where can i buy a western flyer bicycle?

max

or something similar. besides ebay. with gas prices where they are- im looking for a cute bike

Answer
I found a few Tandem Western Flyers on the web sites but this is not what you want.The Western Flyer was a retro Schwinn bike that is a Beach cruiser. It is heavy and slow and can't go up a hill. It's a poor choice for a go to work bike,but as a beach cruiser it's cool. I have a retro beach cruiser like that and it's fun. You can ride on the sidewalk with them because they are slow.

I have a Bianchi Milano I just love. It's light and has a Euro look. It has seven speed Shimano Nexus gears. They are called planetary gears and shift inside the hub so your chain never moves. Very easy to use. These bikes are about 500 dollars. It is a version of a Hybrid bike. Trek makes a good one and so does Specialized and Giant who own the Schwinn name.

The best thing if you want to use it as a work bike is to get a Hybrid bike. They sit upright and allow you to change gears for hill riding. Any Bike shop has them. Even Target,Costco and Wall-Mart have them. I would always suggest a bike shop because they know how to put a bike together properly and size you as well. The bike has to be the right size or it will be a pain in the back to ride. I shop at the Specialized stores because they really fit you. I have also purchased a bike at Two Wheeler dealer in Brea California and they fit my sisters bike perfectly. They make women's specific bikes that have the geometry for a woman's build. That was important because she is 4'11". Not a bike you can buy off the shelf.
My sisters bike was a Trek 1500 or 2000 I don't remember. It was a road bike not a hybrid. She prefers the road bikes like I do. But the Hybrids are easier to use for work purposes. My sister did the Aids ride 550 miles from San Fransisco to Long Beach. Unfortunately she was hit by a car last week, on her way to work, by a 17 year old driver on a cell phone. She did stop but it's illegal for a minor to be on a cell phone while driving. My sister was making a left and the girl ran her over. She is in the hospital with a L4 fracture and a compound fracture of her arm. Her face was road pizza and had to have plastic surgery. Happily after two surgeries so far,she is recovering quickly and can walk in her back brace.
So first thing about riding, learn the rules of the road. Don't ride on the wrong side of the road. Generally you do what Motor cyclists do, except you ride on the far right of the road but not in the gutter. You can make a left just like a car or motorcycle but be careful that you are seen. I always make myself seen and make sure the cars can see me. Wear bright colors usually bike clothes. Bike pants make it easy on your butt. A good bike shop will help you with that. Never wear Black it is hard to see and don't ride at night even with a good headlight cars will never see you. Even with all that I have had drivers throw things at me. I was hit by an Ice cream cone and it felt like a hard ball. Some idiots think it's funny to slap you on the butt as they drive by. This can break your pelvis and rip their arm off.
Beware of Trucks their mirrors hang low and can hit you in the head if they are too close ripping your head off. And open car doors are a problem. Always always always wear a helmet!!!! A bike helmet not a skateboard helmet. Bike helmets are all the same as far as safety but the really expensive ones have more air holes. On a Hybrid you won't go that fast so a good 40 dollar helmet will do and don't use an old helmet. The Styrofoam oxidizes and looses it's ability to function as well. Helmets should be replaced every two years or after any crash where they hit the ground.
You should be able to get a good hybrid for about 299.00 on up. A little more then a beach cruiser. Go see a good bike shop because there is a huge difference in a department store bike. The parts are not replaceable.Basically their junk.

Going Car-Free, Bicycle Commuting for a Legal Professional (Am I Missing Something)?

ADAP7IVE

This is a complex issue, so please bear with my long explanation. I've had much luck on the site before, so I'll leave it to my fellow Answers members to help where they can.

I'm seriously considering going car-free and using only a bicycle (and public transit if the need arises) for transportation once I move to Chicago. Bike commuting sounds like a cost-effective, fun, healthy, and environmentally-friendly way to go, but my parents insist I'm an idiot for a) not keeping a car, and b) paying over $1000 on a bicycle and equipment (get a $100 wal-mart bike instead, my dad says).

