Bike riding
AmberJslimsAWAY
Posts: 2,339 Member
So I have recently moved, and I live about 5 minutes (driving) from my work. So I thought I'd start riding my bike to work... Am I going to DIE?! How long does it take to get used to riding your bike on a regular basis? It's not a road bike, it's a mountain bike, which sucks because it's heavier
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Replies
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When I started riding last year, it took a good couple weeks before I wasn't in pain. I would definitely recommend getting some different tires on the bike if you have the big knobby ones that come with most mountain bikes, get something rounder and smoother. After a couple weeks, you won't need coffee to get going in the morning, the fresh air is amazing.
You can do it! 0 -
When I started riding last year, it took a good couple weeks before I wasn't in pain. I would definitely recommend getting some different tires on the bike if you have the big knobby ones that come with most mountain bikes, get something rounder and smoother. After a couple weeks, you won't need coffee to get going in the morning, the fresh air is amazing. You can do it!
Should I get a street bike? I don't want to look like an idiot riding my mountain bike down the road...0 -
Your butt will hurt for a few weeks for sure....
Just take your time and stick with it, you'll be glad you did.0 -
When I started riding last year, it took a good couple weeks before I wasn't in pain. I would definitely recommend getting some different tires on the bike if you have the big knobby ones that come with most mountain bikes, get something rounder and smoother. After a couple weeks, you won't need coffee to get going in the morning, the fresh air is amazing. You can do it!
Should I get a street bike? I don't want to look like an idiot riding my mountain bike down the road...
You can, you don't NEED to.
Get a helmet though...0 -
When I started riding last year, it took a good couple weeks before I wasn't in pain. I would definitely recommend getting some different tires on the bike if you have the big knobby ones that come with most mountain bikes, get something rounder and smoother. After a couple weeks, you won't need coffee to get going in the morning, the fresh air is amazing. You can do it!
Should I get a street bike? I don't want to look like an idiot riding my mountain bike down the road...
I don't ride but when driving through the city, I see people on all types of bikes. I wouldn't worry about people thinking you're weird but if it helps to get different tires, maybe take the other persons suggestion!0 -
Do I need a helmet?0
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Absolutely!0
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Do I need a helmet?
Need? No.
Should you? Absolutely
I always wear mine, no matter when or where I am riding. It's just smart bike riding..0 -
Any bike riding need helmets. Cars and bikes don't work well together. We want to see you again. 0
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My 2 cents - yes, get a helmet, especially with people texting and not paying attention...0
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Do I need a helmet?
Yes, please wear a helmet.0 -
100x yes on the helmet.0
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If it's only a 5 min drive, the bike ride won't be that bad, 15 mins maybe? Just take it easy, enjoy the fresh air and don't fret about it!
I wouldn't bother with a helmet myself, but if you're going in the dark, use refectors and lights.0 -
I ride my mtb on the street all the time. It is a little harder than a street bike and I looked into getting different tire, but when I went to the bike shop, rather than sell me new tires, the salesman suggested I inflate the tire to their max pressure. That help tremendously.
As for getting used to it, yep your butt/crotch and thighs will be sore for a couple of weeks because you're using muscles in those area in a different way than they are used to.0 -
I wouldn't bother with a helmet myself,
Can I ask your reasoning on this?0 -
Do I need a helmet?
Only if you don't want to DIIIIIEEEEE!
Even on the most innocuous roads it can get nasty.
My nemesis is the driver who speeds up to pass me (fine, expected, people pass bikes...) and then cuts right in front of me into a driveway (HEY WTF GTFO ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME???)
Or turns w/out a signal. Those types are fun.
But I don't want this to devolve into a bikes-vs-cars debate
YES, a helmet IMNSHO is a requisite tool of the trade.0 -
If it's only a 5 min drive, the bike ride won't be that bad, 15 mins maybe? Just take it easy, enjoy the fresh air and don't fret about it!
I wouldn't bother with a helmet myself, but if you're going in the dark, use refectors and lights.
