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Discussion: New Biker-Help!
Subject: New Biker-Help! By: Marisa S. Written on: 2006-03-22 09:18:07 Message: I've posted before and everyone was so helpful! I'm fine on the running and swimming, but i've recently bought a road bike and am trying to learn how to ride it. My first two rides were disasters, I felt completely unbalanced and had a hard time shifting gears without swerving, not to mention that I never got above 8 mph. I feel very silly, but I live in Boston and am too scared to ride on the street with traffic so I have been riding around my block in circles. ANY advice would be really great-I thought this would be much easier! Thanks.
Subject: RE: New Biker-Help! By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-03-22 10:07:21 Message: Marisa, don't despair! If I were you I would work on just staying stable on the bike for starts and don't worry about shifting gears. Once you can bike comfortably then you can work on shifting gears while you are biking. Are there any parks or bike routes where you live? If you are not comfortable biking in the street that is what I would recommend. If not, go biking VERY early on the weekends (example: 7:00am or 6:00am) when there is not that much traffice (make sure you have the appropriate lights...etc..on your bike first). If you know anyone who knows how to bike get together with them and go for a bike ride so you can learn from them (even a child if possible, some times they have no fear and love to teach people what they know). Jael
Subject: RE: New Biker-Help! By: becky s. Written on: 2006-03-22 10:08:56 Message: Marisa, I too had a hard time learning to ride a road bike. Of coarse, I hadn't ridden a bike in like 20 years. I went immediately to the clipless shoes. I'm glad I did because I think it would have been harder for me to adjust once I'd gotten used to the cages. Anyways, I fell many times and was bruised from head to toe! My advice is to keep at it. I started out going to the high school parking lot and riding around and around practicing clipping in and out at stop signs and shifting gears. It took me awhile to get used to riding in traffic also. After you become confidant with clipping in and out you won't be so scared in traffic. I just don't think about the traffic. I concentrate on keeping close to the white line. Also, are you sure you are fitted to the bike right? When I first got my road bike the handle bars were extended too far and I had a hard time shifting. The bike shop owner had to order a new stem and now I have no problems. If you've read previous e-mails you'll see how important a bike fit is. I love biking now and especially love when I can pass a guy on a hill! Good luck and let me know how you are doing. Once you get confidant you'll love it. I'm envious you swim so well. I'm a horrible swimmer! Becky
Subject: RE: New Biker-Help! By: bob g. Written on: 2006-03-22 10:32:40 Message: Check with the bike shop that sold you the bike. I am sure that he/she will know of a bike club in your area. Most clubs have beginner rides. And most clubs will have members that will be happy to "show you the ropes" How to shift, when to shift, how to ride a straight line, how to uncliphow to pedal. enjoy your new ride and keep the rubber side down!!
Subject: RE: New Biker-Help! By: Paul B. Written on: 2006-03-22 10:52:38 Message: For me it was wearing a helmet and putting in the time...the helmet because you will fall...and the time because eventually you won't fall...as much.
Subject: RE: New Biker-Help! By: Teresa Y. Written on: 2006-03-23 02:36:34 Message: For practice and time in the saddle, perhaps invest in an inexpensive (i.e., borrowed) indoor cycling trainer. Great for getting used to clipping in and out of bike shoes/pedals; great for learning proper pedaling mechanism; great for, well..... cold winters. :-) As Bob G. says, learn when and how to shift properly. Go on some training rides with a local club. They can be your reminder tool as you approach hills, ascend/descend hills, and also watch your pedal stroke. Understanding shifting and learning proper pedaling techniques is essential. Efficiency is the key to success. Full on power is not always the best process for proper cycling. Practice, practice, practice. :-) Much luck to you! -T.
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