From my research and talking to friends who bike-commute (one who hasn't owned a car since 1989 and manages with two young kids), $1000 is on the low end of decent functional bikes, whatever they're built for. In addition, riding a wal-mart bike is far less comfortable than a "decent" functional bike, and will probably kill my opinion of commuter cycling as well as my physical ability to ride for long distances.

I had attributed my family's response to the strong car culture in the US (cars are for adults, bikes are toys), but the strength of their aversion to the idea is giving me doubts. I guess I'm looking for a wider survey on whether I'm totally off on my idea or if I'm nuts to expect that a bicycle is a viable mode of transportation in Chicago, IL for a legal professional. Thanks for your help, everyone.

PS Yahoo's categories are biased, too: the transportation section refers specifically to cars, without a cycling subsection, so I posted in the sport section, where cycling is placed.
That's true, I don't know much. I haven't even owned a bike for ten years. But I'm convinced the theory is sound.
I should have been more specific: I'm going to be living in East Hyde Park. I just finished being a hermit for the CA bar exam, so no telling yet where I'll be working.

In light of all your helpful comments and my uncertainty of the length and terrain of my ride, I'm considering a touring bike. Perhaps a Surly LHT w/ disc brakes?

Answer
If a cycle is going to be your only form of transport then you need to get a reliable one, and 1000$ is the starting point for reasonable cycles.

Get along to a reputable cycle store, explain to the staff what you need the cycle for, and they will show you cycles that will be suitable, and reliable. All of the bigger cycle companies have a range of cycles that will suit you, so just try them out, and buy the one that feels right for you.

Don't forget that you are also going to need extras, such as lights, tool kit, pump, spare tubes, mudguards, probably a rack or panniers to carry things, and probably a complete sets of cycling suitable clothing, along with a helmet.

I can't help you with your family's attitude to your plan, but I can speak from experience and say that using a cycle as transport can work because I've done it myself.

Many years ago I realised that almost all of my driving was by myself, and mostly over short distances, so it made sense to ditch the car, and use my cycle to commute.
Whenever I needed a car, I hired one, and for most years the money I spent on car hire was less than what I would have been paying to insure a car.

I returned to car ownership when I changed jobs, and I couldn't afford the 2 hours a day it would take me to commute by cycle, although I did still do it 2 or 3 times a week.
Now my partner is disabled, a car is a necessity rather than a luxury, but I still cycle more each week than I drive alone.

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Is Scott a good brand of road bike?

bicycle helmets with built in lights image

JR

I am just getting into road cycling... so I am looking for an entry level bike.

Answer
Yes. Scott is an excellent brand. In fact, when you stick mainly to the bicycles sold at your Local Bike Shop(s) (LBSs), you'd be very hard-pressed to find a bad bike.

Regardless of the brand, you should ALWAYS ride a bike before purchasing. Even if it's a great deal. The main thing to look for is a bike that fits you well for how you intend to use it. Just like people aren't built the same way, not every bicycle is the same and the differences in geometry between different bikes may mean the difference between one that is comfortable and one that's a pain to ride.

When looking at entry-level bikes, don't discount getting a bike that may be little higher-end. Just because a bike is more expensive with better parts doesn't mean that it's above your level of riding. You still have to crank the pedals and shift the gears no matter if you're on a "pro-level" or "entry-level" bike. The higher-end bike will probably be lighter with more durable and reliable componentry. That will result in a more pleasant ride and you will probably be on the bike more.

Balance everything with your budget. Spending little extra for the next model up usually results in a better value. You'll always spend more money if you upgrade after the purchase.

Don't forget to budget in some cash for good cycling shoes, helmet, and clothing (shorts/jerseys). Those play into a comfortable ride as well.

Good luck.

where can i buy a western flyer bicycle?

max

or something similar. besides ebay. with gas prices where they are- im looking for a cute bike

Answer
I found a few Tandem Western Flyers on the web sites but this is not what you want.The Western Flyer was a retro Schwinn bike that is a Beach cruiser. It is heavy and slow and can't go up a hill. It's a poor choice for a go to work bike,but as a beach cruiser it's cool. I have a retro beach cruiser like that and it's fun. You can ride on the sidewalk with them because they are slow.

