Finally bought the bikes... now what? - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

04-22-2004, 12:16 PM

Well, besides ride them, that is!

My wife and I have been looking at buying bikes as a way to get some minor
exercise and for something to get us out of the house and do together.
We've been married almost 4 years, but we used to spend a lot of time riding
bikes together about 20 years ago when we were "only" best friends - and
really enjoyed that time.

So, we bit the proverbial bullet and went looking for bikes a few months
ago. I lurked here for a while and then asked a few questions, which I got
some very nice answers to. Thank you.

We ended up with:
Me: 2004 Giant Cypress LX
Her: 2004 Giant Sedona DX

Most of our riding with be neighborhood riding and small rides like trips to
the library. Once in a while, we'll do a few miles here and there or do
some minor trails in our housing edition. On rare occasion, I may ride with
some other people on the street, but nothing big.

My #1 concern is maintenance and care. I'm interested in the little things
you won't read in an owners manual, but typically learn from experience.
IE.

1) What products to use to keep it clean, lubricated, etc
2) How often will it need lubrication, adjustments, etc
3) What should we be carrying with us on our little rides ( currently have
Cell phones for serious things, pump, tubes, levers, patch kit, water
bottles, antiseptic, band-aids, gauze )
4) Anything else that would be obvious to the vets here that I would never
think of...

We won't be serious riders, or at least I don't think we will. I'm a
fair-weather person who won't even take the motorcycle out if it's under
75F, typically, and who "doesn't do rain."

Also, I know some of you are from the Tulsa, OK area so do you have any
recommendations on a nice place to ride near Broken Arrow ( we're near 101st
and Asp )? We used to live on Riverside which would have been nice for
casuals such as ourselves, but that's just a little too far, now. We don't
have any bike racks for our vehicles, so wherever we ride will have to be
withing... well, riding distance =).

Thank you for your possible input, I'll be eagerly awaiting anything you can
offer!

--
The Parkers
Broken Arrow, OK