One of my favorite things about autumn is riding through leaves. Having them fall around you while pedaling is even better.
A glorious fall day here, hope you are having the same.
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One of the most difficult things about getting started with bicycling is deciding what type of bike you should get.
On the surface a cruiser type bike seems like a good bet. They are usually cute looking bikes and look like they would be comfortable to ride.
Although is it true somewhat that they are comfortable to ride, it is equally true that they require more effort to go. Those big, plush tires and the heavy frame means you have to work harder to pedal that comfy, cute bike around. For beginners particularly, this can be put a quick end to any interest in bicycling.
A better choice, particularly for people concerned about balance, is a bike with a step-through frame. This type bike is often referred to as a city or urban bike. They usually have 28 or 32 mm tires, often an aluminum frame and often with an internal geared hub. The beauty of a bike like this is maintenance is low, gear shifting is easy – with the push of a thumb, generally – and the bike isn’t a heavy tank, thus more enjoyable to ride.
The bike below does not have an internally geared hub, it has a rear derailleur but is still easy to shift. The bike below is a great bargain in my opinion, currently on sale for $449 (and no Public isn’t paying me to say that).
I remember when I paid $350 for my first “real†bike, a Schwinn hybrid, I thought it was so expensive. The local bike shop convinced me it would be worth it (kept thinking about how much cheaper I could get a Wal-Mart bike) and it was. It cost roughly a dollar a day for one year, an investment that I could enjoy for years after which I did.
With many things, the old saying that you get what you pay for, is true. It’s true with bikes, especially entry level bikes.
The trick is to get a decent bike that fits you. Visit your local bike shop and talk to them. They’re great about answering basic questions and getting you started. When I bought that Schwinn I had been to the shop numerous times talking and test riding before I ever actually bought the bike. I knew nothing about biking so I had a lot of questions!
Test riding at least a couple of bikes is a good way to find the best bike for you.
While out riding today, I noticed a few of my fellow cyclists were riding in dark clothing and consequently, were very difficult to see. To make it worse they didn’t have any type of rear blinky light. Not smart.
I hope you weren’t one of them.
Always ride in bright clothing, preferably Hi Viz orange or green but any color that is neon bright will work. You know the kind of thing, the color that hurts your eyes if you look at it too long.
While I’m playing mom, would you also ride with a blinking taillight?
Here’s a great article to read to help you choose: The Best Bicycle Taillights of 2013
Hi Viz clothing is easy to find. You can find it at your local bike shop, or Performance Bike, REI or Amazon, just to name a few. A great solution is to buy a Hi Viz vest that you can wear over your jersey or shirt. Hi Viz is important, especially this time of year. Do yourself a favor and pick up a rear blinky light and the BRIGHTEST jersey or vest you can find. It’s more important than riding with a helmet in my opinion. Helmets protect you if you’re hit, lights and Hi Viz clothing helps to keep you from being hit.
Presently, I ride with the Planet Bike Super Flash taillight and clothing wise I own the versatile Pearl Izumi Hi Viz Barrier Convertible Jacket/Vest. Besides being great for visibility it also is a great piece of clothing that can take you from spring to fall as a jacket, and use the vest during the summer or over your warmer layers in the winter.
Repeat after me: Cyclists cannot be too VISIBLE!
Never assume anything from drivers. Never assume anything from walkers, runners or even cyclists for that matter.
Case in point, this afternoon I was out riding, heading home through a nearby neighborhood and even though I had the right-of-way (and no stop sign/light), a driver who was stopped at the stop sign and turning left from a side street (to my right) decided they had waited long enough and pulled out right in front of me.
You learn to expect that type of behavior or at least be prepared for (following the rule – never assume anything) it and I was. I stopped quickly or would have hit them.
Another good rule of thumb, Fridays are the most dangerous day to ride, particularly Friday afternoons. I rarely ride on Friday afternoons for that reason. People are in a hurry and they are more distracted than usual. An accident waiting to happen. Be careful out there.
Where the hell have I been?
I’ve been on my bike 6 hours.. oh wait, that was Lance’s lie…
Anyway, I have been on my bike trying to pick up every mile I can. Last week I rode nearly 100, this week only 30 70 (somehow forgot about a 40 mile ride on Monday) so far. The other place I’ve been primarily is sitting at my computer, like now except I’ve been doing “school work†instead of blogging.
I’m taking 4 classes online at present and they are keeping me very busy. I’m doing lots of reading and writing – but no arithmetic so it isn’t too bad. I’ll try to do better at keeping up here at the blog, but keep in mind you can always find me at For the Love of Bikes page on Facebook, click here or on the Facebook icon to your left (or Twitter).
Hope all is well and that you are able to take advantage of the great riding to be had in my favorite season of all – Fall.
Recent shots from rides:
