Noob cyclists - share your stories, successes and tips

[OmahaSteph]

I know there are a bunch of cycling threads on here and I love reading them, but most of them are really intimidating. I thought this might be a good place for those of us who are just starting out to discuss our journeys and generally support each other.

I haven't ridden a bike in more than 2 decades, but bought one Saturday with the hope of doing a weekly farmers market group ride each weekend. It's a pretty cheap starter Schwinn, but I want to make sure the habit sticks and I figure out what I need/want before sinking any more money into a ride. I did spring for a 55-pound capacity rear rack (to hold grocery panniers) and an adaptor so it'll fit on a trunk rack. The seat is also disintegrating so I did some research and bought a wide, cushiony saddle.

When I got on the bike Saturday, I was horrified to learn that you CAN, in fact, forget how to ride a bike, BUT I'm determined to re-learn and make this work!

Anyone else starting out this spring? What kinds of bikes do you have and what are your goals?

[MonkeyJenga]

I picked up my first bike in two decades on Sunday! For now it's a free trial period courtesy of a generous coworker. I need to fix the seat and buy a helmet before starting to ride. My goal is to commute by bike once I'm comfortable riding in the city.

This is a Giant mountain bike. Not ideal for commuting, but hard to beat practically-free.

[OmahaSteph]

I picked up my first bike in two decades on Sunday! For now it's a free trial period courtesy of a generous coworker. I need to fix the seat and buy a helmet before starting to ride. My goal is to commute by bike once I'm comfortable riding in the city.

This is a Giant mountain bike. Not ideal for commuting, but hard to beat practically-free.

Woo-hoo! How did it go? (Where you able to ride or was there a little learning curve at first?)

[MonkeyJenga]

I haven't ridden this one yet, but the idea for it came about last summer. I visited family and went riding with my uncle. After a few minutes of hot wobbly bike action, I was back in the groove. That was in wide, peaceful bike paths, though. Not sure how I'll fare next to cars and aggressive NYC bikers.

[GreenQueen]

Fantastic that you're back to bicycling. Quick version: it's simple and fun, so just get out there and enjoy it.

Longer version: I bought my first bike ever (parents bought my first one--I was 6) last year at Costco. Not fancy but I love it. I live in a bike-friendly city and ride it everywhere, to see friends, to class, to fetch groceries. I suggest investing in some bike shorts (bought cheap $15 pair off Amazon, great so far) for rides longer than 20-30 minutes. I just throw them on under a skirt or over pants and peel them off at the other end. Encourages me to take longer rides because I'm more comfortable.

Also, city night riding is super fun--get some cheap removable lights for the front and back of bike.  And lock your bike right...multi-system combinations prevent theft. That means one u-lock (mine cost $12) and one chain lock ($5), or some other combo for an effective deterrent.

Enjoy!

[runningthroughFIRE]

I use my bike whenever I go somewhere I can lock it to something sturdy.  It's just a mountain/cruise bike my parents bought me when I was in high school.  The seat looks kind of funny because I had to pull it out to near the max mark, but it still fits well enough.  I'm contemplating getting a road bike, but that'll probably hinge on whether I follow through on triathlon training.

Any advice/recommendations from somone who uses panniers for groceries? I just use a big backpack right now, but it gets kind of uncomfortable when I buy things like milk or OJ.

[OmahaSteph]

Any advice/recommendations from somone who uses panniers for groceries? I just use a big backpack right now, but it gets kind of uncomfortable when I buy things like milk or OJ.

I've seen a bunch of different collapsible baskets that can hold a standard grocery bag and they aren't too pricey depending on what brand you get. We've also been toying with the idea of making our own using heavy-duty canvas tote bags, etc. Planning to scour thrift stores/clearance sections for those, then reinforce with particle board and mount the hardware. Not sure whether to just fork over the money and be done with it, or go the potentially thrifty route (which could be expensive if we screw it up).

[MonkeyJenga]

I've biked three times! I'm still restricted to weekends since I don't have lights yet for after work. Yesterday I went over a bridge and into Manhattan, which was TERRIFYING. I made it, but it did not make me confident about 1) my physical fitness and 2) my ability to commute to work among all the cars.

[Spiffsome]

This is going to sound stupid, but keep your chain and gears lubricated. It's much harder and more discouraging to ride on a rusty chain. Riding on a well-oiled chain is a dream by comparison!

[OmahaSteph]

I've biked three times! I'm still restricted to weekends since I don't have lights yet for after work. Yesterday I went over a bridge and into Manhattan, which was TERRIFYING. I made it, but it did not make me confident about 1) my physical fitness and 2) my ability to commute to work among all the cars.

GO YOU! I hear ya on all counts. I'm still terrified.

I still haven't ridden. *hangs head* I installed a new seat, but couldn't get it tight enough and it kept moving when I got on. I asked Current to take a look at it, but he didn't. Then yesterday we dropped it off at the shop to have the rear rack FINALLY installed, and got the adjustable bar so it'll fit on the trunk rack evenly. I'll pick it up Saturday, and my fat ass has GOT to get on it!!!