Northeast - My first bike ride in NYC

I'm not sure if this is the best place for this. I'm new here and pretty new to biking. I just feel like telling my dumb little story for sake of encouragement and advice, I guess.

I moved to NYC a few years ago and ever since I'd wanted to get a bike and get into better shape but I never had the funds or motivation. I tried to take up running, and I think I was just too out of shape and not that much of a glutton for punishment, so I ended up giving up (especially because of the heat last week). Finally, yesterday, I just said "Screw it" and headed over to the nearest bike shop (Larry & Jeff's Bicycle Plus on 80th & 3rd) and ended up buying a Specialized Sirrus. I'm not sure if this was the best kind of bike to buy, but I was pretty sure I didn't want a mountain bike, and my budget wasn't quite up to spending $1k on something I wasn't sure I would be comitted to.

After buying it, I road it around for a few miles on the streets (headed north on 1st to 110th St or so then back down 2nd). It looks like it was about 5 miles and I felt fine afterwards (as opposed to how dead I felt inside after running 2 miles). I did a little research today at work and figured it was about 6-7 miles to work (79th St down to Wall St) so I tried to figure out where I could ride in the city that wasn't on the street where I could get that kind of distance easily. The Central Park main loop looked to be pretty good at maybe 6 or 7 miles. After work, I decided to give it a shot.

I started on 79th St and headed north. Right after I got onto the loop it started off pretty flat and went downhill. That felt great. I was flying, pretty much keeping up with the road bikers. Then it started uphill. Holy crap. After some serious downshifting and maybe some huffing & puffing, I made it up every hill while having fun on the descent. I ended up back where I started without even realizing it. Maybe only 40 minutes or so had passed. I relaxed on a bench for a minute then said "What the heck" and decided to go around again. The first few hills felt easier and I just felt more confident already. I got all the way around when I got to about E 74th St or so and it started into the worst climb I had run into the first time around. I realized I just was going to make it after maybe 1/4 of the way up and decided to coast back down and get off at 72nd St, enjoying the level avenues and streets.

Overall, I guess I biked about 12-14 miles today. It felt good. I guess I have a few questions, though.

Central Park is pretty hilly.. the streets are more flat, right? I was straining pretty hard on a few of those hills and I'd be a little scared having cars whiz by me while I was struggling.

What's the best way to get to Wall St. from the UES? The quickest looks like It'd be south on 2nd Ave, right onto Houston, then down Broadway. Would it be better to use bike paths or greenways? It seems like whatever is going down the east side is incomplete and it would take a bit longer. Is the path the same thing as the brick path running parallel to the FDR? If so, isn't that a pain to bike on? I used to run on that and the bricks weren't nearly as even as pavement. Seems like a road bike would be a pretty rumbly.

I don't know a ton about bikes. Is what I bought decent? I know it's pretty entry level, but it's not like I got a deal on a Huffy mtb. I figure if I can make it last for a little while and I stay dedicated to it, I can treat myself to something nicer. But in the meantime, is there something I'm missing that would make riding more enjoyable? The thing is completely stock right now.

Any advice for city riding is certainly welcome :)

Sorry for the Tolstoy, but I figure I'd make a big entrance ;) So, hello!

You're not the guy with the headphones who called out "Wooo Hoooo" on the downhills, are you? :p

Haha, no. But if you heard someone mumbling "Oh my god my butt hurts" on the inclines, that was probably me :)

Welcome to cycling. Fist of all, you bought a great bike and is perfect for your commute to work as well as an all around bike to enjoy in the city. You'll notice that cycling gets easier the more you ride, as well as, saddle sores, which will go away, the more you ride. Regarding riding on path or road, they both have their goods and bads, when riding.

Path riding is great if you feel uncomfortable riding in traffic; however, you'll encounter joggers and joggers with iPods, joggers with dogs, etc., which will pose somewhat of an obsticle, and sometimes a hazard. A bell or a kind words of "On your right" as you approach the obsticle is nice, as long as they can hear you. Riding your bike on the bricks are fine sine you are riding a carbon frame. Carbon frames will "soften" your ride better than a metal frame. Becarful crossing intersections while riding on the path. This is the area where most bike accidents occur.

Road riding, the hazard is obvious. Cars. Although, I've found riding in NYC not as bad as other places. Make sure you wear bright clothing or have rear lights on your bike - anything to get the attention of cars. Also becareful of riding next to parked cars, since a door opening can mean a head on crash. Riding on the road takes some time, but once you do feel comfortable, you have the freedom of traveling anywhere in the city and sometimes when the traffic is heavy, you'll be traveling faster than the cars. Feeling comfortable on the roads means riding over the Brooklyn Bridge and exploring.

Make sure you have a saddle bag that has a spare inner tube and pump or CO2 as well as tools to fix a flat. Even a little cash won't hurt, for those moments when you forget money. Always wear your helmet.

There are clubs you can join in the city http://www.nycc.org/ is a great club where you can meet others of your riding ability and willl be able to help you more than I. Once you get "hooked" and have been riding for awhile, go back to the hill in CP and test yourself. I'm sure you make it.

