[Farrowlane]

For some reason, I ASSUMED that you hadn't cycled since you were a kid.

I guess I didn't have my morning coffee yet

[Cookieguy07]

Originally Posted by Farrowlane

For some reason, I ASSUMED that you hadn't cycled since you were a kid.

I guess I didn't have my morning coffee yet

I haven't since a kid i mean have a little when visiting family that have bikes but thats it.

So your right just got a wild hair last month decided to get into it again.

[Cookieguy07]

Thanks every1 for the tips

[MNRider]

My advice is to get a bike fitting and tune up at your LBS unless you are able to tackle it yourself. Many new or returning riders get frustrated early on due to soreness or by the excessive effort caused by poor fitting or maintenance issues. It is much more fun to ride a bike that fits and works properly. If you are riding knobby tires you might want to consider getting some commuter style tires if you are riding on a lot of paved surfaces. They will be smoother with less rolling resistance.

Good Luck and welcome back

[Lateck]

Another long time layoff person here.
There are some great suggestions and advice in this thread.

Thanks,

Lateck,

[INTEGRATE]

Just. Have. Fun. That's the key. The more you have, the more you'll ride. If you'd like something structured to help you get back into the sport, "The Time Crunched Cyclist" is a great book.

Putting an event on the calendar is always helpful. Take a look to see if there are any metric centuries near you to target.

[salvage_bikes]

Get some Airspeed sneakers or restaurant worker sneakers from Walmart (about $20) and some cheap cage pedals (wellgo etc), if you are not used to clips or SPD anymore. Not worrying about the traffic light biff will make riding a lot easier, and you can walk around easily when you need to rest. Look up some local shop rides or meetup.com groups and find an easy spinning group for a social ride.

Maybe buy an accessory or helmet that makes it fun. It doesn't have to be expensive. Even a ding bell or some new grips ought to do it.

[superj]

Ok, you are like me, rode up until about 20 and then stopped till 36. Now I am back too.


Since I just recently for back into ridig since the doc said no high impact exercise, let me tell you some stuff I figured out since I found this place after riding a month or so.

Don't buy a gel seat, makes your butt hurt.
Super skinny road tires will help you learn to change tires and tubes more then you like.
Stretch well before riding.
You can ride a frame a size larger then you need but a size smaller doesn't work so good.
Padded shorts are good when you are getting used to riding again.
Compression shirts are good.
Sunglasses (any eye protection) is a must.
You don't need riding specific shoes.
Your phone makes a great bike-puter.
Take water each time you ride.
Those bags that hang on the handle bars hold enough food for 30 miles worth of riding.
Helmets are nice but those cycling beanies are the best & fit under a helmet.
Padded gloves help.
Academy has lots of cycling usable clothing in the running area.
Fight the urge to buy every bike you see in the first six months of getting back.
A mag trainer makes a good repair stand.