New and Getting Overwhelmed

[MrsSmith]

Hello!

I've recently become very interested in cycling and I'm about to buy my first road bike. As I do with most things, I tend to obsess a bit at first and now I'm almost in the "information overload" zone! Please help me take a step back and just get started.

I'm not trying to race, not yet at least, and I really just want to have a decent bike and proper equipment that will allow me to successfully participate in some group rides, increase my fitness level, and have some fun. I'm starting to think I need every piece of equipment in the world before I've even bought a bike. I don't want to spend thousands up front in case I can never overcome my fear of traffic, or I just don't enjoy it like I think I do. I'm hoping for no more than $1000 initial investment. So, here's what I'm sure I need:

1. Bike - I've ridden a few at different shops and I really like the Scattante W350 best so far. I know it's Performance's house brand, but it seems like it's solidly constructed and it feels comfortable. It's hard to find reviews online about the brand, but I'm thinking it might be the one for me. Plus, it's on sale for only $499 (reg $999), so the price tag is more than right! Does anyone know anything about these?

2. Helmet

3. Gloves

4. Water bottle cage

5. Basic maintenance kit and spare tube

6. Shorts and jersey or cycling shirt (I'm leaning toward jersey)

7. Bike computer (although I'm leaning toward the CycleMeter iPhone app for this)

Is there anything else you'd say is a must have to get started? The more I read the more I feel like I'm going to be grossly unprepared. I'm scared to death of clipping in so I don't know if I want to invest in clip-less pedals and shoes, although my sister (who I'm following into this) says to just do it, that you get used to it very quickly and it helps you go further. I just don't know.

Do I have to have a bag to attach to the frame for food and whatnot? What am I missing?

Thanks!

[OakLeaf]

1. Take a step back.

2. Just get started. :D :D


Seriously, it sounds like you've got your bases covered. There's no law that says you have to ride clipless, but if you choose not to, I'd recommend using platform pedals and street shoes, not toe clips, which is a whole 'nother learning curve that's actually harder and scarier than clipless. You don't say what kind of riding experience you already have, but if you'll be dealing with a lot of learning curves at once (riding position on a road bike you mentioned, but are you familiar with derailleur shifting, rim braking, looking behind you with or without a mirror, just to name a few) ... then it's probably smart to put off the additional learning curve of clipless pedals. They don't help you go further per se, they help you ride more efficiently, but that's a "want" not a "need" when you aren't racing.

Most of us find that 90 minutes to 2 hours is the longest we can ride efficiently without some calories. How you get those calories is up to you - whether it's solid or liquid, real food or sports nutrition, carried with you or bought along the way. If you just want to have a gel tucked away for blood sugar emergencies, that will fit in your flat tire bag or jersey pocket. Most jerseys have big enough pockets for an energy bar or small sandwich or piece of fruit, whatever you like and whatever your stomach will tolerate on a ride.

You don't mention your inflation system - pumps and CO2 inflators each have their advantage, but make sure you have at least one of those or the spare tube won't do you much good! Personally I carry a spare tube AND a stick-on patch kit, a CO2 inflator with two cartridges AND a very small back-up hand pump "just in case."

I would put on a second water bottle. If you're thinking about going long enough to need food, you'll need more water first. Especially as the warmer months are approaching.

And, have fun!

[Owlie]

Relax! I know it's overwhelming.

Get some platform pedals. I think the W350 comes with the toe cages. Chuck them and pick up a pair of $14 flat pedals and just ride with those and tennis shoes for right now. It took me a year to buy clipless pedals, and probably another 6 months to get comfortable with them. You don't want TWO learning curves going on at once!
A little multitool is a good idea, as is a mini pump or CO2. (I carry both.)

Second water bottle cage and bottles, if you don't have them. Get a bigger seat bag for gels and things, or they can go in jersey pockets.

I'd get the computer, personally. Those apps kill batteries, and I'd hate to be stuck without a phone when I need one.

[thekarens]

These three have covered it all.

I'd like to mention if you forget something or don't get something immediately it's not a big deal. When I first got my bike I only rode it around the neighborhood or local park. I didn't have all the stuff, just a helmet and one water bottle. As I wanted to venture further out I added the other stuff.

The biggest thing is to enjoy yourself. Welcome to the wonderful world of cycling!

