Biking for dummies

Pinkranger626 · August 2015

Hello everyone!
I am an avid runner, I much prefer to be out pounding the pavement in my sneakers, however, I have begun looking into getting myself a bike for cross training and family time. My husband has mentioned that he enjoys biking and would go with me if we purchase some bikes, I would love to get him more active so this is also a reason for me to look into it.

My main issue is that I have absolutely no idea where to start. I've tried doing some research online so I can sort of sound like I know what I'm talking about before I go into my local bike store to start actually looking at bikes. The prices scare me, and the amount of equipment is overwhelming as well. The stuff that I've found online for beginners is still way over my head. All the talk if tubing and centimeters and diameters of things is confusing to say the least. I'm frustrated because when I started running, I picked up a copy of Runners World and could follow most of it. looking up words like speed work and Fartlek etc was pretty easy and then i was good to start applying things. I'm not feeling like i can do biking the same way.

What I plan on doing with said bike is riding mainly on my neighborhood streets and the rail trail up the road from me. The rail trail is a flat dirt trail, so a mountain bike would be complete overkill I think. Mileage wise I'm not planning on doing long distance, maybe 10-20 miles in one go? Maybe less than that. Maybe something that IF I decide that i like riding increasing my mileage past the 20 miles wouldn't be an issue either? I'd hate to spend all the money on a bike, start to like it and then have to go and drop more money on a better bike right away.

Can someone help me narrow down the type of bike and the basics for equipment? My fear is if i go into the store completely clueless they'll trick me into spending more money on stuff that I don't really need to start out with.

BusyRaeNOTBusty · August 2015

Basic equipment: Helmet, gloves, sunglasses, bike shorts w/ chamios, small pump, extra tub, tire levers, water bottle.

As for the bike, if you want to ride dirt and road, I direct you to a CX bike, or a gravel bike (something like: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/invite.2/22231/84021/), MAYBE a higher end commuter (http://www.konaworld.com/dew.cfm) or "hybrid" but pretty much stay away from one with a suspension (they are generally cheap, heavy and don't really do much anyway).

Pinkranger626 · August 2015

Thanks! This is helpful!!

jim180155 · August 2015

BusyRaeNOTBusty wrote: »

Basic equipment: Helmet, gloves, sunglasses, bike shorts w/ chamios, small pump, extra tub, tire levers, water bottle.

As for the bike, if you want to ride dirt and road, I direct you to a CX bike, or a gravel bike (something like: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/invite.2/22231/84021/), MAYBE a higher end commuter (http://www.konaworld.com/dew.cfm) or "hybrid" but pretty much stay away from one with a suspension (they are generally cheap, heavy and don't really do much anyway).

I agree. And any of the big name bikes are good: Giant, Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, etc. They all try to offer similar benefits at around the same price point.

Go to a local bike store with a budget in mind. (Don't buy from a big box store.) They'll be able to direct you to some good choices given the amount you want to spend and your preferences and goals.

I think a good place to start is with a relatively inexpensive hybrid, somewhere in the $300 to $500 range.

68venable · August 2015

I agree on a cyclocross (CX) bike. Its very versatile. If you wanted a 50 mile road ride, you could still do it. As far as hybrids, my experience says they are neither good off or on road. I have one that i bought a long time ago. I use it as a MTB and it sucks. It ultimately depends on your goals. I like to ride as fast and as far as possible. The bike shop will handle the size and fit.

Pinkranger626 · August 2015

Do you typically find the prices from box store to local store are around the same? I was looking to stay around $300 for the bike if possible

47Jacqueline · August 2015

If your town/city has a bike rental program, that's a good way to test if you like it. A local store may be more expensive to buy a bike, but the benefit is personal attention and usually some perks. I have, for example, free tune-ups for the life of my bike and half price ones if I want an overhaul. Also, I drop in if I have a quick fix, question, or whatever.

You could also check Craigslist, or the city lottery for lost bikes.

I bought a folding bike because I thought it would save space - but found I was using it often enough that I never folded it. lol Then I started doing more distance and replaced it with an awesome road bike (Felt), which I now use on group rides as well as for commuting. I had a light road bike for a long time and knew, ultimately, I wanted another.

Even if you're only commuting it's good to have a repair kit. In my city, there is no helmet law and the research is not conclusive on their efficacy, but I use it on long rides. My best investment was a mirror I wear on my forearm to see behind me.

Also, if you are riding in traffic, a back light that blinks, even in the daytime.

I also recommend joining a bike grouop for classes on safety, changing a tire, etc. and just plain socializing..

socalgardengal · August 2015

Look on craigslist for a great used bike.

Nuke_64 · August 2015

The stuff they have big box stores is not the same as they have in LBS, generally. I would exclude REI from that, they have quality stuff and knowledgeable staff, thought the later is on a store by store basis. Prices are generally the same but they have some in house or REI only brands that is discounted a few time a year.

