Just bought a bike...

I'm 19 and new to all of this as well. I haven't used a bike in probably 10 years. I really wanted to get active and find a fun and not so intense way of working out so I thought cycling was the way to go. I had no idea what I was doing but ever since I tested out a Cannondale I realized I really wanted to start riding. Of course, the price was WAY out of my budget zone so after desperately searching through Craigslist I found a 2011 Terry Symmetry bike on sale for $500. I really liked it and enjoyed how it felt so I managed to negotiate it down to $440. I'm 5'1 and this bike is a size 46. I don't know anything about bikes so I wanted your input to see if it was a good deal and if I should add anything to it or just any tips in general about cycling as I find myself too scared to start using it around my campus because of all the people/ my lack of riding experience.:confused:

Here it is: http://www.realcyclist.com/terry-bic...ymmetry-womens


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Originally Posted by Littlecup

I'm 19 and new to all of this as well. I haven't used a bike in probably 10 years. I really wanted to get active and find a fun and not so intense way of working out so I thought cycling was the way to go. I had no idea what I was doing but ever since I tested out a Cannondale I realized I really wanted to start riding. Of course, the price was WAY out of my budget zone so after desperately searching through Craigslist I found a 2011 Terry Symmetry bike on sale for $500. I really liked it and enjoyed how it felt so I managed to negotiate it down to $440. I'm 5'1 and this bike is a size 46. I don't know anything about bikes so I wanted your input to see if it was a good deal and if I should add anything to it or just any tips in general about cycling as I find myself too scared to start using it around my campus because of all the people/ my lack of riding experience.:confused:

Here it is: http://www.realcyclist.com/terry-bic...ymmetry-womens


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Anytime that you can buy a bike that you enjoy for less than $500 is a great deal!

You may want to get wider tires, ie 25cc for better stability if you want to use it as a travel bike around campus
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

That is a GREAT deal. The current pricing for a new Symmetry is $1349.

According to the chart on the Terry Bicycle site, the tires are already 25c, unless that was different in the 2011 model:

http://www.terrybicycles.com/Bicycle...metry-Drop-Bar

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Originally Posted by Littlecup

I don't know anything about bikes so I wanted your input to see if it was a good deal and if I should add anything to it or just any tips in general about cycling as I find myself too scared to start using it around my campus because of all the people/ my lack of riding experience.

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Make sure you lock it up good! University/college towns are a favorite for bike thieves.

This is a bike you should bring into your home when not riding. A basement, an unused room, or a laundry room are good options. Apartment dwellers without such spaces often bring bikes into their living room. A private locked garage can also be OK.

Use a good quality U-lock - that generally means Kryptonite, On-Guard, or ABUS. Cable locks are real easy to cut, but using one of each type can be a good strategy. Make sure to lock up the frame, rear wheel, and front wheel.

I just checked and the tires say 28c...is that okay? @ Laura, I was thinking about getting the Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit plus the cable lock. It's just really pricy for me right now since I just bought a helmet. Do you think one lock is enough? My university doesn't have a big cycling community so I figure and extra lock on the front tire isn't that necessary. Thank you all so much for your input:)

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Originally Posted by Littlecup

I just checked and the tires say 28c...is that okay?

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Yes! Especially if you ride on pavement that is less than perfectly smooth, tires that width will soak up road chatter and be much more comfortable than skinnier tires.

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Originally Posted by Littlecup

Laura, I was thinking about getting the Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit plus the cable lock. It's just really pricy for me right now since I just bought a helmet. Do you think one lock is enough? My university doesn't have a big cycling community so I figure and extra lock on the front tire isn't that necessary.

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I use a Fahgettaboutit on my commuter folding bike.

The Fahgettaboutit is unique in the Kryptonite line as it actively locks both ends of the U. It also prevents the ends of the U from turning. To defeat this lock by cutting requires cutting either through the U twice, or through the crossbar. The On-Guard locks have this feature on most models, but they have a reputation of not being quite as reliable as the Kryptos.

The orange Kryptos are also good. I think the smallest orange one is the preferred lock for NYC bike messengers.

Instead of two locks, you can use one U lock and a cable with eyelets in each end. These cables aren't expensive. You could also use locking quick release skewers on your wheels (especially the front wheel).

I dislike cables even beyond their cutting vulnerability: They are always trying to coil back up. It takes a long time to weave a cable through a bike. This makes one want to skip using the cable for quick stops. Of course, that's when something's going to happen!

I just wanted to say welcome and that is a nice looking bike! I love the accent colours with the white. After you ride it a few times you will probably gain some confidence and start to relax. And before you know it you will be having a lot of fun riding! I don't know much about various locks except you should use one. My son's bike got stolen at university the one day he didn't lock it up and it was just a cheap Walmart road bike. But he still misses having it since he can't afford to replace it.

I am planning on getting the Kryptonite lock with the cable wire but now that I see the benefits of Pitlocks i'm wondering if I should also get a lock just for the front wheel or spend a bit more for the set.
I went for my first real ride yesterday and immediately became discouraged with my performance but I kept telling myself it was a good start for a beginner. I just really underestimated hills. I'm starting to get more comfortable with getting on and off the bike which was the hardest part for me haha I just really want to build my endurance and break my fear of riding in public (and downhill!)

And I can't thank you all enough for your comments because I don't know anyone else that can give me feedback or general information about cycling:)

On my primary bike I have secure skewers (non-quick release). I use a U-Lock with a Kryptonite cable : Lock the rear wheel to the rack, cable loops around front wheel and to U-lock. A lot of bikes here in Portland that get stolen are often locked with a cable lock, which are too easy to cut.

Do you have the secure skewers on both wheels? I was thinking about just getting the front wheel skewer since I will be using a U lock for the rear wheel along with a cable looped around the front wheel.

What do you all use for your road bikes? These locks weigh around 4 pounds.

So far, everyone says that they don't leave their road bikes unattended. But what if you have to go to the bathroom. How do you fit your bike into the stall?
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

I have actually taken my Madone into a handicap stall at a park. I've also just had it in the bathroom while I was in a stall.

P2

My presta valve just broke as I was pumping the tire. Is there any way to fix it without buying a new tube?

Sometimes the valve core is replaceable. Of course this means you need to find a compatible valve core. Tubes that have too many holes to patch can make good valve core donors.