So I might as well be a new rider...

**Cataboo** · 08-19-2009, 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by Owlie

I know what you mean. I have a road bike, but it's entry level--Sora components, that sort of thing. They work as well as they need to. BF's bike is Ultegra--lighter, shinier...He teases me about my "cheap bike" (his wheels cost more than my bike), but I don't care. It's my bike, it suits me for where I am right now. The components may one day be upgraded (when I have money), but right now, I'm quite happy with it.

I think your BF should upgrade your "cheap bike" as a present to you... or shut up about it

It's the motor that counts... not the bike (although having a well fitting one makes a huge difference)

**Owlie** · 08-19-2009, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by Catriona

I think your BF should upgrade your "cheap bike" as a present to you... or shut up about it

It's the motor that counts... not the bike (although having a well fitting one makes a huge difference)

It's good-natured, really. His old road bike was pretty much the same thing I have (OCR3). Besides, I have more than enough to tease him about.

He has brought up the possibility of helping me upgrade it, though, since when that time rolls around, I'll be living off a graduate student stipend. Nothing higher than 105 in all likelihood, because given the cost of the bike, anything better would be silly.

**Cataboo** · 08-19-2009, 08:20 AM

I suppose ultegra is lighter - but I can't tell a difference between my 10 speed ultegra or my 10 speed 105 components shift wise.

**Kris** · 08-19-2009, 08:29 AM

It has occurred to me that if my objective is to get exercise, which it is, I may be better off with a heavier bike that makes me work harder, as long as I'm not trying to keep up with anyone else.

**Cataboo** · 08-19-2009, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by Kris

It has occurred to me that if my objective is to get exercise, which it is, I may be better off with a heavier bike that makes me work harder, as long as I'm not trying to keep up with anyone else.

You don't want a bike that's hard or unpleasant to ride - because then you're less likely to actually ride it and enjoy it.

I've been more or less upgrading constantly over the last year (okay I stopped about 4 months ago when I found what I really wanted).... And riding isn't getting "easier" I'm just riding faster and a lot harder than I used to... I'm still exhausted at the end of a good ride. I'm just doing that ride in a lot shorter time without breaks...

**featuretile** · 08-19-2009, 10:15 AM

I guess I was rather insulted when the bike club member referred to my wonderful new bike as a 'cute little hybrid'. My goals are not to do a triathlon or ride centuries. I'm 57 years old and could lose 25 lbs. I was really impressed by the bike club members who are in their 60's and can easily ride 40 miles. (I am up to about 25.) I have seen my fitness level go way up since I started riding. I see it as a way to stay healthy, possibly lose some weight, and have fun. I'd like to be able to do those club rides with them. We have alot of mountains here and it's taking some work. I think my bike works for me because it fits so well. It was professionally fit when I bought it. I'm really glad that I started riding again - I hadn't ridden a bike since I was 30. So, now I think everyone should get a bike, and I should not compare myself to people who race.

**redrhodie** · 08-19-2009, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by featuretile

So, now I think everyone should get a bike, and I should not compare myself to people who race.

I totally agree! I am in my 40s, and aspire to be still riding well into old age. That is what is important to me, not how far or fast I go. Occasionally someone posts an article about a centenarian cyclist. Those are the people I want to emulate.

**Kris** · 08-20-2009, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by featuretile

So, now I think everyone should get a bike, and I should not compare myself to people who race.

Exactly. I started four years ago, at 56 y/o and 75 pounds overweight. I'm down 50 lbs. now, and I feel years younger instead of older. Everyone should have a bike and ride it every day it's not icy!

Kris

**WVGeo** · 09-21-2009, 06:13 AM

...and I've been too busy riding (in between that stupid going to work thing...) to get out here and post:

**WVGeo** · 09-21-2009, 06:17 AM

And lessons learned yesterday, when I tried hills for the first time - don't accidentally shift in the wrong direction when going uphill, getting up and over the handlebars when climbing takes way more upper body control than I remembered, and when you do come up and over the handle bars to finish that hill, don't accidentally grab the front brakes when you clench the grips...

And I had to order a 13.5 inch frame. Which is probably why the 18 inch frame wasn't working for me.

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