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Finally got a nice bike - would love some advice

CJ2008

CJ2008

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Dec 31, 2006
Messages
4,750
Hi. I just got a Jamis Ventura Comp, white - and I need to get a helmet and pants. Would love your advice as to what to look for, or what brands you like...

I don't plan on going long distances or anything - I bought it to ride around my neighborhood - so the accessories don't need to be top of the line, necessarily.

And also, what kind of maintenance is important to do on your bike?

Thanks :twirl:
 
Fun! I love riding my bike.

I tried on a bunch of helmets and bought the one that felt most secure. I recommend trying on a bunch, because they really do feel different from brand to brand. I have no idea what brand I wear, though. And I don't wear fancy pants or anything, either shorts or pants that are tight enough on my ankle that they won't get caught in anything when I ride.

As for maintenance, I highly recommend going to your local bike shop to see if they have any classes. Ours runs a regular bicycle maintenance class that's great for newbies.

The great thing about bicycling is that you can just get on your bike and ride! I'm not as into the gear and clothes as DH, but then again he's the one going on major rides all the time. I just go for a couple hours once or twice a week when it's nice out.

The most recent riding tip I've heard is to make sure you don't wait until you're thirsty or hungry on long rides, because if you do that, you've waited too long. Our friend cuts his energy bars up into quarters and puts them in his jersey and eats one chunk every twenty minutes or so. He says some riders mark their bottles with lines to remind themselves to hydrate regularly, so when they look down and see that their water is only down to line 1 and they've been out for an hour, then they really need to hydrate. I never do long rides, but sometimes I gas out earlier than expected and I think this might be the reason. I'm going to try these methods next time we go out.

Have fun! I rode the same heavy hybrid for nearly ten years until DH got his recent fancy shmancy bike. I got his old fancy shmancy bike, and boy is it a lot of fun!
 
Thanks, Haven!

I bought it mainly to get some exercise in since I've been ultra-lazy about the gym, and I cannot afford to stop doing some kind of aerobic exercise. I am definitely enjoying my rides - so far the longest I've gone is 30 minutes. But I also want to start incorporating some riding just for fun, where I'm not worrying about getting a workout.

I have a pair of pants with the "butt" padding which feels ridiculous but it does help! Thanks for the tip to try on lots of different helmets - I'll do that.

(off topic - and I don't mean to make you repeat/type a long story...but what doggie tragedy did you have? :(sad It's not Bailey, I hope...not that any doggie is OK...but you know what I mean...)
 
CJ--That padding feels ridiculous when you're walking around, doesn't it? But boy, does it help on long rides. :cheeky:

Thank you for asking about the pup tragedy. My pups are okay, but my niece and nephew's 1.5 year old Weimerainer died of stomach bloat on Thursday. I feel sick over it, as it is a long and sordid tale, but basically that poor, sweet puppy was neglected and could be alive today if the adult involved (my former SIL) was more responsible. It's so, so terrible, and my poor niece and nephew really don't need to suffer any more heartbreak.

ANYWAY . . . I'm excited for you with your new bike! Every summer I say I want to ride more, and DH is so good about scheduling long rides with friends. I'm happy to make it out twice a week in good weather. And it does feel wonderful when you get home at the end of a good ride, doesn't it? ENJOY!

(ETA: I wanted to add: You are so sweet to ask about my Bailee girl. Your concern is so touching.)
 
So glad to hear Bailee is OK...but how sad about the other pup. I don't get people sometimes...

Thanks again for all the tips and encouragement, and continue to enjoy your rides too (and yes, the "pampers" do help)!
 
For your bike, chain maintainance is really important. My DH has a fancy bike, so I'm not sure about the details, but did read some about how dirt can stick to grease on the chain and damage it, so you may want to read around a bit. He got a cool mini-bike tool kit that he can keep on him for emergencies.

He has a mountain bike and goes on trails and is more the dare devil type and even cracked his helmet once!
 
Hi MC,

Thanks for the tip! I'll look into that. I don't think I'll be cracking helmets any time soon ;) but I do want to know the basics I can do myself to keep the bike in good shape.
 
Congrats on getting a bike CJ and starting up a cycling habit. I love cycling- it's so much fun!

I use a lightweight helmet that lets a lot of air through because I get hot really easily. I think it is a Specialized helmet. I agree with Haven- you have to try them on and see how comfie it is on you.

