So one of my buddies just got a new used road bike and is completely pumped. Another friend is talking about buying a bike. That's good stuff. It's "going green", it's great exercise, and it's a wonderful sport. Guys and gals considering cycling often ask us roadies (slang for road bike rider) about riding and how to get started. Here are several thoughts that will be helpful.
Reasons to Ride
1. Age does not matter. Statistics indicate that lots of folks in the 30s and 40s fall in love with bike riding. Any age is OK to get restarted on a bike and it can be a life long sport.
2. It's great cardiovascular exercise and it's great on your joints. You can stop beating yourself up and get healthy.
3. Cycling helps with weight control and weight loss. Most of us need that. Who does not mind saying "Man, I could use some carbs"?
How to get started
1. Pick a bike. Almost any bike will do. New riders get hung up on choosing the perfect bike if they do not already have one. If it turns out you get addicted to the sport you will automatically start upgrading your current bike or want to totally choose a different ride anyway, so the first bike is not a big deal. Sorry...but I am right on this.
2. Get a helmet. Pick one that is comfortable and remember more expensive is not necessarily better. Wear your hat every time you ride.
3. Put some air in the tires and start riding. You will figure out all the other accessories like water bottles, gloves, shoes, reflective gear, and stuff along the way as you get better. You will get better. You will be amazed at how much better you are after a month or so if you just start doing what you can do and keep at it when you can.
Stuff for later...down the road so to speak...
1. Later you will want to ride clipless pedals. The performance difference is dramatic in how you can transfer power to the bike. And you get a great story or two about how your fell over when you stopped the first time you rode this way!
2. You will learn spandex is your friend. Ignore your wife and hecklers. It will be an "Ahh Haa" moment. Believe me. Don't worry if the colors clash. Wear it proud and loud if you like.
3. Once you convert to spandex, you will want to grab yourself some Chamois cream. I don't buy brands with Butt in the name, but I use some made by Assos. They are a high end clothing manufacturer, the name makes me laugh and it smells like what I imagine a European bike shop smelled like in 1960.
There you have it. Go ride. Enjoy.