holy hell i'm overwhelmed! PLEASE HELP!

[earthgirl]

First - I'm sorry if there are similar threads posted. I looked through TONS of bike forums, including this one, these past few weeks and I don't really have an answer I'm happy with yet... So I decided to post here.

:confused:


Okay now - my basic question is about the kind of bike I should get. I do NOT have the cycler's body, at all. I'm 5'4" and 240lbs. Obviously, I need more support than the average rider. I know I don't want a mountain bike. That's about all I know.

I have a few goals w/ riding... So they should cover all these things...

I want to drop 60 lbs in about 4 to 5 months. So I want a bike that is durable enough for 5mi, then eventually 10, then 20, then 30miles a day. (because i'm this heavy, losing weight comes a lot faster... don't worry i'm not crash dieting or anything. Just 12lbs-15lbs a month).

I want to join my local bike groups that some of the LBS's put together. They do about 20 miles on a saturday or sunday.

I also want to do a lot of charity rides. They look like SO MUCH FUN! -but I probably won't attempt this until a year or so.

Most of the charity rides I've researched do about 30-60 miles a day. So I definitely need to bring up my stamina.

************

Okay that was an eyefull -so if you're still reading, bless you.

There's also another thing: I really don't have any sort of fancy budget. Ideally, the bike will be less than 300 dollars. My first goal is just to get to 20 miles.... I figure after that, I can spend on a bike in the 700 dollar range.

Right now, I have an old Schwinn from the 70s - frame and everything are decent. But the tires suck. My mom said I needed new tubes... I don't know what that means. It's not a mountain bike. It has thin tires, but it doesn't have the "road bike" handle bars. It's just normal handlebars and a gear shift. It hasn't been ridden for over ten years. But it's a solid piece of work -and not part of the Schwinn's made in taiwan (which i've noticed are being sold at bigbox stores now...?)

I also have the opportunity to buy a brand new Trek FX 7.1 for under 300 off a friend. It's classified as a fitness bike by some and a hybrid by others. But it's not a road bike. It has regular flat handlebars.

Though not road bikes, I'm considering them only because I can get in shape relatively cheaply and then spend real money on a serious road bike when I'm ready to join a group or do a charity ride in about six months. Also the Schwinn is here and the cost is just whatever new parts I need for it. The Trek is new, and under 300.

I know most people will say that I should just go to an LBS -but it seems that they have NOTHING in my price range. Cheapest bikes run about 600 (and these are on "clearance").

Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Ebay are all places i've been shopping around lately... I just don't know if those options are any good....



Woah. I just wrote a thesis paper on "The Dilemma of Choosing a Bike for the Overweight and Totally Broke American..." :eek:

Thanks for reading... and thank you even more if you decide to reply! I really appreciate ANY advice... I'm so lost on the subject it's quite sad.

[melissam]

Hiya earthgirl, and welcome to TE!

I think you have some very admirable and attainable goals. I also think you're going to have a blast working towards those goals!

I have a couple of questions for you:

* Does your Schwinn fit you? When you ride it, do you feel comfortable, or do you feel stretched out or cramped?
* Does your friend's hybrid fit you?

If the Schwinn fits, then ride it! It's definitely in your budget, and you can get some miles under your belt to see what you like and don't like about the bike.

Otherwise, it sounds like the hybrid is a good deal if it fits.

You mentioned that the Schwinn's tires suck. How so? And actually, when was the last time they were changed? Rubber goes bad, so if it's been a few years since the tires were changed, I'd get new ones just to be safe. You might want to replace the tubes too (as your mom suggested.)

Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please ask away!

- Melissa

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Treks are known for being pretty dependable well made bikes, even the lower cost ones.
If that Trek fits you ok it might be a fine bike to get started on- likely better and easier to ride than the old heavy one you are on now. Plus, it's new! You can always sell it later.

