Three Things You Don’t Need To Start Cycling

When starting out in the sport of cycling, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed by everything involved. The types of bicycles (their respective sizes, components, price points, materials), the myriad of clothing choices, training recommendations, and the list goes on, and on, and on. It doesn’t have to be that hard.

When first starting out, I think folks may jump a little overboard as far as buying equipment before they fully understand what they’re getting themselves into. I think this is why we see so many bicycles on Craigslist due to new cyclists quitting. Or they don’t even start because they’re too overwhelmed about perceived ‘requirements’.

What you DON’T need

If you’re new to the sport of cycling, I wanted to provide you a list of items that I think you DON’T need when you first start out. They are:

An expensive bicycle. Some would disagree with me on this and we could get into a long discussion regarding the ability to upgrade later, comfort, and quality. Maybe we’ll talk about that someday. But I believe that if you’re just starting out, you don’t need to drop $2500, or even $1500, on the latest bicycle (Bicycling Mag says $1500 is the minimum a new rider should spend – March 2010, page 48). I think my first road bicycle, which I bought brand new, cost me $500 back in 1996. I rode it off and on for 15 years until some problems with it last year forced me to retire it. I looked at some brand new bikes as a replacement but would have had to spend at least $1200 to get exactly what I wanted. I know that isn’t much on the bicycle price meter but when you’re on a budget that’s a lot of money. I found a great deal and pulled the trigger on a used bicycle last month for $500.
Expensive cycling clothes. This is another touchy subject amongst cyclists. I’m all about saving money so, yes, I have issues with spending $300+ on cycling bibs (or even a $100). Just like everything else, cycling clothing has price points and the quality you get certainly affects the price. I’ve heard that those $300+ bibs are unbelievably comfortable but I just can’t do that. Would I review them if they were sent to me? Absolutely but there’s no way I’d buy them myself. I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than $50 for a set. There are places out there where you can find cheaper cycling clothes. Look for the sales too. I never buy clothes, of any kind, unless they’re on sale. Also, if you’re new to cycling and overweight like me, you’ll find that as the price in clothing goes up, you’re less likely to find anything that fits. I’ll have some posts in the future that discuss places to find cycling clothing that’s inexpensive and fits both Clydes and Athenas.
Fancy electronics. These days you can buy computers for your bicycle (called cyclocomputers) that not only record your distance, speed, and time but they’ll also store all that information for download later, display your route via GPS on a color screen, show how many feet you’ve climbed, the current temperature, what your heart rate is, and make you a nice steaming cup of coffee. Ok, I was kidding about the coffee but I think you get my point. If you’re just starting out, you don’t need all that extra stuff. I’ve survived on a simple cyclocomputer that has speed, average speed, ride distance, ride time, and an odometer for years. It’s not as fancy some of the nice stuff but it’s basic and gets the job done. Don’t get me wrong, do I want a nice computer that offers downloading and heart rate? Sure, but that’s because I think that will be my next big step in my cycling training and not because it’s required.

What do you think?

Ok readers, there’s three things. I know many of you have opinions on this subject so I’d welcome them in the comments below. Think back to when you started cycling and apply what you know now. Some of you may disagree with me and that’s OK. Let me know why below.

Tomorrow’s post is going to be on ‘Things you need to start cycling’. If you have recommendations for that list, send them to me at bryan[at]bikingtolive.com.

Feature image courtesy of daniele_satori.

crazyjarhead

Absolutely spot on. The more people we can attract to cycling the better. The expense of bikes and clothing tends to scare people away. [I like gadgets so I'll stay away from the computer commentary].

bdewberry

Thanks. I was a little hesitant to write it because of some push back I might get. I understand liking gadgets, and I do too, but someone new to cycling doesn't need a Garmin GPS computer on their bike. They can get by with the basic computer. I would love to have a Garmin GPS with HR but it's not in the budget right now.

jodycb

Yeah I would say starting with a low end bike from a reputable bike shop that will make sure it's the right fit for you is the place to start. Was just at the shop last week & I would say depending on your flavor (road, hybrid, or mountain) you still do it for $500 or less. It's not like the bike won't operate if you're not wearing spandex & know exactly how fast you're going.

Just enjoy feeling like a kid with your awesome new toy. If you don't have everything on day one, it gives you something to look forward to getting next time, and an excuse to go ask stupid questions at the bike shop.

