Comments on: Beginner Cycling Tips

By: Daily Sports Tips

Daily Sports Tips — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 07:40:58 +0000

Cycling Tip : 4 Tips To Become A Better Cyclist…

If you’re thinking of being a cyclist, it is simply not enough that you own a bike. You actually have to make an effort to be at your best especially if you’re just starting out. Although this is easier said than done, there is no reason for you to los…

By: Andy

Andy — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:12:50 +0000

@Bob: Great, I hope to soon hear about your rides! As to the computer and the magnets, yes, they’re particularly weak. But most bike shops give really strong ones away for free. No worries.

@Dan: Good advice. For shorts or anything else new, use them for a short ride first before setting off across the map.

By: Dan

Dan — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:27:24 +0000

Having just done a 72 miler in a pair of new cycling shorts, I would also recommend *never* using a new pair for a long distance ride since it can be err… pretty chafing.

By: Bob Simonette

Bob Simonette — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:17:34 +0000

I’m looking at a Sirrus made by Specialized. It fits my needs and budget.I have a mountain bike I got years ago thinking I wold go off road, well that never happened. So now I want something that is designed for the road. We have only one bike shop in Waco so my options are limited.

I had back surgery last year and have not been in the saddle since, so I’m really looking forward to getting back in the swing of things.

Thanks for the tip on the computer, I was checking some reviews and it looks like the main complaint some folks have is aligning the magnet with the unit. Did you have any difficulty in that regard?

By: Andy

Andy — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:09:39 +0000

Hey Bob, nice to hear from you. Glad to know you’re a cyclist. What bike are you getting? As for the computer, I’m using a Sigma 1606L. It’s a wireless setup (and I only recommend wireless – coiling wires down your frame sucks) that does most of what one needs. No power meter, though.

I don’t really know enough about them to recommend anything to you …other than to go wireless. Thanks for touching base and take care!

By: Bob Simonette

Bob Simonette — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:22:47 +0000

Hey Andy I don’t know if you remember me from TSTC, but it’s been interesting reading about your biking adventures.

I’m planning on buying a new bike any day now and was wondering which computer you use on your bike and if you have any recommendations.

By: Andy

Andy — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:43:38 +0000

Thanks for the good info, Adam.

By: Andy

Andy — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:30:49 +0000

My pleasure, Matt. As for a book reference, I have gotten good mileage from the Falcon Guide "Road Bike Maintenance" book. It's a spiral, so I like how you can lay it open to a page while you work.

By: Adam Fellowes

Adam Fellowes — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:28:16 +0000

Get a decent saddle – the harder the better – it goes against all logic but look at it this way a large soft saddle just pushes your cheeks apart leading to discomfort!

As for books, Haynes do a good one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bike-Book-Fred-Milson/dp/1844254216/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246281683&sr=8-1

Park tools website has guides to just about every type and style of component maintenance http://www.parktool.com/repair/.

There are also quite a few you tube channels for bike repair tips.

For specifics on the parts on your bike look to the part manufacturers sites for details.

Be prepared to have to buy specific tools to do your own maintenance, they don’t cost much and save you having to take your bike to the shop for minor repairs.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:11:48 +0000

Thanks for the tips! Any good web or book references for bike maintenance?