conflicted, stressed, and making this too hard!

[SactoGal]

I would definitely say go for the bike that fits the now, tho' if waffling think "a little lighter" - so I think you're right about the Townie. Last night on our Pedaling For Pleasure ride there were four or five folks there on hybrids who did fine but the lady on the real fat tired thing regretted her choice and worked very hard.

Well, that was my fear, but the townie was SO FUN to ride! I want to enjoy the journey, and I don't mind working hard, but I'd rather go farther, faster and enjoy the ride.

And I have to encourage thinking "practical cycling," too, though I suppose you don't actually have to get an Xtracycle My minimalist rider friends, I noticed when I started *all* still had three thigns: gloves, helmet and toe clips. (I didn't think about glasses because I got those anyway - hate bugs in my eyes )

You don't even need toe clips or clipless (or Power Grips which I have ordered and will try!) right away. Then you add what you like...

Thanks for the info. I know I'll be starting with bike, helmet, bottle holder ... maybe some padded shorts, beyond that .. I guess I learn as I go.

[michelem]

Hi SactoGal,

You mentioned old sunglasses you have . . . I would not recommend regular rx sunglasses. You want something that will not shatter or break if hit by a rock. It doesn't happen often, but sometimes bits of gravel will fly up and hit. I've taken to wearing my contacts when I ride (I never wear them otherwise), with a pair of sport sunglasses that wear close to the face and wrap around somewhat. I don't want little buggies getting in there behind the lenses either! I found mine on the REI outlet website and had them delivered to REI so no shipping fee. If I didn't like them, I could have returned them right then and there upon pickup for no fee as well. I've read that some people have gotten rx sport sunglasses, but those are a bit pricey and I am partial to glass lenses for my rx glasses anyway.

You asked about gloves, and for me, I don't want any more sun on my skin than absolutely necessary (which, for me is the face and ears - everything else is covered from neck to toes), so I go for full-fingered gloves. They have fingerless gloves too. You just want something to protect your hands if you fall.

CA law says you must have reflectors on your bike, as well as lights when you ride at dusk/evening. Supposedly, the CA bike shops are supposed to comply with this as well and include reflectors on your bike when they sell it to you. http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/tocd11c1a4.htm


For me, the things I've bought so far are:

- 2 pr. chamoised shorts - these really help for longer rides
- 2 pr. non-chamoised tights (one cold weather, and one warm weather) to wear over the shorts - I don't want sun on my skin, so that's why the tights; also the tights protect the skin a bit better for falls; I found out right away that regular sweatpants or jeans get caught in the chain too easily!
- 1 long-sleeve SPF 50 cycling jersey and 1 SPF 50 cycling jersey-like top (no back pockets, so not really a cycling jersey)
- 2 pr. cycling socks (they are thin and wick away moisture)
- 1 pr. clipless cycling shoes
- 1 pr. clipless pedals
- 1 helmet (as long as it is certified, it doesn't matter how much it costs - the price increases with the number of vents and the weight of the helmet - more vents and lighter weight equal more money)
- 1 pr. sport sunglasses
- LOTS of sunscreen
- 1 floor pump
- 1 underseat bag, which houses spare tube, 2 tire levers, 2 c02 canisters and 1 attachment thingie, and small tire patch kit
- Chain cleaner and lube (this keeps your bike in working order - helps shifting, etc.)
- Bike computer with cadence and heart rate (this is teaching me about gearing - you want to keep your cadence and heart rate steady - if cadence goes down and heart rate goes up, then shift to an easier gear, and vice versa)
-My bike already has a water bottle cage on it and I already have water bottles.

The reason I have two of some stuff is so I can handwash and drip dry one the night before and have another set of dry stuff to put on in the morning. The chamoised stuff usually takes a bit longer to dry. If you're not going to be riding every day, you can probably get away with one of everything. The clipless shoes and pedals are not a necessity. I'm still learning (and falling). Of course, the bike computer is not a necessity either - just helpful.