I have a Bianchi Milano I just love. It's light and has a Euro look. It has seven speed Shimano Nexus gears. They are called planetary gears and shift inside the hub so your chain never moves. Very easy to use. These bikes are about 500 dollars. It is a version of a Hybrid bike. Trek makes a good one and so does Specialized and Giant who own the Schwinn name.

The best thing if you want to use it as a work bike is to get a Hybrid bike. They sit upright and allow you to change gears for hill riding. Any Bike shop has them. Even Target,Costco and Wall-Mart have them. I would always suggest a bike shop because they know how to put a bike together properly and size you as well. The bike has to be the right size or it will be a pain in the back to ride. I shop at the Specialized stores because they really fit you. I have also purchased a bike at Two Wheeler dealer in Brea California and they fit my sisters bike perfectly. They make women's specific bikes that have the geometry for a woman's build. That was important because she is 4'11". Not a bike you can buy off the shelf.
My sisters bike was a Trek 1500 or 2000 I don't remember. It was a road bike not a hybrid. She prefers the road bikes like I do. But the Hybrids are easier to use for work purposes. My sister did the Aids ride 550 miles from San Fransisco to Long Beach. Unfortunately she was hit by a car last week, on her way to work, by a 17 year old driver on a cell phone. She did stop but it's illegal for a minor to be on a cell phone while driving. My sister was making a left and the girl ran her over. She is in the hospital with a L4 fracture and a compound fracture of her arm. Her face was road pizza and had to have plastic surgery. Happily after two surgeries so far,she is recovering quickly and can walk in her back brace.
So first thing about riding, learn the rules of the road. Don't ride on the wrong side of the road. Generally you do what Motor cyclists do, except you ride on the far right of the road but not in the gutter. You can make a left just like a car or motorcycle but be careful that you are seen. I always make myself seen and make sure the cars can see me. Wear bright colors usually bike clothes. Bike pants make it easy on your butt. A good bike shop will help you with that. Never wear Black it is hard to see and don't ride at night even with a good headlight cars will never see you. Even with all that I have had drivers throw things at me. I was hit by an Ice cream cone and it felt like a hard ball. Some idiots think it's funny to slap you on the butt as they drive by. This can break your pelvis and rip their arm off.
Beware of Trucks their mirrors hang low and can hit you in the head if they are too close ripping your head off. And open car doors are a problem. Always always always wear a helmet!!!! A bike helmet not a skateboard helmet. Bike helmets are all the same as far as safety but the really expensive ones have more air holes. On a Hybrid you won't go that fast so a good 40 dollar helmet will do and don't use an old helmet. The Styrofoam oxidizes and looses it's ability to function as well. Helmets should be replaced every two years or after any crash where they hit the ground.
You should be able to get a good hybrid for about 299.00 on up. A little more then a beach cruiser. Go see a good bike shop because there is a huge difference in a department store bike. The parts are not replaceable.Basically their junk.

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Are their bicycle helmets that cover ur whole head?

bicycle helmets with built in lights image

Everybody

I just want to know if their is because i hate those crappy hats called helmets because they wont protect ur jaw etc, also is it legal in california to wear a motorcycle helmet while riding a bicycle. i want to b protected, if their are helmets that cover ur head for bicycles what r they called? i mean when i look at a normal helmet i say thats a stupid creation it should protect ur whole head.

Answer
Local

Bike helmets are designed by the Industry to meet the specific demands of the sport. The modern bike helmets are designed to meet the high speed impact, and to be light and cool. A necessity in such an aerobic sport. Thus maximizing protection and comfort without hampering performance.

You can ride your bike with a motorcycle, full face helmet on .... it will exceed the safety requirements, but if you intend to try to ride with it beware of the weight and the lack of ventilation. The weight will make your neck sore and tired, and the heat will build up very quickly and can cause heat exhaustion.

In the BMX section of Bike shops they will probably have a full face helmet that may be more kindly for your needs. I can say that I have raced for several decades. Had many racing and street falls, broken / separated shoulder, wrist, and endo's shattering my helmet(s).... but never have I had an injury to my jaw.... in fact I have never seen an injury to the jaw.

