Interested in outdoor cycling-need advice

[SPINFREAK]

Hi all,

Okay, I've finally made up my mind to take up outdoor cycling. I've always wanted to do it, but was always intimidated. I've been teaching Spinning for a couple of years, but have been Spinning since 1998. I have no idea on where to start. What do I look for in a bike? How do I go about finding a bike club to ride with at my level? What other euipment will I need besides shoes, helmet, and gloves. Any advice will be appreciated. I'm very movtivated and excited to start, especially more so now that Le Tour de France has started.

Thanks Linda

[Legspeed]

What do I look for in a bike?
===================
Since you didn't specify what kind of "outside biking" (road, mountain, bmx, etc) you intend to do, I'm going to just assume you want to "be like Lance" and go road riding.

For starters, I'd recommend an entry level road bike like the Specialized Dolce Sport or the Trek 1000C. Both are priced in the $600 neighborhood and have decent enough components. Of the two, I think you would like the Dolce better because it has a woman's specific design.

Regardless of the bike, make sure the shop fits you on it properly. Most shops wil let you take the bike out for an extended test ride and I would definitely take advantage od that.

How do I go about finding a bike club to ride with at my level?
=========================================
Assuming you live in an area with many bike clubs, look for the largest club. The more folks that show up for group rides, the more likely you will find someone similar in ability. Otherwise, look for clubs that advertise beginner or "no-drop" rides. Another good choice would be the shop where you buy the bike. ask then to recommend a club.

What other equipment will I need?
======================
A simple pump. (and have the shop guys teach you how to change a tire).

Pedals or cages. Most road bikes either come with no pedals or have platform pedals (the 2 I recommended come with platforms).

Sunglasses.

Maybe a hydration system like a camelback, if you're going to ride more than a couple of hours at a time.

A rearview mirror. A lot of roadies think a mirror is unneccessary and way uncool. A lot of roadies are stupid, too. Be safe. Knowing what's behind you without having to turn around will make you a steadier bike handler, (i.e. less likely to crash).

Hope this helps and (more importantly) inspires some others to chip with advice.

[SPINFREAK]

Thanks for the pointers Legspeed. You were right to assume that I want to be like Lance. I will certainly keep your tips in mind while shopping around.

Linda

[cougie]

Trackpump to get those tyres inflated properly before you ride.
Tyre levers, spare innertube, patches, allen keys, small screwdriver to go out with you on the bike.
Rain cape to keep the chill off. Rest of your kit I guess is from your spinning wardrobe.
I prefer bottles rather than Camelbaks though unless mountain biking.

[spin-up]

Good choice Linda. Riding outside - you will love it!

Maybe you don't want to join a club right away just start off by yourself. here's some advise for training. First make sure you plan this, reserve time for training, about 3 times a week. Your first weeks you can start with short rides (about 1 hour) in 75% of HR. This is to get used to the bike and to riding outside. You have to be more alert and aware of your balance and train yourself in this. Don't start with too many hills, just flat roads, not too much wind and not on rainy days.

After a few weeks you can extend these trainingrides to 1 1/2 hour or maybe 2. Also the last part of your training you can do intervals. For exemple you gear up, get out off the saddle and try to speed up 6 mph as fast as possible. Get back in the saddle and keep this speed for 15 seconds. Than slow down, gear down and recover. Repeat 3 or 4 times. When you get out off the saddle you hands will be in the low front part of the steer.

Also try every now and than to take a long ride for 4 or 5 hours, depending on your condition. Set a goal. Not just be 'Lance', but get the most out of yourself. What do you want to achieve this year? What next year? You'll get strong and speedy and feel great about yourself!! Have fun!

Clarien

[SPINFREAK]

Hi Clarien,

Thanks for the advice. :D
I live in South Florida where the roads are all flat. The only elements I will probably face is the heat, humidity, wind, rain, and ofcourse traffic. I'm most nervous about the traffic. I figured that if I ride with a bike club at my level, the cars will pay more attention to a group rather than one rider. I've known a couple of riders from my spinning class that got hit and as a result had some serious injuries.

I like your idea for a training schedule. It is something that I can definitely do. Ofcourse I'm doing this for myself, but watching TDF has given me that extra motivation I need to get started. :D

Thanks, Linda

[Bike4ale]

Florida....yeah that's gotta be the worst kind of traffic there is.

Not only do you have clueless tourists who don't know where they're going, but you've got to deal with all the OLD RETIRED PEOPLE who live there year round! Watch out for any man over 60 wearing a hat (thanks George Carlin), and especially the cars where you only see knuckles on a steering wheel!

All kidding aside. Fear not! Get out there and ride, my friend. Ride like the wind!

