Bike Advice

[RickaG]

I'm new here, having found the group through a Google search a couple of days ago. I'm returning to cycling after a 20 year lay off. Back in the day, I had a nice road bike and did long rides in the Santa Cruz Mountains several times a week. At 56, I can't handle the dropped bar posture anymore.

A couple of months ago, I found a nearly new Specialized Crossroads Elite on Craig's List and got it for a great price. All in all, I love the bike. It is so comfortable to ride, if a bit pokey. In conversations with my LBS, they seem to think that this bike is only suited for fairly short rides, say no more than 5-7 miles on fairly flat ground. Most of my rides are currently around 15 miles and I can see that I will be increasing my mileage substantially over time. Anticipating that, I'm looking for advice on whether I should plan on buying another bike or whether it makes sense to do some upgrades to this one, such as a "granny" gear for hills and lighter and narrower wheels.

If I do buy another bike, what would you all recommend, for up to around $1,000? I am 5'4" and my Specialized is a women's size "small", so I will need a bike that comes in a size that is small enough.

Thanks for your help!

[arielmoon]

I dont have any advice about the bike, but I would like to say "hi" and welcome to TE. Happy rides to you!

[kermit]

Have you tried any road bikes? The reason I ask is that the geometry for many road bikes has changed. There are now more comfort frames such as a Specialized roubaix that are a little more upright that a flat top tube racing style frame. Give one a try before you rule them out. You could also look into a flat bar road bike.

[RickaG]

I dont have any advice about the bike, but I would like to say "hi" and welcome to TE. Happy rides to you!

Thanks!

[RickaG]

Have you tried any road bikes? The reason I ask is that the geometry for many road bikes has changed. There are now more comfort frames such as a Specialized roubaix that are a little more upright that a flat top tube racing style frame. Give one a try before you rule them out. You could also look into a flat bar road bike.

Thanks for the suggestion. No, I haven't tried anything yet. My last road bike was a Palo Alto Cycles original "women's" bike, purchased in 1986, about the time Terry Cycles was getting started. I still have it, gathering dust in the garage. It was quite the sports car in its day. I keep threatening to clean it up and put it back on the road, but I don't think I can handle the riding position anymore. I don't have "back issues"--and I'd like to keep it that way.

What about the Trek commuter/city bikes? They sound like they are a good compromise between responsiveness and comfort. Of course, it could just be marketing hype.

[alpinerabbit]

yeah you can. at least try. 56 is no age.

[celerystalksme]

start stretching like crazy...daily. and go work out in the gym a bit to strenthen your core and back.

and get back on the road bike! get something like a specialized roubaix or a cannondale synapse. more upright riding position...very comfy ride. i HIGHLY recommend the specialized roubaix as a comfy bike worth of being raced.

[Biciclista]

We'd love to see your bike (cleaned up of course) you are the same age I am, and I ride a road bike. (not in an extreme position however)

welcome to TE

[HillSlugger]

Welcome!

You might want to look at flat bar road bikes like the Specialized Sirrus, Jamis Coda, and Trek Pilot.

I have a Jamis Coda Comp I use as a commuter bike. It's fairly quick and has mountain gearing.

[Zen]

Welcome!

You might want to look at flat bar road bikes like the Specialized Sirrus, Jamis Coda, and Trek Pilot.

I have a Jamis Coda Comp I use as a commuter bike. It's fairly quick and has mountain gearing.

The Pilot has drop bars.
The Trek FX5 (or higher) might be comparable to your Jamis, plus it has a more relaxed TT.

[HillSlugger]

The Pilot has drop bars.
The Trek FX5 (or higher) might be comparable to your Jamis, plus it has a more relaxed TT.

That's right, I'm getting my bikes confused; the Pilot is comparable to my Sequoia. Both are relaxed geometry road bikes with drop bars.

[RickaG]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone. The Trek FX5 is one I had looked at online, and it just might be the ticket. In the meantime, I think I'll take my PA Cycles road bike in for a consultation and get it ready to ride again. Replacing those 20 year old tires and brake pads, at a minimum.

My family and I just returned from a 3 week trip to Germany. Although I had heard about the huge % of people who commute by bike, it still was amazing to see the streams of people on bikes going to and from work. Although German drivers are maniacally focussed on their driving, they treat bike riders with respect. If they can't safely pass with at least a meter to spare, they wait.

Thanks again!

[BarbaraAlys]

I'm kind of with those that have suggested you try it before you say you can't do it. If you have no back issues there is no reason to expect a well fitted bike to give you some.

If you are really commited to no having a road bike, have you looked at recumbents? My friend rides an ActionBent and she can make that thing fly!
Her's has under-seat stearing, so the hand position is the most ergonimically correct of any I've seen.

Barbara

[MomOnBike]

I'll second the notion that a recumbent is worth a look.

They can be very fast (rider input required) and I, at least, can spend more time riding without various parts and pieces of my body complaining.

Take one, or a dozen, for a spin. Then, at least, you will know if you like 'em.

[carriesn]

This may be a bit late, but you could also look at the Specialized Vita (its a step down from the Dolce, but it gives you that road bike feel with flat bars) or the Raleigh FT Cadent series (also has a WSD, called the Alyssa Cadent). Both are in the $500 range and I like both a lot. I'm selling my Specialized Crossroads because it doesn't make the cut for commuting etc- prefer a road bike with flat bars cos its just much more fun to ride!