New to bicycling; in need of serious advice!

Asian Allez said:

Do I need to purchase sunglasses or clothing?

Sunglasses would be good for hiding identidy if you plan on riding bareaZZed. 😎

oo great idea~! but can you answer all my other questions pleasE? URGENT!

Asian Allez said:

I just bought my Specialized Allez yesterday. I've been riding an Old English Three-Speed for a long time-a Ross Custom I love it-and I am completely lost with the Allez. I kind of get how the gearing works but any help would be greatly appreciated. First of all I can't ride with the clips at all! I don't have enough money to buy biking shoes, so I am riding with semicleated sneakers. I can manage one pedal in, but the pedals are upside down and I dont know what to do.

I don't know what kind of pedals you bought, but it's highly recommended to get cycling shoes with the correct cleats. Good cycling shoes aren't just for show. The best shoes have very stiff bottoms for maximum delivery of power to the pedals and very soft uppers for comfort. I use Sidis. There are cheaper brands available but, if you're going to be riding many miles, shoes are very important.

Asian Allez said:

Secondly, it seems that the presta tire gauge I just bought is really hard to push in and take out. Is that normal? Are there any Schrader/Presta tire gauges that are recommended? I demand only dial gauges, I need the assurance of accuracy.

I don't know what your issue is with digital tire gauges. For pumping up your tires before rides, I would recommend an inexpensive floor pump with a gauge such as this one performancebike.comprofile.cfmOpen ↗. For tire pressure on the road, I carry a small, light digital gauge in my jersey (performancebike.comprofile.cfmOpen ↗), but I rarely use it. Anyway, if you flat on the road you can go by feel -- just pump your tire up to the recommended pressure and squeeze it to get an idea of what the pressure feels like; that'll be close enough on the road.

Asian Allez said:

Thirdly, I am in decent physical condition; how should I start training? I joined a bike club, Huntington Bicycle Club, and their beginners runs are ~40 miles @ ~25mph. I haven't started running with them yet, and I want to be prepared and not drag everyone down.

Like most large clubs, your club has multiple ride groups. I suggest that you start with the slowest group (C) and move up if you find the pace too slow. Only the fastest group would be riding at an average pace >20mph. If you want to get in a few rides before going with them, I suggest riding for an hour or so at a conversational pace or, if you have a HRM, at ~75%MHR. Go a little (not a lot) harder on the hills, because the group rides will.

Asian Allez said:

Fourthly, I bought gloves, minipump, spare tube, gauge, tool set, tire levels, water bottle and holder, and looking at helmets now. Am I missing anything? Any recommendations on helmets? I like the Specialized Air Force. I am also looking at backpacks, recommendations welcome again. I am on a budget (college student) and I spent ~$1000 for the bike, rack on the car, and the other goodies.

When you start going on longer rides, I recommend that you carry 2 tubes and 2 CO2 bottles. You can carry the tubes in a little wedge-shaped bag that fits right under your seat -- ~$5. You can check out helmets at this site bhsi.orghelmet05.htmOpen ↗.

Asian Allez said:

Finally!! Do I need to purchase sunglasses or clothing? I am very very skinny so I don't chafe.

Summer's over, so you can probably do without the sunglasses (although I ride with them year-round). The most important piece of clothing is cycling shorts. I recommend bibs, but the important thing is the chamois lining. You can get cycling shorts for <$50. A cycling jersey is nice because it has 3 pockets in back for stuff like tire repair tools and food. As it gets cooler, you'll want something like a turtleneck shirt underneath your cycling jersey. There are arm warmers and thin jackets, but they're kind of pricey.

RapDaddyo said:

I don't know what kind of pedals you bought, but it's highly recommended to get cycling shoes with the correct cleats...

I'm with RD. Priorities for me would be shoes, shorts & helmet (never used to be, but I have a different opinion now). Good shoes and shorts will do a lot more for you than a pressure gauge ever will; and a helmet, well, you know what that's going to do for you if / when you require it. I don't know what the local laws / club rules are where you are, but some clubs won't allow you to ride in an organised run without having a helmet.
Don't procrastinate on going for a training ride. Go with the slowest group and see how you get on. If that's still too fast, you'll know what you have to do to be able to keep up with them. Don't worry too much about your gear. I currently ride (and have raced) a fixed-wheel on the road - makes your old 3-speed look like a modern technological marvel.

