tips for a beginner

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Iron Mike Sharpe on 1/31/2013 10:49:10 AM:

All,

I am looking for advice on how to start. I'm 40 and have just bought a house near the trail in St. Charles. I don't have a bike and would like to get one. I haven't had one since I was a teen (I'm 40 now) and have no idea about all of the changes in bikes and such.

Initially, my plan would be to ride from my house (between Page and I-70) along the trail and into Creve Couer park and back. And maybe to ride the entire trail October 2014.

How do I go about learning what I would need? What type of bike should I buy? Other equipment? I'm sure I would need to carry tools and tubes with me at all times. What do I get, best way to carry that equipment, etc?

Ideally, I'd prefer to buy a used bike off of Craigslist. I'm not looking for anything super expensive, but what like a good, sturdy, quality used bike to accomplish the above goals. Can anyone give me some pointers as to what I should look for?

I'm 40 and lost about 55 pounds last year. I'm looking to this year increase my fitness through lifting and cardio. My knees are shot so I figured weekend biking would be a good way to get more active.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Iron Mike

Gary from Near Tebbetts on 1/31/2013 12:14:58 PM:

Depends on what you mean by "my knees are shot". Those are important parts of the body when doing any bicycling.

You might want to consider using an indoor exercise bike or trainer before getting out on the trail.

Doug from Bluffton on 1/31/2013 12:17:32 PM:

If you would call Doug at The Rendleman Home I would be glad to try to help. I'm 65 and started when I was 30. Still remember what you are going through and all the folks that helped me. I'll be glad to answer all your questions that I can or refer you to those that know the answers I don't. Or that know LOTS more than I do about it. Just click on Bluffton on the map above for the contact info.

Iron Mike Sharpe on 1/31/2013 12:30:36 PM:

Doug, any time/date good?

Gary, might have been a little bit of an exaggeration. Last year, for exercise I just went on 1-4 mile walks. So the knees are good for that, and I'm sure for cycling. But the knees didn't seem to like the impact of jogging anymore. There were a couple of times I could jog for more than 100 yards last summer, but most days they hurt too much.

MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 1/31/2013 12:54:49 PM:

Although deals can be had on CraigsList, do yourself and your knees a favor and visit a local bike shop or REI first to get an idea what size bike you need. After you buy your bike from the shop or from CL make sure you have bike set up for you at a shop. When you start looking for a bike I would suggest what most makers call a hybrid or fitness bike, such as the Trek FX line of bikes. Get yourself a helmet that fits and is comfortable, a couple water bottles, a spare tube, the tools, and knowledge to change a flat and you are set to go. We like to use a rear rack and bag to keep lunch, rain jacket, extra water and snacks handy. We also use a handlebar bag to use for camera, sunscreen, bug spray, wallet, keys, etc.

Don from Ellisville, MO on 1/31/2013 1:26:55 PM:

Could not agree more with the advice of going to a bike shop. Wife bought a bike at Walmart 2 years ago that was "sized" to her by a Walmart employee. She rode it for a year, but could never go over 15 miles in a day. Took it into a local bike shop and they almost cried. It was totally wrong for her. We paid for a good one ($350 vs $125 at Walmart). The next day, she was able to ride 30 miles with no problems. And her knees did not hurt any more.

Jim from St Louis on 1/31/2013 3:47:02 PM:

Agree with the last 2 posts. They have solid information. Being properly fitted to your bike is very important--your knees will appreciate it. You might want to get a little better bike than you initially plan--you won't regret it. I didn't and replaced it after a year. Cycling, I've found, is not nearly as aggravating to the knees as jogging or running. I had a knee replacement several years ago and it doesn't stop 30-40 mile runs.

Iron Mike Sharpe on 1/31/2013 7:00:27 PM:

Thanks. I will check out a bike shop as I don't have a lot of experience with real bikes.

Anon on 1/31/2013 7:51:07 PM:

You might want to consider a used hybrid or cyclocross kind of bike, rigid (no shock absorbers), one that will take 25-35-mm wide tires. Shock absorbers steal a rider's energy.
Also, this kind of riding requires butt-conditioning along with general fitness. By all means, do get into it! You won't regret it. Good luck.

Doug from Bluffton on 1/31/2013 8:57:24 PM:

Any time MIke. If you miss me I'll call you back.

Haank from New Haven, MO on 1/31/2013 8:59:47 PM:

I would say get a $600 Cannondale or some other hybrid for starters. You don't need to spend more. You can go cheaper but a cheap bike ultimately will not take you far. Go to a local bike shop and tell them your story. One that doesnt have a huge selection but is Katy trail smart is the one in Defiance, forget what it's called.

You will also need a decent pair of bike shorts. I did without for a while but it was not comfortable and ultimately unncessary. A good pair of bike shorts solves that problem.

St. Charles has some excellent bike trails nearby, many accessed off the Katy. There's really no end to the places you can go.

Don't think it will happen overnight. Start small and build from there.

One of my favorite things to do is ride the Katy 20-40-60 miles or so in the area of Augusta-Defiance-Weldon Spring-St. Chas etc. and then end my day at a brewery or winery. This my friend is living. You will love it.

Enjoy!

Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 2/1/2013 4:55:18 AM:

Well Iron Mike, that about covers it. From a $600.00 Cannondale to a $30.00 Craigslist find, the important thing is to get out there and enjoy yourself on whatever bike you are comfortable riding. I agree with going to your LBS (local bike shop) and maybe even check into something used but well maintained, or a last years model, it could save you some money. Good luck!

Trek on 2/1/2013 8:44:14 AM:

There are a couple of bike shops right in the trail, one in Rocheport and one in Defiance. At either you could rent a hybrid type bike and ride it on the Katy. That would give you a feel for the bike on Katy trail conditions for little cost before you decide to buy.

El Toro on 2/1/2013 11:48:52 AM:

Fit. Fit. Fit. Your bike has to fit you or it will not be pleasant. If its not pleasant - you won't do it over time.

If you spend $600 and enjoy it for 10 years...that's 5 bucks a month (plus a few new tubes, tires and some other reasonable repairs.)

If you spend $300 and don't ride it - its a whole different cost.

Just a thought....

Iron Mike Sharpe on 2/1/2013 5:21:56 PM:

Thanks everyone. I think I will go to a bike shop. I have a friend and he and his wife have gotten into riding over the last few years. He also lives in the St. Charles area. I'll ask him for reviews of bike shops out there and see what he has.

Then after I move next month and get my new place furnished, I'll look at the money I have left over. And see if I can buy now or need to save up. (I refuse to finance anything...other than my mortgage). But, I should have some money left over. I'm pretty sure I overbudgeted on closing costs and in my furnishings budget.

Nicole from St. Charles on 2/6/2013 10:01:34 AM:

Check out the Bike Stop Cafe on historic Main Street in St. Charles. They offer several types of bikes for rent and are directly across the street from Frontier Park and the Katy Trail. This will let you test a few types before you commit.

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