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Beginner Cyclist

Old 04-26-01, 01:15 PM
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Hi. I'm 22 and don't know how to ride a bike. I'm not an alien from another planet or anything, but I never had a bike growing up. I guess my parents didn't find that important. I just wanted to know if any of you out there know any tips on what sort of bike I should get and what I should know about bikes.

Thanks
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Old 04-26-01, 01:42 PM
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I didn't learn to ride a bike till I was about sixteen, and I didn't learn to drive a car till eighteen--and I never liked cars, but I like bicycles!

When I bought my mountain bike in 1993 that I used for a lot of commuting before I retired, I just treated the purchase like any important consumer purchase, and looked in Consumer Reports magazine. They ranked a lot of bikes. I bought the one they ranked highest in my fairly modest price range, and I still have it and love it.

Personally, I think an even better way to get the right bike for you, would be to visit a really good cycle shop in your area and rely on the EXPERIENCED personnel there to guide you. They would also be able to set up the bike correctly for you, which is so important it can't be overemphasized.

The problem would be finding somebody you can really trust. Is there a bike club in your area? Contact the bike club and ask around.

I hope you won't purchase your bike at a discount store or department store, but at a real bike shop. I think most people on this forum would agree with me that the added money for expert help, adjustment, and in most cases a higher quality bicycle, is worth it ten times over.
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Old 04-26-01, 02:54 PM
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A little note about department store bikes....
For somebody who hasn't had experience with cycling, whatever type, department store bikes seem nice until you start piling up the miles. They just don't hold up well, and you don't get any type of "expert service". I tried this route and any time something needed to be fixed that I couldn't do my self, the local bike shop didn't even want to deal with it. Spending a little more for a quality bike will make your riding much more enjoyable.


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Old 04-26-01, 03:36 PM
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I definetly support the suggestion that you go to a Bike shop rather than a department store. The department stores do a poor job assembling bikes and they can, in fact, be so poorly assembled that they can be too dangerous to ride until an experienced mechanic can tune it up. And also, the better your fist experience is the more likely you are to keep biking.
What is your price range??
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Old 04-26-01, 05:50 PM
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Hello, angel eyes. There's no info on your profile to indicate where you are from or what kind of riding you will be doing. If you live in a rural area, a fat tire back would probably be best. If you live in an urban area a CROSS bike (narrower tires but not the real skinny ones) would be best. A good bike shop, as suggested above, will help to fit a bike to your body size -Tall, Short, etc. Your body size determines the bicycle size you need. Be prepared to spend as much money as you can afford and maybe a little more because if you do not get a bicycle that fits you, riding will be a bad experience and you won't stick with it. A properly fitting bike is a wondrous thing. Good Luck! And do not be afraid to ask questions when you are shopping!!!!!
Also be aware that there are certain muscle aches that will occur once you start riding. They are normal and natural and the bike shop can suggest ways to overcome them, or came back here and you'll get even more ways to help alleviate those bothersome pains.
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Old 04-26-01, 08:09 PM
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Good luck in you search Angel, and welcome to the BikeForums and cycling. I can't add too much
to what's already been said.

If you're not sure what type of cycling you'll be doing, you can start off with a relatively inexpensive
(but good) bike and either upgrade it when you have more experience, or you'll have a better idea
what you need for your next bike, without having invested a fortune.

Check out several bike shops, as they'll each have different bikes and you'll learn a lot just from
the shopping around and talking to people. Also by visiting different shops you may
run into a bargain, but be aware of a shop selling you something just because they
have it in stock.
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Old 04-27-01, 09:27 AM
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Thanks everyone. To Fubar5, I'm looking to spend between $250 and $350 (CND). Is that alright for a good bike? And yes I do want to go to a bike store not a department store. To ljbike, I'm from Toronto Canada, the outskirts of Toronto. We have major streets and lots of traffic. But there are side streets and lovely neighbourhoods and parks. I'd like to start out on the side streets, maybe learn to ride with my daughter in the back. My ultimate goal is to be in a triathon

There is a program offered by Toronto Parks and Recreation called CANBIKE and they offer adult learn to ride courses. The instructors are trained and knowledgable in the area of bike and road safety and provincial laws and rights. I'm pretty excited about this and I'm determined to learn to ride. I want to be like you guys!!!!!!

