GREAT OUTDOORS: So, you want to try cycling?

It’s supposed to be fun, so what’s the problem?

Anyone who tries something new is going to worry about the pitfalls. Cycling is no different, especially since you’re relying on something that can wear out, break down, and maybe even scare you a little.

Bike Hub owner Rob Lamb sympathizes with those who don’t know much about bikes, and tries to gently straighten out those who think they know everything about bikes.

“People do come in and want that hundred-dollar bike that we just can’t offer them,” explains Lamb, an expert mechanic who not only knows bicycles, but also more importantly has a pretty good handle on how the folks think who want to ride around here.

Lamb, who opened the Bike Hub about 18 months ago next to the Circle K on La Canada and Calle de las Tiendas, uses his many years of experience as both a mechanic and an avid mountain biker to try get customers to do the right thing for themselves at and after the purchase.

“The bike industry is the most ‘get what you pay for’ business there is,” he said, explaining how they know exactly to the minute what went into the bike before it’s priced.

Unlike the bicycle you probably pay less for at the big box store, he says, if you purchase even the cheapest one at a bike shop it’ll be put together by an expert, not a guy who was perhaps assembling stereo components the week before.

“Bikes at department stores are generally just thrown together,” he said.

Lamb said he continues to be surprised when someone drives up in a Mercedes or a BMW, obviously willing to pay for quality, and yet they wonder why they can’t get a quality bike for $100.

He takes in bikes from department stores for repair all the time and finds it much more difficult and more expensive for the customer to get them up to the level of what he sells, even at the low end.

With a $400 baseline or maybe a little bit less, a customer can get quality shifters and drive-train components, a comfort seat and adjustable stem, and a service plan like the one he offers with adjustments by an experienced mechanic guaranteed for 60 days and a full tune-up to follow, plus a professional fit, which Lamb says is critical.

Long and tall need larger bikes, yes, but also need to consider torso and arm and leg length. Smaller sizes, different body shapes, older folks, guys with joint replacements, ladies, kids, etc. need to be shown the appropriate alternatives for easier mounting, safer riding, and something that will match their goals and price range.

“Roadies” — riders who want to put in long miles — may not be satisfied with entry-level road machines, but the person looking to do no more than 20 miles a day just might, so it’s important to discuss your short and long term goals so as not to over-buy or under-buy.

Adjustments can be made according to the roadie’s preferences — a higher pressure tire that goes faster and farther, for example, or a flat bar so there’s less bending over.

A comfort bike for $500 might be perfect for someone who likes to ride around the neighborhoods or down to the store and back. Somebody who wants to spend a lot of time off the pavement will want to discuss more rugged components and suspensions.

Lamb carries everything from three-speed cruisers to top-of-the-line hybrids and mountain bikes, and destination-oriented road bikes.

He pointed out a Stinson Euro for around $500 — the only one that passes rigid United Kingdom testing — that has 21 speeds and all the features of its counterpart, but appeals a lot to women and guys with hip replacements because it’s scooped out so you can step into the bike easily.

“It’s just a matter of finding what’s right for you,” he said.

Lamb emphasizes regular attention to safety and maintenance as he outlined four of his favorite preventive priorities:

No. 1: Get a tune-up every six months.

No. 2: Lube the chain and wipe off the excess.

No. 3: Keep air in the tires and check pressure before every ride.

No. 4: Get properly fitted for a helmet and take care of it.

“Never leave your helmet in the garage,” he said. “The heat breaks it down.”

Doing a few simple things to prevent problems with your bike, he said, will actually save expensive fixes later.

“It’s just like going to the dentist.”

So, if you pick out a good bike that fits you, matches your needs, and you maintain it and ride safely, it is all fun.

No problem.

Mike Touzeau is a freelance writer for the Green Valley News.