Comment by ☀️ sbr
Re: "I'm brand new to bicycles! What do you wish you knew when…"
If your saddle (seat) is uncomfortable, it is likely your positioning and not the saddle. Also most people put their saddle too low, your leg should fully extend at the bottom of the stroke (with your foot flat, not toes pointing too much). Also ride at a slightly higher cadence, i.e easier gear than at first feels normal, its better for your body. Oil your chain with something light, not think heavy grease. Pretty much everything else is marketing and conspiracy
2025-06-01 · 11 months ago
12 Later Comments ↓
🐝 undefined · 2025-06-01 at 04:42:
@sbr what if you ride on bumpy roads a lot? My seat is very hard and doesn't have any dampening springs or anything like that, so I was thinking of getting a different one. I understand it's better to be standing in those kinds of situations, but it'd be nice to be able to sit down from time to time.
Yup, springs and cushions are just covering up for poor fit. Fix the fit.
🐝 undefined · 2025-06-01 at 08:23:
???
Didn’t spend long enough looking for a native explanation, so this will have to do
😈 dimkr · 2025-06-01 at 10:39:
A 'fast' bike can slow you down if it's not comfortable or stressful to ride, >7 gears are too much, inexpensive bikes without extras like suspension or disc brakes are more DIY friendly, suspension is good for comfort but not for speed
🐝 undefined · 2025-06-01 at 11:09:
Ah I see. I'd like to keep using my current bicycle since it works, but I'll keep that in mind if I have to get a new one.
it works
Is subjective if it’s uncomfortable to ride and doesn’t fit you. By no means insisting you need a new bike, just one that fits. If you have a bike co op in city they may be able to help determine and switch to a better fit if you need to.
@dimkr , yeah, I wish I had discovered sooner how easy and rewarding it is to work on bycicles. A no-extras cheap 90s mountain bike is a delight to adjust and get to working condition :)
😈 dimkr · 2025-06-01 at 12:56:
I ride a hybrid with a suspension in the fork and seat. It's a very smooth ride but sometimes I want more action.
😈 dimkr · 2025-06-01 at 13:12:
@jmcs Repairing is so much fun! I'm taking a short technician course in some charity that has workshops with volunteers that upgrade, fix and recycle bicycles to promote cycling. I want to build a frankenbike and donate it or give it to my wife, so we can ride together.
❄ coppersulphate [OP] · 2025-06-01 at 22:51:
Thanks for the comments!
I find that sitting on my "sit bones" helps with discomfort. +1 to fitting the bike correctly too. The mechanic course idea is great, I should look for one near me 📝
🚀 literite · 2025-06-02 at 22:57:
- single speed steel frame
- ideal gear ratio rear cog (to handle wind or slope while still allowing speed)
- skinny high pressure tires for low rolling resistance
- white wax chain lube for less dirty grease
- rear rack with spring loaded clamping top
- $25 seat from MEC that won't give me hemmoroids
Original Post
I'm brand new to bicycles! What do you wish you knew when you started out?