What Did You Want To Know As a New Rider?

[bluejellybean]

howo to shift *properly*...so it doesn't wreck your chain/chainring...I think I still have to learn...if anyone wants to share! I think I rode my 1st ruby too "hard" and don't want to make the same mistake this time!

[Artista]

These are a few things that I would have liked to have known when I started riding again:

• Clipless pedals are not a requirement to be considered a cyclist, however clipless systems have come a long way with many systems offering easy entry & exit
• Padded bicycle shorts are not a prerequisite for riding but may be helpful
• Suggestions for first aid supplies & tools to carry in a saddle pack

[AZchick]

Everything that Muirenn said above... its like she read my mind!

[loopybunny]

I eventually had questions about the dos and don'ts of riding with a group of people.

In fact, I wish more people thought to ask that question, particularly the woman that cut me off and caused the crash that landed me in the hospital with a traumatic brain injury.

[meganm]

I had no clue about a lot of things when I started riding. It's a wonder I didn't have a flat for 3 years, because I never carried a tube or a pump- I didn't know any better and it was dumb luck that I never got stranded.

I've learned a lot from others in group rides, but the mechanical lessons I've learned from free LBS clinics have been invaluable. There is a big difference between having the tools and know how and when to use them!

[Crankin]

Thank you, everyone for all of these suggestions. We were able to shift the focus a little in the context of of the planned agenda; we spent a long time talking about gearing, like DH asked "What's your most important gear?" There was one person in each session who said "the lowest" and we went from there, talking about shifting to get up a hill, how beginners run into trouble, etc.
I also was able to give a perspective on starting with clipless pedals, from someone who is not that coordinated, which several people thanked me for.
I am exhausted from talking all day and my feet hurt from standing, but this is the one volunteer thing I do that I actually enjoy.
Now for the beer and ribs later on...

[hebe]

I'm really sorry that I missed that thread. I'm sure that you and your husband have inspired and educated a whole new set of people, what a generous thing to do with your time!

I would have (and still would) lap up anything and everything. I remember asking on here for help as to why my saddle kept sliding down on my new bike - the quick release hadn't been tightened by the LBS. It took a while to work out exactly which way a wheel should be fitted too. There is so much to trip up a newbie, but at least it's all easily learned, if less easily applied.

[Crankin]

Well, compared to a lot of the people here on TE, I know nothing. I am a mechanical dunce, from the actual "doing the job" perspective, but the difference is I *know* what questions to ask and I can talk about components, etc. with a reasonable amount of intelligence. And even that has made a world of difference. Even though DH does all of our mechanics, I feel I can walk into any shop and they are not going to give me the "stupid woman" treatment, which has occurred in the past.
Most of the people at today's event had hybrids or entry level road bikes. I was glad we had my Jamis Coda there, to show that I ride different bikes for different purposes. I could compare and contrast it with my road bike and the mountain bike we had on display.

[Catrin]

Sounds like it went great! I saw the thread earlier, but everyone had already mentioned those things that I would have

It certainly is much easier to walk into an LBS with an understanding of the components and what to call things, ease of communication works better for all concerned!