Got my first bike!!!

[ribbit_zap]

I just purchased my first bike yesterday, and I am so excited!!! They had to build it for me since they didn't have my size, but it is all finished now and I get to go for my test drive tomorrow to fix everything. I had a really hard time deciding but I finally settled on the Trek 5000. I got a really good deal so I am super super excited!

I had to get a lot of new things but I am wondering if I can do without some things for the time being. I got the necessary: helmet, shoes, pedals, waterbottle cage, women's saddle....is there anything else that is a MUST for right now? Or can I get by for the time being? I was thinking I might want gloves, but I have pretty tough hands (from many years of rowing) so I might be able to put it off????? Any advice? THANKS!!!

[suzieqtwa]

In my experience ,I found you really need a good padded pair of shorts. Lights on your bike if you ride at night,and maybe a cat eye computer to give you distance ,and average mile per hour. A small pack for under your seat to put your tools ,and tube in. It seems like you always need something.
Gloves are a must in case you fall so you don't trash your hands...also you'll get callousness .

[ribbit_zap]

Thank you so much! That is very helpful. I will definitely look into those things. Thanks!

[Bad JuJu]

I agree with suzieqtwa, and just want to add that you definitely need a repair kit for the inevitable flat tires: a spare tube, a patch kit in case you use your spare tube and get another flat before you get home, some tire irons to help you remove the tire, and something to inflate the new tube with--either a small pump or a CO2 inflation system. Plus a little underseat bag to carry it all in. Practice changing a tire while you're at home, so you'll know what to do when it happens out on the road.

As your rides get longer, you will need those padded shorts and gloves. Don't skimp on the shorts.

[mimitabby]

My son has really tough hands too, from years of doing Karate, but when he fell off his bike, he still ended up in the emergency room for a ripped up hand. He wasn't even going fast. I do recommend gloves, they aren't that expensive!
He now has quite a scar there.

Please let us see a photo of you and your new bike as soon as possible

[Xrayted]

Congrats on the new bike!!

Yes, I totally agree with the ladies. Gloves, tool bag, tools, extra tube, pump and padded shorts. (there are some very important parts down there that you don't want to aggrivate dear) The computer and stuff like that can come later but it is nice to know how far, how fast you've gone. I had no idea I was riding that far when I finally got mine put on. It inspired me to keep going b/c I was seeing the progress. Good luck!!

~X.

[anakiwa]

Congratulations! (A Trek 5000 was my first 'adult' bike too.)

I agree with the other comments- the following are pretty important:

-Bike shorts (make sure they fit well or they may rub) - initially 1 or 2 pairs is enough (you can wear them under tights if you ride in colder weather).

-Gloves

-Some way of inflating a tire. I carry a small pump (it attaches to the water bottle cage). You'll want something that's always on the bike (otherwise the day you forget it will be the day you have a flat).

-Spare tube(s), patch kit (either 2 tubes or 1 tube and a patch kit will get you through most situations). Also tire irons.

-Hex keys (AKA allen wrenches)- these are needed for adjusting seat height, etc. (even if you have the seat adjusted properly, I've had very minor accidents (eg I fell off the bike) where the seat gets knocked out of alignment and I need to readjust it. There are some inexpensive tools (Park tools etc- they look like swiss army knives) that combine several hex keys of different sizes with screwdrivers (the screwdriver isn't absolutely essential, but is the sort of thing that can come in handy).

-Small saddlebag- while you can argue that this isn't essential, I think it's best to have all the aforementioned items always on the bike (otherwise you'll have forgotten them when you most need them). I also like to keep a $20 in the saddlebag so I'll always have cash handy.

A computer is a great thing, but not essential. If you're potentially riding after dark, at least get a flasher to hang on the saddlebag (this should cost less than $10).

Have fun!

[Tri Girl]

Congrats on your new bike!!!! You have to post a pic of it when you get it home.
I hope you have many years of fun rides together!!!!!

[Geonz]

IMO - gloves before the shorts. If you're not going far, it's okay.

My cycling buddies who are hardcore minimalists - ride in their jeans- have helmet, toe clips, gloves, water, and sunscreen, as well as spare tube and the odd tool or two. (I don't wear 'em on commutes of 15 miles and many of my layered rides.)

[pooks]

I rode 5.4 miles yesterday (first ride since Oct) in my padded cycling knickers and felt great. Today I decided to wear my jeans -- what difference could it make? Quit at 2 miles.

I think most people have tushies that need protecting, especially when they first start off. When you're riding many miles at a time, and your body is in tune to riding, you may find shorter trips aren't a big deal without padding. But for newbies, I think it's pretty important. At least, that's my experience!

[emily_in_nc]

Aside from what others have mentioned, this is essential to me for road riding:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=4043

Enjoy your new bike!

Emily

[KSH]

Wonderful! I hope you have many miles of fun and enjoyment on your new ride!

[whippetgirl]

I'm new, too and enjoying my bike. I agree about the shorts and gloves.
I have really appreciated the great advice on this forum.

I started out with very thin bike shorts (my spinning shorts) which were ok for the short rides but when I rode 30 miles, I got a very bad friction rash on the inside of my right thigh. I went out and bought better ones after that with great relief. I wear my running tights over my shorts on cold days and that works out fine.

The other thing I learned right away...I rode at first with my weight training gloves. WRONG. They didn't give me any padding in the right places. Much more comfortable for the longer rides to have a nice pair of gloves.

[ribbit_zap]

Thanks you so much ladies for all your responses! I really appreciate it!!! I orders some padded shorts, shirts and gloves so I think I am set for clothes. It is kind of overwhelming at first when you look at all the stuff you have to get...

I got fitted for my bike on Sunday, but there was something they still had to fix so hopefully I will get it on Thursday. Thank again

[hgrill02]

Congrats on your bike Nancy! I am also new to riding and have to admit that after I got my bike, I started dreaming about it every night I just was so excited! Be careful and let us know how your first ride goes!