holy hell i'm overwhelmed! PLEASE HELP!

[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!

[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!

[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!

[earthgirl]

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

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!