I've never taken much interst in cycling since I finally ditched my little pink bike with its tassles, bell and cute little basket and took and interst in make-up and boys when I was just a kid. However, I've been with my man for three years now and he's mad keen on mountain biking. He's been trying to get me to take an interst in his hobby/passtime/passion since we got together and I've been able to deflect this - until now. He's finally worn me down to the point where I have agreed to at least see what all the fuss is about. After visiting this site I have become more curious. I am in my late-20's and realise the health benefits of this activity. I have therefore decided to give it a go! This is where you guys come in! I want to buy a bike but am unsure exactly what I need for riding local trails(?) What should I go for, what features should I look out for and how much am I looking at spending? (My savings account is suprisingly healthy but I don't want to blow it all on this and, anyway, I have to pay for my shoe addiction somehow!)Are there specific shops that are geared to deal with women that don't make them feel like complete idiots for not understanding the sales persons technical jargon and sales pitch? We live in Worcestershire. Does anyone have any idea what the "trails" are like in this area and what I am letting myself in for? What else should I be looking at buying so I look the part when I'm out? Finally, is there a dictionary of terminology that I should familiarise myself with so that I don't look a complete girlie prat in front of my fella and his mates? - for a start my man is into "freeriding" and I have no idea what this is and want to be able to join in the post-ride chat with confidence! Your help, in any form, would be much appreciated!!! HELP ME NOW!!!
Hello, from one Emma to another!!! Welcome to "Shecycles" and the world of mountain biking.
Where about in Worcestershire are you? I live in Mid-Wales, on the border with Shropshire & Herefordshire, so not too far away. Not sure about the trails in Worcestershire, but know plenty where I live, from easy ones to downhill race tracks, your always welcome to come across, or we could meet in the middle if you fancy it.
Follow the link above, pretty much explains free-riding.
What you need to do first, is go to a few bike shops, take BF with you and try a few bikes out. If he wants you to get involved then he should be willing to help? I've found an excellent shop in Ludlow, well, actually my friend races for them and works there sometimes. Very helpful and never makes you feel daft for been a female.
How much are you planning/willing to spend? There are still plenty of sales on so you should be able to pick up a good deal.
As for riding, you need to build your confidence up, do some easy trails to start with, especially if your new to it, you won't want to hurtle down a hill and come face to face with a two foot jump, you'll end up on your arse with your confidence knocked and the bike will be on ebay the next day!!
Most important thing to buy after the bike, is a helmet, never ride without one. As for anything else, personal choice, some people have to have the latest kit, others ride in a pair of old tracksuit bottoms. (Leave the heels at home though!! ) Me personally, helmet, gloves, glasses (keeps the flies & dog s**t out of your eyes), good pair of grippy shoes, windproof top, and a good lightweight rainproof jacket for this time of year.
Hi Em, I can heartily recommend Alison and John at Cheltenham Cycles for helpful advice. Cheltenham has Leisure Lakes and Williams Cycles too so worth a trip even if you're just window shopping. I'm not familiar with Worcestershire trails but the Forest of Dean is not too far away is it? - plenty of trails there to whet your appetite and some downhill and jumpy stuff for your man too. Keep your eye on this forum for any group rides - only been on a couple myself but it makes a big difference beng able to ride with other like-minded women. Good luck - let us know what bike you get :>).
And shorts! make sure you buy some padded shorts or you may just be put off by the sore arse from the first few rides. If you don't like wearing lycra you can always wear baggies over the top.
And a girlie tip, which your other half probably won't think of when helping you fine tune the bike for comfort, is to have the saddle pointing slightly nose down. Much more comfortable I find, correct me if I'm wrong but I think a lot of women feel the same.
Thanks everyone! I've persuaded my fella that if he wants me to join in his activities he has to give up some time to visit shops with me to help get the right kit! He didn't put up too much of a fight but I guess that is just down to the fact that he can look around the shop whilst we are there and come up with new and more expensive ways to blow his wages in one swoop! I'll keep you abreast of how I'm getting on!
Where in Worcestershire? Bredon Hill and the Malvern Hills are brilliant riding. I believe Wyre Forest is also good, though I haven't been there. Bridleways are very variable lower down in the Vale and - a lot get totally overgrown with nettles in the summer. Take a machete and don't wear shorts:)
Thanks for the tips BARBIEBIKE! I've spoken to my fella and he says that the Malverns is where they usually go but might give Wyre Forrest a go. For the record we live in N.E. Worcestershire! (or South Birmingham - but that doesn't sound as good!)
We've got a day off tomorrow and are going to visit some cycle shops to blow my savings. We're going "up north" to see his family and are going to J E James Cycles @ Sheffield and some other shops in that area that my fella is familiar with. We'll be back to Worcestershire early on Sunday morning to try out the new gear. I'll let you all know what I buy, how I get on and how sore my bum is early next week if your interested!
.JPG)
