You hear it all the time, all you have to do to be a runner is run. I definitely believe that. I've never, though, heard the saying, "all you have to do to be a cyclist is bike." So, I'm taking it upon myself to go ahead and assume it and hope I'm not wrong. Maybe there's more to get into the cyclist club than just buying a bike and riding it. Someone let me know if I'm wrong?
I bought my new Giant Avail 2 at the end of March, so I've owned a bike for a little over two months. I have since ridden ~40 miles three times, 33 miles two times, 20+ miles a few times, and a whole bunch of 10-15 mile rides. I may write another post in a year when I've learned a whole lot more, but I thought I'd write on quickly now from my "still new cyclist" perspective.
I definitely don't know everything, but I'm still clear on what I didn't know and what I've since learned. I wish I'd found something like this when I was looking and first bought my bike, so I hope this is helpful to someone, somewhere.
1. Road bikes aren't cheap. I walked into a bike store a year or two ago like an idiot having no idea that the person in the store would tell me the cheapest road bike would run $700. Like, I wish I could take you back to my first questions and my reaction. I was in shock! After that moment I realized that I couldn't afford one then, so I started saving and planning and thinking.
2. You don't have to buy new! There are always people who are looking to upgrade their road bikes to a tri bike, and many people sell their old bikes to pay for their (even more not cheap) triathlon bikes. Ask around at run clubs, facebook, and check Craigslist. I opted to buy new for a few reasons: the bike shop I had been going to was offering 25% off all new Giant and Specialized, so I got a great deal. I had won a Visa gift card on a blog that helped me cover a lot of the cost and wouldn't be accepted by a local seller. Also, I had sold a lot of stuff on eBay to help cover the cost of the rest. Having an addictive personality, I figured that I would ride the bike enough to justify the cost of buying it new. It's not a decision that is right for everyone.
3. You must get fitted before you buy. There's a lot more to shopping for the right road bike than there is to renting a beach cruiser. There are a lot of different sizes depending on the brand. I ended up being an XS in the Giant and a S or M (I can't remember now) in another brand. And then the Specialized sizes in numbers. I again don't remember what I was, but it's so important to know. There is a noticeable difference! I rode a S in the Giant (remember...that brand was on sale so I was trying to stick to it if possible) that cost about $100 less and really wanted to like it more for that reason, but it was just too big for me and it would have been terribly uncomfortable to ride.
4. Ride before you buy! Along the same lines, try the bike out. It's not worth even a couple hundred dollars to get a bike without riding it first. It could end up being a horrible ride for you.
5. You do have to buy some other stuff...I told myself (and my husband) that I was going to buy the bike and be done with the purchases, but it turns out that just really isn't possible. You don't have to load up, but here is what ends up being a must buy within a very short period of time.
I got
my helmet at Target and had been told my many that these helmets are just as good as more expensive ones you could get at a bike store. I bought my pump in a rush at the bike store 10 minutes before it closed a week after I bought the bike and realized my tires were flat and I wanted to go for a ride. You have to buy the flat kit when you buy the bike in case you get a flat. It buckles under your seat and includes a new tube, compressed air, and levers that help you get your tire off the rim.
And cycling shorts. I included an asterisk by this one because I swore that I was just going to ride in my running clothes. I
still haven't invested in a cycling jersey (though I'm planning on it soon), but I have to tell you that when you start riding 30-40 plus miles (and maybe even less), the Nike Pro shorts just don't cut it anymore. I bought a pair of
Canari shorts after my first 40 mile ride. I realized I couldn't go out for another one without the added padding. Just trust me on it, because I'm not going into more detail.
6.
Watch a few YouTube videos on how to change a flat tire before you start riding. I went out for my first 20 miler alone, and I was so afraid I was going to get a flat. I watched at least 3
videos on how to change a tire. Though I can't swear I'd be able to do it without help still, I at least feel more confident in being able to give it a solid effort before help came along (hopefully help will come along if I'm unable to do it alone).
7. Start small and work your way up. The people at the cycling shop told me that because of my running mileage base (20-30 at the time I bought the bike), I could head out for a 20 miler that weekend and then work my way up. They said not to ride multiple days in a row at first and to work my way up from 20 or I'd find myself stuck somewhere and too tired to get back. I did follow that advice.
8. You don't have to start with clipped pedals. I still don't have clips. I ride in tennis shoes, which makes me look like a complete newbie, I'm aware (and I am a complete newbie). I'm planning to get clips in the next month, but I wanted to get really comfortable with riding before I got clips. When you do get clips, I've heard, you should go practice riding somewhere where there aren't cars, because you will fall. I say all this not knowing, and looking forward (hesitantly) to trying it all out.
9. Drink more water and eat more food. Because you end up being able to ride longer than you run, I've learned from experience that you definitely need to be drinking water constantly (even more so than you think you need it), because once you realize how much you need it, you're already dehydrated (I say you but I mean me...because it happened three weeks ago).
10. Abide by all traffic laws, and be extremely aware when riding in the road. I've been reducing the amount I ride along the road because of my access to trails, but basically, the same laws that apply to cars apply to bikers. You signal when you want to change lanes to get into a turn lane, you stop at red lights, and you are hyperaware constantly. If I'm getting ready to cross in front of a business entrance and someone is coming out, I actually will wave at them to make sure they see me. I know it's over the top, but I'm still nervous out there. I'm hoping as I get more comfortable I'll learn more to understand when someone sees me and when they don't.
11. Have fun! And wear sunscreen! Riding the bike is amazing. It's different from running in that there's no impact and you feel like you can do it for longer. Ride with friends, ride by yourself, just ride! And wear sunscreen...
Again, I'm not an expert, and I'm claiming to still be new. These are just the things I've learned in two months of having a bike, and I decided to impart my wisdom the things I've mistaken my way through with those who might be interested. I hope it's somewhat helpful.
Cyclists, what would you add?
What have I yet to learn that I still need to know?