Check out the BMX stuff but if they don;t have the ventilation, live with a good standard helmet!

Soccerref

Anything I have to know before cycling?

automaticS

I never ever ridden a bicycle before (I was that roller-blading guy when a kid). However, I want to get into it. Where should I buy a bicycle (i.e. in a specialised shop or on internet, etc)? What else (other than a bicycle and helmet) will I need? Is there anything I should know about learning? None of my friends ride a bicycle, so I guess I will have to learn it on my own.

Answer
1. Never put your butt on the saddle without your helmet on your head, no matter where or how little you are riding.
2. Do not buy a bike at a department or toy store for any reason. Go to a local bike shop and have them match you with a bike appropriate for your needs. Wal-mart bikes are junk. A good bike will have some residual value. If you don't like cycling, you can sell the bike.
3. Everyone falls off their bike. I have been riding for 50 years and fell off my bike this year (being stupid and going too fast on a twisty path). When you fall off, the most important thing to do is to GET BACK ON and keep riding!
4. When starting, ride in loops close to your house. When you get tired, it will be a short distance back home. As you build more confidence and endurance, your loops can be longer and eventually become journeys.
5. Make sure you have a large size water bottle. Fill it with Gatorade or some other sports drink. It makes a big difference from water.
6. When riding roads, do it predictably. Stop at lights and stop signs. When stopped, make sure all the cars around you know your intentions, even if you are going straight. When a car is stopped at an intersection crossing your path, wave to the driver with a big smile on your face. You really want him to know you are there.
7. When you venture further from home, learn to fix a flat. You will need a spare tube, tire levers, and a pump. None of this costs very much. Your local bike shop will be glad to help you.

Hope this helps.

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where can i buy a western flyer bicycle?

bicycle helmets with built in lights image

max

or something similar. besides ebay. with gas prices where they are- im looking for a cute bike

Answer
I found a few Tandem Western Flyers on the web sites but this is not what you want.The Western Flyer was a retro Schwinn bike that is a Beach cruiser. It is heavy and slow and can't go up a hill. It's a poor choice for a go to work bike,but as a beach cruiser it's cool. I have a retro beach cruiser like that and it's fun. You can ride on the sidewalk with them because they are slow.

I have a Bianchi Milano I just love. It's light and has a Euro look. It has seven speed Shimano Nexus gears. They are called planetary gears and shift inside the hub so your chain never moves. Very easy to use. These bikes are about 500 dollars. It is a version of a Hybrid bike. Trek makes a good one and so does Specialized and Giant who own the Schwinn name.

The best thing if you want to use it as a work bike is to get a Hybrid bike. They sit upright and allow you to change gears for hill riding. Any Bike shop has them. Even Target,Costco and Wall-Mart have them. I would always suggest a bike shop because they know how to put a bike together properly and size you as well. The bike has to be the right size or it will be a pain in the back to ride. I shop at the Specialized stores because they really fit you. I have also purchased a bike at Two Wheeler dealer in Brea California and they fit my sisters bike perfectly. They make women's specific bikes that have the geometry for a woman's build. That was important because she is 4'11". Not a bike you can buy off the shelf.
My sisters bike was a Trek 1500 or 2000 I don't remember. It was a road bike not a hybrid. She prefers the road bikes like I do. But the Hybrids are easier to use for work purposes. My sister did the Aids ride 550 miles from San Fransisco to Long Beach. Unfortunately she was hit by a car last week, on her way to work, by a 17 year old driver on a cell phone. She did stop but it's illegal for a minor to be on a cell phone while driving. My sister was making a left and the girl ran her over. She is in the hospital with a L4 fracture and a compound fracture of her arm. Her face was road pizza and had to have plastic surgery. Happily after two surgeries so far,she is recovering quickly and can walk in her back brace.
So first thing about riding, learn the rules of the road. Don't ride on the wrong side of the road. Generally you do what Motor cyclists do, except you ride on the far right of the road but not in the gutter. You can make a left just like a car or motorcycle but be careful that you are seen. I always make myself seen and make sure the cars can see me. Wear bright colors usually bike clothes. Bike pants make it easy on your butt. A good bike shop will help you with that. Never wear Black it is hard to see and don't ride at night even with a good headlight cars will never see you. Even with all that I have had drivers throw things at me. I was hit by an Ice cream cone and it felt like a hard ball. Some idiots think it's funny to slap you on the butt as they drive by. This can break your pelvis and rip their arm off.
Beware of Trucks their mirrors hang low and can hit you in the head if they are too close ripping your head off. And open car doors are a problem. Always always always wear a helmet!!!! A bike helmet not a skateboard helmet. Bike helmets are all the same as far as safety but the really expensive ones have more air holes. On a Hybrid you won't go that fast so a good 40 dollar helmet will do and don't use an old helmet. The Styrofoam oxidizes and looses it's ability to function as well. Helmets should be replaced every two years or after any crash where they hit the ground.
You should be able to get a good hybrid for about 299.00 on up. A little more then a beach cruiser. Go see a good bike shop because there is a huge difference in a department store bike. The parts are not replaceable.Basically their junk.

