Comments on: Seven Things You Need To Start Cycling

By: Joy C

Joy C — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:33:00 +0000

As a beginner on the road, you’re going to be a bit awkward riding with traffic. I think it’s really important to BE VISIBLE. Wearing grey, black or navy (common t shirt colors) blend in too easily with asphalt. Yellow is the most visually stimulating color to the human eye. Yes, it does look a bit geeky to be wearing one of those neon yellow safety jackets but I do because I want to be seen by drivers.

By: mizzeperez

mizzeperez — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:57:00 +0000

Any other advice for a Mom with a very active son? I have not ridden a bike since I was a teen and I recently returned to it because my son enjoys it soooooo much. All I have is a man’s mountain bike which is maybe two inches too big for me (petite woman of 5 feet). I don’t want to invest money into buying a new bike right now but I am wondering if my feet need to reach the ground in order to ride safely.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:09:00 +0000

Absolutely. I talk about road bikes all the time because that’s what I ride. Nothing says you can’t ride a mountain bike. If you’re going to be doing any significant riding on the pavement you might think about getting some less aggressive tires (slicks) to make it easier. That said, I’ve seen plenty of riders on mountain bikes keep pace with guys on road bikes. Knobby tires and all.

By: Einsamwolfe

Einsamwolfe — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 06:36:00 +0000

I have a mountain bike because I do some moderate trail riding. Would this be okay to start out with?

By: Starting Road Cycling After Watching The Tour De France | Biking To Live

Starting Road Cycling After Watching The Tour De France | Biking To Live — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:31:52 +0000

[...] written posts in the past about things you need to start cycling and things you don’t need. I want to give these new, or returning, cyclists a more concise [...]

By: bdewberry

bdewberry — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:26:45 +0000

I can see where the bare minimum could be a bike, safety equipment, and desire. I think it's all a matter of personal preference in the end.

By: bdewberry

bdewberry — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:25:04 +0000

Chamois cream is a can be a sensitive subject and like I said in the post was hesitant to put it on the list. If you've never used it in the 30 years you've been riding I'd venture to say you don't need it. As far as whether to apply to skin or the pad I think it's per the manufacturer's directions. Chamois Butt'r says to apply to both. Since it's the only kind I've used I can't speak for the others.

Any of our super-experienced readers want to chime in?

By: chrisfit2009

chrisfit2009 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 06:42:38 +0000

I'm not sure about the knicks. I know you say “only if you don’t plan on putting in very many miles”, but since this is about what you need to START, I'd argue that you don't need them. All you really need is a bike, basic safety equipment and the desire. The rest makes the process a little easier, but if you have those three, you can start and just build up.

By: bdewberry

bdewberry — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:26:45 +0000

I can see where the bare minimum could be a bike, safety equipment, and desire. I think it's all a matter of personal preference in the end.

By: bdewberry

bdewberry — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:25:04 +0000