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

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  • eksb
    eksb Posts: 93
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    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
    cohophysh Posts: 288
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    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
    crystallayne Posts: 109 Member
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    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
    LovelyLibra79 Posts: 569 Member
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    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
    LovelyLibra79 Posts: 569 Member
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    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
    lizaferraro Posts: 1 Member
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    Yah! ..I'm about to start biking this Sunday! loved reading everyone's post. Thanks for the info..let's get pedaling. :bigsmile:
  • LovelyLibra79
    LovelyLibra79 Posts: 569 Member
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    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
    hawkeyegal1995 Posts: 2,009 Member
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    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
    knightreader Posts: 813 Member
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    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
    stenochick0417 Posts: 124 Member
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    Padded shorts! I balked at this at first, but my bum thanked me when I finally relented and got some. :)
  • sl1ngsh0t
    sl1ngsh0t Posts: 326 Member
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    Go to a good bike shop and get yourself fitted for a bike. Talk to them about what you want in a bike so they can steer you toward models which fit your body and needs. DO NOT BUY from WalMart, Target, etc!!!!!!!!!
  • OSC_ESD
    OSC_ESD Posts: 752 Member
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    Go to a bike shop and get " fitted " ... the distance between your seat and pedals is going to be crucial on your knees ! Don't put unnecessary pressure on the knee with a " generic bike ".

    Forget distance .. go for time .... start out with maybe a 10 to 15 minute ride and gradually build up to longer rides. Partnering up in the beginning is a great idea ... but as you grow into this activity, you will find that solo biking is ... AMAZING !

    Most importantly .. pace yourself, don't stress out and always make certain your rides are enjoyable ! It is by far my absolute favorite form of exercise ... My normal rides are about 20 miles up the coast ... but every once in awhile I make that 50 mile jaunt to a place I love .... the ride is just incredible !

    I have a Mongoose Mountain Bike .... they have a variety of levels .... ranging from the low $ 100's to over a $ 1,000 ... it is a great brand to grow with ... but in all honesty, I might just have to splurge on a " Trek ".

    Happy Biking !!! :smile:
  • psucsi
    psucsi Posts: 21 Member
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    I had a total knee replacement last November and bicycle riding is one of surgeon's "blessed" cardio exercises. I did 12 miles today on a nice Rails To Trails run and had no problems. For you though, without knowing the nature of your knee issue, you may want to seek guidance from the medical folks.

    Also, a thumbs up for buying from a bike shop. Most are knowledgeable and usually fair and guide to a good bike for you needs.What kind of riding you will be doing will be a big influence on the right bike for you.
  • goaliema
    goaliema Posts: 150 Member
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    bump

    thanks for posting this question
  • dianacannon89
    dianacannon89 Posts: 235 Member
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    I have a Trek Neko (sp) LOVE IT! It is a little more racer then the link you put up but deff not a road bike. I think the clip in pedals and shoes help with my issues alot as well. I dont hurt at all anymore after a ride! & 26 miles for your first ride is crazy!!! but Good luck! If I can do it you can do it sister!
  • LovelyLibra79
    LovelyLibra79 Posts: 569 Member
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    Thank you guys! I purchased a Trek 7000 . I was fitted for the bike and test rode the display and loved it! My bike should be ready by the weekend! I hope the weather is good to me.


    Is 40 bucks too much for padded shorts?
  • hawkeyegal1995
    hawkeyegal1995 Posts: 2,009 Member
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    I like Pearl Izumi shorts. Their select line starts around $50.00. Shorts are one area you really can't skimp on-you can see the difference just comparing the chamois. Also, considering getting something like Hoo Ha Ride Glide or another brand of creame that can help. It will take a bit to get used to being in the saddle but give it some time.

    Hope it goes well!
  • NaeNaeJanae
    NaeNaeJanae Posts: 261 Member
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    Bike shorts are a bit spendy...but worth every dime! Performance bikes (performancebike.com) has great deal. I get most everything from there!
    :)

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