Don't think about biking to lose weight. Think about biking to get a healthier and more active lifestyle started, and to feel good all over. Weight loss will follow along naturally if you ride a lot. Bike riding is good for body and soul.

First things first....regular little rides of 5 or 10 miles... and learning to enjoy riding your bike. Keep it fun and not a chore and you will more likely want to ride more often. :p Welcome!

[smurfalicious]

Hmm sounds like a flat bar roadie would be okay. I'm currently on the hunt for a bike for my mom's ex-gf and that's what I'm trying to find her. Kona Dew's can be had for about $400 http://www.konaworld.com/08_dew_w.htm

My thought though, would be to rock the old bike as long as you can if it works. Reason being is that a $300 bike isn't gonna get you much, and then when you go to buy another bike $700 won't get you much more. If you wait and buy one $1000 bike you'll get a LOT more.

Mom is probably right about new tubes. I pried one out of my rear tire before a big ride that kid you not was STUCK to it and we're not talking about it being in there that long. Most shops will sell you a tube and change it out for about $10 a wheel. I would however bat your eyes, tell them how you're super excited to get into biking and, this is the important part, looking to buy a new bike soon and would they show you how to fix a flat. I am so evil.

Seriously though, congrats. It is overwhelming at first but learn what you can and don't stress about the rest. There are people out there who probably enjoy their cameras as much as me, and don't know half as much! Losing weight biking just happens which is awesome! I didn't even realize I was until a coworker pointed it out and I noticed my pants were hovering over my butt crack!

And yes, charity rides do rock. You have totally realistic goals and those will help you immensely!

Peas!
-HillBill

[TrekTheKaty]

I love my Trek hybrid--BUT does it fit you? Can you stand over it with a couple inches clearance? Can you get the seat where you want it without exceeding the seat post limits? If it won't be comfortable, then it won't be a good deal. You can still "shop" at your LBS's and they will teach you a lot about bikes.

And I agree with going to the LBS with you bike and saying, "I need 2 new tires and tubes. And I need to learn how to fix a flat." Because you do! They will help you change the tires and you will learn how to fix a flat--a good bike shop should provide this service for the cost of tires and tubes! They may even have more helpful advice including local bike paths and local rides where you can meet others :-) Good luck!

Don't stress over the bikes, just get out there! You'll learn as you go, I promise!

[ASammy1]

Ditto on what everyone else said. :D

[earthgirl]

Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!!! I really appreciate it !

I'm going to take the schwinn sometime before the weekend to this LBS near my house... they used to only sell schwinns in the 80s - so maybe there are still schwinn experts there...

I think I'll see what a trek fx feels like, too. If it's amazing, I'll call my friend asap and buy it off of him. If it feels like the schwinn, or only slightly better... I guess I'll hold off for six months and buy a "Real" bike later...

thanks again for the advice... :-)

how much are new tires and tubes? does anyone know?

[uforgot]

I can vouch for the 7.2fx. I've had two. It's absolutely perfect for what you want. Make sure it fits though! It's fairly light for a fitness/hybrid because it doesn't have the suspension. It's actually closer to being a road bike than other hybrids. Have fun and let us know what you decide!

[Zen]

I think I'll see what a trek fx feels like, too. If it's amazing, I'll call my friend asap and buy it off of him. If it feels like the schwinn, or only slightly better... I guess I'll hold off for six months and buy a "Real" bike later...


Them's fightin' words.
There are lots of FX riders here.
If I didn't have my FX set up for trail riding I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a 30 mile (or longer) ride.

Just because a bike doesn't have dropped bars doesn't mean it's not going to be good for long rides.

