Complete Newbie....Help

There are a lot of threads on this subject with lots of advise and opinions. Some questions you need to answer.
What kind of cycling will I be doing, Mountain biking, road ,commuting, training for fitness, racing?
New or used bike?
How much time will I be devoting to cycling?

jhuskey said:

There are a lot of threads on this subject with lots of advise and opinions. Some questions you need to answer.
What kind of cycling will I be doing, Mountain biking, road ,commuting, training for fitness, racing?
New or used bike?
How much time will I be devoting to cycling?

I am looking into doing road. I want new if possible (would like to keep the bike at under $500). I want to put in about 5 to 10 hours a week. I'm never going to be hardcore. Just a hobby and to get in shape.

If you are really looking for a good deal on a bike, then I would recommend craigslist. This is definitely my recommendation to an experienced cyclist who knows what he/she wants and already has a relationship with an LBS.

In your case, however, if you can swing the extra cost, I would suggest buying from an LBS. They will be able to fit you to your bike (priceless), and will give you some free tune ups and adjustments, and will probably be able to teach you a lot - everything from changing a tube, to group riding (if that is your interest), to proper gear (from helmets, to shoes, to toe covers . . . ).

What do you need to get started with cycling? It is pretty simple. You need a bike, a helmet, pedals, shoes, gloves, shorts. . . . oh, and a floor pump, spare tubes, and CO2.

What kind of bike? This is not so simple, and depends on what kind of riding you plan to do. Technical single track? A MTB. Crushed grave? A cross bike. Road cycling? A road bike.
Not planning on any technical off-roading, or any group rides/races, and want something a little more versatile and less aggressive than a road bike, go with either a hybrid or a cross bike (or a touring bike for that matter).

Will you be riding on a lot of hills? If so, make sure you have the appropriate gearing for it - possibly a compact crank (or triple on a MTB) and a sufficiently large rear cog (25 or 27). If you are riding in the flatlands, then this isn't so important.

You are getting into a great sport, and I realize that it can be intimidating at first. It doesn't take that long to catch on (and become addicted) so don't worry about being a newbie - we were all there at some point :-)

Opinions vary but new under $500.00 is a tough thing to do and get a decent bike.
Either way the bike shop is a good starting place. You can at least figure out what size you need and get some ideas on what bikes you like.
Even if you decided on used bike at least you know what to look for.
Lots of people buy bikes, ride them once or twice and decide it is too hard or too time consuming so there are lot of good used bikes for half the cost of new.
You just gotta get a handle on what you are looking for before you buy.

I have recommended this before to newbies and I will recommend this again. When a newbie walks into a local bike shop they should be asking for entry level road bikes.
These bikes tend to be less expensive. You can most likely ride these indefinitely but if you want to race you will then upgrade to the next medium price range. Also with an entry level road bike you would be able to join a bike club and not feel out of place and you would be able to join in a charity bike tour or go for a weekend bicycle tour.
I also recommend going to more then one bike store as they will carry different models.
I know that shopping price is what newbies do but try to remember comfort because if you feel good on the bike you will ride more. Unfortunately if you are really-really new...the position on the bike will take getting used to.

Thanks for all your help everyone. Looks like I need to get fit first. There is a lot more to cycling than I ever thought. Whats some good cycling clothes to get? I like the look of Ralpha and Danny Shane but they are a bit expensive.

jhuskey said:

Opinions vary but new under $500.00 is a tough thing to do and get a decent bike.

An LBS will be the best place to buy a bike, unless you are able to do the requred set-up adjustments yourself. You can find decent deals online if you know what size frame you need and are able to "true" a wheel, align brakes and deraileurs, etc.
Places like Bikes Direct and Nashbar (using Nashbar's special dicount promotion codes when they are offered) can definitely get you a road bike for under $500 delivered to your door. I myself was looking at the Diamondback Insight "flat bar" road bikes and Nashbar's AL-1. You can also check local bike shops, as well as ones outside your area, for discounts on any "left-over" or "floor models" they may be able to get their hands on. If you buy a used bike, best to make sure it is a used bike that really wasn't used at all, and definitely one that wasn't abused. Many people buy them with good intentions, park them in the basement or garage and forget all about them until they need to get rid of them to free up storage space.

If you are a newbie and you want bicycle clothes. I recommend not spending a lot on clothes. Why? I think you have to take the first step and that is to see if you actually like cycling. Then see how often you ride. That should be your best judgement on how to spend for clothes.
Try to buy a basic plain jersey and a basic plain black pair of shorts. Try to find these items on sale at an LBS or even a sporting good store.
When you have a few months of cycling under your belt you will have leanred what you like and are going to find it.

Crazymike said:

If you are a newbie and you want bicycle clothes. I recommend not spending a lot on clothes. Why? I think you have to take the first step and that is to see if you actually like cycling. Then see how often you ride. That should be your best judgement on how to spend for clothes.
Try to buy a basic plain jersey and a basic plain black pair of shorts. Try to find these items on sale at an LBS or even a sporting good store.
When you have a few months of cycling under your belt you will have leanred what you like and are going to find it.

Thanks. It would be silly to spend a lot of money especially if I don't like it, but I want to look good out there lol. I will stick with the basics for now. Hopefully I do like it.

Basic bicycle clothes:
1) A basic bicycle jersey should be high visibility for being on the road. It does not mean shocking colors but it does mean colorful. First jersey can be one brightly color type jersey. Should have 3 back pockets for on road snacks and holding stuff.
A basic bicycle jersey is much-much better then wearing a Tee shirt.
Riding on the road you would prefer to have the jersey form fitting as this will cut down on wind drag. Why is that so important? Your energy is put more into cycling then fighting the wind.
2) Bicycle shorts: Basic black is where to start. Why? Not all men can wear color shorts as when they perspire things show...
Basic black in cycling is also a subliminal show of power.
When shorts show a splash of color they tend to be more expensive.
As for chamois or gel? Individual taste applies. Not all men (or women) are built the same. Trial and error applies.
In short basic bicycle clothes will make you look good and give you a place to start

Thanks for all the help. I finally got a Fuji Newest 4.0 and I picked up a Danny Shane jersey and bib after reading a review on velonews. Anyone pick up a Danny Shane jersey yet?

I will post a pick of me attempting to ride soon lol

I will post a pick of me attempting to ride soon lol