Question by frenchie: how to begin cycling?
I have many questions on how to start cycling.
*How do you maintain a ,000 bike?
*What’s a cycling license? Where do I get it? How much is it?
*What gear is best?
*Clip-On Shoes necessary?
*Possible problems during a race?
*Do you have to shave your legs? Why?
*Sunglasses?
Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I need to know KEY things every biker should know.
Best answer:
Answer by Bob A
Go to a bike shop and pick out a bike, get a helmet and start riding. You can worry about the rest of it later. You want to pedal at a high cadence 70-90 rpm’s with lite pressure on the pedals so pick the gear that allows you to do that. Get a bike computer that will give you a cadence read out. Keep track of you rides so you can track your progress. If you are serious about racing you want to spend more then 00 on a bike.
You need a helmet, glasses and a mirror to start with. After you are used to riding you can get clipless pedals and some cycling shorts and jerseys.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
First off, ignore the guy who’s telling you to get a cycling computer with cadence sensors… that’s only something you need if you are a VERY serious cyclist who is looking to maximize their power output at a given heart-rate.
1. Bike maintainence doesnt vary too much based upon how much your bike costs. All bikes have essentially the same components which are serviced in similar manners. The biggest differences you’ll find in price ranges will be V-brakes vs. Disc brakes & standard vs “outboard” bottom bracket cups. If you’d like more details, feel free to e-mail me but “how to service a bike” is way more complicated than the space alloted here.
2. Cycling license… only needed for racing really. Makes race registration and such much easier since you’re license is on file and can be referenced rather than signing up each and every race. Not sure about cost….
3. Gear… Like anything, this is mostly personal preference and depends heavily on what you’re talking about… For ex… mtb vs road, strength vs durability vs weight…. Lots of things to consider. If you can be more spec, I can offer suggestions that I like but again, its personal preference.
4. Clipless pedals necessary…. For max performance, yes they are. That said, its really preference. If you’re not comfortable, you’re not fast, period. If Sam Hill managed to win the world cup on flat pedals, I’m pretty sure they’ll do for most of us riders. I like clipless on the road but only ride flats on the mountains.
5. Possible problems… Number one prob is crowds and other riders. Nowhere aside from a race will you be so packed into a crowd and so subject to someone else screwing up.
6. Shaving… No, you dont have to. Its like with swimming, people looking for that extra 0:00:01 say it reduces friction and chaffing… comfort and speed. Mostly, this is a personal preference but it is pretty common for racers to shave the night before a race.
7. Sunglasses… Is it sunny? Some people always wear them for protection, personally I dont care either way. If its sunny I’ll wear ‘em, if its not, I wont.
I agree a lot with what has already been said except the clipless shoes. I perfer toe clips (but they aren’t FASHIONABLE) so I don’t need special shoes.
And I wear glasses (sun or safety). They keep bugs and other crap out of your eyes.
Your idea is so nice, i wish you do it better!