That said, see what you can do with your Schwinn. Then you can take that $300 and buy cycling clothes:)

[Biciclista]

That said, see what you can do with your Schwinn. Then you can take that $300 and buy cycling clothes:)

I'm thinking it will cost you a max of $60 to buy two new tires and a few tubes (buy extras)

[newfsmith]

Bike tires can be expensive, but they are your contact with the road and without good tires, the best brakes won't stop you as well. I usually pay about $40 for tires for my 26" wheels, around $80 for my 650c wheels, and around $20 for 27" wheels. Your Schwinn probably has 27" wheels. Buy the best tires you can afford, better tires usually have better puncture resistence. 27" is not as common as 700c these days, so your choices may be limited. I suggest you take whichever bikes is most comfortable to LBS, tell them you are going to be commuting (an excellent way to add daily miles) and want the bike to be tuned, new brake pads, new tires and tubes, and true the wheels. Also have them replace any reflectors that may have been broken off, buy at least one rear blinky and a front blinky (depending on your states requirements). If there isn't a rack, consider getting one (~$40) because it will let you do rides to the library, pick up some groceries, etc. All told you will probably spend $200, a deposit on your new way of life and health. Good luck and happy riding.

[wildhawk]

Hi and welcome to TE! I am losing weight too - I have lost 55 lbs., but still have about 60 to go. I am currently riding a hybrid which I love! I started out with small rides to get the feel of the bike, gradually adding in miles each time. My first ride was only six miles, but now I get aggravated if I have to keep my rides below twenty miles!! I am training for a MS150 charity ride next May, and I have signed up to do a 50k and some other local charity rides as “training rides” towards that goal. My advice would be to get a bike that is comfortable and start riding the heck out of it - find any and every excuse to ride and keep building up the mileage. When your budget allows, you can upgrade, but don’t worry about that now. Focus on safety (reflectors, brakes, tires, helmet, etc.) and ride. One of the best things I added to my bike was an inexpensive Planet Bike cycling computer - real basic, but it keeps track of my MPH, distance, time, etc. I can track how fast I am riding as well as distance. I keep a cycling log and list weather conditions, distance, mph, etc. after I return from each ride. You can then see your progress! When I first started riding, my average speed was 8 mph, in two months time I am now riding 12.5 - 13.5 mph for example. I was stuck in a weight-loss plateau for months, but since I upped my bike distances and intensity, the pounds have started to come off again - I have added in faster sprints (18.5 - 19 mph) (intervals) into my rides and that makes a difference. Best of luck to you and keep us posted on how you are doing.

[earthgirl]

thanks for all the advice again :-)

I looked at the Schwinn again, it's not really a road bike -it's a comfort bike. Specifically it's 1978 Collegiate 3spd. I feel like it's just not going to work. And it needs to be ridiculously cleaned. I love the bike and I still think I'm going to fix it up eventually... but it's not going to work for my goals right now.

The height of the Trek FX 7.1 - it's 17.5 inches. Is that too big? My friend who is 5.6 says it's just the right size for her... but i'm only 5'4" ... I do have long legs though (no torso...!)

The trek has never been used - so i feel like it might be a good idea to buy it, and try to trade it in for one that works for me..... but I don't know what the "etiquette" of bike trading/selling is... do LBS's sell used bikes? will they just laugh at me when I take in the trek?

wild- congrats on losing 50lbs!! you're my inspiration !

[Biciclista]

we can't tell you if a bike is going to fit you - you have to get on the bike and try it yourself. We're all built differently and there's nothing wrong with an old schwinn for light workouts.

Why don't you wash it up? I wash my bike regularly. It's a labor of love (and burns calories)

[JulieG]

Earthgirl - I purchased a trek 7300 over the summer for many of the same reasons that you posted. I'm only 5'2" and I ended up with the 13.5" version. I asked the bike shop guy if he was sure it wasn't a little kids bike because it looked pretty small, but it fits me perfect so that's the most important thing. I would think the 17.5 trek might be too big for you based on your height, but as others have said, you really need to ride it for yourself. Have fun!

[arielmoon]

Good for you for choosing a healthier you! Some wonderful advice here (TE forum rocks!) and I agree with saving your $1000 for a better bike later and making do for now. I rode my BF's handmedown Trek 2300 for months before committing to my own bike and although I had to pay with plastic I have not regretted it for a minute! You are going to need some clothing too so keep that in mind. This is not an inexpensive passion but the rewards are priceless!

