Gear up
First and foremost, cyclists know that padded cycling shorts make a difference. "Any ride over 30 minutes deserves a nice pair of padded shorts," says Connie Cirkony, Dana's fellow Chicks Cycling Club member.
"Look for women's shorts that don't have a seam in the middle." (The seams leave the shorts prone to splitting and to chafing the rider.) And in other workout wear, look for a wicking T-shirt to draw away moisture on those hotter rides, plus vented sunglasses to counter both the sun's rays and the wind.
But if snow or rain are the elements bothering you most, try taking your training indoors to a group cycling, or spinning, class, which is a cycling class that mimics the conditions of outdoor rides by doing hill climbs or speed drills.
Or, even simpler, invest in indoor trainers for between $150 and $350. These are racklike devices on which you can mount your outdoor bike on to ride indoors (rain-free) so you can ride your own bike in the comfort of home.
Advanced cycling gear
Once you get hooked on cycling, try gear that can take your bike workout to the next level, such as cycling shoes and "clipless" pedals (called clipless because once you're in, you see no straps). These pedals actually clip into your cycling shoes, which cost between $60 and $250. "The shoes are really rigid. It's easier to transfer the energy to the bike," says Jourdain.
And if you want to track your workouts, invest in a cycling computer; they start at roughly $30 and can track your time, calorie output, distance, maximum energy output and more.
"Some are wireless and you can download the information into your computer and track your workouts for the week," adds Schleicher-Haselhorse.
How best to lock up your investment? By far, cyclists recommend locking Kryptonite U-locks around one or both wheels and the frame to the bike rack. "But if it's a really good bike and you're worried, don't leave it outside," advises Dana.
And while it's fun to enjoy all the gear you add to your ride, remember to appreciate the extras that cycling can offer, such as creating a social network as it did for Connie. "I've met some wonderful people in the cycling community," she says.
Cycling essentials
Taking a longer ride? Tuck these into your saddlebag:
Snacks: think carb-rich such as granola bars, trail mix, and water or a sports drink.
Money: credit card and a cellphone/quarter for the pay phone.
Flat tire kit: a pump, an extra tube and tire levers to change flat tire. (You could tuck in a patch tube kit, although you might get stuck waiting for the adhesives on the patch to dry.)
Multitool set: to make quick adjustments to your bike, such as a Cannondale folding tool.
Put a lid on it
Be safe by adjusting your helmet according to the supplied instructions. Your helmet should sit parallel to the ground -- tilting it back can cause injury if you fall. It shouldn't move on your head.
"You want the helmet to come down half an inch above your eyebrow," says Schleicher-Haselhorse. "Don't ever push the helmet back any more than the hairline." Helmets start at $35; better quality helmets are ventilated and aerodynamic.
Follow our 8 bike-buying basics to make sure you have the best bike for your workout.
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