newbie wants to get started ASAP ...
Thread started by
mikio at 06.29.08 - 1:33 pm
i want to join a group that rides at night, but there are so many questions i have. firstly, what size FRAME bike should i buy?
i'm 5'2" and prefer being CLOSER to the ground if that matters any, mostly because it's been a while since i've been on a bike, and IF i'm going to fall i would much prefer being CLOSER to the source of my destination ... LOL ... i'm kidding but not about the height thing.
secondly, i live on riverside and tujunga and every saturday at 11 there's a very large group of HAPPY bicyclists that zooms past my door ... does anyone know the name of that club? they're for me!
thanks a load,
m.e. :)
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Somewhere between 45-49. I am 5'2" as well, and I prefer staying rather close to the ground. (At least so that my feet can touch the floor while I'm sitting)
Here's an example of the rides that you see... they meet in the park and Tujunga and Magnolia.
http://www.midnightridazz.com/viewStory.php?storyId=1408
imachynna06.29.08 - 1:40 pm
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Thats probably midnight ridazz of some sort that you see on saturday. last night was the beach party ride in No-ho. maybe you saw them lastnight.
Gtet a bike.... any bike, and ride. most rides are slow enough that it doesn't matter what you ride. some are too fast for a mountain bike or bmx but the large social rides tend to go a reasonable pace for beginners.
welcome home.
.
stillline06.29.08 - 1:43 pm
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yes imachynna that's the group!!! great, i'm joining them as soon as i can find myself a bike, but i was thinking 18" or 20" as a size, am i off board there? probably, care to explain what you mean? thanx.
mikio06.29.08 - 1:55 pm
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thanks stillline i'm working on a bike, i just need all the help i can get to find groups that are slow enough for beginners, then advanced when i get to that level, but all at night if possible, i'm a NIGHT owl!!!
mikio06.29.08 - 1:58 pm
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ok theroyalacademy that would mean i should find an 18" bike in height if my inseam is 28 (x .87 = 18.09), is that correct?
mikio06.29.08 - 2:00 pm
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im 5'2" as well and ride between a 49 and 52 cm
steph06.29.08 - 2:02 pm
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We all are! That's why we're the
Midnight Ridazz. ;P (Although there are daytime rides too.) But, yeah, check out that website, which is probably more help than me, and you could also go to a bike shop. Check Craigslist for bikes and you know, just get things going. We're here! I am also with you about the slow rides, and eventually we'll make it to the crazy ones.
imachynna06.29.08 - 2:05 pm
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According to theroyalacademy's formula you'll be looking for a 48cm bike frame.
That's B in this diagram.
Eric Hair06.29.08 - 2:07 pm
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great steph that means 18" (medium sized) bike, got it, thanks!!!
mikio06.29.08 - 2:08 pm
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thanks imachynna it's great to have support, i'll start off slow just to get back into things, but someday i hope to ride with the big boys!!!
this site is a bit much to take in all at once, so if you know of any other night riding groups, post me here, i've bookmarked this link!!!
mikio06.29.08 - 2:10 pm
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Just a pointer. Anything related to frame size and inseam will be measured in cm or mm.
Metric is your friend.
kyber06.29.08 - 2:12 pm
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thanks Eric Hair i must be calculating something incorrectly, see what i've done based on centimeters instead of inches:
my inseam 27" x 2.54 to convert to centimeters = 67.58cm x .67 = 45.95 frame size, but still go with a 48cm frame is that right?
mikio06.29.08 - 2:18 pm
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you know kyber i've gotten out of using the metric system, thanks!
mikio06.29.08 - 2:20 pm
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mikio, my bad; I must've done hit a wrong key.
27" x .67 = 18.09"
18" x 2.54 = 45.94 cm
46 cm (but that's just to get you in the right ballpark, the real way to size a frame is to sit on it and see if it's comfortable for YOU, not the metric system)
Eric Hair06.29.08 - 2:28 pm
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It is further complicated by the fact that you don't calculate your inseam necessarily in the same way as you do for pants.
From that Colorado Cyclist site:
"Stand with your back against a wall, your bare feet 6" apart on a hard floor, looking straight ahead. Place a book or carpenter's square between your legs with one edge against the wall, and pull it up firmly into your crotch, simulating the pressure of your saddle while riding. Have a helper measure from the top edge of the book to the floor, in centimeters."
The thing is though that, if you are just starting out and not riding all the time or super long distances, you don't need your bike to be a 100% perfect fit. As Matt said: best thing to do is just to get riding! You might want to think about borrowing a bike from someone or buying something cheap to start. Then get used to it, see how it feels, see what you need. Much better to spend real money once you have a better idea of what you want.
theroyalacademy06.29.08 - 2:33 pm
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no problem Eric Hair i did the same thing initially, i've just setup my first go-see to buy a bike, it's a serranto off craigslist ... hmm?
mikio06.29.08 - 2:35 pm
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thanks theroyalacademy i measured properly with the book and all, i'm right in my measurements now, wahoo i can't wait to get started!
mikio06.29.08 - 2:39 pm
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"The thing is though that, if you are just starting out and not riding all the time or super long distances, you don't need your bike to be a 100% perfect fit. As Matt said: best thing to do is just to get riding!"
that's true but I also see newbies get discouraged because they are working overtime on a poorly fitted bike. so bravo to you guys for helping her get started the right way. this is educational for me too! I'm hoping to get a custom sized frame. thanks!
Roadblock06.29.08 - 2:48 pm
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right on Roadblock you know how a newbie thinks, i don't want to be spending money twice, i'm a very patient person, all i need to do is ask questions, take EVERYONE's advice into consideration, then do the leg work myself, which i've already started to do, thanx y'all!!!
mikio06.29.08 - 3:11 pm
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