So you know how to ride a bicycle and have ridden around the block and a bit further.
Now all your friends are either into Triathlon racing, Obstacle racing or both. You have decided to try Triathlon racing. You are fit and ready to roll.
You went a bought a helmet and a decent bike and you want to get your moneys worth.
What is next?
Well after talking to a few friends perhaps they suggested buying cycling gloves to reduce vibration.
Some real cycling shorts for women and do not wear anything underneath the shorts.
Someone else told you to buy a spare tube, but someone will need to show you how to change it.
Your new bike after a few rides is now skipping gears, as the cables are stretching and your gears are skipping, when you put the power to the pedals. Take it to the shop to get it fixed, or check out youtube videos.
That means you will need some tools and the vast majority of bikes are metric, in case no one told you yet.
Someone else probably told you to get step in pedals and shoes which is more mulla, but it is worth it.
Perhaps a small cycling backpack with a water bladder that comes with it might be an idea. Costco has them cheap.
Buy a second water bottle cage for wide mouth plastic water bottle to carry your tools. It is far cheaper then buying a special tool seat bag and easier to take with you when you stop.
Now its time to ride. Find a friend who knows cycling. Hopefully the store set you up properly on the bike. They can get you in the ball park with seat height, fore and aft seat location in regards to ball of foot over pedal axle.
Did the store inform you that a bell is required by law? Its kind of stupid now, because so many people have ear phones in their head, biking, walking, running and driving, To get their attention you need to touch them, lol, not.
Did the store show you how to use the brakes and gears? They may have also took off the wheels so that you could get the bike in the car. Did you go for a bike roof rack or a trailer hitch bike rack. As I get older and my deltoids weaker I feel that trailer hitch bike rack is the better option. If you use boat ferries much you might also lean towards a trailer hitch bike rack. Just make sure the wheels are high enough not to be clobbered by small rocks.
A major deal is to have a proper width seat. This is VERY important as the seat may leave you with raw flesh and pain. Some stores have special equipment to determine the seat best for you. That seat stays with you for a lifetime so splurge!
Well just a few more things before you get on the bike. Did you centre the wheels in the axle properly? Did you tighten the wheel axle properly and orientate it in the correct direction? Are the brakes rubbing? Did you in fact pull down the small brake release mechanism?
Lift the back wheel and run through the gears to make sure all is working well.
Now it is time to check the tire pressure. O my, is it presta or shraeder valves? Did anyone tell you to buy adapters for both? Do you know how to put air in the tires? Do you have your own pump, which will also last you a lifetime if you take care of it. Do you remember how to check the tire pressure without a tire gauge by placing your middle finger over the tire and pressing down firmly with the heel of your other hand. The finger should only move a wee bit.
Is it time to ride yet? That will be in part 2. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment