QuestionHi, I first of all want to thank you for your help :-) I have quite a few questions about biking and I'm hoping you would help me. I have been dieting/exercising (light) for a couple of months and have lost 33lbs :-D but I decided I wanted to get back into bicycling to help me lose more weight and get in shape (and have fun!). I haven't cycled since I was a kid, so I know I have a steep climb ahead of me here. First I did some research online into bikes, went to the local shop, test rode the bike I had my eye on, thought about it, came back and bought the bike. It's a 2009 GT Nomad Hybrid/Comfort bike. I hope I made the right choice, what do you know about this bike? I've had a heck of a time with my bike so far, first off I'm not very mechanically inclined. I had a hard time just getting the wheel back on after I took it off (I feel so useless!). I managed to figure it out but wow did that not help my confidence. I have some basic supplies, but I'm not sure I have enough. I have some tubes, tire levers, helmet, lube, lights, seat bag, mini pump, chain for locking it up and a little multi tool. I took it for a short spin yesterday evening but it was really cold so I didn't ride that long. Today the weather was nicer so I decided to go again for longer this time. I have a little mini atg/b hurricane pump, it has a gauge on it. I had a heck of a time figuring it out. I got it on the rear tire (finally) but I wasn't sure how to tell if it was all the way on and it only showed 50psi (they are 700 tires supposed to be 65-80 I think) so that seemed low which didn't seem right because I would assume the bike shop would have the bike with the right tire pressure and I had only ridden it like 5 minutes the night before. Then I tried inflating the tire, but I couldn't get it to inflate very well there was a very high amount of resistance so I only got a few pumps, and the psi gauge didn't change. I was frustrated, I felt the tire and it felt slightly "softer" (though definitely firm) than the front tire. I didn't check the front tire I was frustrated with the whole process. I took the bike out for a 30 minute spin (not sure how far I went I'm guessing 5-6 miles?) and I noticed several things. First off, the shifting takes a while to get used to! I had the left shifter on 2nd the whole time and kept the right shifter between 2nd and 5th (though primarily 2nd and 3rd on the right). I had no idea if I should constantly be pedaling or lay off and "coast" sometimes, what do bikers typically do, or is it a matter of preference? I wasn't sure how fast I was supposed to be pedaling either a lot of times it seemed fast to me but that could just be my perception. I also tried to soft pedal into the gears as I read and that seemed ok, I heard a little click each time I shifted but I assume that's normal. I was very nervous of the traffic, though I kept with the flow of it and it was fine. Also with the bike and tires I have should I worry about breaks or cracks in the pavement/sidewalk, and if there's no bike lane should I be riding on the sidewalk? I did ride on the sidewalk and there were people walking, they moved to the left (though that seemed the opposite to the way I would think they would move) and I went around fine. The other thing I noticed was that my rear end was pretty uncomfortable about halfway though but I really attribute that to not being used to riding a bike, I'm also a little hefty which doesn't help. It was quite a workout and I had a great time but I felt like I knew nothing and I don't feel very confident about the whole thing. I'm a bit nervous about sharp turns for one, somewhat gradual was fine but I got really nervous when I saw a sharp turn and tried to avoid, I guess I can just slow down and take them slow. I also am really nervous about riding on roads with a lot of traffic, most of the riding I did was on roads with little traffic. Is there anything in particular I should watch out for on high traffic roads as one of the long bike paths I'd love to try out, I have to go down a high traffic road (with a bike lane) for a little bit. Also how much should I ease into biking. I was ok with a 30 minute ride (though a little wore out) but my rear was pretty sore (will that get better?). How much should I increase the increments? I plan to ride probably 2-4 times a week for 30+ minutes but I'd love to ramp it up to an hour or more each time. Also could you recommend any beginner biking books to help me out as I feel a bit clueless about the whole thing! I appreciate your time and look forward to your reply.
Brianna
AnswerBrianna,
Congratulations and welcome to cycling! I am going to try to answer your questions, but, honestly, somethings you might have to go to the bike shop to have them explain things to you... the rear wheel and inflating your tires. Two very simple things, once you understand how to do it - like most things in life.
Nice looking bike, by the way! I went to a couple of web sites to get some information about your bike so I can better answer your questions.
