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....

9 Sep 2004 17:37:33 -0700,
,
(Vanessa Hawkins) wrote:

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.

It should be okay. If you find yourself scooting forward on the saddle
you might want to try a shorter stem extension or more swept back
handle bars.

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.

http://bikesense.bc.ca/manual.htm
If you just read the highlighted sections you'll have the basics

http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm
Another good book on basic traffic sense.

Third question -- any good sites for general tips for beginners?

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/articles.html
Most everything you need to know about bicycles.
--
zk

"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

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

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_