twice, which is why I only bike on trails now.

(I think there are tips, like "be very aware of what people are doing inside their cars", like if they look like they're going to get out. But you don't have to do that as much on trails.)

Depends what you want to get from it to be honest. I train on my road bike, amuse myself with the mountain bike and commute on a folding bike.

Personally I'd recommend a helmet, getting familiar with your own maintenance and basic roadside repairs.

Map out some routes, and get familiar with the handling before taking it away much beyond that.

Other than that, just ride.

Oh, and assume that everyone in a cage is intentionally trying to kill you.

No headphones while biking. Always wear a helmet. Bring some cash, ID and cell phone with you in case of a accident or emergency. Always have a water bottle too. Always watch the vehicles I am more worried about getting ran over than wrecking by myself. Most cars will move over when I lived in the city when biking but there are a few idiots that don't share the road. I now live in the country so I don't have to worry about it biking in the boonies!!
Have FUN!

kyylieeeeee wrote: »

arditarose wrote: »

I live in Brooklyn too. I've been saying I'm going to get a bike forever and do not do it. I don't really understand your question though ha...can't you just...go? I would ride to beacons closet and go shopping.

Thanks everyone for your help and advice! I'm excited to get out there as soon as the snow clears. There is a great bike/running path close to me that wouldn't involve too much road riding-- I'll get comfortable there before I venture out into more traffic.

And arditarose, your post had me cracking up because last time I went to Beacon's Closet, I almost got smashed by a city bus that ran a red light like 15 whole seconds after the light had turned-- I was already half way through the crosswalk! But, I'm a little wary of biking on the roads from day one :] So I'll get some 'practice' in on the Shore Promenade before I tackle the roads!

Oh my god. So glad you didn't get smashed! Sometimes I want to smash the MTA.

Long-time cyclist here. I also second everything said, especially making sure your bike fits.

If you do get bike shorts (they definitely help on longer rides), don't wear anything under them! No one ever mentions that when you buy them, but they're designed to be worn without anything under to prevent chafing.

Also, regarding maintenance: if you don't have a pump already, get one and pump up your tires periodically (~1x/wk or so is totally normal to maintain pressure). Also get yourself a patch kit/spare tube if you're planning on doing longer rides. I carry a tube, tire levers, CO2 cartridge and applicator valve thing (alternate to a portable pump), and an allen key set. There's tons of videos on youtube about how to change a tube, and it's worth practicing so if you end up with a flat out in the middle of nowhere you're not stranded.

Bikes are pretty hard to break or screw up so don't be afraid to learn to do your own basic maintenance on it. Again youtube has some pretty decent tutorials. And if you do mess up anything, your bike shop can fix it and you'll have learned what not to do

Down the road, if you're riding the bike regularly, expect to replace the chain every couple years- chains stretch with use and if you leave them for too long they start to wear the gears which are a lot more expensive to replace. On the bike I use for racing, I replace my chain each year, and I ride it a lot, so chain wear doesn't happen overnight, it's just something to keep in mind.

Enjoy your riding!!

Edited to add: Global Cycling Network on youtube has a very comprehensive set of maintenance videos, ranging from road-side maintenance to fully stripping the bike to pieces.
And, chamois cream (pronounced shammy)! If you get chafing or sore on longer rides, this is your new best friend. Basically diaper cream for grown ups available at your local bike shop.