Of course you should be aware, that this is just a gateway bike that will likely get you hooked on the harder stuff and that stuff is a bit pricier.

bdewberry

I agree that not everyone needs a road bike to start with. There are some nice hybrids out there that would do most people just fine. Getting a cheaper bike to start with isn't such a big dent on the wallet in the event they find out they absolutely hate the sport after 20 miles. It happens.

http://mildstallion.wordpress.com/ Al

Regarding the bike itself, I remember Jonathan Vaughters saying that the difference between a $500 and $1,500 bike is huge. Between a $1,500 bike and a $5,000 bike, not so much.

bdewberry

I think I've heard that saying before and it's probably true. I know the feel between my old bike (about $500) and my new one (about $1200 new) is huge. I don't think, though, that a new rider needs to buy a $1500 bike as Bicycle Mag suggests.

http://www.lovingthebike.com/ Darryl

I agree with crazyjarhead, your post was right on the money. All the technology, gadgets, and of course the price, is very intimidating to new riders and they should be told by people to just get on the bike and not worry about those things at the start.
Looking forward to your “What you DO need” list.

bdewberry

Thanks Darryl. I hope I don't disappoint with the 'do need' article.

Doug

You're totally right. The most important thing you need to start cycling is… a cyclist. Sure it's nice to be able to buy top dollar equipment and clothes, but c'mon. Does a $300 bib make a newbie a better cyclist? No way. And I have a now 5 year old Trek 1000 (at $1000 the lowest end road bike Trek made back then) and I have no trouble staying with “cyclists” riding bikes ranging from $2500-$3500. Sure I can't stay with competitives cyclists riding the top end bikes, but I couldn't stay with them if they were riding tricycles. And sure I'd love to upgrade to a $3500 high end road bike, but I don't because (other than the fact that I can't afford it) I know it won't make me any better a cyclist than I already am. And like you, I have a basic Cateye “computer” – Speed, Avg. Speed, Distance, Total Distance and a couple more I rarely look at.

bdewberry

Thanks for the comment Doug. I know that bike manufacturers have multiple price points because there are people that need those $3500 bikes (racers and triathletes come to mind) but a brand new rider doesn't. Like you, I know a $3500 bike won't me me better. The only thing that's going to make me better right now is putting miles in and losing weight.

http://twitter.com/331miles Jeff Contreras

I agree with your list. I would also add “good weather”. You can ride in the heat…cold…rain…wind. Just be prepared.

bdewberry

Jeff, long time no see. I'm guessing the new job is keeping you busy. Thanks for stopping by.

Good weather is a great one and I have to admit that when it rains/gets cold I'm less likely to ride.

http://therapyon2wheels.blogspot.com/ Glenn_in_MA

I couldn't agree with you any more on those 3 things that you certainly don't need to start cycling for fitness. I'll add one more that I think holds some folks back…that is, having someone to ride with. It's nice to have a riding partner…but not necessary to get going in the sport. Get out, ride, talk to other cyclists while you're out riding and you'll soon be surprised at the opportunities that come along for riding with others.

bdewberry

Thanks for the comment Glenn. I mentioned having someone to ride with in one of my articles. It's not necessary but I think it helps. Especially if you need some extra motivation.

http://www.oneextraordinarymarriage.com/ Tony & Alisa – ONE

I've fallen prey to all of these over the years. I've been riding a Specialized Roubaix S-Works with DA 7800, I bought Assos bib shorts in the past, and yes I have the Garmin Edge 305. But, that was years ago and now I'm leaning more toward what you are saying.

Just recently I decided I wanted to have a more race geometry bike. I started pricing out frames/forks and they were starting at $1500. I jumped on ebay and decided to buy a frame/fork direct from China. Check out the photos of the finished bike. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2036518&i…. It took me 6 months to buy all my parts as I wanted to go with DA 7800, but total I spent $1500. The bike ride as good as my Roubaix and I'm seriously considering selling it.

The bib shorts are a touchy subject depending on what type of riding you do. For the past 3 years I've completed 9 double centuries and the Assos bib shorts are the best. One thing to remember with clothing is that if they are properly cared for they will last a long time. I've had my pair of Assos for 4 years now and they probably last a couple of more.

