Assembled my bike yesterday and testing it out made me realise how long it's been since I've ridden a geared bike. Got to get my head around which gearing to use and when again.

I also didn't realise that it had 29" wheels (I'm not tall). It's a small size frame, but I had to cut a little off the seat post to get to go down to where I needed it. Boy is the seat uncomfortable or I'm not used to it or something. Still looking for a kit to carry emergency repair tools around on it.

Hoping to take it out this evening for a ride on some bike paths, definitely feel a bit anxious about going around traffic and roads etc.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Don't venture onto roads if you're not confident. Maybe in a quiet neighbourhood it would be OK, but stay off the main roads. BUT, make sure you have a helmet that fits, and gloves. The gloves are for when you fall because you will put your hands out to meet the ground.

Did I mention the helmet? And, remember to wear a helmet.

Have fun. I love my bikes.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Yes I've sorted a helmet! But haven't got any gloves yet. I'll have a look during the Waitangi day sales.

What's the etiquette around riding on footpaths? I always thought you weren't supposed to. I do have to use some roads to get to the shared bike path otherwise..

[–] [email protected] 0 points 9 months ago (1 children)

While one is not really allowed to ride on the footpaths, I often do. But pedestrians have the right of way, so if you do come across one, then go around them by going on the grass or jumping off the pavement. Just be careful when you get back onto the path once you're past them. If you don't know how, your front wheel can get caught between the grass and concrete path, and that's when you'll get to test those gloves.

On shared paths, I give way to pedestrians too, but those paths are generally wider which makes it easier.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

Thanks for the tips. I've always wondered about it as from what I've noticed some people seem to always ride on footpaths and some don't and I just wasn't sure. I saw someone riding a moped along the footpath yesterday!

[–] [email protected] 0 points 9 months ago

Yeah, that's just rude!