Bike shopping

[Red]

After thinking about it for months on end, i am looking to get myself a bike.

Not ridden in years - in fact can't remember the last time i rode a bike (i'm not counting exercise bikes in the gym) at least 7 years chances are its a lot more.

Going to look in a few local bike shops see whats on offer but not going to buy anything just yet see whats available

Is there anything i should ask them. Chances are i'll be going for a hybrid for the moment. Drop bars scared me as a kid so would rather gain some confidence first and some of those tyres look so narrow. Don't laugh

I'll probably be using it to just get about in ride to races (i run) maybe the odd dualathon and maybe the odd commute when i don't get a ride home (car)

What things do i need with the bike the essential stuff, i guess a good lock, lights, helmet. Anything else rather than luxury items the stuff that you don't really need (or is there a link somewhere)

If anything scares me the most that is punctures. How to deal with them when they occur

Thank you

 

[HLaB]

Chances are i'll be going for a hybrid for the moment. Drop bars scared me as a kid so would rather gain some confidence first and some of those tyres look so narrow. Don't laugh

I had similar feelings based on my experience of drops as a kid (in the distant past) but was pleasantly surprised by the improvement brakes and road holding abilities of modern road bikes.

 

[Black Sheep]

improvement of brakes, yes indeed. my road bike was built in 1968 and has its original brakes, compared to a friend's they're bad.

drop bars are surprisingly comfortable, see if the bike shop will let you have a test ride and see how you feel. I've just finished convincing my fiancee that the contact area of a skinny road tyre is the same as the area of her mountain bike tyre due to how it curves etc.

if you were to choose a drop bar bike perhaps steer away from a race oriented bike and go with the more relaxed riding position of a touring bike.

bear in mind that you don't ride on the lowest part of the bar very often.

in terms of what to get other than the bike,

lights
lock
consider fitting security skewers instead of quick release bolts
do you want / need mudguards?
would you like a pannier rack to carry luggage instead of on your back (more comfort on longer rides)
i'd reccomend a waterproof jacket, cycling ones are cut to have a bit of a tail so that your bum doesn't get soaked by the water running off and is fitted to aid movement on the bike. mine is a very bright blue so i don't blend in with roadworks!

 

[Red]

Thank you for your replies will see how it goes regarding the dropsies

Pushing Tin - Thanks for your informative reply lots there to think about. Yes i think i probably would go for a pannier rack. Hopefully get to the bike shop today, just to have a nose.

 

[fossyant]

Lock - buy a good one. Halfords do some Magnum locks - about £30-£40, but they are good for the cash. Don't buy a cable lock of any sort.- get a D lock, with maybe the cable hoops to secure your front wheel.

 

[BalkanExpress]

Spare inner tube and P*ncture repair kit and some tyre levers.

In terms of clothing, maybe padded shorts depending on how far you will ride, but apart from that I guess you can use much of your running kit