[PamNY]

thanks for all the advice again :-)
The height of the Trek FX 7.1 - it's 17.5 inches. Is that too big? My friend who is 5.6 says it's just the right size for her... but i'm only 5'4"


I just bought a Trek 7100. It's a size 15 and fits me well. I'm 5'4" and the 17.5 would way too big for me. Just FYI. Good luck with your choice.

Pam

[wackyjacky1]

Let me add +1 to the accolades for the Trek FX series. After a few mods, I am head over heels in love with mine. It's a great all-purpose bike for a decent price, IMO.

I'm 5'5" and I have the 15" Trek 7.2FX WSD. The frame fits me really well, but I do have to have the seatpost extended to its maximum. Take your friend's bike for a spin and see what you think. It's probably too big, but ya might get lucky -- ya never know. ;)

Whatever you decide, congrats for getting out there and riding!

[Miranda]

That FX is a nice bike. I really considered it before I made my purchases. As the girls said, fit is important.

I also just wanted to post another "good for you" comment on the healthy life choices. I lost quite a bit of weight a few years ago, and it was one of the best gifts I ever gave myself:cool:.

Riding can be so freeing to the soul. It can lift the weight of the world off your mind, vs what it can do for you physical weight. Don't let all the gear hoop-la boggle your mind out of that regardless :).

[earthgirl]

so again, thank you... i'm blushing with all your support. it's really lovely. :o

I realize i'm a bit short for the 17.5in but my friend is giving me this 250-take-it-or-leave-it offer... so I'm going to take it. At that price, it's 200 bucks below msrp... i figure since it's new, i can sell it if it's just awful for my height...

so i'm praying that at it's lowest setting it'll be okay. and if not... resell it i guess..??

and i have to reask the question from my last post:



The trek has never been used - so i feel like it might be a good idea to buy it, and try to trade it in for one that works for me..... but I don't know what the "etiquette" of bike trading/selling is... do LBS's sell used bikes? will they just laugh at me when I take in the trek?


In case you're wondering why i haven't tested it yet, it's because my friend lives WAY way way outside the city. I can barely afford the gas to get there and back. And he's gotten plenty of offers, so he's doing me a really huge favor by holding on to it (for almost two weeks now!) while I decide what to do...

plus.. he's more of a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend... so he's not that inclined to be the noble saint here. Although, putting up with my indecision has been very saintlike I have to admit....

again, thanks for the encouragement... i've already fallen twice to the overwhelmed feeling this summer. I'm REALLY glad I'm asking for help... it's really making it less stressful/depressing...

[Blueberry]

It really depends on the shop as to what their policy is, what they do regarding trade in's and how welcoming they are to the concept. Mine sells a few used bikes, but not many. Mostly kid's. You also wouldn't get nearly what it's worth (you might get $100-$150 would be my guess). Bikes depreciate somewhat like cars, and they can't sell a used bike for much more than you're paying for it (even though it's basically new). Plus they gotta make their $$. You'd probably do better to sell on Craigslist or Ebay if it's not right for you. My 2 cents, anyway:)

[malkin]

Hey Earthgirl!
Way to go deciding to ride and asking for help and everything!

Where do you live?
I never heard anyone say "holy hell" until I moved here!

[earthgirl]

:( well so much for my trading option... so i guess i'll just pray it works out on the lowest setting... my brother is six feet tall and i ride his bike pretty well.. so there's some hope i guess.

malkin - i was born and raised in tejas, and live here now but i've been pretty nomadic... everyone is like "what did you say?" when i say that... but I've been saying holy hell the better half of my 26 years on the planet :-)

other things that make non-texans pause: "no worries" and "y'all"

where do you live?