[colorisnt]

I bought everything all at once because I had a 0% APR offer when I bought my bike. It was the bike, pedals, shoes, computer, and bottles and cages. I didn't need anything else, really. I like my pedals but there was a learning curve. However, within a week, I was fine with them. I just needed to spend time in a church parking lot where I had to breathe calmly and ride around. I then tooled around the neighborhood and didn't get hurt with stop signs there. Before I knew it, I was a pro. I second the "buy platform pedals or go clipless" route. Even better (in my opinion) buy pedals that can be platforms OR clipless pedals. That gives you the opportunity to go clipless. Once you do, you won't want to go back for long rides, but they give you flexibility. I commute on the same pedals that I ride long rides on but I wear tennis shoes on the platform side most days because of university traffic being frightening while maneuvering with full panniers. Throw in being clipped in and it can be an issue.

As for the bike, just get what you are comfy with. Get fitted properly and you're good to go. No one is going to say "Oh God, that's a bad bike". Everyone has preferences with bikes. And if people do, they aren't worth your time. But seriously, I have never in three years of riding road bikes seen that :) Cyclists are good people for the most part.

The computer is invaluable. I third this. I have been through two now. The one got burned up in the Missouri summer. I've never paid more than $40.00 for one. They're cheap and effective. The guys that actually ride crits at the store recommend the cheaper ones. Putting ones that require cadence on is a pain. I recommend you have them put it on for you when you buy the bike because they are a bit of a PITA to put on yourself. I do my own maintenance now but putting one back on after taking wheels off and truing the back up after a brake malfunction was a pain the first time. You'll just want to enjoy your bike at first!

Have fun and just go out and ride!

[ny biker]

I would add plastic safety glasses to protect your face from road debris. Other than that, you are set. They can be cycling specific warp-speed 600.00 glasses, or 6 dollar glasses from your drug store. Doesn't matter as long as they are UVA/UVB rated and plastic.

And comfortable.

[MrsSmith]

1. Take a step back.

2. Just get started. :D :D


Seriously, it sounds like you've got your bases covered. There's no law that says you have to ride clipless, but if you choose not to, I'd recommend using platform pedals and street shoes, not toe clips, which is a whole 'nother learning curve that's actually harder and scarier than clipless. You don't say what kind of riding experience you already have, but if you'll be dealing with a lot of learning curves at once (riding position on a road bike you mentioned, but are you familiar with derailleur shifting, rim braking, looking behind you with or without a mirror, just to name a few) ... then it's probably smart to put off the additional learning curve of clipless pedals. They don't help you go further per se, they help you ride more efficiently, but that's a "want" not a "need" when you aren't racing.

Most of us find that 90 minutes to 2 hours is the longest we can ride efficiently without some calories. How you get those calories is up to you - whether it's solid or liquid, real food or sports nutrition, carried with you or bought along the way. If you just want to have a gel tucked away for blood sugar emergencies, that will fit in your flat tire bag or jersey pocket. Most jerseys have big enough pockets for an energy bar or small sandwich or piece of fruit, whatever you like and whatever your stomach will tolerate on a ride.

You don't mention your inflation system - pumps and CO2 inflators each have their advantage, but make sure you have at least one of those or the spare tube won't do you much good! Personally I carry a spare tube AND a stick-on patch kit, a CO2 inflator with two cartridges AND a very small back-up hand pump "just in case."

I would put on a second water bottle. If you're thinking about going long enough to need food, you'll need more water first. Especially as the warmer months are approaching.

And, have fun!

This is great stuff! I have basically no real experience besides just tooling around on a cruiser, so I definitely have a lot to learn. Like....everything. I can't even pronounce a couple of the words in your post. That's a problem. Platform pedals and street shoes it is.

Oh, and yes, I forgot about tire inflation. Duh. Adding that to the list.

Thank you!

[MrsSmith]

I'd get the computer, personally. Those apps kill batteries, and I'd hate to be stuck without a phone when I need one.

Great point.

[MrsSmith]

I would add plastic safety glasses to protect your face from road debris. Other than that, you are set. They can be cycling specific warp-speed 600.00 glasses, or 6 dollar glasses from your drug store. Doesn't matter as long as they are UVA/UVB rated and plastic. (Did I get that right, Oak? :D).

A regular, inexpensive bike computer is best, IMO. Preferably wireless. I have this one. (http://www.amazon.com/Cateye-CC-RD300W-Wireless-Bicycle-Computer/dp/B000P1RO7Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370368355&sr=8-1&keywords=cateye+strada)

You could also get the slightly more expensive version if you want cadence. (Rotations per minute of your pedal stroke). Cadence is nice to make sure you are spinning rather than in too hard a gear.

Hooray! Something I already have (the glasses)! Thanks for the reminder, though.

And now I'm back to the bike computer. They aren't as expensive as I thought they'd be anyway, so that's good. Thanks for the link.

