newridenewme

So I am very new to biking and commuting so any suggestion would be great. At present my bike commute home I am finding more difficult than going to work. The things I'm finding difficult are one going down a busy road with a hill. For the most part the drivers are OK but my concern is with how I am using my breaks. I tried just riding it out the first time and almost fell of at high speed. The last couple times I have been riding my breaks which can't be good. Is there any suggestions on how to do this hill safely. Also I really enjoy commuting but have a fever on and off what would you think is apprpate time to go back to commute.
I am feeling very new and am not enjoying my bike. I like to bike and I want to make this a daily thing since the doc said it will help my knee

John_1961

Try and apply a little brake at a time don't ride your'e brakes down hill just apply a bit at a time that will help control your'e speed. Hope this helps

tsl

If you don't enjoy it, you won't continue at it.

Work on hills in your off time--evenings and weekends. When I started out, I trained on evenings and weekends for my commuting. Traffic is hard enough without having to worry about your performance at the same time.

As for traffic, when starting out we all tend to ride the same routes we drive. You have much more flexibility with a bike. Investigate parallel routes and alternate routes.

The best driving route to my job is 4.3 miles via four and six-lane arterials. By bike, I use parallel routes and residential streets instead. By the more direct of these routes, my commute is 4.7 miles. My favorite detours through some parks, the cemetery, and the university campus, then loops around the other side of work and doubles back for 9.6 miles, but it can be shortened to 6.7 miles without the looping part. Either route is far more pleasant than a driving route.

These things keep my joy level high--being a capable cyclist (through training) and staying off the beaten path.

EDIT: I came into cycling with a bum knee as well. Within months I was no longer wearing my knee brace, and I lost my limp completely within a year. Everyone's knee problems are different, but most folks report success.

Vlaam4ever

If you're not enjoying the bike, dont commute on it. It's possible that a few modifications can be make to improve the feel, handling and fit to get you more comfortble on decents and more efficient with your performance. Check out your Local Bike Shop for suggestions.

It may be a good idea to ride a few extra miles during times when traffic is low. Being comfortable on your ride is key.

RobertFrapples

I ride my brakes down hills all the time. Sometimes because I am pulling my daughter on a tag-a-long, sometimes because I am riding a fixed-gear bike, sometimes because it is freezing and I do not want a 40mph wind hitting my face. If your rims and pads are good, you will be fine. (Assuming you are not riding down the Alpe d'Huez or something; in that case you might worry about overheating your brakes.)

If you feel that your brakes are not working well, spend $30 on a better set of pads (I like Kool Stop dual compounds). It will likely make a huge difference.

jrickards

I have a steep, albeit short, hill on one of my routes and when I'm not comfortable with the conditions (traffic, weather, road surface), I'll ride so that I crest the hill at a snail's pace before I roll down the hill, that way, when I use the brakes to keep the pace low, I'm not trying to slow from a high speed to a low speed but just trying to maintain a low speed which is easier on the brakes.

Although the primary braking force should come from the front wheel (there are many discussions on this), if you're just trying to maintain a reasonable pace, you could alternate between front and rear so that the pads are given a bit more time to cool if overheating is a concern.

cogdriven 

What kind of bike are you riding? What kind of brakes?

If changing bikes is an option, and you are not already running disc brakes, consider getting a bike with disc brakes. I find them easier to set up, easier to adjust and they will give you all the braking power you want with no worry about blowing a tire because of overheated rims. The down side is that they can be a little noisy, especially when wet.

Good luck and stick with it. Spring is coming and you will gain confidence as time goes by.

tarwheel 

Sounds like you just need to get familiar with your bike and put in some miles. However, here are some tips on braking. Feather your brakes if possible rather than clamping down real hard all at once. If the hill is really steep and long, you can also pump your brakes like you would in a car. Pumping the brakes is particularly helpful when it's raining or wet. Always use both brakes at the same time. You get much more stopping power out of the front brake, but if you use it alone, you can crash if you hit some sand or gravel. Finally, make sure your brakes are adjusted properly. You might need new pads if the existing ones are worn, or the brakes might just have cheap pads. If you replace the pads, get Kool Stop salmon pads, which stop better than stock pads and work better when wet.

JerrySTL

Maybe you can find an alternate route which avoids that busy road. It might take a mile or so longer, but be safer and more enjoyable for you.

jerseyJim

Strongly encourage you to try this. It is much easier to control your speed on a hill if you never allow the bike to get going fast. I also encourage you to take a bike safety class (Search for TS101 in your area at the link below). You will learn some very handy bike handling and vehicular cycling skills. These skills will increase your confidence and and make your rides more pleasant, less harrowing and most importantly, keep you safer.

https://www.bikeleague.org/programs/e...on/courses.php

polishmadman

Another problem with holding down your brakes Is that you can heat the pads up and create a smooth glaze on the pads. I've seen this on cheaper pads. This can decrease your braking ability and make that hill scarier. I agree with getting some KoolStop's.
I personaly, love the down hills. And thanks to Strava I'm not only trying to beat the last ride but other riders.
The ride to and from should the best part of the day. I use it to relax before work and unwind after. And I'm looking forward to it in between.

ronocnikral

if it is the cars that are spooking you, and depending on the speed limit and your speed going down the hill, you may want to just take the lane. On my way home I have a short down hill where I can easily reach 35 mph+. That is about the speed limit. There is a bike lane, but people are always getting in and out of their cars, plus there are driveways and people "poke" out. So, right before I get going too fast, I take the entire lane when I have the opportunity. Plus, I make a left turn at the bottom.

Some practice will be helpful as well to get you used to the speed.

spivonious

That would be scary. As you get more comfortable on your bike, this fear will go away. For now, take things a bit slower.

You don't want to ride them the entire time, just like in a car. Brake a little harder until your speed get under control, and then coast again.
If you're sick, you shouldn't be doing lots of physical exertion. Take time off of the bike and get better.

newridenewme

thank you all for your helpful words, i have an igo urban electric bike. i have taken it in the shop for the brakes to be ajusted. the commute i take is considered bike lanes either sidewalks or on the road. there is one main section maybe 10% that is on a buay road but this has the bike markings on the road lane. does anyone else use an electric bike to commute and if so how do you find it. i am to sick to commte at this time but everyday i want to ride my bike lol. i am not sure about what kind of breaks i have i will have to look, when i took it to the lbs they said cause they are new thry are fine and adjusted them. i am so cluless with bikes is there any spacific women learning basic bike mantance in bc canada.

fietsbob

Doesn't MEC stores, up there, schedule Bike Repair Workshops?

maybe even help you learn "Effective Cycling" ,<< google that, and there is the John Forester Book to buy & read..

https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/effective-cycling