Bike for beginner

Toast4532

Hi

When I was younger I used to cycle everywhere, but I haven't actually been on a bike in almost a decade and I'm looking to get back into cycling, but haven't a clue what type of bike to go for, what I should spend, equipment etc.

When I was a kid I was on a bike which the saddle was a little higher than the handle bars and crashed into a tree one day and went straight over the handle bars which put the fear of god through me, so for that reason I won't cycle one of those bikes. I'm just too fearful of it happening again so would rather a bike where the saddle was a little lower than the handle bars.

As for equipment, a helmet obviously, what about lights/jackets etc?

I would really appreciate any help.

Thanks.

Lumen

Toast4532 wrote: »

When I was a kid I was on a bike which the saddle was a little higher than the handle bars and crashed into a tree one day and went straight over the handle bars which put the fear of god through me, so for that reason I won't cycle one of those bikes. I'm just too fearful of it happening again so would rather a bike where the saddle was a little lower than the handle bars.

A lower saddle really won't make any difference if you cycle into a tree.

Think about it. The bicycle stops instantly. You carry on going. Either the tree (smooth woody bits) stops you, or the bicycle (metal pokey bits) does.

Toast4532

Lumen wrote: »

A lower saddle really won't make any difference if you cycle into a tree.

Think about it. The bicycle stops instantly. You carry on going. Either the tree (smooth woody bits) stops you, or the bicycle (metal pokey bits) does.

I'm not disagreeing with you, but for me personally, I just can't cycle a bike where the saddle is higher/the same height at the handle bars. I've tried on my boyfriends bike and I just get too nervous and end up wobbling due to nerves.

MajesticDonkey

Toast4532 wrote: »

I'm not disagreeing with you, but for me personally, I just can't cycle a bike where the saddle is higher/the same height at the handle bars. I've tried on my boyfriends bike and I just get too nervous and end up wobbling due to nerves.

If you start doing longer distances you might find yourself NEEDING to raise the saddle. The idea of raising/lowering stuff is for you to feel comfortable on the bike and free of neck/shoulder pain in particular.

So, I assume it's a hybrid bike you're looking for then (with straight handlebars)?

DirkVoodoo

This would be called an irrational fear or phobia.

Your best bet is to get the bike and spend some time riding it in a safe environment for a while: a grassy section of park, a quiet road, a car park after hours, etc.

HivemindXX

What sort of cycling do you plan on doing? How far and for what purpose (ie: leisure with the kids, commuting, fitness)?

You can certainly get bikes where the bars are higher than the saddle, (Dublin bikes, dutch style etc) but these might not suit if you want to go more than a few km. You can also get a hybrid with an adjustable stem meaning you can change the bar height effectively raising and shortening the distance to the bars. Most bikes allow this to an extent but an adjustable stem makes it very easy.

To be fair though if you are going to hit a tree your saddle height is not your biggest worry.