hello all

I have a seperate post running just getting some final advice on which bike to buy

I am (will be) new to riding outside!

I am a 26 yr old female. Attend high intensity spin classes 3-4 times a week but now want to ditch those and get outside!

I considered road bikes, but have decided on a hybrid (road type) due to the roads i will be cycling on (commuting and weekend"exploring").

I am fully aware of that cycling outside will be a completely different experience and challenge!!

After advice for starting out. Have heard that the first few cycles are the worst and to stick with it! Once i get used to my bike and improve fitness outside i will enjoy? how many times would you say?

Any advice for starting out and staying safe will be most appreciated!

Thanks in advance and i look forward to speak to you all more in the future

First of all, great decision! You will love riding outside. I have a recumbent exercise bike in my basement that I used to use a lot (I've always been an outside rider, but this winter is my first time as a winter one), but now that I've decided to ride four seasons a year, I haven't used that bike at all. There's no comparison. You'll find that all the pounding music in spin classes, the display screens they put on the bikes, they're all poor substitutes for being out in the world.

I also think your choice of a hybrid for a first-time bike is a good one, especially if you might travel some rougher trails and because you're probably reluctant to spend too much on this first bike. Still, as long as you're going to take some time to make the purchase, try a lot of bikes. Maybe even try a bike with a drop bar (the funny, curly handlebars that you find on road bikes). They can be fitted with brakes on the top part of the bar and allow you multiple hand positions. You may find the drop bar the most comfortable; you won't know until you try. Find a shop you like where the staff takes time to answer your questions and ask you questions, is concerned about how your bike fits, and doesn't appear to be trying to sell you the most expensive bike they think you'll buy. Most LBS (local bike shop) owners don't make a ton of profit. They're usually good folks, but the bicycling world can be a little insular. Make sure you feel comfortable with the places you're shopping and you should be fine.

As for picking your bike, my advice would be to try a number of them and go with the one that feels comfortable to you. Make sure you test ride the bike and try to take it out for a long enough ride that you do some uphill, some downhill, some straightaways, and that you ride for at least 10-15 minutes so you have sense of how the bike will feel when you've been on it for a while. Your bike can always be adjusted to suit your comfort once you've bought it, and a good shop will make those adjustments for free, at least for a while. Your cables, for instance, will stretch and need to be tightened after the first 200 miles or so. You may want to experiment with seat positions and handlebar positions, but don't buy a bike that feels essentially uncomfortable right off because someone tells you it's a great bike. What's great for her might be the wrong bike for you. Once you've bought it, don't hesitate to bring it back to the shop for service and adjustments. Most buyers never take advantage of that opportunity, but you should.

Once you're out on the road, you will find that it's very different from spinning, when all of your attention could be focused on your workout. You will need (and want) to pay attention to the road and what's going on around you in order to stay safe. Don't let that intimidate you, though. It can be done safely, and is by the majority of cyclists who ride every day. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Ignore any advice from Americans who remind you to ride on the right shoulder, have a mirror on the left to see traffic behind you, and always get in the turning lane to turn left. You live in the UK! On second thought, when we give you that advice, just reverse it and you'll be fine.

2. On a serious note, no headphones, especially in traffic, but I think they're not the best idea on bike/walking/running trails, either, at least not for a beginner. In spinning class, the music is very central, but you need your ears for traffic, other cyclists, etc...You'll not only want to hear cars behind you; you'll also need to be alert to faster cyclists saying, "on your lef..." uh, sorry, "on you're right," as they pass. Can't do that with headphones.

3. Don't skimp on safety equipment. Don't go crazy. If somebody's thought of bike airbags, I bet you can buy 'em somewhere, but you don't need that. Do, however, buy a helmet. There are a few cyclists who argue passionately that they aren't needed, and indeed, in many cycling-centric cultures (Denmark, Holland, China) riders rarely use them. Even so, I think they're essential. It doesn't take a high speed collision with a car to ruin your life forever. A fall at 10 mph where you hit your head on a curb could be catastrophic. Wear the helmet and you'll be safer.

But a helmet's not the be-all end-all of safety equipment. I find a left (for you, right-) side mirror on my handlebar a big help. Others prefer eyeglass or helmet-mounted mirrors. Whatever works best for you is, in my opinion, very useful. Being able to see traffic approach from behind helps keep you more aware and makes merging into traffic to make that right turn (again, in the UK) safer. Others argue that the mirror lulls the rider into a false sense of complacency and discourages the necessary head-turn. Maybe they have a point, but I think I'm safer with the mirror. Also, wear clothes that are visible and eye-catching (not in the fashion sense--though that's up to you. Cyclists have a sense of style the rest of the world considers, well...interesting) and easy to see. This isn't just for darkness--it helps to have on something bright that drivers will see even when they're not looking for you. That said, if you want to throw on a dark blue t-shirt on a sunny day and go out for a ride, no problem. Finally, if you plan to ride in low light or darkness, get some lights for your bike. In the US, a bright red blinking light on the back of the bike is required, as is, often a white light on the front. In low light, I have a blinker. At night, I add a bright white headlight so I can see the road as well as be seen by drivers. You probably won't have to worry about riding in darkness for a while, but when you do, your LBS can help you.

