New to everything!!

[snpdragn]

Hey everyone! I'm new to the forum, and new to biking period. Or should I say I really want to get into biking, have for a while, but have no idea where to start. My bf is pretty into it, but when he tries to explain dropped bars and ultegras and the like, my eyes go crossed. Any advice? good sites? good help? anything would be appreciated!

Also, when looking for a bike, I'm really tall - 5'10" and I had heard that women's bikes were better for women, but wondered if that was true and if it would make a difference to me since I'm so tall.

As you can tell, I'm clueless, please help!

[greenchick]

Hiya, snp! Welcome! If you mosey on over to the "getting to know you" thread in the open topic forum, you'll get the full-on welcome wagon greeting.

As for the biking bf, it sounds like he's eager and knowledgeable, but a little over your head, yeah? Explain to him in words of very few syllables that you can't wait to get into sharing rides with him, but you're not ready for the technical details. In the mean time, though, he can introduce you to the local bike shop that I'm *sure* he's a regular at ;) .

... and then let him go ogle some new toys while the bike shop folks have you sit on a whole lot of different bikes. There's simply no way to know what bike is going to work for you -- it's a women's frame for some, and not for others, so don't go in with any preconceived notions about that. Your proportions matter more than your height in this, although you'll find that you've got a larger range of choices than us short women (for whom some lines just don't exist). The bf can give you a knowledgeable second opinion, and might open the door to a not-so-enlightened shop dude taking you more seriously, but sitting on a lot of different bikes is the only way you'll find the one.

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE=snpdragn]

Also, when looking for a bike, I'm really tall - 5'10" and I had heard that women's bikes were better for women, but wondered if that was true and if it would make a difference to me since I'm so tall.

Welcome snpdragn - I dont ride a womens specific design and Im 5'4". I think greenchick hit it on the nose try lots of bikes and see what fits you best we are all so different .

Have fun and enjoy the search for the perfect bike. :)

PS - There are heaps of us newbies here so you will never feel clueless with us.

[snpdragn]

Yes, He is a lot over my head... and it's not that he's not eager for me to learn and join him, but we're so competitive as a couple that I can see the learning part being especially frustrating for the two of us. Meaning... I'd want to choke him!
But, he's full of info as he learns more, and he knows people that know a lot. They just live an hour away from me and it makes joining the group and going on daily rides a little difficult.
And unless someone is pointing the stuff out to me directly or explaining directly, I'm afraid this is something I'm not going to pick up on the mechanics of as easily.
The biking, sure, but the gears and all of that? Where would I BEGIN?
But your info is very helpful! lol, so is the patient tone!
I'll head over to the other thread and read it!

Lish

[bcipam]

Welcome Snp... Hope you get into biking. A great sport to do with a loved one.

Welcome the chance to learn. Go with the bf to the LBS and listen to him talk to the sales folks. Check out the bikes and ask about components, understand what they do and why, what's better. I say if you have an interest, get educated. Many a poor chick who fails to learn the rope gets taken by a BF and the LBS because she left it up to the guys. i.e. don't be or act stupid!

As to a WSD bike, they are specifically made for women whose proportions are long legs, short upper bodies and arms. Bike fit has more to do with reach than "stand-over". When properly seated on the saddle, can you reach the brakes and shifters? If it's a big stretch you might need a WSD bike. If you have long arms as well as legs, the "man" bike (did we not already have this discussion on another thread?) might be the ticket. Typically, the regular, i.e. non-WSD bikes have better components for the money. Don't ask me why.

Great way to start is borrow a bike. Try to find someone close to your size and give it a whirl. Start out slowly. Try bike paths, the local beach, park whatever, so you feel comfortable just riding then go out on the street. Make sure your bf explains road safety and proper hand signals etc. Spend some time reviewing this website - lots of discussion re clothing, shoes, gloves, saddles, etc.

Good luck - have fun - get addicted like the rest of us.

PS: I can talk bike components and mechanics with the guys, doesn't make me any less of a chick!

