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Brooklyn newbie with some (probably very dumb) questions
Please be patient with me...
I just bought a bike off a friend last night -- a 5-month-old, barely ridden Giant Cypress ST. This is my first bike purchase since junior high (I'm 31). My test ride was the first time I've been ON a bike since 1994. But it was cheap and I'd been meaning to get a bike anyway, so I took the plunge. I'll be using it for recreational riding in the park, etc. at first while I get the hang of things again. After that, I'd like to use it for commuting, longer rides in the city, possibly some weekend rides. First question -- I'm not sure I have the right size. I'm a 5'2" woman, with fairly long legs proportionally speaking. The bike is a 17" men's bike. When I sit on the seat at the lowest position, I am on the balls of my feet. I assume this is fine, since I should be riding with the seat in a higher position anyway. Second question -- is there a good link for basic rules of the road type stuff for urban riding? I have to admit that riding in traffic has always freaked me out a bit but I have to bite the bullet and get over it. Needless to say, I want to know enough to avoid doing anything stupid that will get me killed. Third question -- any good sites for general tips for beginners? Thanks for any advice.... |
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#3
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"Vanessa Hawkins" wrote Please be patient with me... I just bought a bike off a friend last night -- a 5-month-old, barely ridden Giant Cypress ST. This is my first bike purchase since junior high (I'm 31). My test ride was the first time I've been ON a bike since 1994. But it was cheap and I'd been meaning to get a bike anyway, so I took the plunge. I'll be using it for recreational riding in the park, etc. at first while I get the hang of things again. After that, I'd like to use it for commuting, longer rides in the city, possibly some weekend rides. First question -- I'm not sure I have the right size. I'm a 5'2" woman, with fairly long legs proportionally speaking. The bike is a 17" men's bike. When I sit on the seat at the lowest position, I am on the balls of my feet. I assume this is fine, since I should be riding with the seat in a higher position anyway. Balls of your feet on the ground or on the pedals? Second question -- is there a good link for basic rules of the road type stuff for urban riding? I have to admit that riding in traffic has always freaked me out a bit but I have to bite the bullet and get over it. Needless to say, I want to know enough to avoid doing anything stupid that will get me killed. Pennsylvanias rules have been recommended in here as being quite good and understandable. http://www.dot.state.pa.us/BIKE/WEB/index.htm Check your local laws to be sure Basic rule - you *are* entitled to the street. Don't be dumb, but don't be pushed around, either Start off on quiet streets. Third question -- any good sites for general tips for beginners? Maintenance www.sheldonbrown.com http://www.sheldonbrown.com/beginners/index.html Riding http://www.bicyclinglife.com/ Thanks for any advice.... Rule #1. Have fun Pete |
#4
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On 9 Sep 2004 17:37:33 -0700, (Vanessa Hawkins)
wrote: Please be patient with me... I just bought a bike off a friend last night -- a 5-month-old, barely ridden Giant Cypress ST. This is my first bike purchase since junior high (I'm 31). My test ride was the first time I've been ON a bike since 1994. But it was cheap and I'd been meaning to get a bike anyway, so I took the plunge. I'll be using it for recreational riding in the park, etc. at first while I get the hang of things again. After that, I'd like to use it for commuting, longer rides in the city, possibly some weekend rides. First question -- I'm not sure I have the right size. I'm a 5'2" woman, with fairly long legs proportionally speaking. The bike is a 17" men's bike. When I sit on the seat at the lowest position, I am on the balls of my feet. I assume this is fine, since I should be riding with the seat in a higher position anyway. More than you want to know, but if you dig around you'll find the answer. And in the process, maybe learn about how various changes can interact- http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm Second question -- is there a good link for basic rules of the road type stuff for urban riding? I have to admit that riding in traffic has always freaked me out a bit but I have to bite the bullet and get over it. Needless to say, I want to know enough to avoid doing anything stupid that will get me killed. Third question -- any good sites for general tips for beginners? Thanks for any advice.... I'll combine 2 and 3- http://www.runmuki.com/commute/commuting7.html http://www.myra-simon.com/bike/tips.html http://www.transalt.org/ http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/index.htm http://www.sheldonbrown.com/beginners/index.html |
#5
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I'm not sure I have the right size. I'm a 5'2" woman, with
fairly long legs proportionally speaking. The bike is a 17" men's bike. =v= The 17" frame size seems like something to work with, but in general men's bikes accommodate men's longer torsos rather than women's longer legs. Perhaps you could get a stem that moves the handlebars closer to you ... Second question -- is there a good link for basic rules of the road type stuff for urban riding? The best way is to conduct yourself like a vehicle. =v= Of course, the way vehicles conduct themselves in Brooklyn isn't something you'll find written down anywhere. :^) _Jym_ |
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