Let's start with the rear wheel removal first. There is a trick, and practice a few times before you need to take your rear wheel off on the side of the road. The trick is to shift your rear derailleur to the smallest cog in back (smallest cog equals highest gear, but you've probably figured that out). And let's just say that you have the rear wheel off and away from the bike, you have fixed your flat tire, pumped it up, and are now ready to ride to the coffee shop for a much needed break. What you want to do is lift the rear of the bike up with one hand and "thread" the rear cassette (the gears) between the chain upper and lower section. Since you have shifted the rear derailleur to the smallest cog you know that is the gear where the chain needs to go. Place the chain on that small cog, pull the wheel back into the frame, and tighten the quick release. The trick, again, is placing the chain on the cog which corresponds with gear selected by your shifter, and the smallest/highest is the easiest to remember. This way the chain itself will help guide the wheel into the frame. I know, I know, it sounds easier than it is, but with practice it will come. Really!
Now about pumping up those tires. Does you tire have a valve like a car, or is it a skinny little metal thing? (Schraeder versus Presta) I am just thinking that you have the Schraeder (car type) valve. Your little mini pump is great, for when you are on the side of the road and you have to get home. It really isn't hearty enough for weekly use. An inexpensive floor pump will really help with things. It will last longer and just make the job so much easier. You are so right to check your tires often, every week is just fine. It is amazing how many people ride around on under-inflated tires. Doing so can just get you into a lot of trouble, more flats, rim damage, and poor bike handling. Why your gauge on your pump wasn't reading right is a mystery, by the way. You may not have had it fully on the valve, or the shop didn't inflate your tires all the way... it happens. This is where I wish I could show you in person how to inflate you tires, because it is kind of a feel thing. You want to be sure that your pump is all the way on the valve before you lock it in place, you might hear a hiss of air leaking out when you have it pushed on enough. From your description of your attempt, the resistance you felt, I have a feeling that it wasn't all the way on. Keep trying! It will come!
Jumping to your last question check out Bicycling Magazine's New Cyclist Handbook http://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Magazines-New-Cyclist-Handbook/dp/B001O9BY5G/ref... Cheap and it should explain a lot of this with pictures!
Do you play a musical instrument? I know, sounds strange, but this is why I ask. If you do (or imagine that you do) when you first started playing you most likely had to look at your hands a lot. This is kinda like cycling in traffic. You are looking at the cracks, the cars on the side of the road, which gear your are in, everything! As you become an accomplished musician you may look at your hand once in a while but it is more of a sub-conscience check and not really to check on where they are. After you have been cycling for a while you will "notice" the cracks in the pavement, the cars, the other obstacles, but they will become just a part of riding. You will be aware of things, and if something is dangerous you will be able to take action, but you won't worry about every thing.
I don't know where you live, but here in Wisconsin, as in most States, bicycles are considered vehicular traffic and must obey the rules of the road. That means riding with, not against, traffic - why maybe those pedestrians moved to the left - and using hand signals and following traffic laws. OK, where practical! Say you are making a right hand turn on a bumpy road slightly downhill in the rain, I would not advise you to take your hands off of the handlebars just to signal a turn. Often I will use a head nod, if I am in a situation like that, or a quick point with my finger, to tell drivers what my intentions are. I guess what I am saying is use common sense, don't put your self in danger just to follow the law.
Check with the laws of your State or locality if you should ride on the sidewalk if there is no bike lane. I don't want to tell you one thing and have it be the wrong thing.
Riding in traffic can be very un-nerving! I am fortunate that I live in a place where I will pass more Amish buggies than I will be passed by cars! However, I did live in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Madison, Wisconsin, where I trained, raced, and commuted. I have been brushed by mirrors and had doors open in front of me. I don't mean to scare you, just make you aware. Again, common sense and being aware of your surroundings will make you a good rider. Don't worry about the cars passing you, be aware of them, but don't worry. Ride in a nice straight line as far to the right as practical and be aware of what is coming up. Look for people in cars (are they going to open their door?). Be cautious of driveways (people are looking for cars not always bikes). One of the best words of advice I heard many many years ago is "think of yourself being invisible." In other words, people don't see bikes.
Easing into biking the way you are is perfect! Don't over do it. I know so many people that start with a flurry of activity, riding 30 minute, then 45, then an hour. After a week of doing this, they are sore, discouraged and give up. Keep doing the 30 minutes for a while, then 45. Then give yourself a goal... ride for 45 minutes to a place to take a break, a park, coffee house, friends house... relax for a while, 15 - 20 minutes, then ride home. I think you will surprise yourself.
I think I am running out of room. And there is a lot more to tell you. I will see if I can add more or please, if you want, write me directly at
[email protected].
Keep it up! Soon that 30 minutes on a bike will just seem like a warm up!
Ride.
Tad
PS Your rear will stop hurting after a while!!!
