road bikes 2012 image
Madeline
I've always been interested in cycling. My dad does it, a couple family members do it, and I have friends that do it, and from what I've heard it's really freaking cool. So, lately I've decided I want to take it up. The only problem is that I don't know the first thing about it - IE what kind of bike to use, what kind of gear I need to have, physical fitness level needed, and anything else that would be necessary for cycling. I know I'd probably use a road bike, but I'm not sure what kind of road bike, exactly. Any tips from any cyclists out there?
Answer
You're quote, "My dad does it, a couple family members do it, and I have friends that do it,..."
So why are you asking random & complete strangers via the Internet?
1) what kind of bike to use: Take $700 or so to a bicycle shop. Buy something like this...
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/avail.5/11526/55908/
Good entry level women's specific road bike.
2) what kind of gear I need to have: An under-the-seat bag with a spare tube, tire levers, folding hex-head tool and a source of air - either CO2 cartridges or a frame pump.
http://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/RoadMorphG
3) physical fitness level needed: Basically - NONE! The more you ride, the better shape you'll be in. Anyone can start at any fitness level. Cycling is how this old man lost about 70 lbs.
4) Any tips from any cyclists out there? If you want the bike to be more "utilitarian" (useful) add a rear rack, panniers (saddle bags) and possibly fenders too. The final product will look like this...
http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo267/OldHippie_01/2012%20Giant%20Defy%205/100_0166.jpg
You're quote, "My dad does it, a couple family members do it, and I have friends that do it,..."
So why are you asking random & complete strangers via the Internet?
1) what kind of bike to use: Take $700 or so to a bicycle shop. Buy something like this...
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/avail.5/11526/55908/
Good entry level women's specific road bike.
2) what kind of gear I need to have: An under-the-seat bag with a spare tube, tire levers, folding hex-head tool and a source of air - either CO2 cartridges or a frame pump.
http://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/RoadMorphG
3) physical fitness level needed: Basically - NONE! The more you ride, the better shape you'll be in. Anyone can start at any fitness level. Cycling is how this old man lost about 70 lbs.
4) Any tips from any cyclists out there? If you want the bike to be more "utilitarian" (useful) add a rear rack, panniers (saddle bags) and possibly fenders too. The final product will look like this...
http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo267/OldHippie_01/2012%20Giant%20Defy%205/100_0166.jpg
What type of bicycle should I purchase?
Nathan
I would only use the bicycle for commuting from home to work and school. 13miles round trip to work and about 3 miles to school round trip.
And maybe to go to stores and to visit family.
To commute to work there are about 7 mild/steep hills
i am looking at a road bike (if so how many speeds would I need? Single? 8? 12?)
I would not want a fixie
How about a hybrid bike?
oh also what gears are the best index/brifter. Bar-end shifter (index or friction) or just old school friction
Thank you!
Answer
The type of bike depends on...
1) Depends on how much you "feel the need for speed".
2) Hybrids allow for only ONE hand position. I've found from past experience (the hard way) your hands may start to cramp up due to that one position. With a road bike - you can adjust or change hand positions & still ride safely.
3) Good bikes come with an 8 speed rear "cassette" cog, or more. So think in terms of multiples of 8. 3 X 8 = 24 speed. 2 X 8 = 16. 3 X 9 = 27 speed. Etc., etc. No one has made a 12 speed bike in YEARS.
4) If you're willing to spend the big bucks...one type of bike that is great at climbing hills is a "touring road bike". With that massive 32 tooth to 34 tooth low gear - there's not a hill that can't be conquered. Here's mine from 2011 - http://www.raleighusa.com/archive/2011-steel-road/sojourn-11/ $1,200 then & $1,300 for the 2013 model.
What you NEED to do is go visit at least one bike shop & get caught up-to-date. Don't be afraid to ask questions...lots & lots of questions. If (by chance) you get a snobby salesperson - walk out the door ASAP & find another bike shop. Although rare - it happens.
Whatever type of bike you go with - make sure it either comes equipped with a rear rack or has "eyelets" to bolt on a rear rack. That's THE #1 most useful item any "commuter bike" can have. Add panniers (saddle bags) and you're ready.
Bar end shifters (as on my Raleigh) are a friction shifter on the left (or front sprocket) and index on the rear (or rear cog). What I highly suggest for shorter commutes (like yours) is Shimano STI shifters or their equivalent. You can shift & brake all from the same hand position. Something like a Giant Defy 5 with a rear rack & panniers makes for a good short commuter bicycle. Here's mine...
http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo267/OldHippie_01/2012%20Giant%20Defy%205/100_0166.jpg Still a great hill climber because it's a fairly light bike.
The type of bike depends on...
1) Depends on how much you "feel the need for speed".
2) Hybrids allow for only ONE hand position. I've found from past experience (the hard way) your hands may start to cramp up due to that one position. With a road bike - you can adjust or change hand positions & still ride safely.
3) Good bikes come with an 8 speed rear "cassette" cog, or more. So think in terms of multiples of 8. 3 X 8 = 24 speed. 2 X 8 = 16. 3 X 9 = 27 speed. Etc., etc. No one has made a 12 speed bike in YEARS.
4) If you're willing to spend the big bucks...one type of bike that is great at climbing hills is a "touring road bike". With that massive 32 tooth to 34 tooth low gear - there's not a hill that can't be conquered. Here's mine from 2011 - http://www.raleighusa.com/archive/2011-steel-road/sojourn-11/ $1,200 then & $1,300 for the 2013 model.
What you NEED to do is go visit at least one bike shop & get caught up-to-date. Don't be afraid to ask questions...lots & lots of questions. If (by chance) you get a snobby salesperson - walk out the door ASAP & find another bike shop. Although rare - it happens.
Whatever type of bike you go with - make sure it either comes equipped with a rear rack or has "eyelets" to bolt on a rear rack. That's THE #1 most useful item any "commuter bike" can have. Add panniers (saddle bags) and you're ready.
Bar end shifters (as on my Raleigh) are a friction shifter on the left (or front sprocket) and index on the rear (or rear cog). What I highly suggest for shorter commutes (like yours) is Shimano STI shifters or their equivalent. You can shift & brake all from the same hand position. Something like a Giant Defy 5 with a rear rack & panniers makes for a good short commuter bicycle. Here's mine...
http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo267/OldHippie_01/2012%20Giant%20Defy%205/100_0166.jpg Still a great hill climber because it's a fairly light bike.
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