[Kano]

Earthgirl, when I was 5'4 and 236 pounds, I got my '80's era Trek 730 out of storage and started riding it. It's a PERFECT fit for me, and it's a 17" frame. I have the seat up 4-5 inches out of the tube, not jammed all the way down.

That was a few years ago and I did succumb to the temptation to buy a different "comfort bike" that I've never gotten along real well with. It's an okay bike, and DH loves his, but I later bought a road bike and then got the Trek out again for grocery shopping and the like.

This year I've made some changes to the old bike -- put on lighter tires, and a new rack and panniers for carrying stuff. It's a fun little bike to ride -- I think you'll like it!!!

Karen in Boise

[tulip]

earthgirl, kudos for taking the big step and living healthily.

No matter how much a deal a bike is, if it doesn't fit, it's not a deal. You will end up being uncomfortable riding it, and then you won't want to ride it.

Like others have said, bikes are not like cars. You can't just trade it in. Some shops will sell bikes on consignment, others will not. You may well end up with a bike that doesn't fit and have to deal with the hassle of selling it.

I suggest taking your time and getting a bike that fits you properly. Praying it will fit will not change the size of the bike.

[earthgirl]

okay so i went ahead and bought the bike from my friend because, like i said - it's the only thing i can afford, the final price was $250 plus 1/8 tank of gas.

So does it fit? I don't really know what an actual good fit is... so I can't say for sure. Edit: I lowered the seat, my feet are flat on the floor. (i previously said that my heal comes a 1/4 inch or less off of the floor...)

And this may be because I'm so heavy -but I noticed that when I stand on it, the tires flatten out a bit. Not completely, but more than I expected it to...

I haven't actually ridden it yet, so I don't know if this the case when I ride it.


***the reason I haven't been on it yet, is b/c there's a hurricane coming through and my friend's city is being evacuated. So I just picked up the bike from him and head out of dodge like the rest of the people. I'm going to ride it tonight :-)


i really can't say thank you enough to everyone on this thread. You seriously helped out a great deal. I wish I could have fixed up the Schwinn first, like so many advised... but it wouldn't fit in my car (the wheel can't come off b/c it's rusted over...). sad :-(. and I didn't want this trek to be gone by the time i figured out the cost of fixing the schwinn...

<3

I gotta say though, everytime I glance over at the Trek... i fall in love a little bit...:o

[wackyjacky1]

I am assuming you're here in Texas because you said there was a hurricane coming? If so, I'm always glad to see another Texan!

Regarding the tires, they're probably not fully inflated. Check the sidewall and see what they should be inflated to. My FX has 700x35 Bontrager tires that call for 60-80 psi. I pump mine all the way up to 80. Fully inflated tires deter flats, and as Martha Stewart might say, that's a good thing! You'll probably want to invest in a pump with a gauge. I got a cheapie one from Wally-World -- a Schwinn something-or-other -- that's kind of a piece o' crap until you figure out its quirks. Or spend a few buck more (maybe around $40 or so?) and get a decent quality one from your LBS.

Search TE for tips on bike fit, like saddle height. Basically you want just a slight bend at the knee when your foot is on the pedal and the pedal is at its lowest point. After that, I think you'll just have to ride it to get a feel for what you like and don't like, and adjust from there.

As for clothing, if you're like me and aren't quite ready to do the lycra thing, check out underliners -- they're padded shorts designed to go under regular shorts. The TE store has 'em. I recently got a pair and love 'em.

Rock on! :)

[Biciclista]

If your feet are flat on the floor your saddle is too low!!
that's really hard on your knees!!

but the good news is it sounds like the bike fits. Get some air in those tires and go riding (well, as soon as the hurricane blows through)

[earthgirl]

Thanks for the tip!!! you're right... i'm SO not ready for lycra. I can't even imagine a day that I will be.... seriously...

yup - i'm from Houston!!

