Cycle Virgin

[Redrover]

How important is the ability to put your feet on the ground when stopped?

[Bruno28]

I'm 50 and just started cycling again after a long time. I bought a hybrid bike - a Trek 7.2 fx womens specific design. I find it really comfortable and easy to ride.

I was a bit intimidated going to my local bike shop. In the end they were very nice but not all that forthcoming with advice. Luckily you can go in armed with info about fit etc from the forums here.

'How important is the ability to put your feet on the ground when stopped?'......

I can put my tip toes on the ground when stopped which I think is right....and it feels ok for me.

Good luck!

[Redrover]

I keep reading about pedals and clipping and cages etc. What about this subject do I need to know? When I am at the gym and on the recumbent bike I don't even like to have the straps on the pedals then so how does this translate to a real bike?

[KnottedYet]

I keep reading about pedals and clipping and cages etc. What about this subject do I need to know? When I am at the gym and on the recumbent bike I don't even like to have the straps on the pedals then so how does this translate to a real bike?

Just about any bike you buy in your price range will come with traditional flat pedals. It might have cages and straps (also called "clips" but that gets confusing).

If you already know you DON'T like straps on your feet, by all means ask the shop to take off the cages and straps before you leave the store! But ask to keep them (you might want to play with them later). Put all the bits and pieces in a big ziplock bag.

I switched over to cleated pedals (also called "clipless") and shoes a few months ago. Speedplay Frogs. I love them! But I really like having my feet attached to the bike.

Everyone has different preferences. Start with what you're comfortable with. You can always play with other options later on whatever bike you choose.

[KnottedYet]

I looked at a ton of bikes. Can't remember them all. Honestly, the only ones I actually RODE were the Konas. It was love at first pedal! The geometry just suited me so well, I lost interest in continuing to look.

I like the fact that it is a sturdy, simple bike. The components are basic and trustworthy. There is no suspension to mess with. It's meant to be ridden hard and stand up to rougher conditions than a speedy road bike. (it's based on a cyclocross bike, the Kona Jake and Jake the Snake) That means its a bit heavier and slower than a speedy road bike. There is always a trade off!

The frame is "bombproof" according to the guys at my LBS. I can change components and upgrade all I want, the frame will still be worthy. It's an aluminum frame with a steel fork. A nice combination for an all-weather commuter. I have a Brooks B67 saddle on it, and the springs on the saddle dampen out the road buzz. It handles well even with two loaded panniers on the back rack.

The gearing gives a great range. The mega-granny gear is a 26t front with a 34t rear (which means one revolution of the pedals isn't even one full revolution of the rear wheel). This is more than adequate even for the Evil Hill of Doom on my commute.

I like upright bars for commuting. (on longer rides they become tiring) Bikes I use for longer rides (30+ miles) have always had drop bars. Except for my recumbent, but that's a unique case!

As far as touching the ground: I broke myself of that habit years and years ago. I don't even try to touch the ground. Just got on my Kona, and my toes can touch just fine while I'm in the saddle, but that's not the way I ride. If I'm planning to touch the ground my butt comes off the seat first and I lower myself to the ground by standing on one pedal.

I will admit I had some political reasons for choosing the Kona brand: they are based here in WA, just a couple hours away. They are fairly small compared to the "big bike companies." They do a lot of work with kids. They provided the bikes for BikeAfrica (AIDS workers). They do a lot of bike advocacy. Actually, I already loved the bike, but the other stuff made me feel even better about buying it!

[Duck on Wheels]

I too tried a lot of bikes before choosing my latest. It was like doing the Goldilocks thing: Too tall, too shaky, too slow, ... and finally, just right. Geometry is important -- sitting at a comfortable angle, with your arms relaxed when on the handlebars, your legs at the most effective angles throughout the pedal stroke. A good bike shop will hold the bike steady and do at least a rough fit before sending you out for a test ride. Then on the test rides you'll want to compare how different bikes feel. I found the Jamis bikes to be the smoothest rides ever, but they had me sitting so high off the ground that I couldn't even get a toe down before dismounting, and at 57 I don't feel all that confident about tipping over and hoping my foot will be there as the ground approaches. I tried a Specialized, but found the frame so stiff that every pebble in the pavement gave me a jolt. That too made me a bit nervous when riding. I had a $200 Giant Sedona that was heavy and slow, but had some "senior" gears that I figured would get me up hills the rest of my life no matter how out of shape I get, but it was waaaay too slow if I wanted to go any distance now while I'm still in shape for some mileage. Finally I tried a Trek 7.6, which has a sort of "laid back" geometry that also provides some built-into-the-frame shock absorbtion. I also have an older Trek 7000 that I rode today -- a nice fit and a nice range of gears, a good smooth ride with just enough speed to keep me cool on a warm day, give a nice sense of freedom, and cut my commute time in half as compared to walking.

As for toe clips, clipless pedals, flat pedals ... if you can't stand having your feet in toe clips when on the stationary bike, then stick with flat pedals for now. Go with what's comfortable for you. I did make the switch to clipless last year. So far, so good ... that is to say, no falls due to forgetting to unclip. Today I rode my old bike with flat pedals and really missed being clipped on (strangely, clipless pedals actually clip onto your shoes, whereas toe clip pedals do not). 6 years ago when I bought this bike I did not even dare to _think_ about being clipped on, but now it feels much better that way. You'll know if and when you're ready to try it.

