Noob and then some

[esmerelda]

Hi all -- I'm completely new to cycling and registered with this forum in hopes of learning more while I do the trial and error thing on my own.

The thing of it is that everyone here is speaking a foreign language! So frustrating. I thought I'd be able to read through the forum to learn, but I'm finding that your discussions and bike speak are (mostly) over my head.

I'm not interested in joining a club right now. I've been unsuccessful in finding other online educational resources that are geared to the complete novice who'd like to learn the basics. (I did read up on purchasing a bike -- and got one that I LOVE.)

Right now, I don't even know the questions to ask (other than this one). Any recommendations? I truly appreciate any words of wisdom. E.

[bike4ever]

Hello. Welcome to the forum. Do you have a bike right now? If you do, where to you like to ride? How often - how far?

[Popoki_Nui]

Welcome! Maybe you could let us know what bike/cycling terms/phrases/bikespeak etc you're finding difficult? We're always happy to explain things, and no one is going to look down on you. We always enjoy welcoming a new cyclist to the fold!

Take care.

~Sherry.

[Zen]

I think you will find this site helpful:

www.sheldonbrown.com/glossary.html

Also, try about.com and type "bicycling" in the search field.

[F8th637]

When the biking bug hit me I went to my local library and checked out as many books that I can read in 3 weeks about cycling. I felt like you did at first with the whole new vocabulary and didn't get the first few books right away. After awhile I started picking up on things. I found it really helped. Maybe it will work for you too.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If you Google terms like "bicycling +beginners" or "beginner +cyclist" or "beginner biking tips", etc....you'll find some good sites that expalin some of the basics.

[silver]

check out this dictionary of "Roadie" slang.

http://kba.tripod.com/slang.htm

Some of it may still not make sense. but it will all come to you eventually.

a "roadie" is someone who prodominately rides on roads.

Tell us about your bike and where you like to ride. things we like to know about a bike are brand, model, what type (road, mountain, hybrid), what is it made of, what type of components (derailers, etc), size, any modifications to the original.

I'm a roadie. I ride a road bike on the roads.

I have two bikes.

#1 is a '05 trek 1000. I wrecked it and then got it repaired. It's a bit beat up but still a decent bike. It's aluminum with a carbon fork and seat post. It's a 58 cm.

#2 is a '07 Trek Madone 5.0. It's full carbon and full ultegra components. He's nice!

I mostly ride on rural county roads.

welcome!!!