HI , where can i find glow in the dark roller blade wheels .?

Sir-Ivan-3

Hi , i roller blade to work at night and want to be seen by cars and trucks , do you know where i can find them .

Answer
I have had them in the past and will recommend against them for regular skating.

I tried a couple brands and found the Volcanic ones to wear about like normal wheels. Unfortunately, the quality of the electronics was not up to the quality of the wheel and they tend to quit lighting up. I bought mine directly from the people who made them and they were very uncooperative in doing anything to replace almost new wheels that no longer worked. I would buy from a good store (http://www.skates.com/Light-up-wheels-s/85235.htm, I consider them a good store) and ask ahead of time about a warranty. They may have improved since I used them.

They generate power from the spinning of the wheel (no batteries) but create a little drag.

I don't commute at night but run our local night skate and attend a couple others during the year. I don't think the cars see the lights that far down but other skaters love them.
I have stuck the little "finger lights" that they sell in party shops to my skate frames and they worked well except that the batteries wear out after a few nights.
I am planning on attaching some LED strips that I found at a local surplus shop under my skates. They were designed for outdoor stripes on buildings and I will use 9 volt batteries to run them. (the store is out of them)

For visibility from cars, the ones that I have seen and recommend are the red ones made for the back of the bicycle that have about 5 leds in a row and can flash in different patterns. They can clip to a belt or helmet straps.

I also have an electroluminescent safety belt that is very bright and will last a year on a set of batteries. Mine is similar to these (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360214172231&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=WXF%3F&GUID=362575f41220a0437344cee4ffff0853&itemid=360214172231&ff4=263602_263622)
You can also get EL (electroluminescent) wire and sew it to fabric to make shapes. I have been told that REI carries it (alredy assembled with the battery and controller and there are a number of places on the web that sell large amounts of it.

A few friends have flashing LED lights stuck to their helmets (about 6-8 lights). The Blinx (http://blinxleds.com/)lights are very bright, and also show from the sides. The blinking action makes them more eye catching than an always on light would be.

You want your lights to be visible particularly from the back and sides. Front is ok but you can see what is happening there.

It is also very common to find work safety vests that have really good reflective strips built into the fabric.

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HI , where can i find glow in the dark roller blade wheels .?

bicycle helmets with built in lights image

Sir-Ivan-3

Hi , i roller blade to work at night and want to be seen by cars and trucks , do you know where i can find them .

Answer
I have had them in the past and will recommend against them for regular skating.

I tried a couple brands and found the Volcanic ones to wear about like normal wheels. Unfortunately, the quality of the electronics was not up to the quality of the wheel and they tend to quit lighting up. I bought mine directly from the people who made them and they were very uncooperative in doing anything to replace almost new wheels that no longer worked. I would buy from a good store (http://www.skates.com/Light-up-wheels-s/85235.htm, I consider them a good store) and ask ahead of time about a warranty. They may have improved since I used them.

They generate power from the spinning of the wheel (no batteries) but create a little drag.