Asian Allez said:

I just bought my Specialized Allez yesterday. I've been riding an Old English Three-Speed for a long time-a Ross Custom I love it-and I am completely lost with the Allez. I kind of get how the gearing works but any help would be greatly appreciated. First of all I can't ride with the clips at all! I don't have enough money to buy biking shoes, so I am riding with semicleated sneakers. I can manage one pedal in, but the pedals are upside down and I dont know what to do.

Secondly, it seems that the presta tire gauge I just bought is really hard to push in and take out. Is that normal? Are there any Schrader/Presta tire gauges that are recommended? I demand only dial gauges, I need the assurance of accuracy.

Thirdly, I am in decent physical condition; how should I start training? I joined a bike club, Huntington Bicycle Club, and their beginners runs are ~40 miles @ ~25mph. I haven't started running with them yet, and I want to be prepared and not drag everyone down.

Fourthly, I bought gloves, minipump, spare tube, gauge, tool set, tire levels, water bottle and holder, and looking at helmets now. Am I missing anything? Any recommendations on helmets? I like the Specialized Air Force. I am also looking at backpacks, recommendations welcome again. I am on a budget (college student) and I spent ~$1000 for the bike, rack on the car, and the other goodies.

Finally!! Do I need to purchase sunglasses or clothing? I am very very skinny so I don't chafe.

You need good shorts and until you get shoes, use stiff soled shoes, if you have them (light weight hikers maybe). Some sort of eye protection is a good idea because of flying debris, dust, etc.... especially for those who wear contact lens.

Want to learn. Go on the club rides and learn from the more experience riders. I guarantee that they are not all averaging 25 mph over the course of an entire 40 mile ride--they just say that to sound macho. Maybe that is what they cruise at in a group on flat ground with a tailwind. If they won't help a new rider, then they are jerks who you won't want to ride with in the first place.

thanks for all your help!
I've read that Topeak Smart Gauge - Tire Pressure Gauge is hard to get on and off a presta valve. Can anyone provide rebuttle?

Also, I'd like to keep my toe clip pedals for now, but I can't get into them! I get into one, but the other turns upside-down. help!

I guarantee you they are not going 25 mph.
Helmet, shoes, shorts on your body.
Tube, repair kit and pump (manual or CO) in a wedge under your seat.
Powerbar and a bottle of water.
All I need.

couple things:

1. Buy some cycling shorts. they make a huge difference in your overall comfort and feeling over the ride. Personally like RD i like Bibs. There are ltos of shorts companies out there so try a few sets on and see what fits you best. Don't just buy xyz brand because the shop says they are the best. Almost every comapny makes a quality short.

2. Buy a good helmet. Buy one with the most ventalation you can afford. Try on lots of helmets because the shape of each helmet is slightly different.

3. Buy some real cycling shoes. They will allow you to transfer power to the pedals in a more efficiant manner. If you are tryin to ride on a clipless pedal with regular shoes your foot will eventually cramp and/or your foot will slide off and you will hurt yourself.

4. If you are using this bike to get to and from school i would recommend buying a beater bike with a single gear to get to school. Your road bike will get abused in the bike racks at school. I used to ride a $25 beater bike that i added big fenders and switched to a single speed to get back and forth to school. Yes i did ride it year around, i thru homemade studded snows on it in the winter and it actually helped my bike handling skills.

5. Buy some sunglasses, having a couple lens colors helps out so you can always wear something and not have to worry about road debris getting in your eyes.

6. get a floor pump that has a guage on it. it will make life alot easier and put a couple CO2's in your pocket with a spare tube to make life easy on the road

7. If the beginner ride is averaging 25mph over 40 miles i will be very suprised. Beginners do not average 25mph for 40 miles. Well unless they are drafting off a truck the whole way which.. Find a group that sounds a little more realistic and down to earth.

1. spend the $100 or so on a basic pair of shoes with clips. its worth the investment. otherwise you will never get the pedals to do what you want.

2. the only gauge I use is the one attahced to my pump so i can't help you on that.

