Advice for a beginner "perfectionist"

[salsabike]

Does your daughter's bike fit you well--is it comfortable to ride? If not, you may well need to buy a bike that does fit well in order to enjoy riding.

[NbyNW]

Think of it as a process, not something you have to get perfect the first time. Just get on the bike and go!

So much of the learning is in the doing. You won't learn until you spend time on a bike: the type/size of bike that suits you; what kind of saddle you find comfortable; whether you want lots of chamois or very little; etc. etc.

Time on the bike will lead you to the questions that will be important to your enjoyment of the sport.

Start with the bare essentials and work from there: comfy clothes (can be from other sports), helmet, gloves, water, snack bar, emergency cash, ID, cell phone. Maybe some eye protection if you like. And don't sweat it if you leave something behind. If you miss something, you'll definitely remember it the next time.

Have fun!

[lph]

Yay - go for it! Jocelynif nailed it with the "process"-comment. Try riding other people's bikes and try to note down the differences - what do you like, what do you not like. Riding in an upright position will slow you down but let you watch the scenery more easily, riding too stretched out will give you neck and shoulder pain but can let you go fast. If the saddles you try are awful you can always spring for a good saddle already now, and transfer it onto your bike once you buy one. And remember that the bike you buy doesn't have to be perfect, you can do a lot of tweaking on a bike as long as it basically fits your needs. As long as you're comfortable and the bike is lubed, has good brakes and plenty of air - you're gonna have fun.