There's more, but I've already written too much. The last thing I'll say is that it helps to find friends, both in the real world and here on the internet, to enjoy cycling with. I often cycle alone, but I like riding with friends and in groups, as well. I find that riding my bicycle has crept out of the realm of the mere recreational (a weekend ride, a ramble along a trail with my family) and entered other, more everyday areas. I commute to work on my bike; I run errands on it whenever I can (and of course I came to own more than one bike. I have two, but check out the signatures on these comments--you'll be amazed at how many people own!).

You may not become obsessed with cycling like all of us lunatics on this site (and I'm a newbie), but I believe you will like it very much and you'll find it adds an extra dimension to your life. I wish you very well. I think you'll find bikeforums a very helpful way to find answers to your questions and even to make friends who share your growing interest, if indeed it becomes that. It can be intimidating to read comments from people who clearly know more about cycling than I'll ever know, but by and large, the people here are helpful and encouraging, and just want to share one of the great joys of their lives.

Happy trails, davis11!

Cycling outside within itself, has its own reward. I can only think of one other human activity that's more exciting than cycling. Cycling is like being able to ride the most exciting ride at an amusement park, but being able to stop the ride whenever you're ready to stop. The main difference between the amusement park and cycling, is that cycling also has the extra benefit, called exercise. It's the exercise that maintains and improves upon your metabolism, your diet, your blood pressure, your muscle mass, your weight, your skin tone, and your mental acuity.

If you're not going to be a commuter, but only riding for exercise and recreation, then select the most scenic and enjoyable routes to cycle. Try to find at least one other person, with which to share your riding experience. This is especially significant if you are female and will be riding in secluded or isolated places, like large parks with either extensive trail networks, or deeply wooded areas. Make certain that you carry mace or pepper spray with you, just in case you have the displeasure of being chased or pursued by dogs. This most likely won't happen, but it does occasionally happen.

Also, wear bright colors and wear a helmet. Learn how to fix a flat before riding and carry your own pump and tire repair kit. Check your air pressure everyday that you cycle, just prior to cycling. Wear cycling gloves. If you should fall and you attempt to break your fall by catching yourself on the ground with your hands first, your gloves will quite literally, save your skin! Attach a horn or bell to your bike, so that you can worn pedestrians and other cyclists, that they're in your pathway. Make certain that you carry a full water bottle with you at the outset of your ride. I usually fill my water bottle up half-way and place it into the freezer overnight. I then, fill it to capacity, just before the outset.

Finally, make sure that you get the proper bike for yourself. The most important thing to consider when cycling, is your comfort-level. If you don't feel absolutely comfortable on your bike, you won't feel like riding it, at all! To this extent, go to many bike shops and test-ride many bikes, just to get the feel of various levels of comfort. One bike might feel comfortable, but the next bike might feel even more comfortable!

Try to get a chromoly steel-framed bike, if kept dry, it will last for decades. It has a large stress threshold and fatigue life. It also has an extensive yield capacity. I would suggest either a Jamis Coda Comp or a Raleigh Superbe.

Aluminum is also a good choice for the recreational and exercise-centered cyclist. If you're going to purchase an aluminum-framed bicycle, then I would suggest the Cannondale Bad Boy 9, the Trek 7.5FX, or the Raleigh Urban 5.

Always stretch before you mount!

Good Luck!

- Slim

PS.

Do NOT purchase a bike that has a suspended fork! It must have a RIGID fork!

* Also, bike theft is up everywhere. Buy a really good U-lock! Do NOT buy a used lock!

Thank you both for your posts! Really appreciate the time you took to give advice! thanks again! im excited about getting started. will spend this week trying as many bikes as possible

hey, you got lucky. a couple of novella's there...

i usually just get the short ones. like. FU and HTFU and occasionally a longer one, like, "you are such an A$$".

If your exploring will take you on gravel or dirt trails, take a look at the Cannondale Quick CX4

My advice would be not to over think things. Buy a bike that feels comfortable and start riding. Each bike has its own pluses or minuses but what's right for me may not be right for you.

I also don't think you should over spend or stretch your budget. The majority of bikes sold seem to be ridden only a few times and end up sitting in the garage. Also, you want enough money left over for essentials like a good lock, proper clothing, & probably some lights. After that a rack & panniers are usually a good investment as it adds more functionality to the bike

The only real secret about riding in the road is acting like you belong there. Be visible & be predictable and things should be fine.

Starting out, first and foremost don't for a minute let yourself believe that drivers will follow traffic laws or even behave in a sane manner with respect to bikes. Develop a thick skin. As you get more skilled and confident that becomes less of an issue. In my experience.

First guideline: Enjoy the ride. Everything else falls into place eventually.

You're welcome!

It's true, Slim. Buying cycling gear really is exciting!