Hey all,

After years of sports and running I have been diagnosed with Arthritis in my hip at 52. I am turning to biking to get my cardio workout. I am replacing my 3 mile runs with biking.

I have ordered a hybrid bike and plan to do almost exclusively road riding. Here is a link to the bike.

https://tommasocycling.com/col...s/forza-orange-black

I am looking for advice on equipment/accessories and beginning riding tips in general.

Good shoes (clip less) and a good helmet. Protect the melon, even if it looks silly. Try on a few and buy one that is comfortable. I have a few, and only wear one, as it is very comfortable and I can almost forget I am wearing it.

What I would do:

-go with clip in pedals, makes riding so much more efficient
-get fitted, it's like the difference between a tailored suit and not tailored. Riding non-fitted will make an expensive bike difficult to ride and vice versa
-tubeless if you can to run lower PSI (less discomfort in riding)
-if you do not go tubeless, have the tubes slimed so small punctures don't ruin your day
-get something such as an app to track your route and mileage, it does get addicting
-I use a camelbak to stay hydrated, definitely have a hydration system
-carry a lock, baby wipes, repair kit and air pump on you
-have fun and challenge yourself, I know a guy who just likes to ride for 10 miles around his neighborhood because he's afraid to venture further alone

All my runner friends over 50 seem to get injured and are converting to cyclists. The good news is I have mountain bike and road bike friends that are over age 70 and are converting to ebikes but are still doing group rides in their 80s. Wear a helmet. I would not recommend clipless, (the word is backwards, it's a long bike history story) pedals, unless you are on a drop bar bike and trying to keep up with a fast crowd. Get a red blinking tail light to mount on the back of your bike, they are cheap. If I ride at dusk or night I have a headlight also.

Ask your bike shop about local hike and bike trails that are away from cars. If you are riding on the road is there a scenic area around a lake or something where cyclists regularly ride and cars would expect to see cyclists there? Ask your bike shop about weekly group rides, they can be fun. Even more fun if the group stops for tacos after the ride

Good for you! Congrats on the new bike also.

Padded bike shorts are your friend. If you don't like the tight spandex look just wear them under some nylon shorts.

Find the local bike shop with some really nice employees that will help you out. Some bike shops are really snobbish and only cater to the high end crowd. A good local shop that you can go too for any mechanical or equipment advice is a real help. Reward them with buying some of their stuff and it will be quite beneficial.

Solid bike.

For your pedals, look for pedals that will accept bike shoes with cleats. I'd imagine you're not riding more than an hour and not averaging Tour de France speeds or efforts, so Shimano SPD pedals and cleats are likely good enough.

Pedals

Shoes

Again, if you're just cruising around town and on bike paths, I would stick with tubes and not go tubeless (not sure that wheels are tubeless ready anyway). Tubeless wheels are a bit more advanced that what you're likely doing.

Put together a simple tool kit (CO2 pump/cartridges or bike pump, spare tube, tire levers). A decent and comfortable helmet is a must. You will fall at some point and protecting your coconut is a must. Gloves are nice too.

Take a moment to fit the bike, either Youtube videos or a bike shop.

Finally, padded bike shorts, either the MTB style or the much-besmirched spandex shorts.

A simple bottle cage and full size water bottle is fine. Again Amazon or your local bike shop.

Find a good route in your area unless local roads are too crazy. Loading up your bike and driving any significant distance will make it hard to develop a biking habit.

I would also recommend using tubes. Definitely use clipless pedals. Without something to hold your feet in, your efficiency will be down 40% and if doing hills could wear your knees out over time. Clipless pedals come out easy, they are very safe. The old toe clip straps are very dangerous, that is how I broke by back.

quote:

Originally posted by ibexsig:
Padded bike shorts are your friend. If you don't like the tight spandex look just wear them under some nylon shorts.

They do make padded shorts that aren't tight spandex. They're just above the knee. I keep those for riding in the winter.

I worked in a high end bike shop for three years after high school. Long time ago, I know…but my only advice is to find a really good bike shop (that only sells bikes and cycling accessories) that has excellent customer service. Definitely not a sporting goods store. You’ll be making lots of visits to them and probably dropping a dime or two. Their knowledge is priceless.

I put a thousand miles on a bike similar a couple years ago over the summer with large flat pedals. I'd ride 11 miles most mornings before work and then on Saturday mornings I'd ride anywhere between 20 to 50 miles. Just depended on the temps and wind. Mostly riding rural county roads.

As others have said good setup, actual padded bike shorts and hydration is a must have whether it is a hydro pack or bottles. I typically used 2-24 oz bottles.

If you are riding on any roads get yourself a good bright rear light that blinks, flashes, whatever so that people coming up behind you see you. There are tons of them out there. Having a front light is always handy as well if you ride in low-light.