My friend who sold me the bike lives out by Galveston... they ordered an evacuation... I'm not sure if it was voluntary or mandatory.. But all the billboard flashy sign things were like "HURRICANE EVACUATION IN EFFECT" or something close to that.

So I got the bike, and sped off before traffic hit :-)

[earthgirl]

If your feet are flat on the floor your saddle is too low!!
that's really hard on your knees!!

but the good news is it sounds like the bike fits. Get some air in those tires and go riding (well, as soon as the hurricane blows through)


Really?!?!? I thought it should be flat on the floor.... maybe I read it wrong.

Okay well that's good to know! I don't need it on the lowest setting then :-)

[celerystalksme]

Really?!?!? I thought it should be flat on the floor.... maybe I read it wrong.

Okay well that's good to know! I don't need it on the lowest setting then :-)


the proper seat height vaguely/generally works like this: your saddle is the right height if your knee is just slighly bent while your foot is on the pedal at the lowest point of the pedal stroke.

so if you're sitting on the seat and your feet are flat on the ground, the seat is too low.

as for the tires squishing down a bit when you get on...you'll have to make sure that it's inflated enough. inflate up to the max psi printed on the tire sidewall. also...there might be a weight concern...seat posts, frames, wheels/tires have gross and rider weight limits. my suspicion is that everything will be ok except maybe the wheels/tires. i had a friend that bought a trek 7300 fx...he was around 280lbs...trek said everything would be fine except the wheels. so he head to get sturdier tires.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Remember that wheels (rims), tires, and tubes are three separate things.

You don't want to ride that bike without enough air in the tubes or it might pinch the tube against the rim edge and give you a flat tire. When you sit on the bike the tire should only flatten down a little bit, not much.

If you start riding and a spoke breaks then that *might* indicate you need rims (wheels) built for a heavier rider. I don't think weight matters so much with the tires and tubes though, as long as they are in good shape.

[earthgirl]

Thanks Ladies :-)

I can't believe it was a simple pressure issue. It certainly looked inflated, but when I checked, it was only at 35psi...

anyway, so now they're at 70. and are not flat when i'm on it! and I no longer feel like a cow. well, not today anyway.

:D

but it's interesting to know that your friend needed stronger tires ...he's only 40lbs heavier than me... so i think i will call trek or my lbs and ask what the recommend for my weight though...

thanks:-)

[tulip]

but it's interesting to know that your friend needed stronger tires ...

thanks:-)

Wheels Wheels are the metal parts (rims, hub, spokes), tires are the rubber you see, and tubes are inside the tire, so you don't see them (but the valve where you pump the air is part of the tube).

I give you this info so you can call the bike shop and ask the right question and (hopefully) get the right answer.

I wouldn't bother with changing out the wheels unless you have a problem, like a spoke breaks. It happens--I had one break in the last 1/4 mile of an 80-mile ride last year--lucky (and I'm 125 lbs, so sometimes it doesn't have anything to do with weight).

You might want to ask the bike shop to check your wheels to see if they are true; that is, that the spokes are properly tightened to keep the rim straight.

Bikes can be overwhelming, but no one will give you a test, it's just fun!

[Kano]

Earthgirl, the slightly bent knee thing when your foot is on the pedal is the best thing -- I always have to get off my saddle when I stop in order to reach the ground.

I know it takes a while to get there, and each in her own time, but the lycra on our big butts isn't such a bad thing -- if people don't like it, well, tough: you're USING that butt of yours, they're probably just sitting on theirs!

Karen in Boise (who's still 5'4" but not 236 anymore!)

[wildhawk]

I was hesitant to wear cycling shorts too, but believe me when I say they make a huge difference in your comfort. I ordered mine right off TE and they were inexpensive - $29.95 Cannondale. Glad that you decided on the Trek - sounds like it will fit you. Happy riding!

[OakLeaf]

Just to add one thing no one else has said:

You're wearing a helmet, RIGHT?