Keep the info coming!

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Old 04-27-01, 10:11 AM
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Yeah that will get a good bike. I would try to find I dealer who sells Giant bikes. They have a wide range of mountain bikes if that is what you are looking at.
Note: I do alot of road biking on my so called mountain bike. I actually like it because a) I can hop over curbs and take short-cuts without worrying about bend my rims b)the fat tires take alot of bang out of pot holes. So don't get worried about the road bike mountain bike thing. It doesn't really make a difference until you get hardcore.
Here's a couple bikes I thought a would work well for a beginner.
DiamondBack Crest View: 330$, this is a city bike, not really a mountain bike or a road bike, made mostly for comfort.
Schwinn Sierra 700: 300$, this bike is also a city bike, and has an adjustable stem(holds the handle bars)so it is easier for you to adjust the position of the handle bars to get a more comfortable fit.
Specialized Hardrock FS: 329$, this is more of a mountain bike, comes with shimano Alivio, and SRAM shifters and a Rock Shox Jett fork. This is a good bike if you are wanting to go on some dirt trails at a park or something.
Also, competition will bring prices down a good bit, so the bikes may be cheaper than the MSRP
Happy shopping!!!
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Old 05-01-01, 10:44 PM
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Hello, again, angel eyes. You mentioned that you would be carrying your daughter on your bike. Make sure that the bike shop has a child carrier that wil fit the bike you choose. Not all bikes can be easily set up with a carrier. Or not all carrieres will fit all bikes. Which ever way makes sense. And I am slightly familiar with Toronto. Have visited there many times. Mostly for the Art Museum and and the Jazz clubs.
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Old 05-01-01, 11:03 PM
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If you decide to take your child on the bike, make sure you have quite a few miles on the bike before you decide to do this! You will fall, and yes, it hurts You dont want to put your daughter in that situation.
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Old 05-01-01, 11:19 PM
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Angel_eyes if you take your daughter on the bike, make sure she has a helmet, if she sees you with one it will make it a lot easier to get her to wear it.

Have you considered a bike trailer for her? They tow quite easily, and I think are much safer than the seats that go on the back of the bike. They all have a device on the hitch that will keep the trailer upright if you fall or lay the bike down. She should still wear a helmet, though.

I just started my grandaughter in the trailer a couple of days ago on short rides, and it's worked out great.

Good luck!
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Old 05-01-01, 11:24 PM
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Hi, angel_eyes! Welcome to the forum! I started my bike quest at my local bike shop. I guess I could've bought it at the department stores, but all the info I got mentioned to go to LBS. The first one I went to was okay, but not necessarily hip to service, and the other one that's closest to me wasn't too great either. In any case, just test some out before you buy. Buy from the LBS that you feel most comfortable with, too. I finally found one that I like, and they give me lots of good info--even if they're farther.

Okay, I'm pretty short, so I ended up with a smaller frame, so make sure you get a bike that fits you...you should feel comfortable riding it.

When I was a kid, the only bikes I had were too big for me, so I was eventually falling off of them quite a bit. I really love my Trek 820. You might do a search in the Women's forum for bikes made for women...a few posted about Terry bikes, but I didn't have the chance to look at those yet.

Good advice about getting used to your bike first, before putting your daughter in it. It's always good to break yourself in on the bike, so you know how it works. It took me a little while to get used to all the neat gizmos on the bike. As kids, we only had the pedal to use as brakes, and now I'm using brakes with my hands (okay, not with my bare hands...)! Go figure!

