Absolute newb questions (1 Viewer)

[clrussell]

Flame on if you must. I know I can research to the end of the web, however sifting through the BS gets old and I don’t have the time or energy.

Title says it all. I’m as green as it gets as far as bikes.

I’ve obviously ridden before, never more than 10 miles.
It’s been something I’m interested in, just have not dedicated the time and money into it.

Where does a guy start?

5,10” 200lbs “athletic” but enjoys beer

I live in a small town full of rednecks who can’t drive.

I think I want a “gravel” style bike.

I have a free starter Trek 7300 (2012), it’s had a tire swap to 700-28s. Tires are old and junk.

I think I want to go to 700-40s if they will fit. Tubeless?

Intended uses is 20-30 miles a week to start. 10-15 miles two days a week

I don’t want to bury a ton of money into it and not be able to enjoy it. Also don’t want to spend money on it if it’s wasting it and I can go get a used bike for a few hundred that is a better option.

Should I just find a good bike shop, have them set everything up for me and have a fresh start?

Thank you guys for teaching a new guy. Beers on me if I catch up with you.

 

[gilamonster]

If you don't know your way around working on bikes. I'd recommend taking in to a shop to get it serviced and running smoothly. If you are comfortable with working on them-honestly it's pretty easy. Then I'd service all the bearings, adjust the drivetrain. And toss some tires on it. Then go pedal your ass off! If you're having fun still after a few months. You'll know if the bike suits your needs, or maybe it's time to look into a new bike.

I wouldn't worry about tubeless at first. Honestly, if I didn't live in the desert-where it seems everything wants to pop your tires. I'd still run tubes. Just get it running and see where this hobby will take you. No need to dump a lot of coin into it, until you decide your are serious about riding more.

If you do decide you want to get in deeper. Most shops now do rentals and demo bikes. So, you can try out a few different styles before you commit to a big purchase.

 

[clrussell]

If you don't know your way around working on bikes. I'd recommend taking in to a shop to get it serviced and running smoothly. If you are comfortable with working on them-honestly it's pretty easy. Then I'd service all the bearings, adjust the drivetrain. And toss some tires on it. Then go pedal your ass off! If you're having fun still after a few months. You'll know if the bike suits your needs, or maybe it's time to look into a new bike.

I wouldn't worry about tubeless at first. Honestly, if I didn't live in the desert-where it seems everything wants to pop your tires. I'd still run tubes. Just get it running and see where this hobby will take you. No need to dump a lot of coin into it, until you decide your are serious about riding more.

If you do decide you want to get in deeper. Most shops now do rentals and demo bikes. So, you can try out a few different styles before you commit to a big purchase.

I’m very mechanically inclined. However know nothing about servicing bikes, however I’m sure the info is out there.
Although the time to $ might be more beneficial to just take it to a bike shop.

Also thank you

 

[jembourbe]

Everything @gilamonster said. There's no reason your 2012 whip can't serve your needs. But ... I'd spend as little as possible. Yes, restore it to full function or else you'll hate it, but you are a human, I presume, and if you still love pedaling after a couple months, you'll be shopping. (Not that there's anything wrong with your 7300 -- it just happens: look at all the dummies here buying bikes when we already have $$ bikes )

I'll add:
* Consider buying and wearing some padded shorts
* Find a mechanic like the one Beno described in the other thread -- I won't say they are uncommon, but sometimes you don't get what you pay for in some shops
* If you want to get better at your own bike wrenching, Park Tool's Big Blue Book is worthwhile
* If riding is just another chore, you'll opt for all the other chores that are more convenient and take less time (e.g. gym workouts, running, etc.). So acknowledge the fun, even if you are working

Welcome aboard

 

[OGBeno]

Newbie Bike rider POV:

try to find a group of people who also ride bikes and have a passion for them….and the experience becomes social as well as all of the other benefits that are already well known. Probably not roadies first though.

And, what all of the above experienced cyclists said 100%.

Great sunset ride today with friends.

 

[Skniper]

I’m very mechanically inclined. However know nothing about servicing bikes, however I’m sure the info is out there.
Although the time to $ might be more beneficial to just take it to a bike shop.

Also thank you

My (IMHO) advice, stay off the roads, go gravel or mountain bike/hybrid thing. I rode a sh!t ton on road then got into the tri thing. Drivers are too unpredictable! Off road biking is way more fun anyway...like LandCruisering.

Take the starter bike you have and get it tuned to spec at a shop, do regular tube tires for now and start pedaling.

I thought I knew how to work on bikes, then started watching YouTube bike mech vids. So many subtle details out here how to tune the shifters, brakes, bearings, etc. It's satisfying (easy) work, then you'll want good bike tools, and upgrade components, and a bike stand to hold it while you work on it, and a better cooler bike etc. Like LandCruisering.

 

[franklin40]

as others have said use what you’ve got, get it tuned and working well but also make sure it’s adjusted and fitted as much as possible to your body. a comfortable bike will make the hobby when even a $$ bike poorly fitted can ruin it. spending a few bucks at a bike shop to have them fit it may well be worth the money. after than park tools has a lot of great youtube videos and resources to fix your bike yourself. they’re not that hard once you start playing. spending money one the things that’ll enhance what you have like padded shorts etc. don’t worry about dumping loads into a new bike and flashy parts. believe me that’ll come if (when) you really do fall in love with riding!

 

[coleAK]

Not sure I have much to add to the great info already posted.
My top thoughts:

-like others have said, bike fit is key, I’ve been an avid rider for >45 years now. I buy bikes entirely off feel/fit. Saddle fit is also key, a bad saddle/fit will make things less enjoyable.

-bikes are not difficult to work on if you are mechanically inclined. but even with that a good local shop is still highly valuable. Or even better yet don’t have a local bike non-profit co-op? When you do get into repairs, get the right tools and a good bike stand.

-don’t plan on tubeless from the start. I think for most people it is more hassle than it is worth. I have 7 MTBs in my house, at one point all were tubeless, now only 2 are (mine and my daughter’s primary trail/enduro rigs).

-I’m another former roadie, cars suck and dirt/gravel/snow is way more fun than asphalt.

 

[clrussell]

Thanks guys.

There is a local bike shop, I assume they are decent or they still wouldn’t be in business. We are a small town, roughly 14,000 people.

I’ll stop by there sometime and see about a tune up and maybe ordering some tires. I would like to keep buisness local if I can.

I look forward to making the time to ride.

 

[SmoothLC]

^^ All the above is good advice.

I'd just add if you can find a group that rides, and you can stay with them, you can learn a lot from other riders about components, etc. that if you stay with it, will be helpful when or if you want to update your ride.

 

[SmoothLC]

+ Plus, you can learn a lot about how to ride from others to make it enjoyable.

We get a bunch of newbies every year and they get educated pretty quick the more they ride with us.