I don't commute at night but run our local night skate and attend a couple others during the year. I don't think the cars see the lights that far down but other skaters love them.
I have stuck the little "finger lights" that they sell in party shops to my skate frames and they worked well except that the batteries wear out after a few nights.
I am planning on attaching some LED strips that I found at a local surplus shop under my skates. They were designed for outdoor stripes on buildings and I will use 9 volt batteries to run them. (the store is out of them)

For visibility from cars, the ones that I have seen and recommend are the red ones made for the back of the bicycle that have about 5 leds in a row and can flash in different patterns. They can clip to a belt or helmet straps.

I also have an electroluminescent safety belt that is very bright and will last a year on a set of batteries. Mine is similar to these (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360214172231&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=WXF%3F&GUID=362575f41220a0437344cee4ffff0853&itemid=360214172231&ff4=263602_263622)
You can also get EL (electroluminescent) wire and sew it to fabric to make shapes. I have been told that REI carries it (alredy assembled with the battery and controller and there are a number of places on the web that sell large amounts of it.

A few friends have flashing LED lights stuck to their helmets (about 6-8 lights). The Blinx (http://blinxleds.com/)lights are very bright, and also show from the sides. The blinking action makes them more eye catching than an always on light would be.

You want your lights to be visible particularly from the back and sides. Front is ok but you can see what is happening there.

It is also very common to find work safety vests that have really good reflective strips built into the fabric.

Beginning to Cycle to Work?

Kyle D.

I recently started a new job and I thought it was the perfect time to begin reinventing myself! One way that I am going to do that is through cycling to work!

I don't yet have a bicycle: What kind of bicycle should I buy
1. Commute is around 10 miles per day, flat-land, heavy traffic.
2. I'm lightly built and short (Around 5'5")

What bicycle accesories should I purchase?

What kind of clothing should I wear?
1. I'm required to wear slacks, a dress shirt and shoes to work

If I get too sweaty, how can I clean up before my shift begins?

Answer
The bike you buy will depend on your preferences and budget. I started with an Electra Townie with 8 gears. The lowest gear is called a "hill climber," and I rarely use it, but it is nice to have. I am not a racer (I was 280 pounds when I started), so high gears and speed have never been a concern. I would suggest any "comfort" or "city" bike would be a good choice. If you are on a budget and need to buy a used bike, hybrids and mountain bikes tend to sit more comfortably than "roadies" and racers (those are the ones with the curl-under handle bars), and have better lower gearing. An internal gear hub tends to be less maintenance and more reliable, but you don't get as wide of a range from high-to-low. As a flatlander, this should not be an issue. I don't think there is much need for 30 gears...3 is usually sufficient, 8 is all I have ever needed. My "new" bike has 27, which is three times more than I need.

My "new" bike is a used Bike-E recumbent (the company went out of business in 2002, but I love the bike), so the Electra is now my backup. The whole discussion of recumbent-versus-upright is beyond the scope of your question, but I will say: I much prefer sitting on my butt to "sitting" on my perineal nerve.

What to wear? That is tough. Some folks just wear their work clothes and take a quick pit stop at the sink to freshen up. I am lucky and have a shower at work, so I ride in weather appropriate clothes, and change into my work clothes. Riding in work clothes make some of the below mentioned accessories more important than others. I like to wear hi-vis clothes, but if you ride in work clothes, you may want to get a hi-vis vest or jacket.

Accessories, at a minimum: fenders and a trunk rack.

Unless you live in the desert and have alternate transport for the monsoons, you will want fenders. I live in western Oregon, so fenders are a must 8 months of the year. Mud flaps are nice, too - I found retroreflective mud flaps to increase my visibility.

The trunk rack is insanely valuable, whether to haul lunch, or a change of clothes, or whatever. I didn't have one for a long time on my Townie, so I used a backpack, which always left a sweaty patch on my back and stripes over my shoulders. Some trunk racks also serve as pannier racks (pannier = side bags), so, if you really get into bicycling, there will be that much more utility.

Not really an "accessory," but...a tire pump. I suggest a full length frame pump, which can be used for self-defense as well as pumping air. Multi-tasking is good.

Helmet. Unless required by law, a helmet is optional, but since I have been in a wreck and was saved by my helmet, I am a bit of a helmet evangelist. Brightly colored is especially good.

