Bike riding tips

**.V.** · 06-Sep-05, 09:59 AM

OK, done some searching and no help found.

I've been wanting to get a bike for over a year. I've taken on some extra work and when the money comes in, I'm going to go buy a good one (probably in the next couple of days). I was going to get it last week, but my money has been delayed.

The thing is, I haven't been on a bike since I was a kid. I've never owned a 10 speed. The one I've been looking at is a 21 gear mountain bike. Any suggestions on how to get started on the thing, gearing (starting gear, how to change, when to change), etc...

I'm planning to ride it to work and to ride it to where I do my walking and running at (ride a bike to where I do cardio - sounds like an extra workout). I just don't want to be out there in the wrong gear, floundering and end up like a road possum.

rafi_x · 06-Sep-05, 10:49 AM

It's really straight forward. When you hop on the bike you just pedal and change it to the gear that you feel comfortable with. And when you lock your bike make sure you lock the frame and the front tire otherwise your bike might get stolen. Enjoy your new bike!

**.V.** · 06-Sep-05, 11:00 AM

So start out in a middle gear and adjust from there?

Sorry to sound stupid here, but I've never had anything but a one speed before and really don't have a clue.

gymrat · 06-Sep-05, 03:47 PM

Don't feel like you're the only one... I bought a bike in early summer and it's been a good 20 years since I'd been on a bike. I'm in pretty good shape and do a lot of core training but I was such a spaz on my bike.

I cannot explain it but the handles seemed to turn in towards the road every time a car went by. Maybe I have a subconscious death wish?

I had to curtail bike riding over the summer due to some surgery that I had, but as the weather cools down, I will be taking my spazzy self back on the road again. I have to imagine it just takes practice - although I am seriously rethinking the validity of the old phrase "It's just like riding a bike...."

Rats! · 06-Sep-05, 04:27 PM

It doesn't matter what gear you start with. Once you're pedaling you can play around with the gears and just use what feels best.

**.V.** · 06-Sep-05, 04:36 PM

OK, thanks for the info. I'll post about the bike when I pick it up. If I disappear shortly after that - well, there are a lot of fast moving big trucks on our road sometimes.

angelus · 06-Sep-05, 04:43 PM

Not sure how it is now with these new bikes, but i always had it in gear 3, 4 or 5.

The higher the gear, the harder it is to pedal (depending on the road conditions). So if you are going to go up a huge hill, you would shift down to gear 2 or 1.

When i got onto some straight road, i would fly up the gears and get upto around 25 - 30 MPH in gear 18 or 21!

And if its a disk brake bike, be careful with the front brake, or you may just go flying off the bike!

**.V.** · 06-Sep-05, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelus

And if its a disk brake bike, be careful with the front brake, or you may just go flying off the bike!

Didn't think of that - 'preciate it.

Gearloose · 06-Sep-05, 06:26 PM

Don't settle for two wheels when three are better!

http://www.yellowjacketsystems.com/t...s/IMG_2213.htm

(note: photo from before my weight loss)

http://www.thertr.com/

And if you are dead set on two wheels, at least make it a 'bent:

http://www.bentrideronline.com/

yorkie85 · 07-Sep-05, 07:08 PM

You start in 1st gear, increase rapidly to top gear and, as you stop, take it back to 1st gear again (else you'll make a really slow getaway). I don't bother with the big gears around the pedals - just the ones on the back wheel. There's less risk of the chain coming off.