Hello....

[kelcan6]

Hi there. I'm new to this forum and to cycling. I've been a runner for years and have been having some issues with my knees from it lately. I think my surgeries from my early 20s are finally catching up to me. My name is Kelly and I'm 37 years old and am a student again. I've given up my career and am putting myself through school. I joined another bike forum that wasn't very nice to me with my initial introduction and am hoping to have a warmer welcome than before. Since I am new to biking, I have a ton of questions. I haven't even started yet and am still in the research phase. There is so much to learn and I don't even know where to start. I live in Florida and have access to both the roads and paved/unpaved bike trails. I've asked a few people and they said a hybrid would be best for me to start on so I can figure out which I would prefer. They also said that being a beginner, I would have less tires to change. The other thing they suggested was to get a Trek bike. I do know Trek's are pretty good bikes, but I'm thinking that they might be a little out of my price range. I'm looking to buy a previously owned bike, but again don't know where to start or what to look for. My budget is around $200 (I'm finding most used Trek bikes are around $300). I'm 5'3" so I don't even know what size bike to look for. I don't know anything about tires or changing them (but am willing to learn). I don't really know anything about the differences in the brands. I don't know anything about clothing I should wear or "cycling etiquette" while I'm on the road. I've been told a few things here and there like getting the lights for the front and the back of the bike, a helmet (of course), the water bottle attachment, and a seat (because protecting your bottom is key). But that's it. I'm truly a beginner. I'm definitely committed to this, I just need some guidance. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for taking the time to help me.

[Penny4]

Hi and welcome to TE.
This is just my personal advice, though others may have differing opinions.
I would recommend going into a local bike store. Since you are a beginner, and it doesn't sound like you have any one to give you guidance, I think getting advice from professionals about the right size bike and the right bike for the conditions you want to ride in would be worth the extra money if you can swing it. You can get Trek hybrids for around $400-500. While they may not be top of the line components, they are enough to get you started.
I started about a year ago on a Trek hybrid and it was perfect for me to get more comfortable with riding (I didn't even know how gears worked). Your bike shop may offer classes on basic riding skills, maint classes, rules of the road etc. You can also do a lot of searching on TE on almost any subject. I learned a lot here!
I wouldn't worry too much about cycling specific clothing to start off with, other than a helmet, maybe some cycling shorts. I spent the first year riding in my basic workout shirts/shorts/sneakers. There are a few other basics to throw in like a water bottle/cage, pump.
Go to the bike store, tell them what kind of riding you'd like to do, approx price range, etc and take a few test rides. Trek, Specialized, and Giant I think are probably all comprable brand names for hybrids. Others on TE recommend Jamis a lot too, though not sure they are as widely available. You might be able to find some decent deals on 2011's still.
Good luck!

Edit - Sorry, just reread your post...it does sound like you have some friends who are familiar with cycling!

[Penny4]

Another thought, Performance and REI have pretty decent prices on bikes too, if you have either one near you.

[goldfinch]

If your budget is limited to $200 you might end up having to buy used. If that is the case you will really need to do your homework so that you can find a bike that fits as well as well a bike that is in good working order. That can be tough. Penny mentioned a number of brands that are good.

So, you are 5'3". What is your inseam, from crotch to floor? Here is how to measure your inseam:

Stand against a wall wearing your cycling gear, but without shoes. Place a ruler or book spine firmly at your crotch, simulating the pressure of a bike saddle. Have a friend measure the distance from the floor to the top of the book or ruler. This is your inseam length.

http://www.trails.com/how_1082_measu...#ixzz1lvVp1KTbhttp://www.trails.com/how_1082_measu...-bike-fit.html This measure will start to give you a rough idea of frame sizes to look at.

Reach is also important: do you have a short torso, long torso, short or long arms? That will effect what size of bike is comfortable for you. And whether you are better suited to a women's specific design or a more unisex design.