Really. Please. You can fall at 0 miles an hour and have a serious brain injury. Don't mean to scare you, but that's $30 you definitely should NOT skimp on, nor EVER get on a bicycle without one.

Hopefully you're already wearing a helmet every ride and didn't need this lecture, but just adding it because no one else has... and because I'm alive and functioning because of a helmet I was wearing on *two* occasions.

and... welcome!!! Have fun!!! :)

[earthgirl]

ahhhh i just got back from my first ride!

it only lasted 20 minutes though, not because I was really tired - but because my BUTT HURTS! Also, my wrist started to go numb (this is not really the bike's fault, 8 years of writing research papers and 16 years of writing in general, have given me carpel tunnel like conditions... not fun).

So I think 1) I'll have to buy a new seat, and 2) I will have to def take the advice on the bike shorts. I though I could get away with it today in track pants... but yeah, it's not happening.

and yes, I'm wearing a helmet :-). After this @$$hole made a rolling stop and almost ran into me as I was making a left turn (I SIGNALED AND SLOWED DOWN AND EVERYTHING!) - I realized the helmet is definitely necessary.

And I was only riding around in my freakin neighborhood!!

[celerystalksme]

ahhhh i just got back from my first ride!

it only lasted 20 minutes though, not because I was really tired - but because my BUTT HURTS! Also, my wrist started to go numb (this is not really the bike's fault, 8 years of writing research papers and 16 years of writing in general, have given me carpel tunnel like conditions... not fun).

So I think 1) I'll have to buy a new seat, and 2) I will have to def take the advice on the bike shorts. I though I could get away with it today in track pants... but yeah, it's not happening.

and yes, I'm wearing a helmet :-). After this @$$hole made a rolling stop and almost ran into me as I was making a left turn (I SIGNALED AND SLOWED DOWN AND EVERYTHING!) - I realized the helmet is definitely necessary.

And I was only riding around in my freakin neighborhood!!

always be wary of the automobiles!!!!! thems is scary creatures!!!!

the right seat, right seat height, and eventually a pair of cycling shorts should take care of the butt pain. :) the search for the right seat for you can take long...hopefully your LBS has a good policy about trying out and returning bike seats! with the right seat...you can actually ride in comfort even without cycling shorts! when i'm on my specialized alias or specialized toupe (143mm)...i can go 25-50 miles with very minimal discomfort!

the wrist numbness/pain...make sure the fit is right. the reach has to be right. putting too much weight on your hands is probably what is causing the discomfort. down the road, increasing your core strength will help with that. i forget...is this a bike with straight bars or drop bars? drop bars or bull-horn type bars are nice because you can periodically change hand position, which aids in comfort. you can also use a shock absorbant bar tape. you may also want to look into a good pair of cycling gloves.

[tulip]

Good for you on the helmet. It does not matter how far you are from home--you can fall off your bike anywhere. I don't understand why some folks (not you, just in general) feel that they don't need a helmet because they are just going on a short ride. It's like thinking that you only need to where a seatbelt when you go for long drives. When I had my bike accident and had to be airlifted to the trauma center, I was only a mile or so into my ride.

Your wrist might be aggravated by a couple of things:

1. putting all your weight on your arms and hands. This is common mistake that beginners (and others) make. You'll want to do some core strengthening exercises so that you can support your body with your core and not only with your hands and arms. In the meantime, make sure that your elbows aren't locked. They should be slightly bent to absorb the bumps.

2. your bike's top tube might be too long. Do you feel like you are too stretched out? You can do some adjustments to the stem (new shorter stem) and to the seat to compensate a bit.

Have fun riding!

EDIT: celery musta posted the same time as me. she already hit all the points.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

If you don't want to do lycra you can always get bike short liners that will fit (well sometimes) under 'regular' shorts or capris. You can get them at REI or anywhere that sells Pearl Izumi stuff. After riding for a couple of years, I don't wear padded shorts all the time, only when I mountain bike where it's really rocky.

