NEWBIE CYCLING FAQs

1. Why does my butt get sore and how do I remedy this problem?
2. Why should I purchase a bicycle from you rather than a "big box" or "chain" store?
3. Why are you located in Cambray; a small out of the way rural town?
4. How do I determine which frame size is best for me?
5. What about cycling shorts?
6. What are recreational comfort bikes?
7. Are there features common to all cycling jerseys?
8. What are hybrid bikes?
9. What are mountain bikes?
10. What accessories should I have along when riding?
11. What are "clipless" pedals?
12. Do I need to wear cycling clothes?
13. Understanding Your Gears.
14. Starting and Stopping
15. Braking and Turning
16. Teaching Kids To Ride

2. Why should I purchase a bicycle from you rather than a "big box" or "chain" store?
Your local bike shop (LBS) is your friend and ally. We will help you find the bike or part you really need. In addition, we are strong supporters of bicycle advocacy. We specialize in bicycle service and repair. We understand that your bike is a finally tuned machine, so we only allow experienced professionals to service your pride and joy. We also provide other hard-to-find services such as custom wheel building and a measuring system to make sure you are as efficient as possible on your bike or to address any aches and pains that might be keeping you off your bike.
3. Why are you located in Cambray; a small out of the way rural town?
Spokes For Folks is a "local bike shop" in the true sense of the phrase. We are dedicated to and advocate all forms of cycling. Cambray, Ontario is close to many quiet and paved country roads, rail trails and even urban cycling routes in nearby Lindsay. We love to cycle too and when the shop is closed you will find us out biking these local routes. Our low overhead allows us to pass on savings in conjunction with our lifetime of  cycling knowledge and expertise.
4. How do I determine which frame size is best for me?
A. The goal is to purchase a bike with adequate clearance over the top tube when you stand over the bike. When using a recreational trail bike, a rider should be able to stand over the frame and have 2" to 3" of clearance. A rider on a more aggressive mountain bike might want as much as 4" of clearance if the bike is used primarily for demanding off-road riding. A cyclist on a hybrid/cross bike who rides primarily on the road needs only 1" to 2" of clearance, but should size down to 2" to 3" of clearance if riding primarily off-road.
5. What about cycling shorts?
A. Shorts are usually made from a nylon/Lycra elastane blend, are skin tight and have a moisture-wicking padded crotch for comfort in the saddle. These are worn next-to-skin (without underwear) to reduce chafing. The close-fitting fabric reduces chafe-causing wrinkles as well. Shorts with loose-fitting outer shorts attached at the waistband to Lycra shorts are available for mountain bikers and recreational riders. While these add another layer, they are shaped to be comfortable while riding and are made of quick-drying fabrics.
6. What are recreational comfort bikes?
A. Recreational comfort bikes offer a little more comfort yet still have most of the attributes of a mountain bike: a wide gear range, strong brakes, tires that are suitable for riding either on pavement or off and an upright riding position. Wheels are commonly 26" for adult bikes and 24" for kids’ bikes. Frames are built of chrome-moly steel and/or hi-tensile steel. These are good bikes for casual riding around town, trail riding on smooth trails.
7. Are there features common to all cycling jerseys?
A. All cycling jerseys should be made of moisture-wicking fabrics that will keep you cooler in warm weather and warmer in cooler weather. They are usually cut with a longer tail for better coverage in the riding position, and feature a zip placket for ventilation. (Cotton fabrics should be avoided as they retain moisture which can weigh the rider down and cause chills.)
8. What are hybrid bikes?
A. Hybrid bikes feature an upright riding position similar to mountain bikes, making them more comfortable and suitable for riding around town, touring and carrying racks, panniers, etc. The big difference is in the wheels. The wheel’s rim diameter is “700c " (close to 27") which is the same diameter used on road-racing bikes. The tires used on a hybrid are wider than those used on road bikes, but narrower than mountain bike tires. The advantage of this type of wheel/tire combination is that when riding on paved roads there is less rolling resistance making the bike easier to pedal and more efficient. For a rider wishing to ride longer distances it is a more enjoyable and faster ride. The tires are wide enough and have ample tread for riding on dirt roads and on smooth hard-pack trails. They are not suitable for soft conditions such as sand or mud.
9. What are mountain bikes?
A. Mountain bikes or ATBs (all-terrain bikes) feature a frame and fork that are more rugged than those found on general recreational trail bikes. Their frames are often built of aluminum so they are lightweight and stiff, making them efficient to ride. The fork has a suspension or shock-absorbing feature to reduce hand/arm fatigue. The wheels are built with stronger rims than on recreational bikes and the component selection (cranks, derailleurs, etc.) are more durable. This bike will take on most any terrain.
10. What accessories should I have along when riding?
A. When going for a ride of any distance, a few accessories should be carried. These would include a small frame pump, tire levers or irons and a patch kit and/or inner tube. These allow a rider to fix most flat tires. They can be carried in a small under seat bag. Riders going on longer trips, or mountain bikers who may subject a bike to harder use, may want to carry additional tools including a chain tool and assorted wrenches. There are compact tool kits available that will have these tools and will also fit under the seat. A water bottle and cage or a hydration pack are also a necessity to avoid dehydration.
11. What are "clipless" pedals?
A. A popular type of pedal favoured by many riders is the clipless pedal, which attaches to a cleat on the sole of the shoe. Cleats are usually sold with the pedals. Most cycling shoes have predrilled holes in the soles to attach the cleats. One popular clipless design has the cleat recessed in the sole so the shoes are easier to walk in.
12. Do I need to wear cycling clothes?
A. Clothing designed specifically for cycling can make riding more comfortable and enjoyable. There are two basic categories of cycling clothing:
Performance clothing is generally worn by cyclists who ride at a faster pace for an aerobic workout. This clothing is tighter fitting for more aerodynamic performance.
Recreational bike clothing is looser fitting and more casual looking when worn off the bike. This type of clothing is also suitable for riders who might stop for lunch or to go sight-seeing.