3. look for me, and everyone else, on the LIE service road. its got a wide shoulder and very few interesections to slow you down, and nice rolling hills along the way. also, ride around East Hills Park in Huntington for some good hills (the highest hill on Long Island is Jaynes Hill. Ride up Reservoir Road off of 110 if you want a real challenge). Some nice roads up near Cold Spring Harbor as well. You will see alot of riders, like me, who ride alone. That club starts its rides too late in the day for me.

4. you don't want a backpack -- too big and too much weight. get a small saddle bag to hold your stuff. the pump shoud go on your frame. anything that doesn't fit in the bag, put in your pockets.

5. get glasses, not just for the sun, but they provide valuable eye protection from the wind, dust and anything else that might get kicked up into your face. get a good pair of shorts, for the padding. a good jersey is nice too, but not as important. however, if you are going for speed, you will want tight clothes so as to limit your wind resistance.

Asian Allez said:

I just bought my Specialized Allez yesterday. I've been riding an Old English Three-Speed for a long time-a Ross Custom I love it-and I am completely lost with the Allez. I kind of get how the gearing works but any help would be greatly appreciated. First of all I can't ride with the clips at all! I don't have enough money to buy biking shoes, so I am riding with semicleated sneakers. I can manage one pedal in, but the pedals are upside down and I dont know what to do.

Secondly, it seems that the presta tire gauge I just bought is really hard to push in and take out. Is that normal? Are there any Schrader/Presta tire gauges that are recommended? I demand only dial gauges, I need the assurance of accuracy.

Thirdly, I am in decent physical condition; how should I start training? I joined a bike club, Huntington Bicycle Club, and their beginners runs are ~40 miles @ ~25mph. I haven't started running with them yet, and I want to be prepared and not drag everyone down.

Fourthly, I bought gloves, minipump, spare tube, gauge, tool set, tire levels, water bottle and holder, and looking at helmets now. Am I missing anything? Any recommendations on helmets? I like the Specialized Air Force. I am also looking at backpacks, recommendations welcome again. I am on a budget (college student) and I spent ~$1000 for the bike, rack on the car, and the other goodies.

Finally!! Do I need to purchase sunglasses or clothing? I am very very skinny so I don't chafe.

li rider said:

1. spend the $100 or so on a basic pair of shoes with clips. its worth the investment. otherwise you will never get the pedals to do what you want.

any recommendations? i dont know the difference between any of the shoes, pedals, pants, jerseys. anythign~

li rider said:

3. look for me, and everyone else, on the LIE service road. its got a wide shoulder and very few interesections to slow you down, and nice rolling hills along the way. also, ride around East Hills Park in Huntington for some good hills (the highest hill on Long Island is Jaynes Hill. Ride up Reservoir Road off of 110 if you want a real challenge). Some nice roads up near Cold Spring Harbor as well. You will see alot of riders, like me, who ride alone. That club starts its rides too late in the day for me.

i am from long island too, i goto school in stony brook, and home is in valley stream. i could use some guidance if you arent too busy and are near. thank you!

Sorry guys, but is this for real????? Seems to me that someone who can't even figure out what to wear let alone get their foot in the pedal because it's upside-down shouldn't be allowed out of the house, let alone out riding a bike on the road. Maybe this sounds harsh but I just don't buy it. J

well if it ups ur confidence in me i figured out how to get the toe clips in. im going shopping tomorow for everything else.

[censored].

otherworld said:

Sorry guys, but is this for real????? Seems to me that someone who can't even figure out what to wear let alone get their foot in the pedal because it's upside-down shouldn't be allowed out of the house, let alone out riding a bike on the road. Maybe this sounds harsh but I just don't buy it. J

You sound a little like some of the tossers that were around when I first started road-racing a few decades ago. No wonder bugger all people wanted to race back then - they were being turned away by elitist nobodies trying to prove how much more knowledgeable they were. I'm glad that I didn't listen to them, and carried on to have many years of enjoyable racing and riding.
Don't forget, you weren't born knowing how to ride a bike and, now that you presumably do, you might be better off encouraging others to ride rather than trying to point out why they don't yet meet your standards.
Just keep going down the path you're on, Allez. The advice being offered is sound.

Asian Allez said:

well if it ups ur confidence in me i figured out how to get the toe clips in. im going shopping tomorow for everything else.

[censored].