Hey, I'm still learning, too! This place has lots of good information and tips on where to find them. It's also great fun, and quite addicting.

Good luck with your quest!
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Old 05-01-01, 11:29 PM
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angel Eyes,
your in the right grove, I am from Toronto, if your planing to join the Canbike, I suggest you go ahead its a mass join group, as for your idea of riding with your daugther, postpone it for a later date when you have mastered the art riding a bike, the City streets of Toronto sometimes have a crazy traffic situation,, there are several Specialty bike store in the city if your interested I live in the 416 Telephone area code, email me in the member messaging I will give you my phone number and possibly direct you to a good bike store in the City....
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Old 05-02-01, 06:11 AM
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Hi Angel Eyes.
Keep it simple to start with. Your budget sounds good, and you can find some great bikes. There is not a great deal of difference between manufacturers at this level. Almoast all of these bikes have threaded eyelets to attach a luggage rack and child carrier.

You dont need any special bike clothing, but whilst you are learing the ABC, its best to wear long sleeves and leggings, to avoid grazing your skin. Cycling gloves are really useful in protecting the palm of your hands from the tarmac, and a helmet may prevent an injury turning nasty.

As a complete beginner, rather than a born again cyclist, you may need a few months to become skillful enough to carry a child. I think the trailer idea may be safer. Handling a bike at slow speed is the most difficult part of cycling, and a heavy child makes the bike handle a bit odd.

Make sure the bike fits you well. Many women try to ride bikes that are to big, and that is no fun. If you get a mountain bike, get the shop to swap the tyres for some with a smooth/slick tread. They are so much easier on the road.

You sound like you have plenty of local help, so good luck, and let us know how you do.
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Old 05-02-01, 08:38 AM
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Thanks everyone! I feel really supported here. Thanks for not thinking I'm a weirdo. You wouldn't believe the faces I get when I tell someone I don't know how to ride a bike. I might as well have a third eye.

I only wanted my daughter to ride with me when my skills are very good, like in two years! I really like the idea about the trailer. I think thats great. I'm trying to get in touch with the CANBIKE people, but I'm not getting any response. I'm not sure what to do there.

I do have another question though. Should I get a bike with thicker wheels or thin wheels? And how do I know if a bike is right for my size (I'm 5"6)?


P.S.- Where do all of you get your neat logos?

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Old 05-02-01, 09:13 AM
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IMHO I would start with what is called a "comfort bike". I would not worry about gears right now. It only makes it confusing and could lead to frustration. Let me put it this way. Current model year bikes are 27 different gear combinations you can use. As another poster said here make sure your frame is compatible with a child carrier or go with a trailer. I would reccomend a trailer. They can hold more weight, and have more protection from the elements. As far as model of bike, well go to a bike shop, not a department store and tell them what YOU need. Do not accept what THEY want you to have. Ride everything you can, and decide on which one is more comfortable. Mountain bikes get you leaned over alot. Road bikes you are leaned over even more. Hybrid's and cruiser's get you more upright and can be more comfortable to ride when you first start off. Remember the frame is the most important part of a bike. If you are going to pull your child get a sturdy frame. I can tell you to stay away from straight gauge hi tensile steel. Go with a Cro-Moly frame it is sturdier lighter and will last longer. If and when you decide to do Trianthalon's you are going to require much moe bike. That is something to look at down the road. Some manufacturer's I can reccomend for cruiser's are Schwinn, and GT. Here are some links to check out.
https://www.gtcomfortbikes.com/catalog/index.html
https://store.schwinn.com/cgi-bin/nco...CGRY_NUM=49081
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Old 05-02-01, 09:48 AM
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A bike fits you when you have plenty of clearance between the horizontal tube and your crotch, and when you can reach the bars without stretching or hunching up. How far you lean forward is up to you, racers like to get really low, beginners tend to like riding with a very upright back. The best position for comfort and control is probably in between these extremes.

