Just picked up my first bike since my teens, was looking for a starter gravel bike and this popped up for a really good price locally. I’ve replaced the tires and tubes, got a bleeding kit to bleed out the brakes, new brake pads, and chain lube. Would love any further recommendations for maintenance items to pick up that I haven’t thought about. Also, there’s a ton of info out there on getting a basic bike fit together and some of it is a bit contradictory, would love some recommendations on good places to start for getting the bike set up to fit me a bit more comfortably.
Thanks!
by Chicagoisonfire
2 Comments
Get yourself some kit for out on the road repairs. A multi-tool, tire irons, mini-pump / CO2 / electric pump, a spare inner tube and patch kit. You can put these in a saddle bag if that’s your thing, or buy a rollup and put in your pocket. Either way works good, I’ve done both, but tend to just use saddle bags for convenience. The bike also needs some bottle cages so you can drink on the go.
As for the fit, well ride it and see how it feels. There are places online where you can look up basics for how high the saddle should be given your body measurements.
My advice; make sure you get a good fit, and adjust your fit even if you think it’s good. Really play around with it and see what feels best
I thought my fit was alright and the lower back pain (really not too bad) was just muscle aches and I’ll get used to it.
Well; I was wrong. It got me real good. Went cycling for 2-3 hours and then went climbing. All it took was one move and I spent the next 2 weeks unable to sit in a chair, let alone walk for longer than 15 minutes at a time. All in all it took about 4-5 weeks to get back on the bike. I really didn’t expect things to get this bad. About the most boring (and rather painful) 2 weeks of my life.
What was the issue? My saddle was creeping lower without me noticing, about 3cm, also it was about 3cm too far back. Quite ridiculous how 6cm of adjustment cost me basically a month of my time.
What did I learn? Adjust your bike so it feels right, then ride it for 15-30 minutes, adjust again, and then again until you figure out the most comfortable spot. I was just too lazy to stop, get out the tools and adjust it, I much rather wanted to ride. Needless to say I learnt my lesson.