Cycle Virgin

[Redrover]

I'm such a newbie that I don't even have a bike yet. I casually mentioned to my younger sister that I was considering getting a bike to have some fitness variety and she has been asking me every day if I have gotten my bike yet. I am getting bored just going to the gym for the last 5 1/2 years and thought a bike would provide the variety. There are several issues to confront: I am really old (60), I haven't been on a bike in more than 30 years, I am really intimidated by riders with the cool gear who whizz past me on Saturday mornings when I leave my subdivision and I don't know a d*mn thing about how to choose a good ride. Unfortunately I live in Texas and my sister is in Oregon so she can't really hold my hand through this process. I just found this forum and thought I would throw myself at your feet and ask for some guidance. I don't want to invest my life savings in a bike (I don't have that many more working years in me to replace my retirement savings) so I want something in the $400 - 500 range. Then I need to know what, besides a helmet, is absolutely necessary for someone who will not likely be doing any marathon-like rides. Can you help???

[JamamaSpoke]

Welcome! I am not 60 but I am 43 and just started riding this year seriously. My husband and I both bought hybrid bikes his is a Giant and mine is a Trek. We love them. I am also intimidated by the 'big guys' with the gear that ride past us and mumble hello as I am working to the best of my abiility and they to their warm up but I don't let it get to me as i realize they had to start somewhere as well.

The thing with cycling is that I have found it to be one of the most freeing, liberating, invigorating workouts I have done in a long time. And I enjoy it. I am able to do this with my husband and friends and it shows progress. I can feel the progress because I can ride farther and i see the progress because my dough boy belly is getting smaller.

IMHO no matter what your age is GO FOR IT! and enjoy the results psychologically and physically!!!! Just do your best and know you did the best for YOU. Oh and HAVE UN!

[Redrover]

Thanks Jamma, I really needed someone to tell me that my trepidation was not unique. I wish I could convince my husband to do this with me but he basically thinks I'm nuts for wanting to get out in the Houston heat and sweat. I think it might be a tad premature to go looking for a cycle club but maybe when I screw up a little courage, get some hours in close to home I might seek out the company of like-minded novices. At any rate, thanks again.

[Redrover]

Sorry, Jamama (I can't read either...)

[Artisan]

Redrover, Check your private messages.

[Redrover]

Artisan,

I can see the PM but can't figure out how to post the reply. I am also not getting a full length window, half the left side options are below the horizon. How do I post a reply?

[KnottedYet]

60 isn't "really old"!!!!!

I have a $400 bike that I truly love. She is sturdy and fast and steady. Even-tempered and willing. And pretty. She is my commutermobile and she is in my avatar. Kona Dew, with a Brooks saddle. I rode her in a triathlon, so not only is she a do-it-all bike, she can also go fast!

http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_ca...6&parentid=253

Another bike line you might consider for re-learning to ride is Electra. There are a couple Electra riders here on TE. Someone just did a century on her Electra Townie. Those can fit your price range, too.

[Artisan]

You could either click on my user name here or in your private message. You should get a drop down list and then choose private message from the list. Also on the bottom right corner of the message box there should be a reply button.

Hope this helps.

[Redrover]

Knotted, I looked at the Kona Dew and it looks promising. What other ones did you consider? My sister is suggesting a Trek Navigator and someone else mentioned a Specialized model somethingorother. What sold you on the Dew? (I guess you are in WA state?)

[Redrover]

How important is the ability to put your feet on the ground when stopped?

[Bruno28]

I'm 50 and just started cycling again after a long time. I bought a hybrid bike - a Trek 7.2 fx womens specific design. I find it really comfortable and easy to ride.

I was a bit intimidated going to my local bike shop. In the end they were very nice but not all that forthcoming with advice. Luckily you can go in armed with info about fit etc from the forums here.

'How important is the ability to put your feet on the ground when stopped?'......

I can put my tip toes on the ground when stopped which I think is right....and it feels ok for me.

Good luck!

[Redrover]

I keep reading about pedals and clipping and cages etc. What about this subject do I need to know? When I am at the gym and on the recumbent bike I don't even like to have the straps on the pedals then so how does this translate to a real bike?

[KnottedYet]

I looked at a ton of bikes. Can't remember them all. Honestly, the only ones I actually RODE were the Konas. It was love at first pedal! The geometry just suited me so well, I lost interest in continuing to look.

I like the fact that it is a sturdy, simple bike. The components are basic and trustworthy. There is no suspension to mess with. It's meant to be ridden hard and stand up to rougher conditions than a speedy road bike. (it's based on a cyclocross bike, the Kona Jake and Jake the Snake) That means its a bit heavier and slower than a speedy road bike. There is always a trade off!