You don't need to spend tons on electronics, but I do enjoy knowing some extra stuff while riding like elevation gain, % gradient, and direction of travel. An initial investment that I think is worth the $$.

bdewberry

I know bibs can be a touchy subject because it does really depend on the rider. I've only ever owned cheap bibs but last week I bought a set of Fat Cyclist bibs from Twin Six because they were on sale. They're $100 bibs that I got for $45. I got the package last night and after opening them up could tell an immediate difference in the construction quality and feel when I put them on. I'm going to ride the trainer in them tonight and see how it goes. Believe it or not, the bibs that I've liked so far are a set I got from Nashbar. That could change tonight though.

You mention proper care clothing. Spot on. I plan on doing an article regarding proper care of our cycling clothing in the future.
bdewberry

I was just able to check out your bike. Very nice and a smart way to build it up.

http://www.oneextraordinarymarriage.com/ Tony & Alisa – ONE

Thanks. Most of my cycling buddies were skeptical when I told them I was going to go this route. Now that it's all built up they are impressed with it and want to ride it. Can't beat the price that's for sure. If someone wanted to go with Ultegra it would be even cheaper. Definitely a cost effective way to get a bike.

bdewberry

I have been told it's more cost effective that way and even more so if you can find a good deal on used parts.

I subscribed to you and your wife's site's RSS feed. Looks like an interesting read.

http://www.oneextraordinarymarriage.com/ Tony & Alisa – ONE

Thanks Bryan for checking out what we have going on. Marriage is another passion, but cycling keeps me sane so I can enjoy it. I've subscribed to BikingToLive as well. Like the way you present cycling to the everyday cyclist.

Keep it up.

bdewberry

Thanks for subscribing and glad you like what I'm putting out. Admittedly, I don't know everything about cycling so I'm learning as I go along and trying to pass that info on.

Dave

Wow, I thought $500 was a lot for a bike. I just got out my old boat anchor and hit the road. I tow my kids around with it for a little extra workout. Give me a year or two and when I head out on some fancy new road bike I feel like I'm on air.

bdewberry

Oh, I think $500 is a lot of money too. Riding an older, heavier bike does have it advantages because it'll help build up your strength and stamina until you can get something better. Nothing wrong with that at all.

bdewberry

Oh, I think $500 is a lot of money too. Riding an older, heavier bike does have it advantages because it'll help build up your strength and stamina until you can get something better. Nothing wrong with that at all.
Gavin Hill

I found all the comments interesting,and I am a new rider. I have a $300 Walmart special and I feel embarassed to say that, I’ve got bike shorts from Academy that I spent about $45 on, I rode my tail off in the heat all Summer long, built up my stamina to wear I was riding as much as 30 miles on these clunky nobby tires and my Walmart mountain bike aka Mongoose. I have gone to a couple of bike shops today because I feel like I’ve caught the bug. Now I am completely overwhelmed and don’t know if I’m being told the truth or not about what I am seeing. Each shop calls the other shops brands junk, I’ve looked aroudn the internet, and now I feel like I need a long nap. I am tired of getting lapped by all the guys and their nice Trek bikes, but the sticker shock during this economy has really brought my mood down about continuing. My knee can’t handle the brutal ride I’m getting from this cheap bike, but I just don’t know how to get started here. Do you have any other info for beginners? Many thanks in advance.

http://bikingtolive.com Bryan

Gavin, thanks for the comment.

When I started cycling again in early 2008 I started out on a Schwinn Trailways from Target. It’s a big, heavy hybrid. I rode it upwards of 20 miles or so for about six months. After that I started riding the old Cannondale road bike I had. It finally gave up the ghost last year and I found a great deal on Craigslist and got my current road bike, a Specialized Allez Elite, for $500.

I know the local bike shop business is bad these days because of the economy so that’s why your shops may be telling you that stuff. Honestly, between the big name brand bikes, I don’t think you’ll see much difference between them at the beginner level. When I was looking last year I did notice that you can get better components on a Specialized bike than on a Trek for the same price.

Regardless of where you decide to buy, the most important thing is that you get the correct size. Without that your riding experience won’t be great. If you don’t buy at the local store and decide to buy used you’ll still need to now what size to get.

In the meantime, here’s a link to a page here on the blog that I created for beginners:

Road Cycling for Beginners

I also released an ebook a couple of months ago that was written specifically for the beginner or those returning to cycling after a long time away. Here’s the link:

How To Start Road Cycling [Again] Ebook