Comment by 🐝 undefined
Re: "I'm brand new to bicycles! What do you wish you knew when…"
@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.
2025-06-01 · 11 months ago
11 Later Comments ↓
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?