Originally Posted by
friday1970
Facebook Marketplace is a good spot for decent, cheap, used bikes. But, make sure you buy the right sized bike! I'm 5'6" (dont laugh), and usually ride bikes that are 50-52cm.
And when you get a bike, get a home bike tire pump, spare tubes, and tools to replace your tubes while on the road (including co2 cartidge system or handheld pump).
I can't recommend a used bike, particularly bought online, for someone who has never owned a bike.
The purchaser cannot know what size bike will fit if s/he hasn't spent a lo of time at bike shops taking test rides. Also, stems, bars, saddles, and seatposts are adjustable and replaceable, and can make a range of frame sizes fit a given rider. The purchaser won't know if something is wrong with the bike, or if it needs some basic maintenance which could make it a really good bike, or, if undone, could ruin the bike (like greasing or adjusting bearings.) H
Originally Posted by
friday1970
aving a helmet and/or gloves aren't necessary, but are highly recommended. At some point, you're gonna fall and your hands will take the brunt of the fall. Gloves will save your hands and a helmet will save your noggin.
Instead iof recommending gloves for the fall, why not explain that gloves are padded to prevent hand numbness form pressure on the ulnar nerve, and that in a fall NEVER try to catch yourself with your hands---you will break your wrists, elbows, collarbone, whatever, and not in any way help yourself.
Originally Posted by
friday1970
Once you start riding the open road, you might get addicted. And trust me, that is a good thing.
Absolutely.