The stuff adds up! I've found great deals on the REI Outlet website and by waiting for their member sales.

Hope this helps! I'm still pretty new at this as well, but there is a wealth of info to be found from these gals and on this site!

[SactoGal]

Hi SactoGal,

You mentioned old sunglasses you have . . . I would not recommend regular rx sunglasses. You want something that will not shatter or break if hit by a rock. It doesn't happen often, but sometimes bits of gravel will fly up and hit. I've taken to wearing my contacts when I ride (I never wear them otherwise), with a pair of sport sunglasses that wear close to the face and wrap around somewhat.

well, I don't have contacts, and my sunglasses are prescription, but I also need my close glasses if I ever have to fix a flat ... I'll need to see what works. I think my lenses are plastic, and they uvb, and are polarized so I may end up starting with them.

You asked about gloves, and for me, I don't want any more sun on my skin than absolutely necessary (which, for me is the face and ears - everything else is covered from neck to toes), so I go for full-fingered gloves. They have fingerless gloves too. You just want something to protect your hands if you fall.

Sounds like something I need to look at and ask around to see what will work for me. I've seen a reference to gel gloves?

Thanks for the dvm url, I'll check it out. I'm hoping there will be some memorial day sales that I can take advantage of this weekend for some of the gear.


I'm still learning (and falling). Of course, the bike computer is not a necessity either - just helpful.

The stuff adds up! I've found great deals on the REI Outlet website and by waiting for their member sales.

Hope this helps! I'm still pretty new at this as well, but there is a wealth of info to be found from these gals and on this site!

I plan to spend some time this weekend reading the postings.

I can see me getting plenty of gear, but I do want to make sure that I'm utilizing the bike before I go too far overboard.

I guess I'll be reading a different section of the REI sales circulars when they come out ... LOL ... won't my husband just be thrilled!

[SactoGal]

Well, went out and rode three bikes yesterday ...

Trek 7.3 fx
Trek 7.5 Fx wsd
Specialized Sirrus

I think it was a bit of mistake to ride the 7.5 (more than I intend to spend). I really liked the bike. It was comfortable and felt great.

Actually, all the bikes felt nimble and beyond the seat being tough on the privates, once I got the height right, they all were really nice rides.

I rode them at a bike shop that's got a nice little hill behind it, and they felt much lighter coming up the hill than the Specialized Crossroad Elite that I rode last week.

I think I'm also getting beyond needing a step-through bike.

Today will be a quick trip to a bike shop a bit more of a distance away to try out some of the Jamis line.

Have a great holiday weekend.

[SactoGal]

and it's now out in the garage.

I went to a bike store about 25 miles from my house, because I really wanted to try the Jamis Sport Coda. I really liked the little Jamis Commuter that I rode, but I wanted something a bit more.

I really liked the feel and ride on the Sport. Just to be sure, I tried a Jamis comfort bike (not the commuter), and even though it was a comfy ride, I liked the quickness on the Sport better.

I need to figure out now how I'm going to incorporate the riding in my life. I think to begin with it's going to be short rides in the afternoon around the neighborhood. The seat feels a bit hard to me, but until I ride it a bit, I don't want to trade anything out.

I bought a lock, a helmet, a bottle holder, a patch kit, a tube, and a pack that goes under the seat. I need to check out the pump we have and see if it's still any good, if not, I'll go get a pump. The accessories sure added up fast, and I know it's just the beginning.

Thanks for all the input. I'm looking forward to many miles on the new bike.

[KnottedYet]

Congratulations!

I just bought a Surly Crosscheck today. I'll show you mine, if you'll show me yours!

Pictures, we want pictures of your Jamis!

Edit: here's my Surly

[SactoGal]

but I'll see what I can do.

She's pretty (blue and black paint).

I have no idea what a Surley is, but it sounds like more than I need at this point!

I did color coordinate the helmet with the bike (although my first inclination was for a purple helmet).

I really liked the bike shop, I only wish it was closer for every day type stuff.