Getting some gear

I really enjoyed my first experience through the back roads of Berryville in 2005. As winter was nearly over, I started to reconsider different hobbies to start up. I tried running again, but an old knee injury from college makes sure that I never go beyond a 5K run. So, I could either be tied to some elliptical machine inside or I could enjoy the outdoors on a bike. The decision was clear after my first Berryville experience. Also, cycling is a group activity that can include children and one that I can continue with the years to come.

I wanted to start off with a beginner road bike that I would be content with for a few years. Luckily, a number of manufacturers have begun bike lines for women and juniors that are perfect. After looking at various bikes, I decided on a Giant OCR 3.

Starter bikes can range in prices. After a little investigation, I believe you pay for what you get. While a $49 department store bike might be attractive to your wallet, they typically are the bikes that you’ll find neither comfortable nor well-performing over time – things that are important if you want a bike to last for more than one ride now and then. It is good to figure out what you want in a bike and how long you want it to last before you make a purchase. From what I have learned, there are several factors that make up a bike:

• composition - steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium, etc. (They each can be found in different grades and they can vary dramatically in price.)
• components – gears, pedals, brakes, shifters, etc. (I believe the more you pay, the less it weighs and the smoother they might function. If you are a pro, weight is everything. You don’t have to have pro-level components to have a great bike.)
• wheels - I don't know much about them yet, but some sets cost a lot more than the price of my bike!!

Once I got my bike, I slowly acquired other gear. This included a pair of bike shorts (padding is a must!), jerseys (I like ones with zippers in the front to help regulate body temperature and open pockets in the back), bike computer (it is good to know how fast, what distance you have gone, and once you get more techy, your cadence – these all help to keep you motivated and keeps the rides interesting), cycling sunglasses (my everyday sunglasses were not cutting it, so a got a pair that keeps all of the flies and dust out of my eyes), and last, and most importantly, a helmet (I prefer ones with more vents to help the airflow on hot summers days). I have yet to venture into the clipless pedals (where your shoes are attached to your pedals). I still have my toe cages that I am happy riding with. Perhaps when September rolls around I will make the switch!

This new road bike fits me so well, I am not sure why I ever thought that road bikes would be uncomfortable. It is important that the bike you ride is the right size for you. I came across this website that does a good job explaining it! I actually went through the fitting process at a local bike store and highly recommend it if you just cannot seem to get the right position or experience recurring aches and pains. The bike shop just might have a solution for you.