Best Intro. to Cycling Book

[EDHGirl]

Hi. I'm just getting into riding a road bike. I'm using a friends while I do some research into what kind of bike to purchase.

I wondered if there was a good book out there that would cover all the basics of riding, equipment, vocabulary, etiquette, etc. I don't have a lot of friends who ride so I'd like to learn the basics before I start wandering into bike shops looking to spend some money.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[sandra]

This site has been the most valuable resource I have found.

Good luck and welcome.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I wondered if there was a good book out there that would cover all the basics of riding, equipment, vocabulary, etiquette, etc. I don't have a lot of friends who ride so I'd like to learn the basics before I start wandering into bike shops looking to spend some money.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

My suggestion is to try to find a bike shop that gives real life bike riding safety courses. Just make a few calls- it can't hurt to find out. Taking such a course or workshop would be invaluable to a new road rider. Safety is more important than etiquette any day! ;)
Also- There are quite a few good websites devoted to beginner cyclist tips- do some searches and you'll find lots of good info without even having to buy a book. :) Here's just one good one:
http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/index.htm

[Zen]

I'm currently taking a basic cycling class given by the local bike club.
I mainly just want to learn how to change a tire but the first session covered basic safety, clothing, signalling, and I don't know what else (I have a short attention span)
If they don't cover that I'm sure they'd be glad to answer any questions a participant has.
Where are you?

[indigoiis]

Yesterday I did a free workshop on changing a flat, bicycle fit, and basic maintenance at the lbs sponsered by Trek Fit for Women tour. Yeah, it was sponsered and yeah, there were pretty much Trek bikes for trying out, but it was a good event and I finally learned what I had hoped to. Plus there was food, and they gave away free stuff (a little book with pictures on all the how-to we learned, a water bottle, and a mini-tool.)

You might want to check to see if they will be in your area:

http://www.fitforwomentour.com/

[sundial]

I read The Woman's Guide to Cycling by Susan Weaver. It covers just about everything related to cycling. You might check Amazon.com for a used copy.

[EDHGirl]

Thanks everybody. I checked the search function and found that this question had been asked a thousand times so thanks for not calling me an idiot.

I'm in the Sacramento area and there seem to be a million bike clubs around so I will look into basic cycling classes. The hands-on method is probably the best way to go.

[indigoiis]

I think it's important that we also nag / ask our lbs to occasionally hold a workshop for new riders. The more we ask, the more they are willing to put them on. Especially if you tell them you'll bring a friend (potential new business.)

[latelatebloomer]

Hey, I just joined an author's critique group and Susan Weaver is a member! I gotta get her book before we meet!

[Trekhawk]

Hey, I just joined an author's critique group and Susan Weaver is a member! I gotta get her book before we meet!

Hey LLB - that is so cool. Let us know what you think of the book.:)

[jobob]

Check out Sheldon Brown's website as well, especially the Beginner articles.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

http://sheldonbrown.com/beginners/index.html

[F8th637]

Check out your local library. Once the bike bug hit me I went to the library and read all the books about cycling I could get my hands on. I'd definitely say it was well worth it!

[SadieKate]

Here are some ideas:

REI Park Tool Bicycle Maintenance School (search the different stores for different dates)
http://www.rei.com/stores/store_event_detail.jsp?pid=360A43EC0EB6AFB40DD23E5B05F19ED9&template_id=30&template_family=webDetail&ignore_cache=1

REI Cycling Classes
http://www.rei.com/rei/outdoorschool/Sac/Sac_regional.jsp

Bella Fiore
http://www.bicycleemporium.com/index.cfm?pageid=509

Women’s Wednesday Ride
http://www.davisbikeclub.org/