I think commuting to work is an awesome way to get into shape as well as being green for the environment. Enjoy and have fun. Hope this helps.

Honestly, I feel more comfortable around cars than people. Cars seem more likely to pay attention to you and are much more used to you being there. It's kind of the opposite of what I expected!

One of my buddies (a more experienced biker) helped me part out a good kit to keep on-hand that I'll be buying after my next paycheck. It'll have pretty much everything you covered.. spare tube, a little bit of cash, CO2 cartridge and pump, and a couple other things.

One thing I'm worried about is security. I bought an Onguard Bulldog lock (I think that's what it was called) and the guy at the bike shop showed me how to use it. Are there any extra measures I can take? Someone suggested registering the bike with the police (in case it's stolen), but I can't find a whole lot of information on that for NYC. Ideally, I'll be keeping it inside as much as possible, but I'd still like to cover all the bases.

And biking seems like a great mode of transportation. It'll help me save money during my commute since I probably won't need my unlimited metro card. I get to be outside more in the morning and enjoy the weather (something that I've always loathed about working 10-6), and definitely because it's green. Plus, it seems like biking to work is going to get me there about as quickly as the subway!!

I agree... I'd rather bike with cars than people. I wouldn't recommend locking your bike outside if you don't have to, but if you do, take the front wheel off and lock it with the entire frame, take your seat with the saddle bag with you. You can register your bike with the police ,but if stolen, you'd be better off telling all your local bike shops and keeping an eye on ebay (this is how my friend recovered his $9K bike).

I'm all about storing the bike in doors, see if your building will allow you to bring your bike inside. If they resist, ask if you can take the freight elevator. There are also some garages around the city (saw a list somewhere, probably on Transportation Alternatives) that will allow you to store your bike for free or for a small fee (about the price of a transit ride).

I haven't ridden on the East Side much, but the West Side is a great ride, give it a go, it's pretty flat... BTW, I feel your pain, that hill on the Northwest corner of Central Park was killer when I first started. It gets easier with time. STICK WITH IT =D. Hope to see you out there...

the West Side is a great ride, give it a go, it's pretty flat...

I took that tonight on the way home from work. It was really nice. Except it'd be nice if there was a sign or two telling you what cross street you're near. I ended up missing mine and there wasn't another turn-off until 125th st!!

From reading your post, I don't think Central Park'll confine you for long. As soon as my buddy and I got hooked on bikes (about 4 years ago) we wanted to explore the city and beyond: Coney Island, Jones Beach, Long Island, the Bronx (hilly), Queens, over the GWB up to Nyak (hilly and beautiful), still haven't made it to Staten Island. Find a friend. Get some maps. Every weekend's a new adventure. And if you don't have one, get yourself a computer. I always love telling non-bikers how far I've gone.

Welcome!

Welcome, 2nd ave to houston , make right to bowery make left on bowery til it turns to pearl st at the brooklyn bridge and take pearl to wall street.

S/F,
CEYA!

Howdy - first post here, and I was just taken by how similar my story is to gharding's.

My story: moved to NYC / UWS, half a block from CP, from the NJ suburbs in March. First time living in the city, though my wife and I had lived in Hoboken for years before moving further west. We just decided that we weren't suburb people. I had a bike in Hoboken for years (it was about 12 miles round-trip to Liberty State Park, a great easy ride along the waterfront) but then our bikes were stolen. As a result I put on about 20 pounds and became far too sedentary.

Just before moving, I bought a Sirrus Sport (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22268) specifically for park & Hudson River riding. It was a couple of weeks before the weather was warm enough for me to take it out but when I did, the first thing I wanted to do was the park loop. Huge mistake. I was huffing and puffing up the little hill near the Met, and was absolutely ready to fall over on Harlem Hill. I was committed to riding at least twice a week, but it was at least another month before I stopped taking the 100th Street shortcut and avoiding Harlem Hill. By the time I got up the nerve to take the hill on again, though, I found it to be a lot easier than at first. Now, three months after the first CP ride, my typical route is twice around the full park drive and once up to either 72nd or 100th, which is 14-16 miles a ride. My fastest full loop time (according to the CNN clock at Columbus Circle) is 24 minutes -- not exactly flying, and the road bikes use me like a orange traffic cone, but I get around it. And my pants are starting to feel a bit loose again, which is good.

CP might not be the most exciting route in the area but I like its familiarity. Since I now know every little hill and curve I can pace myself, and I know how I'm making progress in speed and endurance. The next step is likely to join the NYCC...

I don't know a ton about bikes. Is what I bought decent? I know it's pretty entry level, but it's not like I got a deal on a Huffy mtb. I figure if I can make it last for a little while and I stay dedicated to it, I can treat myself to something nicer. But in the meantime, is there something I'm missing that would make riding more enjoyable? The thing is completely stock right now.


I've put almost 9,000 miles on my Sirrus. It's not a high end bike but I've ridden it in the Montauk Century, the NYC Century, and several other events. I did upgrade the tires to Armadillos and added a Brook seat. Other than that mine is pretty much stock too.

