Excited Newbie!!

[Kathie]

I started with a Trek hybrid, and them moved to a Trek road bike about 7 months later. I had years of cycling from when I was younger, so cycling was not new to me.

I use my hybrid to bike the steep up and down gravel hill roads going out from the bottom of my drive, but only every now and them as a change of routine from riding the road bike. When I get on my hybrid it feels strange, like I am perched on top of this huge machine.

Starting with a hybrid is a good idea, however be prepared to want to move to a road bike sooner than you expect. And be prepared for the cost. Wow!

1. Prescription cycling glasses;
2. Cycling shoes and sandals;
3. Shorts and more shorts;
4. Jerseys and more jerseys;
5. Knickers;
6. Winter tights;
7. Jackets and more jackets for wind, rain and cold;
8. Socks and more socks to match all of the above;
9. A new helmet every time you fall over;
10. Water bottles;
11. Packs and stuff to fill the packs;
12.Powders, gel blocks, fitness bars and so on to fuel your rides;
13.Heart rate monitor;
14. Computer for the bike, then a better computer with more data;
15. Summer gloves and winter gloves then more gloves when the first gloves wear out;
16. Registration fees for the cycling events;
17. What did I leave out?

Darcy

Lets see...
1. A bike rack to go to events with
2. A fancy floor pump with a gague
3. A pump that attaches to your bike that actually works
4. A new saddle to replace the horrible one that came with the bike
5. Another new saddle (because the one you just bought isn't working out)
6. Spare tubes
7. TONS of fun riding with friends

Welcome to the forum, Kathie...don't let these lists don't scare you off!

I'm not scared! Bring it! I skydived for about 8 years and no sport can be more expensive than that.

I did buy a bike rack, a Yakima King Joe. I have so much to learn!

Thank you everyone for the warm welcomes! I'm looking forward to the challenge!