Other things you will need -- mostly just the helmet. Lights if you plan on riding after dark. If you'll be riding in traffic, I'd recommend a bright colored jacket or vest. If you're going to go on _long_ rides, I'd recommend a good pair of bike shorts. Also for longer rides or if you're nervous about falling, I'd recommend a pair of biking gloves. You might also want a small tool kit and pump for emergency repairs, again that'd be for longer rides. The bike shop will usually give you a water bottle and bottle cage for free. And you'll want some way to carry the few items you'll want along "just in case" (cell phone, a snack, some money, a jacket in case it turns cold or a place to tuck it away if it turns warm, that mini tool-kit and pump if you're riding some distance from home). For me that's my usual backpack, the one I carry to work anyway. You might prefer a small bag that fastens under the bike seat.

[ace]

Hi there!

My advice is to keep it simple. I'm 45, about 70 lbs overweight, and have had my bike for 7 years, but just started riding seriously this year (I used to commute on it and then didn't use it at all). I have a Trek 7300 Hybrid, and it has been completely adequate for my needs. I ride with the Light group of my local club (go Oakland Yellowjackets!), and they have taught me all the basics to keep me safe and make riding more fun- proper stopping/starting technique, hills (up and down), etc. This summer I've gone from sweating out a flat 20 mile ride, to 40 miles with 3000 ft. of elevation. For me riding with a group is really helpful- I've met other beginners and gotten great coaching, so don't be afraid to ride with a club. You don't have to be good before you go. Most have beginners' groups, and even the great cyclists with all their flashy gear are very nice and supportive of me.

So about gear- I'd say keep it really simple. I've been buying things as I need them. Start with a bike, helmet, and padded bike shorts. Get platform pedals (not clips or clipless), and just get used to your bike. Go to a store where they can fit you properly. You should be able to stand flat-footed on the ground, straddling the cross-bars of your bike. Also note that when you stop, you should always get off your seat.

Bike, helmet and shorts is what I had at the beginning of the summer. Since then I've added in the following order:

1. Camelbak (I was having serious dehydration problems, and the solution was to buy a 100 oz. Camelbak- makes me drink much more)
2. Electrolyte replacement (see number one)
3. A bike shirt. I wanted to look cool like the other kids in the club!
4. Clipless pedals and bike shoes- it got to the point where I realized that not having clipless pedals was making my cycling really inefficient, and I was ready to get them.

Next purchase: Road Bike, but probably not for a couple of months.

Honestly, I'd say just get the basics, that will cover you for short rides, and once you get into it, you can start buying additional stuff you need.

Have a fantastic time!

-Amy

[Bikingmomof3]

Welcome. I do not think 60 is old at all. I bought my first bike in the middle of June-first time ever on a bike at the age of 37. It was a "mode" bike, by Giant called Giant Suede W. It was more bike than I wanted. Then 3 weeks later I wanted more power-who could have guessed? Not me. 37 years being terrified of bikes...So I had this nice bike, and wanted a new one. I ended up with a Trek 1000 and I love it. I spent $650 on it. Trek makes some lovely comfort and hybreds for less. Do I have a point? Think about what you may want to do. It hurt financially to buy another bike just 3 weeks later. Fortunately the bike store where I bought my Trek was willing to give me store credit for my Giant (bought at another LBS).

Best advice, think about your needs/future goals, and go try out as many bikes as you have time for. When a bike fits, you will know it. It will just feel as though it belongs under you.

Above all, have fun!

[Redrover]

I have just returned from my LBS and I think I have found what I like. They were in the midst of a huge Labor Day sale and were mobbed but I got lucky and was helped by a wonderfully helpful woman, Cynthia. She acted like I was the only customer in the store and we tried me on several comfort bikes. The one I think I like is the Trek Navigator. The parking lot was so crowded so I am going back tomorrow to test ride it. In the meantime I bought a helmet, gloves and an insulated water bottle. After sitting on several of the bikes I think this bike is what I want. Y'all have been so nice and helpful and I really appreciate all your kind words and support. I'll post again after I have the bike and have actually ridden it.

[Duck on Wheels]

Yesterday I remembered one other item you'll definitely need: A lock. Gotta get off the bike sometimes, ya'know, and you might want to ride it to a park or a shop or to work. Good luck with your new bike! Have fun! And no, 60 is NOT old. Two weeks ago I was visiting my Dad's cousin. 82. Just got her bike back that she'd loaned to her granddaughters and was about to get back in the saddle again.

[Kalidurga]

How important is the ability to put your feet on the ground when stopped?

How important this is, is really up to the individual rider. If you're not sure you'd be comfortable only putting your toes to the ground on a regular bike, then Knotted's suggestion of a townie might be a great option for you to consider. I'm seeing more and more of these bikes advertised and I've seen a couple in downtown DC. They look pretty cool and are probably a lot of fun: Review: Electra Bicycle Company Townie 21 or Electra Townie. Plus, if you're used to riding a recumbent at the gym, a townie would probably have a similar feel but at an upright angle.