Imp88

Hello everyone. I haven't road a bike since I was around 12-14 and then it was just a bmx bike. 22 now and for some reason I thought about buying a bike that I can just hop on and ride around and enjoy myself.. and the more I thought about it, the more I really wanted to buy a bike.

So after some research I went with the Trek 7.2 fx. I come here with the question.. where do I even start? I am a total noob to this and want to make sure I start in the right direction. I'm going to get the bike most likely tomorrow. So how do I start? One thing I keep seeing is making sure I am "fitted" for the bike, should I ask them to do that at the shop?

And once the bike is mine, anything that I should know before I just hop on and start riding around? What is your guys opinion on how a noob should start? Anything else I should buy? I going to pick up a mile counter/speedometer and a water bottle for sure.

I want to build up my knowledge too, but mostly for now I just want to make sure I get the best out of my bike. I didn't skimp out too much on the bike because I want to give this a real shot and for some reason I know I am going to love it. So I am open to any and all tips you guys have for newcomers .. even the extreme basics. I just really want to ride it atm

-Most of my riding will be in city/urban areas. And if I can find any good paved trails that suit my bike I will gladly use them. My intent right now is to just hop on my bike without thinking and just ride wherever, if I can handle it.. I really wouldn't mind going out for hours.

cranky velocist

Find a couple of quiet blocks you can string together into a loop, get on the bike, and just ride. Expand out when you feel comfterbal. Ask the bike shop to show you how to work the shifters but don't worry, you can practice over time. Practice the breaks & turning first thing in their parking lot. Wear a helmet & don't ride against traffic or blow through lights. Have fun.

'Fitting' for a bike like that mostly just involves measuring your inseam for the right sized frame & adjusting the seatpost at the shop. You made an excellent choice on the bike itself.

Its that easy - 90% of what you need to know, you would already have learned on that BMX.

Boozerguyzer

Yea be sure to ask the shop to fit it to you before you buy it to get the frame size right, that will reduce the wear on hour hands/shoulders on long rides. Besides that, like cranky said, always wear a helmet and don't ride against traffic. Ride around a flat parking lot until you're comfortable with shifters/brakes and most importantly, HAVE FUN.

Biking gets easier the more you do it so just get out there and ride

giantcfr1

Buy a floor pump with a guage, and make sure it's set to presta valve (or whatever your valves are)
Ask the shop how to pump the tyre up, and do it by yourself in the shop. Sounds stupid, but all the shops here do it. When you have time, practice changing a tube. Take your time and check check check. The instructions can be found online, and usually the tubes have them inside the box.

Imp88

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the tips. Bike shop has yet to call me so it is not built up yet, I just can't wait to get my hands on it.

dolanp

Nice choice, I have this bike myself. Shifting tip - on the front gears (left shifter) you will probably stay in the same gear 90%+ of the time. You have 3 on the left (front) and 8 on the right (rear), for a total of 24 possible combinations.

I would put it on 2 in the front and then use the rear gears for shifting up/down. If you are going up a really steep hill and you still have too much resistance on the bottom gear (2-1) then shift the left one down (1-1). When you can't get enough resistance pedaling downhill on the top gear (2-8) then shift one up (3-8). Hope that makes sense.

Enjoy!

dpeters11

A lot of the fit stuff is more important on a road bike with drop bars. I don't think a hybrid needs nearly as much, other than making sure the seat is at the proper height etc. Certainly not a 3 hour fit like a road bike can take.

I'd go wireless on the computer if you can, it's also not a bad idea to have a basic toolkit with you that has a spare tube, frame pump under your bottle holder. I can't remember if the 7.2 has a quick release for the seat, if it's not I'd pick up at least a three way. I've had to adjust my seat height on the road in the past. A U-Lock if you plan on stopping anywhere and not be right by it.

I personally like to start out on the second ring in front and about the middle in the back. You want to avoid a big difference in your chain. I believe the 7.2 has shift indicators that have it marked out in three sections. It's best to keep the chain pretty straight. On the left shifter, the big trigger shifts to more resistance. On the right, it's the small one. If you shift the back more than about 3-4 gears, it's probably time to shift in front.

goagain

Oooh, that sounds like fun! What about a little bitty underseat bag to hold your ID, cell, credit card/$, and spare tube or patch? I have the Avenir Bigmouth, size small which is small but easily holds what I mentioned. Got it on amazon for $10 and it seems very well made. Sounds like you're good to go!

goast55

This was me a week before you!!! I've sort of gone crazy buying things for my bike since then. I'm a bigger guy (6'2" 240) and I tend to extend my left leg more (so I sort of wore out my left pedal already). Since then, I've replaced my saddle, added lights, u-lock, front and rear lights, a computer and new handle bars. I've also had to replace my front rim. I've already put about 115 miles on it and I have to say its wonderful. I hadn't had the privilege of riding a bike in about 10 years but its just relaxing. Also buy a helmet, don't be a dumb person and crack their skull open! I also bought a multitool kit because that just seemed essential.

BHOFM

Point already made, but again,,, Check your tires often! All bike tires loose air.

Keeping them right makes a big difference.

mac61

Don't over think this -- ride and enjoy. When you pick up the bike ask about seat adjustment and have them show you how to use the presta valve - it's a bit different from the air valve on your car tires. Keep proper air pressure to help from getting a flat. Easy way to do the gears to start is middle gear in front and 5th-6th in back for just riding around the neighborhood - after your comfortable with the feel of the bike you will start shifting to see what you like for cruseing and some speed.

obdon

Congratulations, you have made a good decision to ride again. Nice bike too! I recently started riding after 30 years and it is all coming back. I do wear a helmet and just got a little bike computer. Accessorizing is fun for sure. And of course, this forum is the best for learning anything you ever wanted to know about cycling. Enjoy!!

Lenient Process

I'm a 40 year old bike noob (again), having just bought a 7.1 FX last week. I've ridden it a few times, mostly around the neighborhood, and it's been a blast. I had bikes until my last one died when I was in college, so I've been without for 20 years until my wife bought one and let me ride it. Talk about instant love!

I just ordered some lights and a $20 computer for it. I think the next accessories will likely be a small wedge bag and probably some toe straps/clips. It's too easy to get my feet out of position or off a pedal entirely and those were a big help on my last bike.

It gets easier to ride every time, just take it slow and I'm sure you'll love it!