628BJ
04-07-2011, 01:54 PM
10 years ago I was commuting ~3 days per week, 8 miles each way to work on my <gasp> purple Huffy bike. I loved taking that hunk-o-junk in for tune-ups at my local bike shop! That job folded in 2001 but I am now pleased to be in another job that is about 15 miles from home with good biking options to get there. There is also bus support for suddenly crappy days or misadventures.
I'm 48, in slightly better-than-average shape for my years. Cranky knees have been making me think that more time on bikes and less time on the treadmill could be ideal. However, despite my previous mantra of 'I don't need a more efficient bike, I'm working for a more efficient body', for this distance, I'm not thinking the Huffy will do! However I haven't a clue what to buy or how much I should think of spending.
Any recommendations? New/Used, Craig's list? And how do you figure out if the bike fits? My commute will be all paved, most along a highway with a wide shoulder, some on walking/bike paths and just a couple of blocks on neighborhood streets. Terrain is mostly flat with just a few hills. Work has showers and a locker room so I'll be loading up my old panniers and dressing at work.
I'm looking for a good balance between comfort & speed but will definitely compromise speed for comfort. Toying with the idea of getting an electric hybrid bike. My father-in-law in The Netherlands has one (he's 80) and it's the bomb!
Not sure that it's a good idea for the budget, or the exercise plan, though.
Thanks!
I'm 48, in slightly better-than-average shape for my years. Cranky knees have been making me think that more time on bikes and less time on the treadmill could be ideal. However, despite my previous mantra of 'I don't need a more efficient bike, I'm working for a more efficient body', for this distance, I'm not thinking the Huffy will do! However I haven't a clue what to buy or how much I should think of spending.
Any recommendations? New/Used, Craig's list? And how do you figure out if the bike fits? My commute will be all paved, most along a highway with a wide shoulder, some on walking/bike paths and just a couple of blocks on neighborhood streets. Terrain is mostly flat with just a few hills. Work has showers and a locker room so I'll be loading up my old panniers and dressing at work.
I'm looking for a good balance between comfort & speed but will definitely compromise speed for comfort. Toying with the idea of getting an electric hybrid bike. My father-in-law in The Netherlands has one (he's 80) and it's the bomb!
Not sure that it's a good idea for the budget, or the exercise plan, though.
Thanks!