[snpdragn]

The great thing about him is, he'd never let me be stupid about it, and wouldn't take advantage by letting me get something I don't need at this stage of my riding!
I'm trying to make my way through the threads, but with dial-up, it's painful! Living in the country only leaves me with the option of riding on the roads and there are no bike clubs down here like there are where he lives.
That means that most of the info I get will have to be through stories and not necessarily someone pointing stuff out... it's a LONG drive to the bike shops nearest here, meaning that when I do buy I will have to have extras of the things that I might end up needing along the way, just in case.

I appreciate the help! And to be honest, I've found more knowledgeable women on the subjects than knowledgeable men, and that's nice, but some questions I'd still rather have complete strangers answer!

[runner2]

I'm also new to this TE team, just register today, welcome to the cycling world, let's have some fun!
I don't think you need WSD bike, because your upper body is longer than most of women. And get ready to write some checks.
Cycling is a good cross training for any sport, you will love it.

R.

[snpdragn]

I don't mind writing checks... at this point (and for the next four or five months) I'll have an extra 1100 or so a month. So... saving up a bit or even impulse buying is not difficult!
welcome also!

[drplasma64]

Welcome! The most important thing to do is find a bike that fits you well. Only you will be able to determine that. After you find the right frame for you, most mass produced companies have several levels with different components...BF will certainly help you with that decision, which is not really as critical IMO. If you get the right frame, but low grade components, you can run them into the ground and then replace them with higher quality stuff if you want. But, if you get a bike with good components that isn't comfortable...you're stuck. So test test test ride all the bikes you can get your hands on.

But I'm a newbie too, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

[snpdragn]

But it sounds like great advice! And it's really appreciated!

[NorCalGal]

Hello snp! I'm a newbie too, but I wanted to say that one of the smartest things you've done so far is to register on this site and read through the threads! The women here are some of the most encouraging and enthusiastic you'll find anywhere.

I also live out in the country far far away from my LBS, so I took a couple of bike maintenance classes through a local community college "continuing education" program....learned how to change flats and clean my chain, etc. I also bought a good bike repair and maintenance book recommended by the instructor.

There's been good advice on this thread for you...I don't think I can add anything new, but I did want to empathize with you about your BF trying to "educate" you as to bikes. My DH is my waterski coach and I learned that just because they're guys who know something about a sport doesn't mean they communicate well. :)

[snpdragn]

Isn't that the truth! He's fantastic at teaching other people (he's a grad student, so he's a T.A.) just the people closest to him try his patience! (and enjoy doing so!)

your local cc, eh? That's awesome. The most strenuous thing they teach in continuing ed at my cc is basket weaving. and I wish I were joking.

But, I know that I can pull the damsel in distress thing on him and his friends to help me overcome flats and the like. I had told him in the beginning that I wasn't going to go with him at all if he didn't teach me first. (it would just be irresponsible of me.)

all in all, I'm excited. I just need to start bike shopping... and that seems like quite a chore!

[CorsairMac]

welcome again snp: you could also check with your LBS and see if they offer a basic maintenance course.......most do. I also told the guys at my LBS that I was the one that was going to have to do the work on my bike (which in my case is true) and to please show me what they're doing so I don't have to keep going in there for the little stuff......and they do. Like everyone else said - fit fit fit. You'll Know which bike is right for you: it's kinda like going to the eye dr...you know that feeling when they get the right prescription dialed in?? Bike fit is the same thing.

[Musclicious505]

The local REI store here gives a free basic maintenance course and also a more extensive one that you have to pay some $ for. I dont know if you have one nearby but that might be another idea for ya.

[snpdragn]

LBS I understood. REI?

The store out by Nick does offer classes and most likely I'll make the trek there during a week or weekend when I'm staying with him.
I don't like owning something that I can't take care of. Just like when I bought my first car, buying a first 'real' bike will include me learning how to do basic maintenance BEFORE i become involved in riding a lot. Otherwise it'd be inane to become an independent rider without that knowledge, right?

[Kimred]

Hello,

First I think it's great that you are getting into cycling with BF and it can make you a very strong rider when there is some friendly competiveness going on. I know my DH pushes me all the time and he's made me a much stronger rider. It's just a great sport to share with a SO!

