Fitness and Technique Questions
Questions
- Any suggestions for "newbie" riders just starting out?
- I would like to get involved in riding, however, what is suggested for a new biker, such as training for rides, and how do you implement this training into the rides? Do you have training classes out side of the riding events? What type of bike is suggested? I currently have a Mongoose road bike. Thanks,
- I am very interested in riding... If anyone can give me advice on a good starter bike or if they have one to sell, it would be greatly appreciated.
Answers
Any suggestions for "newbie" riders just starting out?
The forums are a great place to ask a question, we have a lot of folks willing to share their knowledge. This question was posted here.
I would like to get involved in riding, however, what is suggested for a new biker, such as training for rides, and how do you implement this training into the rides? Do you have training classes out side of the riding events? What type of bike is suggested? I currently have a Mongoose road bike.
Thanks,
The first thing we'd suggest is to poke around the website as there is quite a lot of information already on the website.
Search through old posts on our forums. Also, check out the FW articles in "cnowledge" and the "best of FW". A ton of good info has appeared over the years in FreeWheelin'.
"Training rides" can be a bit of a misnomer. One doesn't use these to begin riding. We'd suggest the beginner, introductory rides that are offered. These rides almost always have someone who will either ride with you or make sure you aren't left behind. Training rides typically are fast to very fast and often aggressive rides oriented towards those who compete.
We usually suggest road bikes (at least, I do) for road riding simply because the designed has evolved to combine comfort and efficiency. The upright "lawnmower" style that appears so enticing on those "comfort" bikes is actually a PITA if you have to ride any distance and, say, encounter any headwind. Those "skinny" tires roll easily, making the miles melt away. No one says you have to buy a racing bike but do keep in mind that the general position and equipment of road bikes has evolved for folks who have to ride 100-150 miles at a clip for a pleasure or a living. There must be some merit to it.
As with most things in life, within reason, you get what you pay for in a bike. Discount sneakers are fine for walking around the park but probably wouldn't be your choice for running a 10k or even a marathon. Don't confuse "cheap" with "value". There really is no value in getting a cheap bike when you find you have to sell it for chump change and buy what you should have bought in the first place in 6 months. If your budget doesn't allow for a new bike, a used quality bike is a much better value than a modern "cheapo".
I am very interested in riding... If anyone can give me advice on a good starter bike or if they have one to sell, it would be greatly appreciated.
The forums are the place to ask a question like this. It is helpful to describe your budget, type of riding you are interested in (touring, triathlon, commuting, etc.) and other pertinent factors (e.g. "I'm totally out of shape" or "I just did an ultra-marathon").
The SBL Forums.
