New and Getting Overwhelmed

[OakLeaf]

1. Take a step back.

2. Just get started.


Seriously, it sounds like you've got your bases covered. There's no law that says you have to ride clipless, but if you choose not to, I'd recommend using platform pedals and street shoes, not toe clips, which is a whole 'nother learning curve that's actually harder and scarier than clipless. You don't say what kind of riding experience you already have, but if you'll be dealing with a lot of learning curves at once (riding position on a road bike you mentioned, but are you familiar with derailleur shifting, rim braking, looking behind you with or without a mirror, just to name a few) ... then it's probably smart to put off the additional learning curve of clipless pedals. They don't help you go further per se, they help you ride more efficiently, but that's a "want" not a "need" when you aren't racing.

Most of us find that 90 minutes to 2 hours is the longest we can ride efficiently without some calories. How you get those calories is up to you - whether it's solid or liquid, real food or sports nutrition, carried with you or bought along the way. If you just want to have a gel tucked away for blood sugar emergencies, that will fit in your flat tire bag or jersey pocket. Most jerseys have big enough pockets for an energy bar or small sandwich or piece of fruit, whatever you like and whatever your stomach will tolerate on a ride.

You don't mention your inflation system - pumps and CO2 inflators each have their advantage, but make sure you have at least one of those or the spare tube won't do you much good! Personally I carry a spare tube AND a stick-on patch kit, a CO2 inflator with two cartridges AND a very small back-up hand pump "just in case."

I would put on a second water bottle. If you're thinking about going long enough to need food, you'll need more water first. Especially as the warmer months are approaching.

And, have fun!

[Owlie]

Relax! I know it's overwhelming.

Get some platform pedals. I think the W350 comes with the toe cages. Chuck them and pick up a pair of $14 flat pedals and just ride with those and tennis shoes for right now. It took me a year to buy clipless pedals, and probably another 6 months to get comfortable with them. You don't want TWO learning curves going on at once!
A little multitool is a good idea, as is a mini pump or CO2. (I carry both.)

Second water bottle cage and bottles, if you don't have them. Get a bigger seat bag for gels and things, or they can go in jersey pockets.

I'd get the computer, personally. Those apps kill batteries, and I'd hate to be stuck without a phone when I need one.

[ny biker]

I would add plastic safety glasses to protect your face from road debris. Other than that, you are set. They can be cycling specific warp-speed 600.00 glasses, or 6 dollar glasses from your drug store. Doesn't matter as long as they are UVA/UVB rated and plastic.

And comfortable.

[MrsSmith]

I'd get the computer, personally. Those apps kill batteries, and I'd hate to be stuck without a phone when I need one.

Great point.

[MrsSmith]

I would add plastic safety glasses to protect your face from road debris. Other than that, you are set. They can be cycling specific warp-speed 600.00 glasses, or 6 dollar glasses from your drug store. Doesn't matter as long as they are UVA/UVB rated and plastic. (Did I get that right, Oak? ).

A regular, inexpensive bike computer is best, IMO. Preferably wireless. I have this one.

You could also get the slightly more expensive version if you want cadence. (Rotations per minute of your pedal stroke). Cadence is nice to make sure you are spinning rather than in too hard a gear.

Hooray! Something I already have (the glasses)! Thanks for the reminder, though.

And now I'm back to the bike computer. They aren't as expensive as I thought they'd be anyway, so that's good. Thanks for the link.

[MrsSmith]

1. Take a step back.

2. Just get started.


Seriously, it sounds like you've got your bases covered. There's no law that says you have to ride clipless, but if you choose not to, I'd recommend using platform pedals and street shoes, not toe clips, which is a whole 'nother learning curve that's actually harder and scarier than clipless. You don't say what kind of riding experience you already have, but if you'll be dealing with a lot of learning curves at once (riding position on a road bike you mentioned, but are you familiar with derailleur shifting, rim braking, looking behind you with or without a mirror, just to name a few) ... then it's probably smart to put off the additional learning curve of clipless pedals. They don't help you go further per se, they help you ride more efficiently, but that's a "want" not a "need" when you aren't racing.

Most of us find that 90 minutes to 2 hours is the longest we can ride efficiently without some calories. How you get those calories is up to you - whether it's solid or liquid, real food or sports nutrition, carried with you or bought along the way. If you just want to have a gel tucked away for blood sugar emergencies, that will fit in your flat tire bag or jersey pocket. Most jerseys have big enough pockets for an energy bar or small sandwich or piece of fruit, whatever you like and whatever your stomach will tolerate on a ride.