Gloves. I have Defeet yellow gloves, so hand signals are more likely to be seen. Most folks get the cut-off-finger gloves, those just annoy me. YMMV. Of course, gloves can also prevent highly abraded hands when you get in a wreck. Not "if," but "when." Just plan on it and you will be better prepared when it happens :-)

A lanyard to carry a key and whistle (hopefully those are self-explanatory).

A set of basic tools (which a bike shop will have lots of options to squander your money on), and a tire repair kit. If your bike shop offers a class on tire repair, take it. You may only get one flat in 10 years, but the class will probably cost less than calling a taxi even once because of a flat.

Other accessories you will quite likely want: lights, fore and aft. I prefer helmet mounted, but that is because I have two bikes. I prefer blinking lights (one of the book authors suggested below disagrees vehemently with me. He is, of course, wrong :-).

Mirrors are also handy, I have one on my helmet and another on the handlebar, but you probably don't need both. I use the helmet one more, because I can see everything by turning my head, whereas the handlebar is convex to give a broad field, but makes everything small and hard to see.

Pant-cuff clip or strap, to keep your pants out of the chains. You can instead pull your socks over your pants, or tuck your pants into your boots. I have a gator from Cyclogical that can carry my phone and wallet, which is great when it is dry out, but not so great when it is raining. Bike lock of some sort.

If you live somewhere rainy like me, a rain cape beats other rain gear by a mile.

Other accessories: cyclocomputers are fun, but if you have a smart phone, you may not need one, just get an app.

Bike bells to warn pedestrians are nice. Or you can just hang jingle bells on your bike (credit to book "Just Ride").

You can get drink cup holders for the Electra bikes. They probably can be mounted on any bike.

Hope that helps!

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Anything I have to know before cycling?

bicycle helmets with built in lights image

automaticS

I never ever ridden a bicycle before (I was that roller-blading guy when a kid). However, I want to get into it. Where should I buy a bicycle (i.e. in a specialised shop or on internet, etc)? What else (other than a bicycle and helmet) will I need? Is there anything I should know about learning? None of my friends ride a bicycle, so I guess I will have to learn it on my own.

Answer
1. Never put your butt on the saddle without your helmet on your head, no matter where or how little you are riding.
2. Do not buy a bike at a department or toy store for any reason. Go to a local bike shop and have them match you with a bike appropriate for your needs. Wal-mart bikes are junk. A good bike will have some residual value. If you don't like cycling, you can sell the bike.
3. Everyone falls off their bike. I have been riding for 50 years and fell off my bike this year (being stupid and going too fast on a twisty path). When you fall off, the most important thing to do is to GET BACK ON and keep riding!
4. When starting, ride in loops close to your house. When you get tired, it will be a short distance back home. As you build more confidence and endurance, your loops can be longer and eventually become journeys.
5. Make sure you have a large size water bottle. Fill it with Gatorade or some other sports drink. It makes a big difference from water.
6. When riding roads, do it predictably. Stop at lights and stop signs. When stopped, make sure all the cars around you know your intentions, even if you are going straight. When a car is stopped at an intersection crossing your path, wave to the driver with a big smile on your face. You really want him to know you are there.
7. When you venture further from home, learn to fix a flat. You will need a spare tube, tire levers, and a pump. None of this costs very much. Your local bike shop will be glad to help you.

Hope this helps.

I want to begin cycling but I don't know how to get started...HELP?

MalinaB

I want to begin cycling to build up my legs and to lower my blood pressure. I don't know what kind of bike to buy or the equipment that I need. Please Help.

Answer
That's the right track - you definitely need a local bike shop that you trust. Don't be intimidated! People of all ages, shapes, colors and sizes can ride a bicycle.

The first thing you gotta do is tell yourself - you can do this. Tell yourself that a lot. You aren't going out to be Lance Armstrong so no need to add any extra pressure whatsoever.

You are simply going to ride a bike... something we've been doing since we were kids! It's going to be fun!