Padded shorts/cycling pants is a must if you plan on spending lots of time riding. I know it feels stupid when you are off the bike but believe me it is worth it if you plan on doing some serious cycling. I get most of my cycling gear at Team Estrogen. I like that is is a company for women run by women.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/

And I also will second the recommendation to be prepared and know your bike and how to maintain its health. How to change a tire/chain maintenance etc. All really important. I cannot tell you how many times knowing what to do has gotten us home safely after a tire blew or some other disaster. We mainly ride a tandem though and that bike takes a lot of wear and tear and you probably won't run into as many issues. But it is always best to be prepared.

Haven, I am so sad to hear about what happened to your dear niece and nephew's dog. How awful. I am relieved for Bailee though and glad she is OK. But so sad about the Weimerainer.
 
I second the Specialized Women's helmet. We have two, or 5, I never know what my husband has. It really is light and breezy. Just google it. And wow, they are expensive. I had no idea until just now. My DH bought them for my daughter and I, but we never even discussed the price. Well worth it though. I've fallen off my bike 3 times going really slow. Duh! :oops:
 
HI:

Thanks for the link to gear! I usually buy at MEC--but like to look about. I should try bum padding--I would enjoy the comfort...

My bike is my pal--we spend lots of time together in the summer! Congrats on your new wheels!

cheers--Sharon
 
Two words: butt butter

For any rides longer than 30 minutes, it can make a huge difference.

Then go home and take a shower. ;))
 
Aoife|1332295359|3153230 said:
Two words: butt butter
For any rides longer than 30 minutes, it can make a huge difference.

Then go home and take a shower. ;))
Click to expand...


Please edify! Sounds interesting!

cheers--Sharon
 
If you have one of those bikes with front/rear suspensions, I would just ask the bike shop to perform an annual fluids overhaul on your bike. Brake, suspension fluids. Check the alignment of the wheels, check the shifts are still aligned and correct. Check for damage to any of the frame elements (you can tell them if you had bad crashes), check the brake pads on the v brake, or the clamp arms on the disc brakes for necessary replacement.

Of course if you are talking about road bikes, then just brake fluids. No suspension fluids.

Aside from that, the only day to day maintenance is degreasing and regreasing the chains and maintaining tire pressure. And having a spare tube so you can fix a flat if you are unlucky enough to get one.

For helmets, just get a decent one with a good comfortable and snug fit. Any decent brand will do - it is useless after the first fall anyway, and they are mostly moulded styrofoam. So I woudn't worry too much about the difference between $20 and $200 helmets. Mostly it is marketing. As long as it is large enough and sturdy and of a known brand... I reckon they are all about the same thing. (Expect whiplash now)

Pants, some people love compression tights, as they claim it aids recovery and lessens fatigue. If you are riding for 30min stints, I wouldn't bother. But if it is a long 3-6 hour ride, might be worth getting. I'm just grateful for the padded tights. I wear cyclist bermudas over them (lots of pockets, fast drying and not afraid of water, because I won't want to look ridiculous when I stop and have a padded @ss.
 
canuk-gal|1332295789|3153235 said:
Aoife|1332295359|3153230 said:
Two words: butt butter
For any rides longer than 30 minutes, it can make a huge difference.

Then go home and take a shower. ;))
Click to expand...


Please edify! Sounds interesting!

cheers--Sharon
Click to expand...

http://www.rei.com/product/628122/paceline-products-chamois-buttr-8-oz

You apply it to the chamois of your shorts or tights, and it can really help with chafing for longer rides. It feels bizarre the first few times you use it, but it's totally worth it.

Another suggestion would be if you are planning on building up to longer time periods riding, consider replacing your saddle with a woman-specific version. It eases the pressure on your sit bones, and those areas of the body that women have, and men don't.
 
a $30 helmet works as well as a $100 one. The expensive ones just look faster, but it won't make you faster. They usually have more air vents than the cheap ones.
 
Aoife, that's a good point about the seat. I had to try lots of them before I found what was comfortable for me. Literally tried so many and we took some home to try for longer rides until I found one that was good for me. I suspect it is personal taste as the more expensive ones were the least comfie for me at least.
 
I have a confession to make: I'm terrified of riding bikes. Fell off and broke my arm in two places in the third grade, and it healed wrong and I had I have it rebroken... Ever since I've had this irrational phobia. Lived in the Netherlands for a couple months for school and I had to ride a bike everyday and it gave me panic attack.

Lol. I'm a big baby!! Wish I was brave like you ladies lol!
 
Thanks, guys, for all your awesome tips! It would be nice if I don't have to spend over $200 for a helmet...so I'll try on a few and see which one feels good.
 
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