Look up the official NYC bicycle map.
http://transalt.org/
http://times-up.org/
www.5bbc.org/
bicycle habitat offers a bicycle maintenance course.
read posts bicycle theft.
search for books such as "effective cycling" by forester.

Excellent ride report, gharding. You'll find the more you ride, the better feel you'll have for the bike & you'll slowly start building up endurance.

I remember riding my first Central Park loop on my commuter and feeling exactly the way you did. Now I'll ride 4 or 5 fast loops without thinking about it.

Locking a new bike outside is a BAD idea. It will get stolen/stripped. If you have no choice in the matter, I'd suggest getting a beater bike off Craigslist for the commute.

Welcome to the sport.

Some advice not yet mentioned:
- Keep your tires inflated to their proper pressure to reduce likelihood of flats, and
- Clean your chain regularly.

Happy cycling.

There's a hill in Central Park? I had no idea. ;)

As far as the commute goes: Yes, definitely take the West Side Greenway. It will wind up being just as fast, even though you have to cross the park etc. Also the intersections are the most dangerous aspect of riding in NYC, and that's not an issue really on the Greenway.

Also, if you haven't set it up this way already: I'd set your handlebars at least 1" above your saddle so you can see well.

Locking a new bike outside is a BAD idea. It will get stolen/stripped. If you have no choice in the matter, I'd suggest getting a beater bike off Craigslist for the commute.


Any bike will have a chance to be stolen..

S/F,
CEYA!

if you need to know bikes shops along the route I have given.

2nd ave area

67th St- Pedal Pushers on 2nd ave
41st - Conrads (Tudor City)
34th - Sids off 2nd ave
17th - C and M off 3rd ave
14th - Metro near 1st ave
5th - NY Velo on 2nd ave
Eldridge and E Houston - Track Star
Spring and Lafayette - Bicycle Habitat
Grand St by Williamsburg Bridge - Franks

You will never have to go far or worry getting to a shop.

S/F,
CEYA!

One thing I'm worried about is security. I bought an Onguard Bulldog lock (I think that's what it was called) and the guy at the bike shop showed me how to use it. Are there any extra measures I can take? Someone suggested registering the bike with the police (in case it's stolen), but I can't find a whole lot of information on that for NYC. Ideally, I'll be keeping it inside as much as possible, but I'd still like to cover all the bases.


If you are interested in that, call up your local precinct and ask for the crime prevention officer. If you want, you will fill out a form and they will etch a number in one of a couple places on the bike. If, for some reason, the bike is ever found, the police will be able to look up that etched number and get a hold of you.

If your bike has a serial number, make sure it is documented at home, and perhaps in your wallet. I'd also take a couple of good photos of the bike and keep them around. Know the make and model of the bike and the brand of fork. All of these will help if you ever need to report it stolen.

if you need to know bikes shops along the route I have given.
2nd ave area
67th St- Pedal Pushers on 2nd ave
41st - Conrads (Tudor City)
34th - Sids off 2nd ave
17th - C and M off 3rd ave
14th - Metro near 1st ave
5th - NY Velo on 2nd ave
Eldridge and E Houston - Track Star
Spring and Lafayette - Bicycle Habitat
Grand St by Williamsburg Bridge - Franks
You will never have to go far or worry getting to a shop.
S/F,
CEYA!

He can pick up the New York Cyclist Map. I picked mine up the other day from my local bike shop. The map is really good it shows you the train stations, bike shops, greenways and more.

The Sirrus is a GREAT first bike, and the perfect commuter bike. It was my first bike post junior high school, and I use it to ride to work every day. I have even ridden the Montauk Century on that bike, and it was fast and comfortable.

Some suggestions would be to have the bike shop chain the saddle to the frame. They take an old bike chain, enclose it in an old tube, and keep it so your saddle can't easily be removed from the frame. They may do this for free, but they may charge and small fee. Bicycle Habitat on Lafayette and Spring will do it for $8-$10. Also, if you have to chain up outside during the work day (as I do), make sure your LBS teaches you how to properly chain up a bike. Remove the front wheel and lock it to back wheel, frame, and solid object. Third, make sure to get a bell and some lights. It's light until 8 or 9 right now, but riding at dusk requires that you be as visible and audible as possible.

Finally, have FUN!

/cp

You're off to a great start. Really, Central Park is terrific for everyday kind of training. You really can't beat it. (well Prospect Park....).

Once you're in better shape, try the route 9w ride over the GW Bridge.

I commute and lock up a fixie on the street in the Wall Street area. Don't like it. But have no choice. I use to big locks.

Ceya is correct on the most direct route down, but you need to be sure riding the streets is for you. It ain't always easy, and it's certainly not leisurely.

Ceya is correct on the most direct route down, but you need to be sure riding the streets is for you. It ain't always easy, and it's certainly not leisurely.

I really enjoy riding on the streets. I don't have a car and kind of miss driving and this has a similar feel to it, maybe with a bit more rush. If I feel like doing leisurely rides, I stick to the greenways.