Don't pay any attention to the occasional sniping you may get here. You may not realize it, but your original post is a bit unusual. Anyway, you need your full attention on the road for those LI truck drivers, not all of whom believe in "sharing" the road. BTW, this site has a pretty good selection of cycling shoes at or under $100 performancebike.comsub cat.cfmOpen ↗. Also, you will get some great input from your club mates, so try to keep a little powder dry for their equipment recommendations.

I decided to buy a bike for a family member last Christmas as a graduation gift. He knew very little about cycling and even less about the related gear. After swapping a couple of emails on the subject we agreed upon a local bike shop in his town through which to make the purchase. After that, whenever he had a question, and I do mean whenever, he would always take it to them. They showed him how to change a tire, how to properly and safely ride clippless, how to ride in city traffic, you name it. After about a month, he was giving me tips on stuff that even I didn't know, mostly because he had been willing to go in and ask.

So...my thought is that you should head back to the place where you bought the bike and let them help you.

rule62 said:

I decided to buy a bike for a family member last Christmas as a graduation gift. He knew very little about cycling and even less about the related gear. After swapping a couple of emails on the subject we agreed upon a local bike shop in his town through which to make the purchase. After that, whenever he had a question, and I do mean whenever, he would always take it to them. They showed him how to change a tire, how to properly and safely ride clippless, how to ride in city traffic, you name it. After about a month, he was giving me tips on stuff that even I didn't know, mostly because he had been willing to go in and ask.

So...my thought is that you should head back to the place where you bought the bike and let them help you.

I've got Pearl Izumi Vagabonds for road shoes. $70

I carry a Topeak pump on the frame, a spare tube and tire tools and a patch kit in a pack under the saddle. Cellphone and powerbars in my jersey pockets.

Yes, get some decent shorts. And wear bright colors so motorists can see you.

There is an adaptor that allows you to use a Shrader pump on Presta valves. LBS has them.

Your local bike shop (LBS) is a valuable source of information, tips, advice. Don't abuse them, however.

i got the allez from a wholesale guy i knew. 450 bucks. LBS overcharges me on everything; i bought some stuff from them bc they helped me pick the allez, and they give me 10 percent off all their stuff but a wedge for 20 bucks!? i'd rather buy everything online.

Good luck with that. 😉

Asian Allez said:

any recommendations? i dont know the difference between any of the shoes, pedals, pants, jerseys. anythign~
i am from long island too, i goto school in stony brook, and home is in valley stream. i could use some guidance if you arent too busy and are near. thank you!

find a good local bicycle shop. i'd recommend Brands -- right off sunrise highway about 1 mile east of the wantaugh. let them show you shoes. you don't need top of the line. you need a comfortable pair with very hard solid soles. as for the clips, you may for now want the type which unclip faster (sorry, I don't know the technical terms). also, i'd go for the velcro, no laces, for safety reasons. and of course if you don't get basic black, make sure they match your bike. I assume your bike has the pedals, if not buy the pedals and the shoes at the same time.

for pants, try some on. you don't need the top of the line pearl izumi, but don't get the cheapest either. i prefer the heavier fabrics. you do want wider elastic on the waste and leg bottoms. i personally do not like the bibs or string draw. also, be sure the shape of the chamois is comfortable to you.

jerseys are also cut differently and the sizes are all cut smaller than you would think. go for 3 pockets, not 1, and my preference is for longer zippers.

and in case you have any doubt -- BUY A HELMET.

I rode plainview (my town) to stony brook and back sunday. if you take your bike out to school with you, there are some very nice roads to ride on , like Nichols heading south, and some good hills just to the north. just don't try to pick up the LIE service road at nichols. I would also avoid 347 (too much traffic for me and too many shoppng centers) but try 25A. if you go to some of the long island bike club websites, they have some rides mapped out as well. I don't know the south shore well enought to recommend rides, but I think if you drive out to jones beach, you can ride along ocean parkway which by now should have little traffic. find the Newsday leasure guide which also lists some riding trails (generally nice rides, but not designed for speed), but just be sure you don't end up on a mountain bike trail.

finally, ignore all those in these forums who have nothing good to say. we were all begineers once.

hope it all helps.

PS: what are you studying at SB? i've got friends on the falculty.