Incoming! Another new girl....

[emily_in_nc]

Just another plug for REI. I bought my first mountain bike there this winter, and they were really, really helpful and nice. Also when I took it in for my warranty tune-up. The folks at my local REI (ymmv, of course) know bikes and gave me the same type of attention I'd expect at an LBS, so just because it's a big chain, don't rule them out, especially for lower-end bikes. I got a great deal on last year's model in the MTB I wanted and good service to boot!

Emily

[oph4887]

Hi, I'm 52, bought my bike back this past March. You'll have a blast, I promise.
I think a bike shop might be a better idea, the people there would be able to steer you in the right direction. I had never used gears before either, had the bike shop explain it and then went out and practiced! I figure at my age if I can go out and buy a bike in March, do RAGBRAI (485 miles over 7 days) in July, anything is possible. Anytime I've had a problem I take a look at the website, get inspiration and keep on going.
Geana

[DirtDiva]

Tnx my friend - see what happens when I take off just 2 days?? LOL

De nada.

[notsportygirl]

BigDLou,

Welcome to cycling. I'm brand spankin' new myself, so can completely understand how intimidating it is.

I was really worried about shifting gears, too, and I still mess up and make awful noises with my bike sometimes as I try to find the right one, but it's much easier to do than it is to understand in theory. It really helps when you have the bike in front of you and you start to remember what different things feel like. I tried reading the descriptions of shifting before I rode a multi-gear bike, and just got lost. It also helped me to find a few that could get me through most situations and not mess with all of them at first.

I don't know what's in your area, but I started out riding a year ago with a used one speed that I got for about $150 from my local bike shop. It was an easy, not-intimidating, low-commitment way to start. I think you should go for gears, though. It's so much more fun to be able to go a little faster. And believe me, the one-speeds can be killers on the hills. I think you'll have more fun with gears, even if they're a little scarey at first.

I think this site is especially helpful because it just shows us how many different types of women get out there and ride.

Good luck!

[newrider]

Hi BigDLou,

Welcome to the exciting and exhilarating world of cycling! And I mean it's ALL exciting and exhilarating! Buying the bike included. I bought mine in June, at age 48, after being a walker for a year and a half, so I hear you on the "slow" thing. A bike WILL cure that!

I had bike shop fears, too, and got over it when I decided to not let any questions go unasked. There ARE no stupid questions in a "good" bike shop. If you're getting the eye roll somewhere, then they're not going to take good care of you down the road. Don't be afraid to look stupid. I found that my BSOC (bike shop of choice) is HAPPY to give advice (eager, sometimes )on learning to ride, position, shifting, pedals, etc. It's a cycling thing, I think, the NEED to share the fun and decrease folks' trial and error, to speed up THEIR fun. Ask questions till you find the shop that listens to you, and helps you. You'll find them, all right!

Others posting here have good advice on a "starter" bike. I just wanted to say, GO FOR IT!! You'll love it. Be confident, lots of us here at TE are rooting for you! We've been there (are there) too, and welcome you!!

[Irulan]

Thanks again for the info, all!
And those of you with heavy periods -- how do you go commando then?

commando always, but with super plus tampons.

everyone is different on this.

irulan

[BigDLou]

Thanks again. I'm going to the doc today to check out my anemia (remember my aforementioned heavy periods?) and will get the all clear from her on the bikes. I'm sure it's just a rubber stamp!

[bcipam]

First of all size and age should never be a deterent to anything. I'm 5'8", 210#, 54 years of age. Do centuries, mountain bike, the whole works. Never let your age and size keep you from doing anything, ever!

OK here's the deal, what do you want to accomplish by starting to ride? Do you see this as a means to travel to the store, through the local park, cruising around the neighborhood?. You aren't really thinking about exercise, or the sport of cycling, you just want ot get out out of the house? OK, then a bolt-upright comfort bike with wide (wide not knobby - knobby tires are for trails not sidewalks or road) tires will be OK. Just remember, the more upright the bike, the heavier it is and the harder it is to push it down the street. Wide tires mean more road friction, i.e., more work. If you want to develop some speed, stay with a tire that's less than 32cc wide.

Saddle. Why wide? Wide means uncomfortable, just trust me on this. OK so you sat on your son's bike and the saddle hurt. Was probably not a good saddle and was probably a men's saddle. Look for a woman's specific saddle, like a Terry Butterfly. A normal saddle is less likely to chafe and cause problems. Check out all the threads and saddles for more information.

Gears: Of course. Helps you go up and down hills, faster and slower on flats. Get gears and learn how to use them.

Style of bike: Again depends on what you want to do. For $300 there aren't alot of choices. Get the cruiser bike and if you get strong and want to do more, you can upgrade to a real road bike. Yes, one where you have to bend forward abit. Bending forward requires the use of stomach muscles - like doing sit ups. Think of getting nice, strong stomach muscles. Not a bad thing. A bolt upright bike does nothing physically for you. It will keep you from going fast and getting stronger, but then again, if you purpose is to just get out of the house and down to the Park, it's OK.

Do you have a friend whose bike you can borrow? See if you will really stick with this before spending any money. There are lots of bikes sitting in garages purchased by people with good intentions but no motivation. Also, take a cycling friend with you down to the bike store. Doesn't hurt to bring someone along that knows a thing or two.

I think cycling is the coolest thing on earth but then again, I have a passion for riding. I'd like to see everyone get the passion but I'm dreaming. If there's anyway I can cause a spark in you, I'm willing to help out in anyway!

[bcipam]

And I'm SO new.

How do you transport a bike? I have an SUV and people mention taking the front tire off so the bike will fit in the back, but how hard is that? Is it an ordeal every time?

.

Many, especially expensive bikes have a "quick release" so it's not hard at all to take off the front tire but cheaper bikes may not. You will have to use a wrench to remove the wheel and put it back on. I drive an Ford Explorer Sport and my bike goes in on its side front wheel and all. Make sure you roll the rear wheel in first and then lay the bike down. May take some fussing but it should fit unless you have a compact SUV. Lots of good bike racks out there as well, but the purpose of an SUV is to be able to carry the bike INSIDE!
Make sure the bike shop shows you how to remove the wheel, fix a dropped chain etc. before you leave the store. Never ride without 1) a helmet, 2) water, 3) a spare tube and 4) a pump. You may not know how to change a flat but someone will if you have the equipment they can help you out.

[bikerchick68]

Hi... you've received a WHOLE bunch of great advice here... so just wanted to add my welcome to cycling!

I'm another firm believer that cycling is one sport that is not age/weight/gender specific! ANYONE that wants to ride a bike, can!

Be sure when you ride you have cash and an ID (and cellphone if ya have one!) as well as the things listed above... cash to save you from a bonk, get you food OR as a boot (can help ya if you blow out a tire not just the tube... I know greek, but trust me!) and an ID... well, just in case someone needs to know who you are... worst case scenario, but crashes happen. (knock on wood!!!)

this is a great and social hobby... welcome aboard the cycling crazy train!