General Cycling Discussion - Newbie questions

Haven't been on a bike much since college (7 years). Wanted to get back in shape, so I got myself an early birthday present, a new bike!

I went the cheap route, a raodmaster from Wal-Mart, figuring if I really use it, I'll upgrade in a year or so.

I had few questions:

1. The saddle has got to go, I have a pretty good one I bought last year for an old excercycle, so that's taken care of. What other mods do you consider important? I'm a casual rider on streets, so I don't currently need a lot of competition type stuff. I looked at a rear veiw mirror (I ride on a 4-lane street with pretty heavy traffic at times) but i'm tall, the handlebars are short, and I didn't know it the mirror was long enough to be useful.

2. Any other advice would be welcomed

I started riding seriously about September. I rode a 1993 Roadmaster mountain-type bike that I affectionately referred to as the "POS". I upgraded the tires to road slicks since I didn't ride off-road at all. I had the new tires on for about a week before I bought a used road bike. All in all, I rode the Roadmaster POS for about 3-1/2 weeks. I was absolutely SHOCKED by the difference between it and a better quality bike.
Nothing wrong with starting out on the RM, but I'd not suggest any real "upgrades" to the bike itself. If you get hooked anything like I did, the Roadmaster will not be around long enough for any upgrades to be of any value.

Any seat takes time to get use to and i wouldnt add a dime until you know you are hooked and then get a real bike,maybe used.

Make sure you have fun and enjoy yourself. Also Welcome from a fellow Virginian. Where is Weber City?

Don't be surprised if you get a number of posts deriding your purchase of a Wal Mart bike.

But, I congratulate you on your move forward into biking. I hope you get hooked, and it will not be long before you consider the purchase of a good quality used or new bike (such as an entry level mtn bike) for about $300.

Keep pedaling. Don't spend another dime on that bike, but instead save your pennies for your upgraded bike.

You will be amazed at the difference.

Get bar ends, to give yourself a chance to vary your hand positions. Get a mirror - I have one that mounts on my glasses. Get a helmet, cycling gloves and shorts. Get water bottles and cages. Get some tools - hex keys, wheel bearing wrenches, spoke wrench, as you will have to make adjustments (go to Sheldon Brown or park tool website to find out how to use them). These things will all make your riding more enjoyable, and will still be good when you get another bike.

I'm not too concerned about "Wal-Mart" bikes. Fiscal realities limit my budget. I misspoke on Upgrades, I meant accessories that cyclists feel are useful. I won't be putting better shifters or brakes on this bike, its just to get my feet wet. I also camp, and I often laugh at people who go out and spend thousands on the biggest best campers and tow vehicles, only to find out they don't like to camp:D ! I'd rather get chided for owning a cheap bike I use as opposed to owning an exspensive bike I don't:) .

cyclochica, Weber City is so far from NOVA that you probably don't even have it on your maps!:D I'm 5 minutes on a bike from TN. I used to live below Richmond and attended Longwood College (now University) with a lot of your fellow NOVAs! I guess I should say Howdy Y'all!:D .

WELCOME TO THE ADDICTION!!

You need a pump that you can mount on the bike, a spare tube, a small multi-function tool and a small bag to carry the stuff in. you need a water bottle and you need to put your name and special info on a piece of paper, phone change and a dollar bill (this can be used for a tire boot & will buy a beer) in your small bag.

this stuff can be obtained from your LBS (local bike shop) and it gives you a chance to meet them.

Or you can order online from NASHBAR (http://nashbar.com) or PERFORMANCE (http://performancebike.com)

I graduated from JMU. NOVA students love Longwood, I heard a lot of great things about the school.

When I started I had a Huffy Mountain bike I bought from Sports Authority. I did buy a few accessories when I started:

A gel seat cover, because butt pain was not fun
A good helmet, I have no intentions of helping the grime reaper do his job
Gloves, I have small hands and this helped a lot
Bike Rack, it expanded my options for places to ride

I originally bought the cheap bike because I didn't want to wait to save up for a good one, and I can be flighty. I get interested in something and then get bored. Making a huge investment when I was scared I wasn't going to keep up with the sport didn't make sense. Especially since I was trying to get into graduate school.

But a funny thing happened, I found I loved cycling as much as I love basketball. I started living for sunny days and would sneak out of work early to make sure I could hit the trails. I eventually bought a better mountain bike, and was amazed at the difference. Then I decided I wanted to try a roadbike as another workout. I think the cycling bug will bite you hard too, and in no time will you want to upgrade to another bike, may be not a $1000 bike, but something a bit better than what you have now.

Don't let those who poo-poo inexpensive bikes get to you. You have to get what fits your situation. Just make sure you have fun. If you are ever in NOVA I would love to meet up for a ride

Thanks roadie. There is a very good bike shop nearby and I intend to start frequenting it. When I do upgrade, I will most likely go used. In Abingdon, just up the road, they have a famous trail called the Virginia Creeper Trail, cyclochia, you might have heard of it, so there are several good places that cater to cyclists. Truth is, my fat ass is in such bad shape, I won't be going long distance any time soon. Chica, the rack idea is starting to appeal to me more and more. There are several low speed, low traffic country roads nearby, and I may use some of them from time to time. Thanks for all the advice.

Originally posted by Mr.CPS
I looked at a rear veiw mirror (I ride on a 4-lane street with pretty heavy traffic at times) but i'm tall, the handlebars are short, and I didn't know it the mirror was long enough to be useful.
Get a helmet mounted mirror.
I have one on my commuter helmet and my road helmet.
http://www.nashbar.com/productimages/medium/RH-HM1002.gif