From bike messenger to recreational bicyclist

[freshwater_pr0n]

I was a courier for several years, and now that I've moved to a city where I can't make a living as a messenger, I want to start racing. But I'm so intimidated by bike jocks with their fancy spandex outfits and their expensive, off-the-rack bikes.

I haven't been able to find a good used bike that fits me. I'm in good condition, but I have a lot to learn about racing.

Buying a new bike is terrifying - bike store people aren't always the nicest people to deal with.

How much should I spend for a new road bike? And how much bike do I need? I'm a strong rider, but I'm going to have to spend some time learning how to ride with groups.

[LBTC]

Hi, pr0n, welcome to the forum! I haven't done any road racing either, so I can't help much, but hopefully the ladies here will have some insight for you!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Eden]

You wouldn't be the first messenger to come over to the dark side ;) We have a team out here that I'm pretty sure is mainly messengers and ex messengers. They do mostly track - being used to riding fixed gear bikes and all, but some of them do road race.

But seriously. Firstly to start racing you don't need an overly fancy bike and no one is going to make fun of you if you don't have the latest and greatest - especially if you are doing well..... Don't get me wrong, it will be harder if you have a very heavy bike, but getting a lighter one will not take you from falling off the back to winning. How much can you spend? A decent aluminum bike can be had for under $1000 new, less if you can find a good used bike. Steel is fine as well, though older steel bikes tend to be on the heavier side and new steel bikes are often more expensive than aluminum. Both Raleigh and Fuji make good value entry level racing bikes. Just go for something that has a double - triples are not very useful for racing. As far as handling bike shops goes - do your research, know what you want when you go in and don't let them make you feel like you don't know what you are talking about. When I went in to get my race bike last summer they kept looking at my husband and tried to convince me I needed the wrong size... In the end I got the bike I wanted, but yes if was frustrating.

If you can get involved with a team there are often deals that make buying new equipment less expensive, but then you have other expenses like purchasing a team kit (yes dreaded spandex - but I would be really uncomfortable and probably end up with saddle sores without it). At the lower levels it may not be necessary to have a team to be sucessful if you are very strong, though it certainly is more fun. If you want to and can advance then a team is important. Cycling is not really an individual sport and a team of weaker riders can beat one stronger person by using good tactics unless that person is strong enough to just ride away from everyone.

It's good that you wan't to start learning to ride in a group. I don't know you so I certainly cannot judge your handling skills, but there is nothing scarier than a very strong rider who handles poorly in a pack- doesn't know how to hold a line through a corner, doesn't know how to paceline, brakes a lot etc. This is another good reason to get involved with a team. Don't be too harsh on the "bike jocks". Unattatched riders are usually treated with a bit of hesistation just because everyone is worried about their own skins and it is felt that it is best to avoid anyone that might be a hazard. Not that you can necessarily tell that a person is a good bike handler just because they are on a team (and you get to know which teams do or don't train their riders very well...), but its generally felt that it is safest to assume that unattached riders have little to no group experience so everyone is already keeping a sharp eye on them and are apt to say something if the person is riding at all erratically. It's not personal, its just that no one wants to crash.

[East Hill]

I think Eden pretty much said it all!

East Hill

[freshwater_pr0n]

Don't be too harsh on the "bike jocks".

I have every intention of becoming one, so I'd better not be. :)

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question so thoroughly!!

[fikustree]

Hi, I just saw that you are living in Austin so I thought I could help a little. First off, craigslist has a ton of really good deals. So many people in Austin bike that are very rich and they get new bikes every season so you can find a lot of stuff there. Also, there is a shop called Ozone Bike on Guadalupe, they have a lot of really nice people their that are non-intimidating that will help you. Every time I go they are really friendly and never pressure me to buy anything. There is also a new place on Barton Springs and Lamar that is small and local. The Bicycle Sport Shop is a bit more intimidating but you can get your spandex there ;)

Also, if you are interested in volunteering the yellow bike project is a really great way to get to know people in the community and help out a bit. Bike across boarders is another organization with lots of good people.

[makbike]

I am not a racer but I offer these two suggestions. First, check with your local bike club for they may have a race team that will not hesitate to take a newbie into their fold. Second, join the local bike club, check out their new rider clinics (I know you are not a "new" rider but they will teach you how to ride with a group) and participate in their group rides.

Good luck and keep us posted.