The thing where people are saying your feet should be flat is the standover height, where your butt is off the seat, how you would be standing at a stop sign. Your feet should be flat on the floor and you should be able to stand comfortably over the tube of the bike without having to tilt to one side to compensate for the bike being too tall. Hope that makes sense!

[Kano]

Earthgirl --

now starts the fun with the saddle thing. You said the bike is a Trek, and my understanding is that "everyone hates those saddles." I figure someone has to like them, or the company would go out of business cuz they sell bikes that are uncomfortable.... (and the saddle company would be in deep poo too!) Anyway, when DH and I decided on the "comfort bikes" a couple of years ago, they came with "comfort saddles" -- wide, cushy things that he actually rode on for quite some time. (he bent his, and adopted mine for a while before getting something more "serious") On the other hand, I couldn't sit for a week after riding that saddle. Perhaps I was lucky, I picked up a Specialized Dolce saddle (not gel) and have been very happy with it on my hybrid (not the comfort beast anymore, I ride an older Trek hybrid, as mentioned back a page or two!)

I had found this forum already, and been reading a bit -- the suggestion was to not go too padded, because that's actually LESS comfy than the firmest saddles.

The comfort beast has a Specialized Milano on it now, I've never actually ridden on that saddle. I put the Dolce on my newest bike, a road bike, and didn't like it there. Replaced it with an Ariel, also Specialized. That's been a pretty happy choice too. Either I've been lucky, or I just have a specialized butt!

(and speaking of my specialized butt, I really ought to shift it into high gear and go for a ride!)

Karen in Boise

[earthgirl]

thanks for the advice on the tube length! i wouldn't have thought of it. I'm going to have to take it to an LBS as someone mentioned in my other post ... and do a fitting.

also - thanks for the seat advice, kano ;-) i'm going to research more here in the forums b/c that's about all I can do ... our cable went out so i'm relying on my phone for entertainment.

At least I don't have to listen to CNN tell me we're all facing "Certain Death."

Jeez. Dramatic, much?

[Biciclista]

hey Earthgirl! congrats on your first ride! wasn't it kinda windy?? :confused::confused:

[malkin]

You're on your way!

Everything I know about saddles I learned here on TE for the theory...for the practice, I had to learn from my own bum, like everyone else.

And holy hell or holy heck (for the righteous), I'm in Utah!

[uforgot]

I'm 5'4" with longish legs just like you. I had the 15" Trek wsd fx and went to the 17.5" regular Trek fx the second time. There is no difference in the geometry of the wsd and the regular 7.2fx. It changes as you go up the fx line though. I showed a printout of the geometry to my lbs and they were surprised too. The 17" was a better fit for me, so maybe you just need to get used to it. Also, I don't do the lycra only and I've been riding a long time. What I do is wear good padded shorts under a pair of regular shorts or capris, like mountain biking style or wear a Terry wrap skirt. I do recreational rides that are always more than 30 miles and they work beautifully.

Congratulations and have fun!

[wackyjacky1]

Hey, earthgirl, where are you? Did ya survive the hurricane?

[mupedalpusher]

I am 5'4 and ride a Trek 7.3 fx size 15 inch (mine is a regular frame not a WSD-womens specific design). A 17 inch bike may be too big but it depends on your proportions. I'm long legged but very short waisted for 5'4 so the mens frame fit me better at the time I bought mine. Along with my short waist comes very short arms so reach becomes a problem for me if I get a bike that is too big. You'll just have to get fit by your LBS to find out what works. We just bought a 13.5" WSD 7.2fx for our daughter who is 5'1, cost about $430 but is well worth it. If you can ride what you have and save more money, you'll have more options and get a bike that will work better for you.
I love my Trek 7.3fx and it has held up well, I've had it 3-4 years and commute on it (18-20 miles). She's a real workhorse and very comfortable.
Good luck and I'm so glad you are working toward a healthier life! You will love biking!