I'm a newbie with injuries

[ColleenT]

Thanks Hazel! i still did not get the rack yet. Actually, the bike was put together before it arrived at Target. so someone does that all day long, i Sure hope they know a little bit about it..My hubby is going to try to help me tonight with the Derailer. it is a good name, i think a Shimano? anyway he's good at that type of thing, he is a very usefull hubby, so i i think he can help me.

[SunnyHazel]

I know the name Shimano from fishing reels! My husband likes them! I too need to get a bike rack. I have a 4Runner and it is possible to put my bike in the back with the seats down, but I'm not really coordinated enough to do it easily.

[Kathi]

Hi Collen,

I forgot that I wore the elbow brace whenever I rode. The whole next summer, in fact. However, my rides are 30-70 miles long so I'm sure it gave me support.

[pooks]

Welcome, ColleenT and SunnyHazel!

Whether or not your bike is put together well, it still probably would benefit from having someone who knows what they're doing watch you ride and make adjustments to the handlebars, seat, etc. They generally don't mind doing that at all -- even on a bike they didn't sell.

They know that all the extras are like crack and you'll see all sorts of things in their store you'll want (if not today, someday) and if they treat you nicely, you'll be back to spend money with them, too! Plus, they know that if the bike isn't adjusted properly and it causes you knee problems, "seat" pains, etc. you're much more likely to stop riding and then you'll never spend money with them. It's to their benefit to help you, so don't feel odd about asking.

[eclectic]

Welcome, ColleenT and SunnyHazel!

They know that all the extras are like crack and you'll see all sorts of things in their store you'll want (if not today, someday).

Well I guess I changed the context a little the better chamois is what I yearn for, my butt is still a little chaffed from the last tour, I discovered 2 of my shorts don't work well for long distance day after day.

I am glad i can openly speak about my butt here, one of my good friends was going TMI, TMI

[ColleenT]

thanks E. i'm going outside to blow the rainclouds in your direction. i have a lot of hot air, so it might work..

[Kano]

clothing --

I was able to find a couple of shirts that have been working pretty well for me at Target, in the ladies "athletic wear" department. Paid under $15 for each of them. They don't have the pockets and zippers found in jerseys, but I'm finding that this sport rivals skiing when you're getting started: you need all kinds of stuff!

Shorts I found at REI, and they were on sale for about $20. Not the best, and when I ride over 30 miles, they're definitely not the best, but they're a great start too! Since I'm riding a bit farther now on a fairly regular basis, I'm starting to look for a new pair of shorts with a bit nicer padding.

Karen in Boise