[Jamers04]

I went biking for an hour today for the first time since I was like 9, and I really enjoyed it. I have no clue what I'm doing, though. What do I need to know? Specifically...<br><br>
1- My bike is from Target in 1996. It makes fun ratchety noises and doesn't shift properly, so I definitely need a new one if I plan to do this often. Will a new Target Wonder work to see if I'm actually into this, or am I asking for injury?<br>
2- Helmet. I don't have one. I plan to change this before my next ride. Will one from Target or somewhere cheap do the trick?<br>
3- My lower back is killing me. Is this just a "new muscles" pain that'll fade in time, or is something wrong?<br>
4- Bugs. How do I deal with moths and grasshoppers jumping into my face?

 

[jtc]

jamers<br>
1)take the bike to a bicycle shop to get a tune up, cost you about $60, but it will allow you an opp to get to know the employees there.<br>
2)Definitely get a helmet, one from target is fine<br>
3)yeah the back is going to hurt, your body is not used to being in that position so the body is like wtf<br>
4) bugs are protein <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Jamers04]

Will a bike shop actually do a tune up on one that cost $60 a decade ago?<br><br>
I thought my back would be okay eventually, but I wasn't sure. Never know whether it's a sign of a good workout or a pending injury.

 

[jtc]

I don't see why they wouldn't. If they want your future business, they better.<br><br>
Try and stretch your back before and after. For i find that squating with my ass on my calves really gets me a good stretch. I usually hold that position for about a minute and i do it a couple of times. What you are more than likely feeling is fatigue because of the riding position<br><br>
j

 

[QuixoticNotions]

I wouldn't spend $60 on a bike that cost $100 and is old. At that point, might as well get a new one.<br><br>
You can get a decent little hybrid that fits you that will probably work a little better pretty cheap, too.

 

[Cappy]

<span style="font-family:Arial;">The LBS I used to go to before it closed, a tune up was about $25.00, he did a great job. I haven't had mine tuned up in a few years. It probably could use one, since I have put about 2k+ miles on the rear wheel as it has been my trainer bike. I have about 7500 miles on my bike, and with the exception of a new rear rim, all the parts are original, and the bike is almost 15 years ago</span>

 

[sistergoldenhair]

4 - I always wear glasses (usually sunglasses) when I ride.

 

[fox-runr]

With the back thing, have someone at a shop look at your position. I usually ride my bike 3-4 times a year, so I assumed that I was not used to it. This year, My DH husband adjusted my seat and bars, it took a good hour measuring my legs my bike, etc. I've not had one back complaint and I'm biking almost every day this past month and spending about 90% of my time in aero position when riding alone (I'm not allowed to ride aero with others due to my inexperience)