Now you need a bike. And really - almost any bike will do, but you might consider not jumping into the road cycling elite arena just yet. How about a nice comfortable commuter bike with straight handlebars and a padded seat. Then a helmet.

Guess what? YOU ARE READY!

OK, OK, I know, you probably want to know like brand, type, etc. And the bike shop suggestion is good because you want to test ride! You can't do that in a dept. store. And you really can't get more than a "toolshed" bike at a dept. store. You'd be surprised - bike shops are competitive with the big box stores -- and they have a service department so please start there!

Another thing to do - join a bike forum online! A lot of forums have sections just for beginners... also for women so you can connect with other folks.

So test ride, talk to people, be fearless and have fun - that's all you need to get started. Hey if you don't buy anything from the bike shop - that's OK because let's say you go out and get a used bike - well it's going to need some service right? So those guys better treat you right or you'll take your service/repair dollars elsewhere!!

Do you see? You have the power girl. This is cool. I am excited for you, so don't get all caught up in the details - just take it one step at a time: Get a bike, get a helmet and start riding.

You can invest in other stuff later - like baskets, lights, clothing etc. as you see fit!

OK good luck and see you in the bike lane!

Do a google search for Sheldon Brown's web page... he's no longer with us on this earth - but tons of resources for beginners and pros alike.

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Are their bicycle helmets that cover ur whole head?

bicycle helmets with built in lights image

Everybody

I just want to know if their is because i hate those crappy hats called helmets because they wont protect ur jaw etc, also is it legal in california to wear a motorcycle helmet while riding a bicycle. i want to b protected, if their are helmets that cover ur head for bicycles what r they called? i mean when i look at a normal helmet i say thats a stupid creation it should protect ur whole head.

Answer
Local

Bike helmets are designed by the Industry to meet the specific demands of the sport. The modern bike helmets are designed to meet the high speed impact, and to be light and cool. A necessity in such an aerobic sport. Thus maximizing protection and comfort without hampering performance.

You can ride your bike with a motorcycle, full face helmet on .... it will exceed the safety requirements, but if you intend to try to ride with it beware of the weight and the lack of ventilation. The weight will make your neck sore and tired, and the heat will build up very quickly and can cause heat exhaustion.

In the BMX section of Bike shops they will probably have a full face helmet that may be more kindly for your needs. I can say that I have raced for several decades. Had many racing and street falls, broken / separated shoulder, wrist, and endo's shattering my helmet(s).... but never have I had an injury to my jaw.... in fact I have never seen an injury to the jaw.

Check out the BMX stuff but if they don;t have the ventilation, live with a good standard helmet!

Soccerref

Anything I have to know before cycling?

automaticS

I never ever ridden a bicycle before (I was that roller-blading guy when a kid). However, I want to get into it. Where should I buy a bicycle (i.e. in a specialised shop or on internet, etc)? What else (other than a bicycle and helmet) will I need? Is there anything I should know about learning? None of my friends ride a bicycle, so I guess I will have to learn it on my own.

Answer
1. Never put your butt on the saddle without your helmet on your head, no matter where or how little you are riding.
2. Do not buy a bike at a department or toy store for any reason. Go to a local bike shop and have them match you with a bike appropriate for your needs. Wal-mart bikes are junk. A good bike will have some residual value. If you don't like cycling, you can sell the bike.
3. Everyone falls off their bike. I have been riding for 50 years and fell off my bike this year (being stupid and going too fast on a twisty path). When you fall off, the most important thing to do is to GET BACK ON and keep riding!
4. When starting, ride in loops close to your house. When you get tired, it will be a short distance back home. As you build more confidence and endurance, your loops can be longer and eventually become journeys.
5. Make sure you have a large size water bottle. Fill it with Gatorade or some other sports drink. It makes a big difference from water.
6. When riding roads, do it predictably. Stop at lights and stop signs. When stopped, make sure all the cars around you know your intentions, even if you are going straight. When a car is stopped at an intersection crossing your path, wave to the driver with a big smile on your face. You really want him to know you are there.
7. When you venture further from home, learn to fix a flat. You will need a spare tube, tire levers, and a pump. None of this costs very much. Your local bike shop will be glad to help you.

Hope this helps.

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