For the bikes, I am 5'6 1/2 longs legs and arms the women's bikes always make me fell crunched up. I felt like I was riding a little girls bike just did not work for me. But like the others said test,test,test it's so important. This time of year can be a great time to negotiate prices I know lots of local bike owners who give some good deals so don't be afraid to ask! Sounds like your BF will have your back on that end anyways.

P.S I have a Klein Q Carbon Team and Love it! It's a looker too!

Kim

[bcipam]

LBS I understood. REI?

The store out by Nick does offer classes and most likely I'll make the trek there during a week or weekend when I'm staying with him.
I don't like owning something that I can't take care of. Just like when I bought my first car, buying a first 'real' bike will include me learning how to do basic maintenance BEFORE i become involved in riding a lot. Otherwise it'd be inane to become an independent rider without that knowledge, right?


REI (Recreational Equipment Inc) - the name of a chain of sporting goods stores. They are big out here in CA.

I like your attitude about being educated. I know tons of woman who come out to ride and let their boyfriends do all the work, bike maintenance, tire changing etc. I think that's foolish. So if you and the BF gosh forbid, break up - where does that leave you? WIth a bike you can't ride if something goes wrong!

2 stories - there is a woman in my Club that makes a big deal about being a girl and not having to change her own tires. OK, that went well for awhile, then for most of the guys got old. Now if she gets a flat, most ride by. They feel taken advantage of. Helping out once in awhile is not a problem. Always is.

Another story, a friend just recently had an accident and had to shop for a new bike. She is upset at the prior LBS. I asked why? "Did you know he sold be a frame that was 5 years old (actually it was 3)?" she whined. "Duh, yes, how do you think he could sell it so cheap? You told him your price and he put a bike together for you, you didn't ask about components, materials nothing. " I responded obviously not sympathetically enough. I don't think she got taken but she could have done better had she known. Alittle education goes a long way.

Do a little research re bikes, materials, components. All of this information is available online. When you make the trip to the LBS, ask lots of questions, but pet peeve of mine, don't waste the salesman's time if you have no intention of buying from the shop. That's just rude. Also, it is nice to have a woman's perspective re riding and bikes. Men approached cycling in a totally different way. They want an "aggressive" bike. Don't let the BF talk you into a double when a triple is probably better for you, you don't need Dura Ace ('cause its lighter and sexier) when Ultegra or even 105's are better for you. Get teh pedal and shoes that you feel comfortable with.

I wish I had you income and time to shop. I would love to buy a new bike but thankfully the old ones does me good, at least for now!

[snpdragn]

I really can't stand the idea of leaning on him for that kind of support - the taking care of every little biking need kind of support. To be honest, one of the things we like most about each other is our complete and total independence from each other.
The biking is something that we have talked about wanting to share together... not me wanting to do his hobby or vica versa. If I didn't like the very little bit I've done, I wouldn't even consider it. Heck, I don't go climbing with him! lol, but we do ballroom dancing together as another hobby.

And not to get too serious, but I have some minor heart problems that limit my exercising choices. So while I want to be able to go fast, I don't need to race. And while I will be on the road riding, I'm not going to try to go a bazillion miles an hour.
So things like that have to be taken into context.

And, if that woman had even TRIED, the men would have given her another chance. ::sigh::

I've insulted Nick a little bit because I've made the effort to get in touch with the chick that leads his team... I just think the learning would be better without him... that the sharing should be what I do WITH him.
Plus, you can't ask a men about sports bras, periods, and the like. And those things are important. Women's bodies are important and what I need is important.... Plus, she works at the LBS he goes to.

I am definitely a negotiator. I can't imagine spending money for something that I don't need, which is why I need to find out what those needs are in the first place. That's the hard part. But I've learned so much even today that I think I'm going to be okay. (a bit overwhelmed, but okay)

I really appreciate all the great help!

[snpdragn]

Holy Moly, I finally made it over to look at the Klein bikes and they're gorgeous... don't know a thing about how well they do, but they're gorgeous. I want a bright yellow one. :D