Where, oh where, do I start?

[ScotDeerie]

I want to get back into bicycling after a long, l-o-n-g absence. Where do I start?

I no longer know anything about the varieties of bikes available. I do know I want to do very little off-roading, if any, since there is a bike-trail by my house and lots of country roads to ride on. I'm in my early 50s, out of bike shape and I know I need a nice cushy seat because the last bike I rode on felt like the seat was a razor blade. (Ouch. Is it possible that kids don't feel that pain?? Cripes. I wasn't sure there was a seat on there after a few minutes.)

Does anyone know of any good bike shops in west central Indiana? I'm about halfway between Terre Haute and Indianapolis. Also, any recommendations for beginner bikes and seats will be greatly appreciated. I suppose I don't want a mountain bike but what kind DO I want?

Thanks!

[caligurl]

hi scotdeerie!

welcome to TE! make sure you introduce yourself in the getting to know you thread!

hmmmmmm well.... you have to decide what kind of cycling you are going to do.... if mainly paths and not too long of rides... probably a hybrid or "comfort" bike! if you plan to do longer distances then definitely a road bike!

i can't help you with shopt cuz i'm in socal.... but finding a GOOD ship is so important! they can help you get fit and get what you need!

there are a whole bunch of lovely ladies here to answer all your questions... and remember.. the ONLY stupid question is the UNASKED question! so ask away!!!!

WELCOME!

[caligirl2]

Hi There and Welcome! I was just recently in the same position as you and my recommendation is to start with a Hybrid bike. Trek makes a great one. Trek calls it there fitness line, or FX. Check them out online, find a local bike shop and try em out. www.trekbikes.com

Good luck and happy riding.

[margo49]

Shalom and welcome
You'll never look back.
Having made this decision we will all help and support you!

[Bruno28]

I agree with caligirl2. I recently returned to cycling after not cycling since I was a kid. I'm now 50.

I bought a trek fx7.2 womens specific design which I find very comfortable and easy to ride. I rode it straight from my local bike shop after it had been set up for me and I haven't needed to have it adjusted since. I find the saddle it comes with perfectly comfortable and the only accessories I had fitted were a bell and mudguards.

Welcome and have a great time!

[mimitabby]

I want to get back into bicycling after a long, l-o-n-g absence. Where do I start?

I no longer know anything about the varieties of bikes available. I do know I want to do very little off-roading, if any, since there is a bike-trail by my house and lots of country roads to ride on. I'm in my early 50s, out of bike shape and I know I need a nice cushy seat because the last bike I rode on felt like the seat was a razor blade. (Ouch. Is it possible that kids don't feel that pain?? Cripes. I wasn't sure there was a seat on there after a few minutes.)

Thanks!

Welcome to TE. The first thing I have to tell you is that you can't get a good bike for $150 anymore That was a rude awakening for me, let me tell you.

What you need is a Brooks saddle. don't go for a really cushy saddle because it will rub you and be a terrible annoyance. I am hoping that while you are getting started anyway, that you can find a saddle that is a compromise between a hoe and a tractor saddle

[ScotDeerie]

Welcome to TE. The first thing I have to tell you is that you can't get a good bike for $150 anymore That was a rude awakening for me, let me tell you.

What you need is a Brooks saddle. don't go for a really cushy saddle because it will rub you and be a terrible annoyance. I am hoping that while you are getting started anyway, that you can find a saddle that is a compromise between a hoe and a tractor saddle

A TRACTOR SEAT!! That's what I want! Those farmers sure know how to protect their tushes when they're out there bouncing around all day long...

I figured I was going to have to dish out some cash for a suitable bike. I don't want to go crazy, though. I saw the Windsor Women's bikes today and EYIKES. Lovely, but not what I'm going to go for at this stage of the game.

Thanks, all, for the replies. I'll keep watching for more.

P.S. Can I wear my riding helmet as a bike helmet? Anyone know? It's a top of the line helmet and its predecessor saved my melon in a fall from my draft horse so I know it's a good one for sure.

[mimitabby]

How tall are you? here's a used bike for sale (mine )

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...hlight=raleigh

[SouthernBelle]

When I decided I wanted to start road riding last spring, I knew that I didn't know enough to chose a bike. I bought a 2nd hand bike (a bianchi) from a shop owner which I had a lot of fun on and helped me to figure out what was important on a bike. Then when I bought my Giant I was a happy girl.

Even after you buy a good bike you may feel like you need or want to tweak some things. I swapped out the stem for a shorter one and will soon be swapping out the bars too. Almost everybody seems to swap out the saddle at some point. Go down to the gear and accessories section of the forum and read the saddle threads. Don't go too cushy, you will probably live to regret it.

BTW, I'm 51.

[indysteel]

Scotdeerie, if you decide you want to go the hybrid route and are in the short side, I have a 2006 Trek 7.5 FX with about 300 miles on it that I'd be happy to sell you for a reasonable price (it retailed at over $600). I live in Indianapolis so it wouldn't be hard at all to arrange for you to try it out. Not long after buying it, I decided that I wanted a road bike. Despite promised to myself that I'd ride both, I haven't ridden the Trek again. The 7.5 FX is a great bike though, with top-of-the-line components. The FX is billed as a "fitness" bike. It weighs less than most hybrids because it doesn't have a suspension seat post or fork and is fitted with somewhat skinnier tires (it came with 32 cc tires but I changed them to 25 c).

The bike is a 15-inch (small) frame (I'm 5'4). I had a couple of inches taken off the handlebars since they were too wide for my shoulders. I also added some spacers to raise the handlebars up a bit. The saddle is a Serfas women's specific saddle. It's not too narrow, not too wide and has some cushion to it without being pillowy. It's easy, however, to change the saddle if it's not to your liking.

It also has a Cateye Astral 8 computer on it and double sided pedals (one side is clipless; one side is a regular platform). Again, those are easy enough to change out. I would also suggest putting the wider tires back on too.

Anyway, it's just a stab in the dark. I'd love for the bike to find a good home!

I'm not familar with bike shops outside of Indianapolis, but on there are several shops in the city you could try. I'm not familiar with them, but A-1 Cyclery on West Washington Street is probably closest to I-70. I also like Nebo Ridge off of 106th Street and Michigan Rd. (near Zionsville) and Bicycle Garage Indy South right off of I-65 South and Countyline Rd. If you go there, ask for Bob and tell him I sent you.

Good luck getting back into cycling.

Kate

[Bikingmomof3]

Welcome to TE. You will find this to be a wonderful, informative, and very friendly forum.