[marni]

as far as clothing- a jersey since it will have rear pockets into which you can stuff your wallet and id, cell phone, a nutrition bar etc. My preference is for jerseys with three pockets, full length zipper and scereaming bright colors for visibility. You might also want to consider a flasher or safety light of some sort. I have a blinking white light front and a blinking red light in the rear both of which are visible in daylight. You might also want to consider an under seat tool bag for your spare tire, tool kit, tire levers and inflation kit or failing an inflation kit, a frame pump, and a patch kit along with a couple of any of the following as a tire boot to cover a hole in case that is the cause of a flat: a folded dollar bill, and empty gu packet, a small piece of tire tube slit open, or anything which will cover the hole firmly enough to prevent the tube from pressing through from the inside. If you don't like riding with bulky pockets, you can get a so called bento box or small pouch which velcros to the top tube just in behind the handlebars. If and when I use one, it holds my gu, shot blocks a right bar and my camera.

incidentally, my motto is 3 pockets good to go.

[Melalvai]

For getting over fear of traffic, I recommend taking Traffic Skills 101 from the League of American Bicyclists. You can find out if anyone is teaching that in your area at this website (http://findit.bikeleague.org/search/). If not, check for instructors in your area and let them know you are interested in the class. Sometimes they don't have anything scheduled because they don't know anyone is interested.

[MrsSmith]

I'd never heard of that. Thanks! I'll check it out.


For getting over fear of traffic, I recommend taking Traffic Skills 101 from the League of American Bicyclists. You can find out if anyone is teaching that in your area at this website (http://findit.bikeleague.org/search/). If not, check for instructors in your area and let them know you are interested in the class. Sometimes they don't have anything scheduled because they don't know anyone is interested.

[MrsSmith]

For getting over fear of traffic, I recommend taking Traffic Skills 101 from the League of American Bicyclists. You can find out if anyone is teaching that in your area at this website (http://findit.bikeleague.org/search/). If not, check for instructors in your area and let them know you are interested in the class. Sometimes they don't have anything scheduled because they don't know anyone is interested.

Thanks! I looked it up but there's nothing remotely close. It's odd. I live in a major metropolitan area but it's reallly not bike friendly at all. Very frustrating. I've watched several YouTube videos, though, and that has been helpful.

[MrsSmith]

I bought my bike!

I got a Fuji...um...something (sorry, it's not in front of me and I dont' remember). It's an entry level model and it feels good.

I went back to the store and rode several more, this time outside (instead of just inside the shop) and this one was it for me. Of course I spent a bunch of money on other stuff, too, but now I'm pretty well outfitted and ready to ride!

And.....it's raining. :rolleyes:

The other good news is that I found out that there's a brand new paved bike trail right by my house. It's only about 8 miles long, but it's a great place for me to start and I can ride straight there (if I'll brave the traffice on the incredibly busy road I have to take to get there).

Anyway, thanks for everyone's help! I'm excited to start.

[thekarens]

Congrats! We love pics :-)

[Owlie]

I bought my bike!

I got a Fuji...um...something (sorry, it's not in front of me and I dont' remember). It's an entry level model and it feels good.

I went back to the store and rode several more, this time outside (instead of just inside the shop) and this one was it for me. Of course I spent a bunch of money on other stuff, too, but now I'm pretty well outfitted and ready to ride!

And.....it's raining. :rolleyes:

The other good news is that I found out that there's a brand new paved bike trail right by my house. It's only about 8 miles long, but it's a great place for me to start and I can ride straight there (if I'll brave the traffice on the incredibly busy road I have to take to get there).

Anyway, thanks for everyone's help! I'm excited to start.

Woohoo! Pictures? We like pictures. :)

[OakLeaf]

Yay! Hope it dries out soon!

[murielalex]

Ditto on the congrats and need for pics! Enjoy your new ride!

[colorisnt]

Congrats! Yes, pictures. And yeah, trails are an awesome way to get to know your own bike without the worry and stress of traffic. They are a great way to interval train, too. Which 16 miles RT is pretty perfect for!

Another great way to learn traffic skills is to go and ride with a slower non-competitive group of people to help "socialize". If you let them know that you are new to riding and are okay with new riders (some groups will say they are non-competitive and then expect you to have ridden in groups forever, it's weird), they will definitely make you feel more confident about traffic. I've been a road rider for most of my childhood and adult life but riding with more experienced road riders really helped me plan safe routes and made me feel more confident. Joining a club is invaluable, IMO. You just have to find on that works. Not all are created equal but once you've found a group that works, it's awesome :)

[marni]

sometimes bike shops or local riding clubs associated with a bike shop or business will teach safety classes. The big Schlumberger Club requires that everyone riding with them for the MS 150 take their safety class as well as several others which are strongly suggested although not strictly required. Wouldn"t hurt to ask around.