Something to track your rides is a good way to keep track of your progress throughout the year. Tons of apps out there.

I never went the clip-less route until my recent purchase which is a Specialized Roubaix Sport road bike. I cannot believe the difference it has made. I don't get very little fatigue now when riding. Only thing I might have to tweak is the clip on the right shoe. Went for my first 25 mile ride last weekend and when I got back I had some discomfort in my right arch that I've never had before. Not sure if it is just clip setup, lack of riding over the winter or just getting accustomed to being locked into the pedals for so long. I don't get it on short rides.

Good luck in the endeavor. When I really got into it a couple years ago I dropped 35lbs and felt great. Hoping to achieve that again.

Invest in a high powered headlight system and tail light. The ones on my Ebike were anemic.

Lots of good info. Hydration and visibility are key. Also, add to that list, Gloves...You'll thank me later!

I wouldn't recommend starting out w/ 'Clipless' Pedals until you've got more experience, especially mounting and dismounting in a wide variety of terrain/conditions. Pedals w/ Toe Clips and Straps are fine, and inexpensive to start out on. You don't have to strap them down tight to get the benefit, and they're easy to get out of if adjusted to do so. If you decide to get Clipless Pedals, I recommend the larger MTB design(s), which are easier to get going on if you have to start out on terrain where it's precarious to clip-in right away.

1st thing is to obey all traffic laws while riding on the streets and roadways....You as a cyclist are subject to same rules and regulations as autos and trucks....... Traffic tickets are possible........ Fit the bike to your physical size.. seat/saddle height is critical to avoid leg not being overextended or underextended causing rider to rock side to side on saddle when leg is at the bottom of the power stroke... Now trail riding is a different story as to seat height depending on how rough terrain may be......... Higher Air pressure in tires (road riding) might give a stiffer ride but it might be easier pedaling (less power lost due to soft tires)... New riders pace yourselves till your body has come to be aclimated to the exercise program........ Also listen to some of the other tips already listed. ............................ drill sgt.

quote:

Originally posted by dry-fly:
I worked in a high end bike shop for three years after high school. Long time ago, I know…but my only advice is to find a really good bike shop (that only sells bikes and cycling accessories) that has excellent customer service. Definitely not a sporting goods store. You’ll be making lots of visits to them and probably dropping a dime or two. Their knowledge is priceless.

+1

I was a very avid cyclist up until the last few years. During the late 1970’s I rode in rush hour traffic in the downtown Seattle area and the Fremont district. Additionally, I rode for a few years in the Portland Oregon, and Tri-cities and Spokane Washington areas.

Bicycling is a great form of exercise and is generally easier on the old joints.

It’s probably already been stated but finding an experienced, low-key group to ride with might be a good idea; they will know the good areas to ride.

Some things to think about:
Drivers Do Not See You
A bicycle’s head on profile is like a motorcycle’s only narrower
They might look silly but touring mirrors were helpful

Road hazards
A relative on mine took a brutal fall in SanFrancisco. He was moving and on a route he’d never been on before and planted his front wheel in a storm drain. Know the hazards of the route you are planning to take.

Best wishes! It’s a great activity and, as with running, meet some really great people.

Silent

Lubricate!!!
Continuous leg movement while sitting on the saddle creates a good deal of friction of the inter-thigh and “taint” region of one’s undercarriage. Using a powder or ointment to lubricate these areas will help you avoid rashes and/or saddle sores.

I agree with the recommendations for clipless pedals. I ride a cervelo roadbike and many years ago I changed shoes from a traditional road shoe to a shimano compatible clipless sidi mountain shoe.
This allows me to walk in the shoes without difficulty and they are still slim and not bulky, just pricey but worth the investment.

Also for weight savings, invest in carbon wheels.

hopefully the bike fits you. definately get the clipless pedals. they are a bit scarey to get used to but once you do. they are a game changer

Most of it already covered, but get fitted for your helmet, dont skimp on this part. And when you decide what you want for pedals (as long as theyre not flat pedals) practice, practice, practice. I was the asshole who thought he was ready to just unclip one foot like a boss, until fell over, all casual like, in an intersection in front of 300 people.

Never Trust a Stop sign.

Had a neighbor run over when a driver made a right on red, driver "Didn't even see him"

Generally speaking, saddles become less comfortable with increased padding. I have a Selle Anatomica leather saddle on favorite bike. There's a reason they are named saddle and not seat. They aren't really made to sit on, some load goes on hands and also is supported by legs. I've probably thrown away a dozen saddles that look good in the store and suck on the bike.

Also inversely proportional is the amount of flat repair gear vs number of flats. Carry patch kit, pump, levers, tube or even a folding tire, and you will seldom have a puncture. Carry nothing and you'll get a puncture soon.