Bicycling Qs?

Question

I'm 16 and I gotten over the goofy trick bike thing and I've been trying out serious mountain and road biking. I just bought a Trek 7000. Can anyone give me some tips or some things that could help me out along the way?

And if you don't know or have 2 word andwers, don't post just so you can get 2 points.

Answer 1

yup get yourself a helmet. thats actually the most important advise any cyclist can give you.

make sure that you are well hydrated so either use a water bottle of get yourself a hydration pack.

take your time developing skill and endurance. don't burn yourself out trying to keep up with a group who are more experienced than you.

get someone to ride with you or join a group. just make sure that they are aware you are just starting out.

enjoy the ride. make sure you take in the scenery and the wind in your face as you ride.

Answer 2

I'm not much into mountain biking, but I've done a little road riding and here's my advice.

1) Safety. Always wear a helmet. Learn the rules of the road (basically anything a car is supposed to, a bike should do as well. Always wear bright colored clothing so cars can see you better. Get a good light system if you plan on doing any night riding.
2) Be prepared. Don't go on any road ride without a couple spare tubes, a patch kit and a pump. There's nothing worse than to be stranded 30 miles from home with a flat. If possible, bring a cell phone with you on long rides.
3) Know the bike. Learn to do basic repairs yourself. This will not only save you money, but your bike won't be in the shop when you'd rather be out riding.
4) Enjoy!

Answer 3

If you are just going out to have fun, ride faster and get some skills, then stick with the Trek. Try putting on a set of road tires and ride for a few weeks, ride on the road and paved trails. Then change to knobby tires and ride dirt trails and paths. After you figure out what you like road or mountains bikes, then ask yourself what do I want to do, race or have fun. If you are going to race, then gett a good bike for racing, advantages to a race built bike are the bike will be lighter, the parts will be better. If you just want to have fun, but want take tougher rides, then get a road or mountain bike. If you just want to ride and have fun, keep the use the Trek until it falls apart. The main thing is ride what you got and have fun. There are tons of books on training, parts, etc. Get out and ride with skilled riders and ask questions, most bike type people will be glad to help. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, the Trek 7000 is a hybrid bike. It can ride on some trail and the road, but does neither particularly well. If you are going to pursue serious road and mountain riding, you are eventually going to need both a road bike and mountain bike. A single bike isn't really going to help you much.

Answer 5

Not in any real order, but here it goes

1. Never put your butt on the seat without your helmet on your head.
2. Try to find partners to ride with. It is much more enjoyable and safer than riding alone.
3. Use road biking to build your endurance and mountain biking to build your hill climbing strength. Do both of them. They will reinforce each other.
4. Learn how to fix a flat. Ride with tire levers, a pump (I carry a pump and a CO2 inflater), 2 spare tubes, and a small patch kit. It is possible that you can get more than 2 flats in a ride. All of this stuff is quite light and does not take up much space in a bike bag that attaches under the saddle.
5. Pay attention to hydration and nutrition. You must eat and drink on longer rides. Your body needs "fuel."
6. Ride safely. Pay attention, follow the rules, and ride predictably on the roads. Be visible. Know your limits off-road.
7. Carry some ID, even just a piece of paper in your pocket, with your name, drug allergies if you have any, and your

Answer 6

To add to the great advice given above I'll add something I tell every new rider.

When dealing with stopped cars; watch the front tire. It is not going anyplace the car isn't going.
Drivers may signal to you and mean one thing and do another. I've seen it a million times. But that tire can't lie to you. If it turns, the car is turning. If it rolls, the car is rolling. If it is stopped, the car is stopped. Just give a quick glance to the tire and you have a grasp on the situation and eye movements, head nods, and hand gestures are out of the equasion.

Answer 7

Buy good gear. The important things are where you contact the bike, so good shoes, shorts and gloves are key. If any of these are uncomfortable, you'll be hurting bad halfway into a century ride.

To be a good climber, you have to climb a lot. To be a good sprinter, you have to sprint a lot. Get the pattern? There is NO WAY AROUND HARD WORK if you want to be fast.

Mot important, though, is to ride often and ENJOY the ride!

Answer 8

Go out and play on your bike. Ride with a more experienced rider.



EDIT: Yes I only want the 2 points. Points are everything. I only come in here for points. I love points ... no.... I NEED POINTS!!!

Answer 9

if you come from the bmx world, i guess you have a good technique, so what you lack is anaerobic conditioning. so you have to ride for a good 1 hour or more without stopping. get your cardio going, hit 180-190 beats per minute and you will improve those critical areas.
for for local trails where you can follow better riders, learn how they take turns, where they make their gear changes, learn their moves.
then enter in to local races and see how you do
carlos
http://www.bikingthings.com

Answer 10

Wear a helmet.

Buy another wheelset with road or mtn tires so you can swap them out to ride road or off-road.