Getting started on your bike

I love riding. And I will talk a lot about riding. But if you are keen to start getting fit, remember that walking is a good basic exercise. You can walk as hard or as gently as you like and you can do it anywhere. And its free (though I would recommend sneakers… as good a pair as you can afford)

But if you want to give riding a go….

One can take months to get organised to go out for a ride. If you make sure you cover every base there is a fair chance you'll never get there. First you'll need a bike and, by law in Australia, a bike helmet. Maybe you have a bike in the back shed. Otherwise try borrowing one not being used by a family member or friend… or if you have the ware withal, buy one. New or Second hand.

Hybrid Bike - tyres usually about 25mm

I started on what's known as a hybrid (your basic bike)… sort of a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. Mountain bikes have fat tyres for good grip on those unsealed mountain paths, but they work on sealed paths as well. Hybrids have narrower tyres, but still reasonable grip on both sealed and unsealed paths … just not so good in softer sand or really loose gravel. Road bikes have skinnier tyres and are best not taken of the sealed path too much… though depending on the bike and path its possible. The fatter the tyre, the better grip on the road, but the more work to pedal. I found the hybrid good middle ground to start on.

If you already have a bike try working with what you've got to start with.

Two important start up points. Pump up your tyres. (a bike pump is handy for that… about $20 new from bike shop). If they stay up, that is generally considered to be a bonus. Try your brakes. Brakes that work are also considered a bonus. Either back pedal brakes or hand brakes, or if your bike is real fancy, disc brakes. Brakes that don't 'stay on' are also important, as sticky brakes can make riding hard work!

My suggestion (if your tyres were completely flat before you pumped them up) is to leave your bike over night before the first big ride. Alternately only ride a short distance from home so that if your tyre goes flat again fairly quickly, you don't have far to push the bike home.

This is because your tyres could be flat from a long slow leak, or from a not so long slow leak. If your tyre flattens again over night, or on your short ride….or even if its significantly flatter in that period of time, you either have a puncture, or a leaky valve, and you'd be best to sort that out before you go any further.

At this point, if those tyres are staying up, and your brakes work, I would be putting on your helmet, getting on that bike and going for a short ride … even if its only up and down your street. Pay attention to your bike. Is the chain making a lot of metal on metal noise. If so, it may need a lube. If you have gears try changing up and down a couple of gears as you pedal. If they aren't changing, or if its very noisy, again, you may need some lube.

Mountain Bike - tyres  are fatter

Also, are you comfortable on the bike. Your seat may need adjusting up or down. There are guidelines for how to set your seat height, but to start with I would choose what you feel comfortable with. Some bikes have you sitting up fairly straight, and some bikes have you leaning forward at varying degrees over the handlebars. It doesn't really matter, as long as you feel comfortable. If you're not comfortable it could just be unfamiliarity, in which case riding up and down your street, or around the block may help you settle in. If after adjusting your seat and trying some riding you just can't get comfortable, another bike seat or bike style may be for you….

It costs nothing to visit  your local bike shop and talk to them about bike options. You can try different bike styles…. i.e mountain bike, hybrid and road to see if one suits you better. Usually they are happy for you to ride around in the parking lot to see how the bike works for you. This may help you figure out what bike to buy….. but it will also be helpful to work out what might be good to try and borrow from someone else, or what to try and purchase second hand.

Of course if you're cashed up, you may end up with a new bike. Usually I find it wise to think about purchases at least over night before making a decision. So after looking at all these lovely new bikes it is perfectly acceptable to say "Thank you so much for your help. You have given me much food for thought. I will go home and consider my options"…. even if that option is 'I won't be buying a new bike'.

Okay, so if your tyres are staying up, your brakes work, you are feeling comfortable enough on your bike, and your chain and gears seem to be good…. then you are ready for a ride. I'd advise shortish rides to start with. Maybe a circuit around your suburb that you can repeat as often as you like with only a short ride home when you are 'stuffed' or your legs are crying out for a break. If you over do it, you may never ride again!!! And the idea is that this become a regular source of enjoyable exercise.

Is there a nice path nearby. There are a lot of areas around perth like Carine Open Space with nice paths for gentle riding. There are lovely rides along the river, and a fabulous path along our coast stretching from Burns Beach (up near Joondalup) to south of Fremantle. Also plenty of paths following the train lines. So explore…. close to home to start with, and venture further afield as your leg muscles and confidence improves.

Road Bike - tyres 19mm

If, however, your bike is not making the right noises, the tyre is flattening again, or brakes are not right you will need some maintenance. If you are not confident doing this stuff yourself you may know someone you  could ask to have a look at your bike. I'm a farm girl and reasonably confident, but I was still a little nervous with this sort of stuff. So asking someone for help, talking to the fellow at your local bike shop, or taking your bike in for a service would be your next option.

Your local bike shop does a service for between $60 to $100 ish (ask) and if the bike hasn't had a birthday for a long time giving it a service is not a bad idea. They will fix the flat for you at no more than the cost of a tube ($6 to $10ish) and give the brakes, gears etc a once over. While at the bike shop its a good idea to purchase a bottle of lube, a spare tube, and a puncture repair kit. None of these items are expensive … it might set you back $30 but will be well worth while. Short of knowing how to do it yourself, having the necessary's to do it will be the next best thing. That way at least if some friendly passerby is willing to help they will have something to work with.

Well…. I'm off for a ride myself. Maybe I'll pass you on the bike path in a day or two…. wouldn't that be nice.