Just bought a bike...

[Littlecup]

I'm 19 and new to all of this as well. I haven't used a bike in probably 10 years. I really wanted to get active and find a fun and not so intense way of working out so I thought cycling was the way to go. I had no idea what I was doing but ever since I tested out a Cannondale I realized I really wanted to start riding. Of course, the price was WAY out of my budget zone so after desperately searching through Craigslist I found a 2011 Terry Symmetry bike on sale for $500. I really liked it and enjoyed how it felt so I managed to negotiate it down to $440. I'm 5'1 and this bike is a size 46. I don't know anything about bikes so I wanted your input to see if it was a good deal and if I should add anything to it or just any tips in general about cycling as I find myself too scared to start using it around my campus because of all the people/ my lack of riding experience.

Here it is: http://www.realcyclist.com/terry-bic...ymmetry-womens

[TigerMom]

I'm 19 and new to all of this as well. I haven't used a bike in probably 10 years. I really wanted to get active and find a fun and not so intense way of working out so I thought cycling was the way to go. I had no idea what I was doing but ever since I tested out a Cannondale I realized I really wanted to start riding. Of course, the price was WAY out of my budget zone so after desperately searching through Craigslist I found a 2011 Terry Symmetry bike on sale for $500. I really liked it and enjoyed how it felt so I managed to negotiate it down to $440. I'm 5'1 and this bike is a size 46. I don't know anything about bikes so I wanted your input to see if it was a good deal and if I should add anything to it or just any tips in general about cycling as I find myself too scared to start using it around my campus because of all the people/ my lack of riding experience.

Here it is: http://www.realcyclist.com/terry-bic...ymmetry-womens

Anytime that you can buy a bike that you enjoy for less than $500 is a great deal!

You may want to get wider tires, ie 25cc for better stability if you want to use it as a travel bike around campus
___________________________________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

[emily_in_nc]

That is a GREAT deal. The current pricing for a new Symmetry is $1349.

According to the chart on the Terry Bicycle site, the tires are already 25c, unless that was different in the 2011 model:

http://www.terrybicycles.com/Bicycle...metry-Drop-Bar

[laura*]

I don't know anything about bikes so I wanted your input to see if it was a good deal and if I should add anything to it or just any tips in general about cycling as I find myself too scared to start using it around my campus because of all the people/ my lack of riding experience.

Make sure you lock it up good! University/college towns are a favorite for bike thieves.

This is a bike you should bring into your home when not riding. A basement, an unused room, or a laundry room are good options. Apartment dwellers without such spaces often bring bikes into their living room. A private locked garage can also be OK.

Use a good quality U-lock - that generally means Kryptonite, On-Guard, or ABUS. Cable locks are real easy to cut, but using one of each type can be a good strategy. Make sure to lock up the frame, rear wheel, and front wheel.

[Littlecup]

I just checked and the tires say 28c...is that okay? @ Laura, I was thinking about getting the Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit plus the cable lock. It's just really pricy for me right now since I just bought a helmet. Do you think one lock is enough? My university doesn't have a big cycling community so I figure and extra lock on the front tire isn't that necessary. Thank you all so much for your input

[emily_in_nc]

I just checked and the tires say 28c...is that okay?

Yes! Especially if you ride on pavement that is less than perfectly smooth, tires that width will soak up road chatter and be much more comfortable than skinnier tires.

[laura*]

Laura, I was thinking about getting the Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit plus the cable lock. It's just really pricy for me right now since I just bought a helmet. Do you think one lock is enough? My university doesn't have a big cycling community so I figure and extra lock on the front tire isn't that necessary.

I use a Fahgettaboutit on my commuter folding bike.

The Fahgettaboutit is unique in the Kryptonite line as it actively locks both ends of the U. It also prevents the ends of the U from turning. To defeat this lock by cutting requires cutting either through the U twice, or through the crossbar. The On-Guard locks have this feature on most models, but they have a reputation of not being quite as reliable as the Kryptos.

The orange Kryptos are also good. I think the smallest orange one is the preferred lock for NYC bike messengers.

Instead of two locks, you can use one U lock and a cable with eyelets in each end. These cables aren't expensive. You could also use locking quick release skewers on your wheels (especially the front wheel).

I dislike cables even beyond their cutting vulnerability: They are always trying to coil back up. It takes a long time to weave a cable through a bike. This makes one want to skip using the cable for quick stops. Of course, that's when something's going to happen!

[DebSP]

I just wanted to say welcome and that is a nice looking bike! I love the accent colours with the white. After you ride it a few times you will probably gain some confidence and start to relax. And before you know it you will be having a lot of fun riding! I don't know much about various locks except you should use one. My son's bike got stolen at university the one day he didn't lock it up and it was just a cheap Walmart road bike. But he still misses having it since he can't afford to replace it.

[Littlecup]

I am planning on getting the Kryptonite lock with the cable wire but now that I see the benefits of Pitlocks i'm wondering if I should also get a lock just for the front wheel or spend a bit more for the set.
I went for my first real ride yesterday and immediately became discouraged with my performance but I kept telling myself it was a good start for a beginner. I just really underestimated hills. I'm starting to get more comfortable with getting on and off the bike which was the hardest part for me haha I just really want to build my endurance and break my fear of riding in public (and downhill!)

And I can't thank you all enough for your comments because I don't know anyone else that can give me feedback or general information about cycling

[radacrider]

On my primary bike I have secure skewers (non-quick release). I use a U-Lock with a Kryptonite cable : Lock the rear wheel to the rack, cable loops around front wheel and to U-lock. A lot of bikes here in Portland that get stolen are often locked with a cable lock, which are too easy to cut.

[Littlecup]

Do you have the secure skewers on both wheels? I was thinking about just getting the front wheel skewer since I will be using a U lock for the rear wheel along with a cable looped around the front wheel.

[TigerMom]

What do you all use for your road bikes? These locks weigh around 4 pounds.

So far, everyone says that they don't leave their road bikes unattended. But what if you have to go to the bathroom. How do you fit your bike into the stall?
___________________________________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

[pinsonp2]

I have actually taken my Madone into a handicap stall at a park. I've also just had it in the bathroom while I was in a stall.

P2

[Littlecup]

My presta valve just broke as I was pumping the tire. Is there any way to fix it without buying a new tube?

[laura*]

Sometimes the valve core is replaceable. Of course this means you need to find a compatible valve core. Tubes that have too many holes to patch can make good valve core donors.