"Comfort bikes" tend to favour a very upright riding position. They also have heavy frames and suspension system. You dont need this and it adds weight.

Cheaper (sub $600) mountain bikes and so-called hybrid bikes generally avoid sporty riding positions, and seem OK for general riding about town. They have wheel rims which take a variety of tyre widths. A medium sized smooth tyre is best, but any good bike shop can change them before they sell you a bike. Its not something to worry about yet.
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Old 05-02-01, 10:10 AM
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Originally posted by Hunter
As far as model of bike, well go to a bike shop, not a department store and tell them what YOU need. Do not accept what THEY want you to have.
Yes, don't miss this advice, I found out the hard way on this one. I told the guy at the bike shop I was going to be commuting to work on my bike. Since he was strictly an off-road guy, he talked me into a mountain bike because he really thought it was best. A year later, I bought a bike designed for road use, and I like it a lot better!

But the local bike store person is usually a good gal or guy who will help you. Just keep Hunter's advice under your hat so you won't be buying a second bike next year! Maybe the best thing is to get another cyclist to go
with you to help you buy your first bike.
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Old 05-07-01, 09:29 AM
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Hi everyone!

I'm a little bit frustrated about something. I can't get in touch with the CANBIKE people and I really want to learn how to ride safely. I thought about giving it a go on my own, but I'm scared. I don't know what to do. I see people on their bikes and I know that is where I belong. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old 05-07-01, 11:02 AM
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Angeleyes,

Click on these links:

www.city.toronto.on.ca/cycling/canbike.htm

www.tbn.on.ca/nf_members/links.htm

That last link also has valuable information under "Utilitarian Cycling".
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Old 05-07-01, 07:36 PM
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Originally posted by Pete Clark
Angeleyes,

Click on these links:

www.city.toronto.on.ca/cycling/canbike.htm

www.tbn.on.ca/nf_members/links.htm

That last link also has valuable information under "Utilitarian Cycling".
angel eyes,
pete Clark has already given you the website of canbike, as I have said before I live in the 416 area code just send me a private message I can call you and direct you to a good bike store here in Toronto, we have several good bike specialty store all around Toronto, thanx and my offer of help still stand,
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Old 05-14-01, 12:08 PM
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I'm so psyched! I can't wait to start bike riding. I just need to get a bike. If anyone knows of any good bike shops in the Toronto area, please let me know. You guys are awesome!

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Old 05-14-01, 12:56 PM
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I'm a little late noticing this thread, but for what it is worth, here's a resource which may help:

JonR offered some good advice about treating it like any other important purchase and doing your research. A great place for doing this research is www.MTBR.com (Mountain bike review) and www.roadbikereview (this includes hybrids and cruisers). Feed back on hundreds of bikes in all price ranges by people who have purchased and rode the bikes.

Good luck, you are about to embark on a journey that will last a lifetime!
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Old 05-14-01, 06:35 PM
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angel_eyes244ca,
there's a bike swap to be held on May 25 to May 27, at Silent Sport 113 Doncaster Ave., with tel No. 905-889 3772, or you can call me at my Phone which I have already given you thru the email I sent you
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Old 05-14-01, 09:08 PM
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This is just what you need as an adult learning how to ride a bicycle.

Here is a neat article written by Mark Twain in the late 1800's.

Mark Twain explains the art of learning to ride a bicycle in hilarious detail.

Keep in mind that the bicycle he is trying to master was the Ordinary, as it was called in it's day. That was the bicycle with the man-sized front wheel and the teenie rear wheel.

It is fun to see that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Read on. It is in "Text with line breaks" format.

FORGET DOWNLOADING THE ATTACHEMENT. It is too difficult to read because there are no proper breaks. I found another source for the exact same article by Twain. Go to:
https://www.bicyclinglife.com/HowTo/TamingTheBicycle.htm

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