**Christina_Diane**

eav2c

I might be wrong but you are the one who is a cyclist, right? If it wasn't you, ignore this all together! What kind of bike do you have? Also, what things do you consider "essential" to get started (if anything other than the obvious of getting a bike)? 

My mom had several cannondales and those are the only types of bikes I know (well, in terms of good bikes). I also tend to be THAT person who goes into the store and buys everything that the sales people say I "need" but don't really need. 

TIA!  

Christina_Diane

I am by no means an expert. I would consider myself a novice, and my bike is an entry level bike. I have the 2011 Trek Lexa S. 

2011 info: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2011/archive/lexas 

2012 bike: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/sport/lexa/lexa_s/

 I don't even have cycling shoes or a clipless pedal system, however they are on my list of things I want. My cycling friends say that the speedplay lollipop ones are really good because they give your foot some leeway to move around. 

 

I think the only essential things to have are a bike that is fit for your body, a helmet that also fits properly, and a good pair of padded butt shorts.

 

From what I know, which isn't much, Cannondales are also really good as well.  

eav2c

Thanks so much!

Like I said, I just wanted to know simple basics since I tend to let myself get carried away in store. I know my mom had several thousands of dollars invested into her bikes. That was her life. 

Do you have a car bike carrier? If so, easy to use? My mom had one that attached to her trunk and then another that went on the roof of her car. I remember it being a PITA but this was 10+ years ago.

Thanks for the advice. It helps me a lot and gives me some direction. I need exercise and this is something I will enjoy... Also reminds me fondly of my time with my mom. Can't beat that! 

Christina_Diane

I don't have a carrier for my car, but I have a small SUV so I can just take the front tire of and travel that way. It even fits in our civic coupe that way.

I got the bike a month or so before I got pregnant and only rode it sometimes. DH didn't want me on it once I was pregnant for a fear of being hit by a car. We live in a pretty populated area. I hope to start riding it soon, but I can't seem to find the time right now to actually take it out and be without DS for long. I did just purchase a spin bike for my house, which is where I do all of my exercise now. 

 

All of the way cool looking bikes are 7, 8, and 9+ sthousand dollars. It can be so expensive.