kids bicycle saddle image
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My fiancee and I recently purchased a new home. It is close to the grocery store and our places of employment. I was thinking about buying a bicycle to commute to work and the grocery store. What are some basics that a first timer should know? i.e. Accessories I'll need, traffic basics, securing my bike, etc.
Oblivion: Grow up. I know how to ride a bike. I've just never used it as a means of commuting. Only during trail rides, etc.
Answer
The first thing you need to know is that your life is about to improve dramatically and in ways you may not even realize!
No gas. No insurance. No parking costs and bonus workout time so you might get to cancel that gym membership!
This is totally exciting and I am stoked you'll be joining me in the bike lane!
First the bike. Go test ride at your local bike shop and fearlessly ask a ton of questions. No intimidation allowed and never go to a big box store for your bike.
You need to make sure that your fitted properly for your ride. Have them fit you even if you don't purchase and give you the dimensions.
Now get a helmet and some simple front and rear lights - even if you don't think you'll ride at night... get them, put them on, use them!
Wear whatever you are comfortable in- there's no rule about lycra! - watch the chain for loose clothing. Experiment prior to your commute if you wear skirts - some are OK, others... well you can imagine. (I don't mind, but you might!)
You might want a basket or a bike rack with saddle bag(s) for the grocery store.
If there is a secure place at work to lock your bike (only you and coworkers have access) you can get by with a cable lock. If not find the best bike rack around and definitely use a "U Lock".
Do a Google search for "Sheldon Brown" - he's got more advice on this stuff too.
Try this site to plan a route or hook up with a local bike club online to see where you can get a map.
http://tripplanner.bycycle.org/
Does it rain a lot where you live? Fenders!!! 90% dryer I kid you not.
You might also join an online bike forum for more tips.
Good luck and happy riding!
The first thing you need to know is that your life is about to improve dramatically and in ways you may not even realize!
No gas. No insurance. No parking costs and bonus workout time so you might get to cancel that gym membership!
This is totally exciting and I am stoked you'll be joining me in the bike lane!
First the bike. Go test ride at your local bike shop and fearlessly ask a ton of questions. No intimidation allowed and never go to a big box store for your bike.
You need to make sure that your fitted properly for your ride. Have them fit you even if you don't purchase and give you the dimensions.
Now get a helmet and some simple front and rear lights - even if you don't think you'll ride at night... get them, put them on, use them!
Wear whatever you are comfortable in- there's no rule about lycra! - watch the chain for loose clothing. Experiment prior to your commute if you wear skirts - some are OK, others... well you can imagine. (I don't mind, but you might!)
You might want a basket or a bike rack with saddle bag(s) for the grocery store.
If there is a secure place at work to lock your bike (only you and coworkers have access) you can get by with a cable lock. If not find the best bike rack around and definitely use a "U Lock".
Do a Google search for "Sheldon Brown" - he's got more advice on this stuff too.
Try this site to plan a route or hook up with a local bike club online to see where you can get a map.
http://tripplanner.bycycle.org/
Does it rain a lot where you live? Fenders!!! 90% dryer I kid you not.
You might also join an online bike forum for more tips.
Good luck and happy riding!
What is the most comfortable mountain bike seat for a woman with a big bottom?
Myra G
I just bought a seat that looks comfortable but is not. Any suggestions???
yes, it has been a while since I have used a bike.
Answer
Hi Myra,
First let's get some basic terms squared away. Bike seats are called "saddles"... For the most part "seats" are found in bleachers, office buildings and in cars.
I have been an active cyclist since 1985, currently logging 200-250 miles per week... Now it is true that I am not a woman, nor do I have a wide bottom, but I can help you out a bit. Saddles are now being made women-specific. Most of these are narrower models, but as someone else pointed out, women naturally have a wider pelvic region (the whole birthing thing), so they will be shaped differently from a male saddle. If you went to a decent bike shop, you would see saddles with sections that look like they are missing, cut out or perhaps the maker forgot to finish building it. That however is the way they are suppose to look. The cut out region is to alleviate pressure on your pelvic region - and to weight weenies (what they call people who count every gram of every part that goes on their bikes) it is cool because that saddle will weigh less than solid ones.
If you weren't completely sold on a mountain bike, I would recommend a recumbent for true comfort while riding.. Those are the bikes that you sit in a very wide chair-like "seat", with your legs extended out to the pedals in front of you. Riding a recumbent would work certain muscle groups harder than a regular bike would. Your gluts (butt muscles) would be worked (abused - LOL) hard along with your leg muscles of course. The saddle on a recumbent is light-years more comfortable than a standard bike.
If you are already sold on the mountain bike idea, or perhaps you have one and saddle discomfort has become the principal issue at hand, then first thing I would recommend is to look at Performancebike.com. Click on the SADDLES link on the left. Then select WOMEN'S SADDLES. You will see a very wide shaped saddle there for sale for $39.99 (12% off) called "The Seat" by Ergo. It probably doesn't look anything like any saddle you have ever seen (and yes it is ok to call this one a SEAT! It is advertised as:
"Extra wide for unbelievable support and comfort"
"Short length provides a non-restrictive pedal stroke"
"Integrated rear reflectors for added visibility"
"Gel padding dissipates road vibration while providing plenty of padding for comfort"
Keep in mind that "The Seat" is a saddle that supports your body the same way as when you sit in a chair.