[SPINFREAK]

Hi Everybody,

Well, great news, I found my bike :lol:

After shopping around this week, I bought one yesterday and rode this morning. Wow, what a feeling! I didn't want to stop riding.

Beer dude, thank you for warnings :) I'll keep them in mind.

Speaking of warnings, is there anymore advice that you can offer when riding with traffic?

Thanks, Linda

[Legspeed]

The key to riding with traffic is in mastering these four simple things:

Be visible - This doesn't mean wearing phreddish lime green, hot orange, or yum yum yellow jerseys all the time. (Although brightly colored clothing is a plus). Basically it means riding in the lane of traffic much like a motorcycle would. Don't hub the curb and NEVER weave in and out by parked cars. Almost all states give the cyclists the same rights and responsibilities on the road.

Be predictable - There's nothing more alarming to motorists than haphazard movements. Clearly signal your intentions to turn right or left or to slow. Ride smoothly, don't weave back and forth. Sometimes this may mean riding through that pothole. Better the possibility of a flat than swerving to avoid the pothole and getting clipped from behind by a vehicle's side mirror.

Be aware - Remember the mirror I mentioned? It's quite handy for knowing when traffic is behind you without having to turn and look.

Be resigned...to the fact you will eventually be harassed by a passing vehicle. Talk radio shows have been advocating violence towards cyclists on a regular basis this past year. Sadly, it's just a matter of time before you get yelled at, gestured at, or have something thrown at you.

So dish...what brand of bike did you get?

[SPINFREAK]

Hi Legspeed,

Thanks for the tips!

I got a Specialized. I spent a little over $800. It's a little more than I need right now, but the others in the $600 range did not appeal to me. It has decent Shimano components, a little shock absorber on the saddle and by the front wheel.

I already had my first flat today after I rode this morning. The guys at the Bike America shop replaced the tube for me free of charge. They were also nice enough to show me how to change the tube. So I end up spending more money today on tools, a pump, spare tubes, a mirror :D ,and a light.

I'm already looking forward to going back out tomorrow morning!

Linda

[Bike4ale]

Linda,

Congrats on the new ride. Sounds nice! Welcome to the club.

Legspeed gave you great advice. If I could add anything to that, it would be that you have to learn to TAKE CHARGE of the road.

I don't mean you should be out there playing "chicken" with a semi. You might lose. But, say for example, you're coming to a busy intersection. Make sure traffic sees you and knows which way you're going.

~ Don't get in the right turn lane if you're going straight through a traffic light. Just like a car, use the center lane. Sounds simple, but I see people do this wrong all the time.

~ When you're going straight through in intersection, make sure traffic around you knows you're going straight. Make some eye contact and motion straight ahead so they don't try to make a right hand turn into your path.

~ When approaching a left hand turn across traffic, look behind you and when it's safe, motion left...then move over to the yellow lines. Signal left, allow oncoming traffic to pass and make your turn. Don't wait until the last second and try to turn left from the right shoulder. Again, I see this happen all the time. Granted, some stupid motorists may yell at you for being in the center of the road....but this is where you're supposed to be when turning left.

~ When approaching a side street or driveway that a car is coming out of, wave...point your finger straight ahead....make eye contact and make sure that driver sees you, then KEEP PEDALING. If you let up or hesitate, they might think you're letting them out. You have the right away. Make yourself seen and stay the course.

~ Be prepared to unclip from your pedals at ALL STOPS. As you gain experience, you'll learn to hold your balance and if necessary, unclip at the last second.

I think a cyclist has to learn to own the road. You're the underdog out there. You're the little guy. Don't be afraid to take charge out there. Decide where you're going...signal...make sure you've been seen...and make an aggressive move with little or no hesitation.

Have fun!

[SPINFREAK]

Thanks for the great tips Beer Dude :D
You mentioned to be prepared to come out of your clips at each stop. Funny you say that....at my first stop I had to make, I forgot for a brief moment that I was not unclipping from my Spin bike and did not allow myself enough time to twist out before I stopped....So silly me end up falling to the ground! :oops: Fortunately, there was nobody around to witness my embarassment.

Linda

[Bike4ale]

....everybody does that at least once. It's a necessary evil so that you'll never forget again. :lol:

[megale3]

welcome to the road Linda,
a few things to look into for fun and interests.
1) bike club
2) literature on rides in you area
3) a good bike clinic for learning to change tires ,oil chains.....
4) sounds like you've got the bike shop you need for the more difficult things.
Here is some quick tips...
1) stay off the white lines when its raining and ride them when its sunny and no cars
2)learn comands from other cyclists like-"I got your wheel", "car back" and "your Left"
3)learn arm signs for turns stops and tracks
4) never go just because they did- ride your own ride
5) hold your line and never weave when you are with others
6) You are only as good as your next ride so leave the kick stand at home LOL :D
Have a great time
Megale