I would leave at about 7:30 which is when the sun is already out, but not completely. I will be going on heavily traveled roads, so I think the helmet might be a good idea.0 -
I don't know about yours but when I got my bike it had one of those long skinny seats. I have a lot of problems with my back so I got a more cushioned seat and it made all the difference for me to be able to ride it without pain. Just a thought 0
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I'm always nervous as hell when I see bikers without helmets! Why risk it? All it takes is one person who's not paying attention for something horrible to happen.0
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As for getting used to it, yep your butt/crotch and thighs will be sore for a couple of weeks because you're using muscles in those area in a different way than they are used to.
This is one of the perks, nice *kitten* and legs! lol0 -
My 2 cents - yes, get a helmet, especially with people texting and not paying attention...
agree0 -
I'm always nervous as hell when I see bikers without helmets! Why risk it? All it takes is one person who's not paying attention for something horrible to happen.
honestly, I don't know if a small padded piece of plastic does much protecting0 -
A 5 minute drive will only be a 15-20 minutes bike ride, it will seem hard at first but you will love it. I have a 30 minute drive to work (down the motorway) which started as a 2 hour bike ride cross county and is now 1.5 hour bike ride. I love it especially with the weather now improving. Wear a helmet more for your safety from the other road users (just in case). I started doing my bike ride on a mountain bike and there are all sorts on the road so you won't look silly.
Good Luck :drinker:0 -
I'm always nervous as hell when I see bikers without helmets! Why risk it? All it takes is one person who's not paying attention for something horrible to happen.
honestly, I don't know if a small padded piece of plastic does much protecting
It'll at least keep your brain inside your skull and not all over the road
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If you find the seat is uncomfortable, definitely look into replacing it with something that is. No point in hurting yourself in the long run. I know I only lasted about 2 days on it before I needed a different seat.
As for road bike, if you have the money to do it, go for it, but for the couple miles you are talking about riding, you probably don't need it. If you catch the cycling bug and start going out for longer rides, road bikes are much easier (and faster).
Helmet is a must. I know they may not look all that cool, but all it will take is one nasty still (which I have done), and it will have been worth it. If you don't like the look of the bike helmets, hockey or skater helmets work just as well.0 -
I have a similar question. I'm thinking about doing the same. I don't want to spend a small fortune on a bicycle that I will get sick of in a month. I'm thinking about getting a cruiser style bike. You know, the kind with the big seat, high handlebars, one speed, brakes that go backward; old school. I live in Florida, totally flat land, would this be a good bike for that?0
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A mountain bike is harder for sure. Give it a couple weeks, and make sure you are using the gears right. Most difficulty comes from not understanding the gears.
if it feels like you spin really fast without going anywhere, make it harder
if it feels like you have to push it, make it easier
if it feels fairly easy, with some tension in the pedals, it's about right.
Also, read some sites on bicycle safety.
1) Ride WITH traffic, NOT against it.
2) Ride in the road, not in the sidwalk.
3) Signal your intent!
4) Don't ride near parked cars. Doors opening suddenly in front of you is a very common and often fatal cycling accident.
5) BE SAFE. Driving a car is basically a license to freely kill cyclists with little repercussion.
6) Stop at stop signs.
Also, I found the AirZound horn works great on inconsiderate drivers...
A road bike will be faster/easier than a mountain bike. Given your commute, it might be a waste of money. Skinnier, less knobbier tires might be the ticket.
any kind of suspension on a bike works against you in the road.0 -
At first you will find it hard. After a few days it will get easier. If you get slick tyres for the MTB it will be MUCH easier than riding knobblies on tarmac. I won't comment on the contentious helmet issue, it's each to their own.
Good luck!0 -
Please wear a helmet. There are funky, crazy, wild, hot colored ones!0
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Of course you're going to die, we all will. But stuff like riding your bike to work makes it take longer :happy:
Wear a helmet.
Road bikes are *awesome* but expensive, require a more thorough fitting, and are a bit more of a commitment. Is it worth that to you for a bit more speed, and possibly comfort over long distances?
Much more bang for the buck sticking with the road bike and getting slicks instead of knobbies.
Get padded bike shorts though. Really.0
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