Shoot that almost sounds good enough for me! If it could recline and give me a massage I would be set! LOL! Just kidding of course.
Another thing to keep in mind that if you are riding a department store bicycle, you really should get properly fit on your bike. It sounds like you have a passion that makes you want to ride, but the dang pain in the butt part (sorry) has discomforted you and irked you enough to have you post a question here. A reliable bike shop can help you "Saddle Up" properly. They can tell if your saddle is too high or too far back. They can help if your crank arms are too long, or if the distance to your handlebar is too far away, too low or too high. All of the stated issues above can contribute to a sore backside.
Also on the Performance website you can see the Forté EasyRider Saddle. For the Forte EasyRider follow this link:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=14747&PID=1204522
It too is on sale $19.99 (50% off the regular price)
You can also check out another famous online cycling catalog @ NASHBAR.COM for the following saddles:
Selle San Marco Travel Delux Womenâs Saddle
Selle Royal Ergo GEL Mid Cruiser Saddle
A little more insight can be found at: about.com (See below)
http://bicycling.about.com/od/equipment/a/saddlechoice.htm
If I can help further in any aspect of the sport please don't hesitate to contact me... HOW? Just answer any of the questions that "I ask" with the answer "BIKE HELP NEEDED" and I will do my best to get you the answers you seek.
Best Regards,
~CJ Smith~
Cyclist - Triathlete
Suncoast Cycling Club Member
Palm Harbor, Florida
Hi Myra,
First let's get some basic terms squared away. Bike seats are called "saddles"... For the most part "seats" are found in bleachers, office buildings and in cars.
I have been an active cyclist since 1985, currently logging 200-250 miles per week... Now it is true that I am not a woman, nor do I have a wide bottom, but I can help you out a bit. Saddles are now being made women-specific. Most of these are narrower models, but as someone else pointed out, women naturally have a wider pelvic region (the whole birthing thing), so they will be shaped differently from a male saddle. If you went to a decent bike shop, you would see saddles with sections that look like they are missing, cut out or perhaps the maker forgot to finish building it. That however is the way they are suppose to look. The cut out region is to alleviate pressure on your pelvic region - and to weight weenies (what they call people who count every gram of every part that goes on their bikes) it is cool because that saddle will weigh less than solid ones.
If you weren't completely sold on a mountain bike, I would recommend a recumbent for true comfort while riding.. Those are the bikes that you sit in a very wide chair-like "seat", with your legs extended out to the pedals in front of you. Riding a recumbent would work certain muscle groups harder than a regular bike would. Your gluts (butt muscles) would be worked (abused - LOL) hard along with your leg muscles of course. The saddle on a recumbent is light-years more comfortable than a standard bike.
If you are already sold on the mountain bike idea, or perhaps you have one and saddle discomfort has become the principal issue at hand, then first thing I would recommend is to look at Performancebike.com. Click on the SADDLES link on the left. Then select WOMEN'S SADDLES. You will see a very wide shaped saddle there for sale for $39.99 (12% off) called "The Seat" by Ergo. It probably doesn't look anything like any saddle you have ever seen (and yes it is ok to call this one a SEAT! It is advertised as:
"Extra wide for unbelievable support and comfort"
"Short length provides a non-restrictive pedal stroke"
"Integrated rear reflectors for added visibility"
"Gel padding dissipates road vibration while providing plenty of padding for comfort"
Keep in mind that "The Seat" is a saddle that supports your body the same way as when you sit in a chair.
Shoot that almost sounds good enough for me! If it could recline and give me a massage I would be set! LOL! Just kidding of course.
Another thing to keep in mind that if you are riding a department store bicycle, you really should get properly fit on your bike. It sounds like you have a passion that makes you want to ride, but the dang pain in the butt part (sorry) has discomforted you and irked you enough to have you post a question here. A reliable bike shop can help you "Saddle Up" properly. They can tell if your saddle is too high or too far back. They can help if your crank arms are too long, or if the distance to your handlebar is too far away, too low or too high. All of the stated issues above can contribute to a sore backside.
Also on the Performance website you can see the Forté EasyRider Saddle. For the Forte EasyRider follow this link:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=14747&PID=1204522
It too is on sale $19.99 (50% off the regular price)
You can also check out another famous online cycling catalog @ NASHBAR.COM for the following saddles:
Selle San Marco Travel Delux Womenâs Saddle
Selle Royal Ergo GEL Mid Cruiser Saddle
A little more insight can be found at: about.com (See below)
http://bicycling.about.com/od/equipment/a/saddlechoice.htm
If I can help further in any aspect of the sport please don't hesitate to contact me... HOW? Just answer any of the questions that "I ask" with the answer "BIKE HELP NEEDED" and I will do my best to get you the answers you seek.
Best Regards,
~CJ Smith~
Cyclist - Triathlete
Suncoast Cycling Club Member
Palm Harbor, Florida
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Title Post: What should I know about commuting via bicycle?
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