General Cycling Discussion - New to biking and just bought a new bike

I am new to biking and just bought a new bike and I was wondering how it is.

http://www.thebicyclebum.com/qvfolder/redline.jpg

Here is the bike I purchased, its a hybrid redline 520. I believe thats it at least, I'd have to check the instructions. Now my girlfriends grandma got her a bike but hers is a $950 trek so when I was at the bike shop I informed the owner what she had and this is the bike he suggested to be able to keep up with her. I bought this one for $360 which was in my price range. I also bought a bike rack, and a few other things ie helmet, pump and what not. I am also going back to get a speedometer tomorrow. I have taken this bike out a few times and it seems to be ok. What are your opinions on this bike? Is redline a decent brand? Also the seat doesn't seem very comfortable on longer rides. Is this normal or should I invest in another seat? Dicks sporting goods seem to have gel seat covers, are those worth getting? Another idea I saw was bike shorts, what are your opinions on these? Thanks for your help!

Redline makes very good bikes. Good choice.
Saddles (seats) are a personal thing. Most people get one they like shortly after buying a bike. The saddle in the picture looks like it would become uncomfortable after a few miles. Look for one with less padding and one that is as wide as your sit bones. Ask the bike shop folks for assistance. Gel seat covers are a rip off and generally don't help with comfort.
Bike shorts (padded) are almost essential to cycling comfort. BTW, DO NOT wear underwear when wearing padded cycling shorts!! Underwear defeats the purpose of the chamois padding.
You can read about cycling shorts in other threads.
Enjoy the bike. :beer:

Thanks for the info. The biggest issue I have is the seat being uncomfortable after a little bit of riding so I will buy bike shorts before this weekend when I go riding again. Also will check out different seats when I'm at the bike shop tomorrow. Thanks again.

you might want to consider changing the saddle sit instead of using biking shorts with or without cushions.

the WTB V series are excellent for padding and comfort.

and this is after i tried several salle italias, which i still have on my shelf.

some times brand name doesn't mean crap when it comes to comfort.

The bike looks doable,I wound up trying about half a dozen saddles before I found one I like.

Thanks for the info. The biggest issue I have is the seat being uncomfortable after a little bit of riding so I will buy bike shorts before this weekend when I go riding again. Also will check out different seats when I'm at the bike shop tomorrow. Thanks again.

Saddles are a bit counter-intuitive. A big cushiony saddle is not necessarily more comfortable. Read this for more info:

http://sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html

Also, while speed is mostly about the engine (i.e. how fit you are), that bike is not a bike intended for fast riding.

what do you guys think of this bike seat? http://store.icyclesusa.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=icycles&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=825954616&Count2=743095040&ProductID=2827&Target=products.asp&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=googlebase

what do you guys think of this bike seat? http://store.icyclesusa.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=icycles&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=825954616&Count2=743095040&ProductID=2827&Target=products.asp&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=googlebase

the link doesn't work

the only true way to know if a saddle is good or not for you, is to put it on, and ride it for 2 hours straight :thumb:

then your bum will surely tell you if it's happy with it or not ;)


Saddles are a bit counter-intuitive. A big cushiony saddle is not necessarily more comfortable. Read this for more info:

http://sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html

Also, while speed is mostly about the engine (i.e. how fit you are), that bike is not a bike intended for fast riding.

yeah i have a redline 520 also. gets me where i want i to go. i like the chain guard to protect my pants. and i upgraded to kevlar panaracer tourguide tires as i was getting flats. i bought my tires at the place sheldon worked at harris cycles as my lbs did not have them in stock
have no problems with the factory seat that came with bike. i don't know how i would find a comfy seat as i ride slow so most of my weight is on the saddle.
i got my redline for 300 bucks. i think the lbs said they cost 430 or so new.
good luck with your bike

That looks pretty decent.

Get rid of that suspension seatpost - they are HUGE energy absorbers. You want the energy to go into the pedals, not the seat suspension.

Heh, yeah. Also, don't worry about booty aches until you've been riding for a couple weeks. Yer nether regions need to firm up a bit.

Heh, yeah. Also, don't worry about booty aches until you've been riding for a couple weeks. Yer nether regions need to firm up a bit.

Have to agree- but that one shown as the stock saddle on the bike will not be comfortable to a seasoned rider.

Takes about 100 miles for the butt and saddle to become attuned to each other. And that is with a saddle that is properly set up to the right angle- height and fore&aft position.

So good luck- If the saddle is fine in a month- great. If not- Start the search for a saddle that fits. Or change the butt to fit the saddle.:innocent: (Sometimes it seems as though that would be easier)

I actually went riding this weekend and wasn't sore. After reading the article on saddles I tried to put more of my weight on the peddles and handle bars and it seemed to have worked. Thanks for the help.