Here are few good options.

http://www.rei.com/product/879474/scott-sportster-50-bike-2015

http://www.rei.com/product/877750/cannondale-quick-4-bike-2015

http://www.rei.com/product/875011/novara-buzz-x-bike-2015

+1 on craigslist for your first bike. If you are in a major metropolitan area, please be aware there a lot of stolen bikes on craigslist.

jmac4263 · August 2015

I just started biking too. Went to a local bike shop with my mom ( who has been riding for years) and I completely get the over whelming craziness that happens when you walk in a look around! I ended up purchasing what they call a hybrid, I ride 10- 25 miles in one ride on paved bike trails or around town and it seems to work pretty good. I got the Specialized Hybrid and got the previous years 2014 and it still cost around 500 dollars. I was in complete shock as my first bike I purchased at walmart was like maybe 100 dollars but it was one of those mountian bike types and trust me riding 10 miles on that thing was bad enough.

If you think you will keep with it and will use it I would either buy at the bike shop an older model, or buy from craigslist like suggested. The only down side to not buying from the bike shop is they should "fit you " to a bike where as you wont get that buying one from craigslist.

Good luck I know my new bike makes a world of difference in my riding!

hamptontom · August 2015

lots of great advice here...i took a peek at your profile to see where you lived, but it's not there...are you in an urban(ish) area, or do you have other areas besides the rail trail that you can ride on that aren't shared with auto traffic?

47Jacqueline makes some points that have applied to my experience...i bought a truly crappy bike on Craigslist, and ended up giving it away - where I live (Nashville, TN) there are literally miles of paved greenway paths to ride on, and a decent rental program (nashville.bcycle.com) - the only hangup i have with the rental situation is that there are overage fees if the bike is checked out for more than an hour, no matter what kind of membership you have.

I haven't had to bother with the expense of maintenance stuff (pump, repair kit, etc), and because i typically ride in an automobile-free area, i haven't bought the helmet, shorts, etc. either - but i'd definitely consider some form of eye protection, because you will eventually end up with a bug in your eye if you ride outside in certain parts of the country.

since you will probably be leaning towards a purchase, i'd definitely consider a visit to the bike shop, even if for no other reason but to have some of these kinds of conversations and to "feel them out". if you're on social media, you might be surprised at how much information you might come by just by asking on your FB feed, or by finding a FB group related to biking where you are.

earthnut · August 2015

You really only need a bike, helmet, pump, tube changing kit, and lock. On a trail you need a bell for passing (unless you like to yell) and at night you need lights. I wear my normal clothes. It's best to go to a good shop with a good selection. They're used to helping out newbies and you need to try several bikes to get the right sizing.

I love my cross country touring bike. It's an unusual small size which is perfect for me. It's built for mountain bike tires but I got the smoothest tires i could for it and it's very versatile. I live in a hilly area so i also got a bike that had a "granny gear", a really low gear for going up hills.

Pinkranger626 · August 2015

I don't think there is a rental place around me, and even if there was i'm not sure if that is something that i'd want to do, seems like a lot of hassle for a couple hours on a bike (getting there during business hours can be a challenge for my current schedule) so i think purchasing will probably be the way i go. I don't have anything that i know of that is automobile free other than the rail trail, and that's not paved. As for Craigslist, my brother in law had a really bad experience when he tried to buy a quad through it (his friend and him were robbed at gunpoint, and his friend was shot) so I will not be utilizing that route. I also need to be fitted since I haven't been on a bike since I was about 15.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm thinking going later in the season may get me some sales of some sort. But Now i at least have an idea of how much it'll cost etc. and I can save my pennies.

girlinahat · August 2015

jim180155 wrote: »

BusyRaeNOTBusty wrote: »

Basic equipment: Helmet, gloves, sunglasses, bike shorts w/ chamios, small pump, extra tub, tire levers, water bottle.

As for the bike, if you want to ride dirt and road, I direct you to a CX bike, or a gravel bike (something like: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/invite.2/22231/84021/), MAYBE a higher end commuter (http://www.konaworld.com/dew.cfm) or "hybrid" but pretty much stay away from one with a suspension (they are generally cheap, heavy and don't really do much anyway).

I agree. And any of the big name bikes are good: Giant, Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, etc. They all try to offer similar benefits at around the same price point.

Go to a local bike store with a budget in mind. (Don't buy from a big box store.) They'll be able to direct you to some good choices given the amount you want to spend and your preferences and goals.

I think a good place to start is with a relatively inexpensive hybrid, somewhere in the $300 to $500 range.

this exactly. You don't want to spend too much money to start with, as you may find you don't want to ride, but equally you want a bike that is comfortable and makes you want to ride it. Many years ago I bought a Trek 7200FX hybrid with flat bars and front suspension and hate it so much I rarely ride it. So earlier this year I bought a Giant/Liv Invite cyclocross bike with lovely drop bars and love it. Worth the extra money for the satisfaction it gives me.

Don't worry about tube length or anything like that. Go to a decent local bike shop and get them to fit you. They should talk through your needs, sit you on a bike and take measurements to get you a bike that fits you. DO not fit yourself to a bike. You may end up paying more for a bike, but it is better (as I found) to have a bike that you actually ride than one you only sort of want to get on.

Biking for dummies

Replies

Categories