How do I start cycling?

bicycle helmets online shop image

pneapplejz

I want to start cycling because it's good cardio, I want to build up my legs and it looks fun. But I don't know how to start, what kind of bike i should buy for my height and what equipment to buy. Can you please help me!!!

Answer
Well....cycling is a great sport, and it definitely is fun; however, the hardest thing is getting started.

1st Getting measured - you need to get measured before you buy any bike. I'm 5'7 and I ride a 53cm "Specialized" bicycle. You want to try different sizes first and then go for the one where you feel the most comfortable. I would suggest going to your nearest LBS (Local Bike Shop) and let them know you want to begin the sport. Most LBS have people willing to hep you as they too love the sport.

2nd the Bike - Depending on what type of biking you are interested in (i.e. Road biking, mountain biking, off-road, etc..)I think this is the hardest decision as there are may different brands. Also, be prepared to spend - for a good beginners bike - anywhere from $700-$1,000. I currently ride a Specialized Roubaix which I got from Craig's List for a reasonable price; however, I started with a Gavin Durus which I got online for about $400. I had to make some upgrades to it and ended up paying a lot more than i thought for fixes. I would suggest going for a beginners Trek bike, they are great and are not as expensive. The LBS will always try to get you to spend around $1,000 for your 1st bike, so I would suggest shopping around a few shops before making your final purchase. Once you have purchased your bike, have a professional do the assembling. Do not try this yourself, it can get tricky and you might end up screwing something up.

3rd. Equipment (accessories) - Once you have your bike, I would really suggest buying clip less pedals for better riding. Biking shorts, biking shoes, helmet, goggles, and gloves are a must. Some of these items can get pricey, so also try to shop around for the best prices. But,if price is not an issue, splash your self on the best equipment from the best brands...they are worth it.

4th Have fun - Once you have all the equipment ready, get to the nearest (safest road/park) and have fun. You will fall in love with the sport in no time!!

Does anybody have any experience with cheap gas motor scooters?

Q.T. Reu

Because gas is so high I've been checking specs on motor scooters online. Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha all have small scooters around $2500-3500, but I found some imports (150 cc engines) for $1000-1500. Are these garbage or will they last me a few years. I have been surprised before by buying a cheap lawn tractor that lasted 17 years and cost me almost nothing in repairs while friends bought more expensive ones with well known names that always needed repairs and lasted about half as long as my cheap one.

Answer
My 49cc scooter was $1100 and has lasted me 2+ years, and still running strong. It is NOT reliable, tho- it is a cheap import (Quingi) and I have pushed it at least 4 times for various reasons. Be sure to have someone you can rely on yo help you/give you a ride when needed.

My other new bike is a Vento 150cc-- it's only 2 months old so I dont know how reliable it is.... but, it IS a lovely strong ride.

Gas is 2$ per tank on my 49cc and 3$ per tank on my 150cc. I go about 110 miles per week, usually more, on each tank. :) That's using 93 or higher gas which costs the most!


Here's more info from an asnwer I previously posted:

A typical price range is 1,100-3,000 depending on the seller. Merchants have large markups, though, so buying onlne and having it delivered (often FREE!) us not a bad idea.
A 49 cc doesnt require a motorcycle license (here in FL) and there isn't a requirement for insurance for any size engine. Of course, you can do what i did and take a safety course anyway and get a motorcycle endorsement for you own good and peace of mind.

I recommend Vento or Vespa. These are by far the better made and longer lasting, and shopworker dont 'cringe' when you mention their name like they do when you say 'Quinqi' or Verucci....
Yes, theyre ALL made in China/Japan/Beijing/Hong Kong/Bangladesh with the exception of Vespa-- Vento is ASSEMBLED in the US tho the parts come from China, however- it's WAYYY better made than the rest.
Kymco makes better quality bikes than the typical selection of Geely/Verucci etc.

You can get service at any motorcycle shop, not name affiliated- as in, you can take you import to "Maddog Motorscooters" for example, but not to Yamaha. They wont service you... so find a mom and pop shop. :)
I keep mine secure by parking it in my yard, by my bedroom window, tied to a BIG ENOUGH tree with 11 feet of 3 inch link steel chain (and something like 3/4" width). It's the highest strength and size chain that home depot sells! AND, I use the biggest lock I can buy. The lock itself is about 15 dollars.
I loop the chain around the tree, and through either the chassy of the motor (underbelly of the bike) or around the middle of the bike (where you put your feet to ride) without enough slack to pull the bike out. When I take it out, I have a smaller chain to take with me under the seat, which I loop around the middle of the bike and through the wheel of the fornt tire. Plus, my new bike has an alarm, too, so I turn it on. If I'm home, I usually dont to spare the battery becuase I can hear whats going on outside. Often, you can park the scooter in a bike rack and loop the chain through that. Depends on the place.

They are incerdibly practical for travel, consideirg you buy above 49cc-- that means you get 40+ miles per hour, up to 60-65 mph. And it's a strong enough ride, to keep up with traffic, and merge when necessary (forget merging with a 49cc!! You're stuck where you are around 35 mph!)
I buy a crate, a plastic organization crate with slots, and attach it to the back of the bike with bungees. Its more stoagre than the typical trunks that supply you with (if at all). I also buy a medium (15x15") cargo net to keep thing inside the crate when I go over bumps! That's ~7$ on amazon.com just type in cargo net and pick that size.

The only weakness I can think of is being in the sun/heat more than in a car. I am in FL, and I suffer sometimes if I ahev to travel in broad sunlight- cover up witha light jacket. Always wear a helmet- get a tinted visor if you can or just wear sunglesses underneath.
Also groceries- there is little space and also it is not kept in an air conditioned trunk like in a car. That's okay, though, if you make short trips or just goa bit more often and buy little at a time. Works just fine. (Esp if your going overseas, its actually normal to buy only what you can carry or bicycle back home)
BUY INSURANCE, even tho it isnt needed- people DO try to steal them or will if they can, also, if someone hits you or the bike, you are

Title Post: How do I start cycling?
Rating: 100% based on 9998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Unknown

Thanks For Coming To My Blog