Buying a bike - help please

[_Sage_]

Hi

I would like to get into cycling but i am finding it very daunting. I'm a 6ft2 100kg female and the last time I was on a bike was when I was 10 so.. yes I need some help pleeease!

 

Firstly, I know the rule of thumb is buy the best bike you can afford. That makes sense in theory, but there are so many makes of bikes and things to know that its easy to get taken for a ride(excuse the pun) if you know nothing at all.

 

Also how do I know if I should buy something like this(http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-za/bikes/model/anyroad.1/24177/88475/) or a pure road bike..what is the big difference in performance? and then whats the idea behind woman or men's bikes, besides size I guess?

 

Ideally I would love to find a place that has a beginner's cycle course that will lend you a bike(Ive never worn cleats or ridden on a busy road..) any ideas in the Johannesburg area?

 

Sorry for this post being a bit all over the place!

 

Thanks guys!

 

 

 

 

[BDF]

Welcome to the BikeHub Sage.

 

I think you should first determine how serious you are about keeping on riding. If you are wanting to try it out as a form of exercise before you commit then the best thing would be to try and loan a bike from someone. One that fits you.

 

If you want to try out some mountain bikes, there is a rental shop at Northern Farm where there is a good variety of beginner to experienced riding tracks. That would be a good start.

 

I don't know of a road bike rental option.

 

The other good way to get into the sport is to join a club where there is coaching/mentoring for beginner cyclists. There are many of these.

 

I wouldn't rush out and buy the Giant bike you were looking at.

 

Good luck!

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

I think a mountain bike hard tail is the way to go. easier to handle, more relaxed posture. get a lekker seat. Make sure it has a triple crank. look for a good second hand one, just post on here before you purchase.

 

Most important, get on the bike , start slow and enjoy. ride in a park or safe place to get the old balance back, get comfortable with gearing and braking before you go on the road

 

& welcome

[Ratty]

Hi Sage

 

Welcome to Bike Hub.

 

There is not much of a difference between mens and ladies bikes especially in the lower end so I wouldn't worry too much about that.

 

What is important is making sure you have a proper ladies saddle and a pair of ladies cycling shorts as these will make you experience a lot better.

 

Getting the right size bike is also very important.  Go to your local bike shop and ask them to measure you so you know what size you need.

 

I would suggest starting with a mountain bike.  It is a lot more versatile in that you can ride trails, jeep track, gravel roads as well as tar whereas a road bike is limited to the tar.  As a beginner its more fun learning off-road as you don't have to worry about cars.  It will also be more comfortable as you sit in a more upright position.

 

Which ever bike you choose, I hope you love it!

[Friedpiggy]

Hi Sage and welcome.

 

I recently started cycling and can tell you the following:

 

1 cycling shorts are your best friend. Sadles nowadays are flippen hard and those shorts will save your butt

 

2 mountain bikes are easier than road bikes.not sure if its the wide tyres or what, but they feel more stable.

 

3 wear a helmet. Trust me on this one.

 

4 Dont push yourself too hard to start with. There is fit, and then there is cycling fit. They aren't the same thing

 

The people here are very patient and helpful (have asked my fair share of silly questions) so if you are confused, or just want to verify something, ask on here and someone is bound to help you out.