Hi everyone,

I'm in need of advice. I'm 39 and still don't know how to ride a bike but want to learn. I don't want a fancy bike -- just a basic inexpensive model designed for a woman, no bells and whistles required.

My questions are:

1) How do I learn how to ride? Should I ask a friend or get pro lessons?

2) What kind of bike is best for me? I only want to ride a few times a week and just around my suburban neighborhood.

Thanks for your help and advice!

Melissa

Hi, fellow Jerseyian... Hmm, I think it would be easy enough to get lessons from a friend. Not sure you could even get lessens from a "pro" since I've never seen any professional bike teachers.. . (Where can I get a job like that?) When you get your first bike, it is best to already somewhat know how to ride cause you want to be able to test-ride bikes to see how comfortable they are for you. And, IMO, I found it easy when I was really young with my older sister who taught me how to ride. At first with training wheels and then without. Didn't use the training wheels for long though and as an adult, shouldn't need them cause you would be able to reach the ground, unlike small kids.

2)As far as type of bike, one that is comfortable. Once you learn to ride, try a road bike, a mtb, and perhaps a hybrid, see which one you prefer and go for it. Some are comfy in mtbs, some are comfy for roads. Mtbs will be better for going anywhere and in NJ, the potholes, but I ride my road bike here all the time. it's just a matter of preference. An entry level MTB will be cheaper than an entry level road bike though or hybrid.

Jay

It's a balance thing. I usually put my kids on a scooter until they could balance on it without having to put a foot down. Then all they had to do was to remember to pedal. It can be painfully frustrating to learn balance, but anyone can do it if they just work at it a little. On a scooter you can just put your foot down when you lose your balance. They are cheap too.

You might find a tandem to rent and a friend to go, that way you can get a sense of the task. Great goal- learn to ride a bike.

A first bike. I envy you the joy, pleasure, triumph and rush of your experience. ANYONE on this forum will be able to tell you about their first ride, bike etc.

Hi Jae,

thanks for your reply.

Forgive my ignorance, but does MTbs stand for -- Mountain Bikes? And where should I shop for such a bike that won't be really expensive. Basically, how much should I expect to spend on a bike?

Sorry, yes, MTB == Mountain Bikes

As far as bike shops, where in NJ are you, yellow pages are always a good start as well as Google, but if you have a geographic area, ask here on this forum, cause certainly there are better shops and bad shops... Heck, they might even offer to teach you how to ride, cause one more rider means one more customer!

As far as price, best bet would be to shop in the fall for closeouts but say brand new, anywhere from $400-$500 will get you a decent entry level mountain bike or MTB A road bike will be more due to supply/demand.

I would certainly shop at a dedicated bike shop, especially being new, a real bike shop will have the knowledge, the interest, and the time to help you out. I only recommend any of the box shop stores to those that know what they're doing and those that know what they're doing shouldn't be going to big box shops because they don't carry the parts that they will need...

Jay

Hi Jay,

I live in Union County (Northern NJ). There's a bike shop in Westfield that's been there for at least 40 years. But I think they're kind of pricey because it's ritzy Westfield.

Of course, if I decide to buy a bike, I'll also buy a helmet.

It's weird -- I feel excited and scared thinking about learing at my age. I honestly don't trust my sense of balance.

Is that Jay's Cycle (no relationship! )?

I'm a bit west of Union in Morris, the only bike place I've been to which I'm not sure is there anymore is Get Outside in Ridgewood. There is also a Ridgewood Cycle too I believe over there..

Bergen County, all upscale!

Might want to try a store that has a large parking lot, that is uncrowded, might be hard in Bergen County... But anyway, if you can convince them that you are a serious buyer, maybe they have rentals they could let you learn on. I am pretty sure Cycle Craft in Parsippany has rentals and they have a large parking lot and a small space next to it for demos. Might contact them if that is not too far away:

www.cyclecraft.com

One thing when learning to, you can lower the seat a bit so you can comfortable touch the ground when you are riding. Your proper position typically raises the seat so touching the ground is a bit more of a reach but for learning purposes, you can experiment til you are comfortable.

Jay

My parents who are infrequent riders just bought some nice Raleigh and Trek bikes, I guess they were hybrid, bought were between 300 and 400 I think, maybe a little more. But both really nice.

Good advice from others, and Jay's is a good place to buy a bike. They are knowledgeable, will give you several options, and be there to sevice your bike. Try to go during a weekday when they're not too busy. Most bike stores get pretty rushed on Saturdays. Tell them that you don't know how to ride. They'll fix you up with a stable bike with wider tires - either a cruiser (think retro) or a hybred (nice, regular bike). If you're just riding around neighborhood, you will be set. Start out on grass, on level ground, in a park. Enjoy.

i learned to ride with a single speed (coaster brake) bike. my parents driveway had a slight gradual hill 2%, so i got on the bike headed downhill. i fell about 3x, but caught on, then came the peddling part in the street, but once you have the concept, the rest will follow.
try all types of bikes, go with the one you are most comfortable with.
welcome!
what area of nj are you from?

Melissa, you might want to look up a local bike club and see if anyone has a used MTB or hybrid for sale. You could start learning to ride on that, assuming it's an appropriate size, until you know more about what you need and want. You could also ask folks in the club about the various local shops--where to go, where to avoid. Clubs usually offer entry-level rides, so you can gain some experience and confidence on group rides with expereinced leaders. Lastly, shops or clubs often conduct basic maintenance classes, so you can learn how to change a flat, lube the chain--just real simple, basic things.

When you buy a bike, take into account several extras besides a helmet: a seat bag, spare tube, tire levers, a floor pump, maybe a frame pump. Even if you don't know how to fix a flat, you will likely get help, but you should at least have your own gear.

After that, the only thing still to do is enjoy your new hobby! And, by the way, you're not old enough to be "scared . . . about learning at my age."

Take a look at THE BIKE STAND in Scotch Plains. This is a smaller shop but the owner, Steve, has a decent selection of bikes that won't break the bank and you will get personnel attention. He also has a selection of trade ins that are inexpensive and may fit your needs.

This is a smaller shop but the service is the best and he is probably the best mechanic in the area. You won't go wrong.

One piece of advice, do not buy from Target or Walmart, you may save some $$short term but the bike will not last.