You don't mention your inflation system - pumps and CO2 inflators each have their advantage, but make sure you have at least one of those or the spare tube won't do you much good! Personally I carry a spare tube AND a stick-on patch kit, a CO2 inflator with two cartridges AND a very small back-up hand pump "just in case."

I would put on a second water bottle. If you're thinking about going long enough to need food, you'll need more water first. Especially as the warmer months are approaching.

And, have fun!

This is great stuff! I have basically no real experience besides just tooling around on a cruiser, so I definitely have a lot to learn. Like....everything. I can't even pronounce a couple of the words in your post. That's a problem. Platform pedals and street shoes it is.

Oh, and yes, I forgot about tire inflation. Duh. Adding that to the list.

Thank you!

[marni]

as far as clothing- a jersey since it will have rear pockets into which you can stuff your wallet and id, cell phone, a nutrition bar etc. My preference is for jerseys with three pockets, full length zipper and scereaming bright colors for visibility. You might also want to consider a flasher or safety light of some sort. I have a blinking white light front and a blinking red light in the rear both of which are visible in daylight. You might also want to consider an under seat tool bag for your spare tire, tool kit, tire levers and inflation kit or failing an inflation kit, a frame pump, and a patch kit along with a couple of any of the following as a tire boot to cover a hole in case that is the cause of a flat: a folded dollar bill, and empty gu packet, a small piece of tire tube slit open, or anything which will cover the hole firmly enough to prevent the tube from pressing through from the inside. If you don't like riding with bulky pockets, you can get a so called bento box or small pouch which velcros to the top tube just in behind the handlebars. If and when I use one, it holds my gu, shot blocks a right bar and my camera.

incidentally, my motto is 3 pockets good to go.

[Melalvai]

For getting over fear of traffic, I recommend taking Traffic Skills 101 from the League of American Bicyclists. You can find out if anyone is teaching that in your area at this website. If not, check for instructors in your area and let them know you are interested in the class. Sometimes they don't have anything scheduled because they don't know anyone is interested.

[MrsSmith]

I'd never heard of that. Thanks! I'll check it out.

For getting over fear of traffic, I recommend taking Traffic Skills 101 from the League of American Bicyclists. You can find out if anyone is teaching that in your area at this website. If not, check for instructors in your area and let them know you are interested in the class. Sometimes they don't have anything scheduled because they don't know anyone is interested.

[MrsSmith]

For getting over fear of traffic, I recommend taking Traffic Skills 101 from the League of American Bicyclists. You can find out if anyone is teaching that in your area at this website. If not, check for instructors in your area and let them know you are interested in the class. Sometimes they don't have anything scheduled because they don't know anyone is interested.

Thanks! I looked it up but there's nothing remotely close. It's odd. I live in a major metropolitan area but it's reallly not bike friendly at all. Very frustrating. I've watched several YouTube videos, though, and that has been helpful.

[MrsSmith]

I bought my bike!

I got a Fuji...um...something (sorry, it's not in front of me and I dont' remember). It's an entry level model and it feels good.

I went back to the store and rode several more, this time outside (instead of just inside the shop) and this one was it for me. Of course I spent a bunch of money on other stuff, too, but now I'm pretty well outfitted and ready to ride!

And.....it's raining.

The other good news is that I found out that there's a brand new paved bike trail right by my house. It's only about 8 miles long, but it's a great place for me to start and I can ride straight there (if I'll brave the traffice on the incredibly busy road I have to take to get there).

Anyway, thanks for everyone's help! I'm excited to start.

[Owlie]

I bought my bike!

I got a Fuji...um...something (sorry, it's not in front of me and I dont' remember). It's an entry level model and it feels good.

I went back to the store and rode several more, this time outside (instead of just inside the shop) and this one was it for me. Of course I spent a bunch of money on other stuff, too, but now I'm pretty well outfitted and ready to ride!

And.....it's raining.

The other good news is that I found out that there's a brand new paved bike trail right by my house. It's only about 8 miles long, but it's a great place for me to start and I can ride straight there (if I'll brave the traffice on the incredibly busy road I have to take to get there).

Anyway, thanks for everyone's help! I'm excited to start.

Woohoo! Pictures? We like pictures.

[OakLeaf]

Yay! Hope it dries out soon!