The frame is "bombproof" according to the guys at my LBS. I can change components and upgrade all I want, the frame will still be worthy. It's an aluminum frame with a steel fork. A nice combination for an all-weather commuter. I have a Brooks B67 saddle on it, and the springs on the saddle dampen out the road buzz. It handles well even with two loaded panniers on the back rack.

The gearing gives a great range. The mega-granny gear is a 26t front with a 34t rear (which means one revolution of the pedals isn't even one full revolution of the rear wheel). This is more than adequate even for the Evil Hill of Doom on my commute.

I like upright bars for commuting. (on longer rides they become tiring) Bikes I use for longer rides (30+ miles) have always had drop bars. Except for my recumbent, but that's a unique case!

As far as touching the ground: I broke myself of that habit years and years ago. I don't even try to touch the ground. Just got on my Kona, and my toes can touch just fine while I'm in the saddle, but that's not the way I ride. If I'm planning to touch the ground my butt comes off the seat first and I lower myself to the ground by standing on one pedal.

I will admit I had some political reasons for choosing the Kona brand: they are based here in WA, just a couple hours away. They are fairly small compared to the "big bike companies." They do a lot of work with kids. They provided the bikes for BikeAfrica (AIDS workers). They do a lot of bike advocacy. Actually, I already loved the bike, but the other stuff made me feel even better about buying it!

[KnottedYet]

I keep reading about pedals and clipping and cages etc. What about this subject do I need to know? When I am at the gym and on the recumbent bike I don't even like to have the straps on the pedals then so how does this translate to a real bike?

Just about any bike you buy in your price range will come with traditional flat pedals. It might have cages and straps (also called "clips" but that gets confusing).

If you already know you DON'T like straps on your feet, by all means ask the shop to take off the cages and straps before you leave the store! But ask to keep them (you might want to play with them later). Put all the bits and pieces in a big ziplock bag.

I switched over to cleated pedals (also called "clipless") and shoes a few months ago. Speedplay Frogs. I love them! But I really like having my feet attached to the bike.

Everyone has different preferences. Start with what you're comfortable with. You can always play with other options later on whatever bike you choose.

[Duck on Wheels]

I too tried a lot of bikes before choosing my latest. It was like doing the Goldilocks thing: Too tall, too shaky, too slow, ... and finally, just right. Geometry is important -- sitting at a comfortable angle, with your arms relaxed when on the handlebars, your legs at the most effective angles throughout the pedal stroke. A good bike shop will hold the bike steady and do at least a rough fit before sending you out for a test ride. Then on the test rides you'll want to compare how different bikes feel. I found the Jamis bikes to be the smoothest rides ever, but they had me sitting so high off the ground that I couldn't even get a toe down before dismounting, and at 57 I don't feel all that confident about tipping over and hoping my foot will be there as the ground approaches. I tried a Specialized, but found the frame so stiff that every pebble in the pavement gave me a jolt. That too made me a bit nervous when riding. I had a $200 Giant Sedona that was heavy and slow, but had some "senior" gears that I figured would get me up hills the rest of my life no matter how out of shape I get, but it was waaaay too slow if I wanted to go any distance now while I'm still in shape for some mileage. Finally I tried a Trek 7.6, which has a sort of "laid back" geometry that also provides some built-into-the-frame shock absorbtion. I also have an older Trek 7000 that I rode today -- a nice fit and a nice range of gears, a good smooth ride with just enough speed to keep me cool on a warm day, give a nice sense of freedom, and cut my commute time in half as compared to walking.

As for toe clips, clipless pedals, flat pedals ... if you can't stand having your feet in toe clips when on the stationary bike, then stick with flat pedals for now. Go with what's comfortable for you. I did make the switch to clipless last year. So far, so good ... that is to say, no falls due to forgetting to unclip. Today I rode my old bike with flat pedals and really missed being clipped on (strangely, clipless pedals actually clip onto your shoes, whereas toe clip pedals do not). 6 years ago when I bought this bike I did not even dare to _think_ about being clipped on, but now it feels much better that way. You'll know if and when you're ready to try it.

Other things you will need -- mostly just the helmet. Lights if you plan on riding after dark. If you'll be riding in traffic, I'd recommend a bright colored jacket or vest. If you're going to go on _long_ rides, I'd recommend a good pair of bike shorts. Also for longer rides or if you're nervous about falling, I'd recommend a pair of biking gloves. You might also want a small tool kit and pump for emergency repairs, again that'd be for longer rides. The bike shop will usually give you a water bottle and bottle cage for free. And you'll want some way to carry the few items you'll want along "just in case" (cell phone, a snack, some money, a jacket in case it turns cold or a place to tuck it away if it turns warm, that mini tool-kit and pump if you're riding some distance from home). For me that's my usual backpack, the one I carry to work anyway. You might prefer a small bag that fastens under the bike seat.