Suggested Gear:
Good Starter Road Bike -- $750-$900 range
>> Felt Z80
>> Fuji Bikes
Clothes:
Jersey:
WOMEN
Sugoi -- $48
>> Website
TwinSix -- $63
>> Website
MEN
Castelli -- $48
>> Website
Twin Six -- $65
>> Website
Shorts:
WOMEN
Castelli -- $65
>> Website
Sheila Moon -- $74
>> Website
MEN
Castelli -- $150 ($105 on sale)
>> Website
Shoes:
Shimano -- $70
>> Website
Bike Cleats (for Shimano SPD pedals and shoes)
>> Website
Safety Equipment
A beginning rider is also going to want to equip themselves with a gear bag that fits under the saddle of their new bike. This bag will carry a few essentials for dealing with small problems on the road:
Helmet:
Bell Venture -- $34
>> Website
Giro Indicator -- $40
>> Website
New Tube -- $2.50
Bike Bag -- $13
>> Website
Tire Levers For Getting Tires Off And On (For Fixing Flats) -- $2.50
>> Website
Bike Tool (For Adjusting Major Components On The Bike) -- $13.00
>> Website
Co2 Inflator (For Quick Re-Inflation Of New Tubes) -- $16
>> Website
Dylan DiBona's tips:
Getting Started in Cycling
We realize that cycling can be intimidating. It can include somewhat unusual clothing, uniquely named gear, lots of misleading advice on what gear you actually need. The truth is that you really don't need that much to get started.
If you'd like to get a little more serious about road cycling, and say begin by doing your first ride over the Golden Gate Bridge (which will undoubtedly lead to longer rides), you can begin with some simple gear. You want to make sure that you're comfortable on a longer ride and, most importantly, that you're riding safely.
- Good starter bike
- Helmet (gotta ride with a helmet!)
- Clothing (along with an explanation of why you want this 'unique' clothing)
- Cycling shoes
- Also on any ride, you should bring an ID a few dollars for emergency
fueling (and for non-emergency cappuccinos along the road) and, if you have one, an Insurance card.
Health Benefits
The health benefits are both amateur and objective.
We've seen, in our club, women jump on a bike after a pregnancy to get themselves back in pre-prego shape, people who haven't exercised in years lose 40 - 60 lbs, ex-competitive runners find a new passion for exercise and fitness, people who have never even ridden their bike to work have climbed to the top of Mt. Diablo.
But mostly, what we've seen is that the cycling community can be a very supportive place for you to achieve any and all smaller goals - like crossing a bridge for the first time, climbing Mt. Tam for the first time, doing your first 50 mile ride, etc. The benefits of conquering these small goals, in whatever time or on whatever bike you do it, have huge mental-health benefits.
It's a great way to wind down from a rough week at work or to calm yourself before a long workday. The interesting part, to me, is that the benefits are different from everyone - but everyone finds something in it.
Cycling Fun Facts:
- Great calorie burner: You can blast over 400 calories in 60 minutes.
- You can do it on the go: Try biking to work, or to errands.
- All over workout: tones all parts of the body.
- Boosts your energy: cycling triggers your brain to release the neurotransmitter dopamine.
- Save your joints by riding - it puts less stress on your knees, ankles and spine.
- Great family activity - helps get the kids outside and promotes a fun type of exercise.
Mission Cycling is a social club that builds a community of friends and local sponsors through the shared challenges and rewards of cycling (and enjoying some post-ride food and drink at some of the best spots in The City).
They're aim is to demystify the sport - providing access for more and more people who would like to take it seriously.
For more information, visit missioncycling.org
