South Texas Newbie

[pikato]

Hello,

I have always thought cycling was an amazing sport. But I was also a 'big girl' and never thought I could do it. I've lost around 45 pounds, only have 20 to go & I've finally feel I CAN do road cycling, even though my family has been less than supportive(we were never an athletic family).

As luck would have it, this week my work had a Wellness Expo, I met a LBS owner who does beginner rides & is willing to basically teach me from scratch. I've looked at the 2 shops we have in our area & am leaning towards a 2005 OCR3, XS--I'm 5 feet tall--which I can get for $599. I've tried a Specialized, but it didn't feel right. Seriously, those were the only 2 bikes that my area had in my size. I felt comfortable in the OCR3, and see that it gets good reviews. I'm just curious if there are more options in cities further away from me-Houston or San Antonio-that I should look at, or should I stay local?

Any advice is appreciated.

[tatormc]

Hi pikato and welcome!! I've been riding for 3 years and my first road bike was an OCR3. I rode that for a year and then upgraded to a TCRC2. The OCR3 was a good starter bike at the time cause I lived in Houston and didn't need to pull the heavy thing up any hills. But when moving to OKC it was hard cause it was very heavy. So if it's possible I would suggest getting something a littler better than than the 3. The 3 comes with Shimano Sora which is the bottom of the line. Sora as has different shifters than the other Shimano groups so when you upgrade one day you have to re-learn how to shift. But the important thing is that you are comfortable on the bike and are happy about the purchase. I purchased my bike from Northwest Cyclery in Houston and they were great to work with. Just in case your in the mood for a road trip!

[mtbmargie]

Hi pikato! I'm also a small rider... a whopping 5 feet tall :) even though I live in md I bought my bike down in texas as my bf lives there. i have a bianchi eros donna (it's wsd) and love it. i also tried a specialized dolce but didn't like it. the bianchi has great campy parts, shifts really well. i've never tried an orc3 so i can't compare. but if you are willing to go to the houston area, the bike shop i went to is called bikeland and it's just north of houston in spring tx. http://www.bikelandusa.com
hope that helps some! good luck and welcome!

[latelatebloomer]

Hi, Pikato - I'm getting started with a lightly used OCR3 for my first road bike. I have limited funds for my new-found bike habit, and the trainer who's my cycling Obi-Wan looked it over and said I couldn't go wrong with it for my first road bike. If you have deeper pockets, you can go to a higher level of components (there's just no end to the amount of money you can spend on this sport), but so far I am happy. I figure that most of the improvements that need to be made in the near future need to come from my body and riding technique. (by the way, I'm just shy of 5'5" and, while I have no idea what I weigh - on purpose - I'm usually a size 18.)

Happy riding. And you have found a DREAM TEAM of support here.

By the way, families and friends get shaken up by change. It's been discussed here before. Just don't let it shake YOU/;)

And congrats on that 45 lbs gone. That shows such a deep commitment to yourself!

[pikato]

Thanks for everyone's input. I think I'm going to stick with the OCR-3 from the LBS. I think my boyfriend thinks I'm crazy, but we went back to look at it & I sort of already named it (Oscar), so I figure since I've named it, I've obviously become attached. I've been looking them up on the net & see that I can upgrade all sorts of stuff as I develop, so I think for the price, it's a steal.

As for the fam, I sort of went off on them-see my dad is a huge fishing fellow who owns 4 boats, and my boyfriend does war models--so when they told me they thought cycling was too expensive, I asked how it compared to their hobbies. Next thing I know, they are telling me that if I'm going to do it, I better do it right:p I also think it calmed Kirk's(my boyfriend) nerves when we went to look at the bike & I was able to show some of the stuff I learned--like why I want road versus comfort.

So, I'm gonna put it on layaway tomorrow, expect to have it out by June 1(I work for the state, so only get paid once a month), and until then I'm sticking with my spin class. I'm hoping to train for "Conquer the Coast" which is a 45 mile ride around Corpus Christi Bay. It's September 30, 2006.

I'm super excited I found this site!

[Aggie_Ama]

Welcome from another new memebr and short cyclist (5'2")! I have had my entry bike approximately two years and have added new handlebars, pedals and tires. The entry level will serve you well and help you figure out what you like. Mine is an entry level Fuji, I think it was about $600-700.

My husband got me into cycling but my parents and brother thought I was crazy. We were a bowling family, but a movement disorder caused me to drop bowling. Now my parents are understanding my passion, even driving my husband and I the three hours to Houston to start the MS150 next weekend! your family will warm up to the idea when they see your passion. My parents work for the state, so I had to laugh at your budgeting because I completely understand!

Good luck training for the ride, with dedication 45 miles will come easily. Congrats on the weight loss, I lost about 30 lb two years ago and I know that struggle. You will be surprised that you don't have to be rail thin to be a cyclist. There is a huge mental aspect- you can do it!

[Geonz]

Sounds like the fam just didn't want you to have an expensive impulse buy that sat in the garage. Welcome to the fold!

Dropping bowling because of a movement disorder conjures up bowling balls dropping on toes....

45 miles is a good goal :-)

[pikato]

Sounds like the fam just didn't want you to have an expensive impulse buy that sat in the garage. Welcome to the fold!

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's what's on their minds. It's nice to be able to bring the "yeah, and y'all didn't think I'd really lose weight & keep it up when I joined a gym".

So, even though my mom & dad are doubtful, Kirk has switched to Mr. Supportive & has already picked out a camel pack he thinks I'll like:p

[fatbottomedgurl]

Hi Pikato:
I think cycling is a disease or addiction (is it the endorphins?) I've only been back in the saddle for a month and I find myself looking at the shoulder of every road I'm on to see if it's ridable. Suddenly the world is full of Lycra as I notice every cyclist I pass. Thankfully my family is supportive, my kids are older and not so needy anymore, and today my husband road with me 20 miles on a rails to trails. It was a beautiful ride. We would have gone farther but I thought HIS fanny would be sore.;) Keep it up, it is the best thing for your heart and health, not to mention great for the mind...

I love this forum too!

[Geonz]

It's also just a good idea to build that relationship with the LBS and no better way than buying a bike (IF it's the right one of course!).

[pikato]

Ok, I officially bought Oscar...well...layaway-ed him, but he'll be out by June 1, sooner if I penny pinch. I've heard some people have haggled for lower pricing, but I was cool with the $600 price tag. Ended up talking to a different employee this time (LBS owner was at town hall mtg that APPROVED HIKE & BIKE trails!!) and this employee asked if Owner had given me any other price than what was listed. I said nope-an evil/smarter person may have made up a number- so the employee smiled & ended up throwing in the fix kit bag,water bottle & bottle carriage free.

Yeah me, I'm a bike owner!