These are just starting points, the gathering of information. I know that it is best to spend a bit more if you can and go to a bike shop. But I also know that isn't always possible so if you work at educating yourself on bikes and bike geometry you may be able to get something that works for you as you get started.

Now, for what it is worth, I have a friend who is your height. She has a Trek FX and she got the 17 inch frame. I don't know how long her legs are and whether what would work for her would work for you.

[Reesha]

Hi Kelcan!

I would look into layaway at a bike shop. I've bought all my bikes this way-- I wound up with something reliable, AWESOME, and it didn't break my monthly budget ever. A lot of bike shops have layaway programs. Look into it!

As for bike clothes... I think you could wear almost anything to start, as long as it's not a road bike or anything. Just roll up the right pant leg! I rode in whatever for two decades before I decided to get a road bike and start investing in dedicated bike clothes.

You will do great!

[PamNY]

Hello and welcome. I have a Trek hybrid and love it. It is a good "starter" bike; maybe you will want to upgrade, maybe not.

I got good advice from this forum on looking at used bikes (if you are new to cycling you should ask someone with more experience, or maybe a bike shop, to check used bikes you look at):

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=41950

And here's an illustration showing bicycle parts:

http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/bicycleparts.html

Once you get your bike, find out of any groups near you have "beginner" rides. Classes in bike repair are a good way to get to know your bike, meet people who ride, and gain confidence about minor repairs.

Hope you find a good bike, and continue to ask questions here. I've gotten great advice and guidance from this very knowledgeable group.

[tealtreak]

Hello! Welcome! I have only been biking about a year- don't panic about the $$$ other than the bike, you really only "need" a helmet! Some folks enjoy the clothes, but you can enjoy yourself with out them. (Especially if you get off the seat frequently!) (:

I learned a lot from the "Luna Chix" mountain bike club - you might want to check if they have a group near you- it is woman only- so an awesomely supportive environment(:

[kelcan6]

Wow! Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I'm truly grateful.

I found a bike. Actually I'm pretty sure I lucked out on this. It's a Trek 7200 hybrid and I got it for $230. It's in mint condition. I'm not sure if it's actually been used. I think the guy bought it and stored it in his garage. It's 15 inches and perfect for me. I have some school obligations over the next few days and should be able to pick up the equipment in the middle of the week and hopefully be out riding next weekend. I'm sure I'm going to have a ton more questions as I learn things. Again, thank you so much for the warm welcome. Here's a pic of the bike. Yay!!!!!

[goldfinch]

Congratulations! Amazing that you were able to find something so quickly. The pictures look great and I can't wait for your first ride report!

[murielalex]

Congrats on the new bike!

[Reesha]

Wow! Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I'm truly grateful.

I found a bike. Actually I'm pretty sure I lucked out on this. It's a Trek 7200 hybrid and I got it for $230. It's in mint condition. I'm not sure if it's actually been used. I think the guy bought it and stored it in his garage. It's 15 inches and perfect for me. I have some school obligations over the next few days and should be able to pick up the equipment in the middle of the week and hopefully be out riding next weekend. I'm sure I'm going to have a ton more questions as I learn things. Again, thank you so much for the warm welcome. Here's a pic of the bike. Yay!!!!!

Congrats on your gateway drug May it serve you well before you succumb to the addiction. There are never enough bikes!

[kelcan6]

I'm really looking forward to abusing my new drug.

[PamNY]

Congratulations! Looks identical to my first bike. Hope you enjoy it.

[Hartmame]

Good advise so far. If you pick up an ill fitting bike you will run into some pain after putting in some miles. The more you ride the more you will notice it. I rode a 16" MTB for years but didn't ride far and didn't realize how poorly it fit until I test rode a 14" Kona MTB, I'm 5'4" with a shorter torso. I don't ride off road much any more and am finding the Kona with slick tires is too long to the bars for bike path and road miles so I'm switching to a steel touring bike. The right bike for the type of riding you do can make a difference. I could have gotten a women's geometry MTB and put slick tire on it but I 'd like to eventually tour so I'm trying to think ahead.