Quote Originally Posted by roo4 View Post
You'll be fine. Get out there and ride! I agree that you should look after the mechanical aspect of your bicycle and get a new helmet. Other than that, you're good to go.

I took a 12 year hiatus for similar reasons. Last year I noticed that my lycra shorts from the mid 1990s were disintegrating. I replaced one pair last year and one this year. I kept an eye out for sales and bought two jerseys over the same time period. I rode my 1994 Trek for two years, then upgraded last summer to a Madone.

My point is that you don't need to jump in and spend a ton of money right away. Enjoy the ride!
Thank you! Of my bibs and shorts and jerseys that I actually still have in my bottom drawer, almost all of the elastic vulcanized and just cracked when I stretched them. The pair that is still in good shape and actually fits is Trek brand. It's a medium, but (to answer a poster above), my size 14 clothes are getting loose on me, so I would guess that new shorts or bibs would have to be a Large at least. I bought a pair of shorts for walking and they are large. I wouldn't be surprised if I wear an XL both on top and bottom for cycling gear. Does anyone have suggestions about where to get maybe one more pair of shorts and one jersey for $20 or so each?

And yes, I don't want to spend a ton of money. This afternoon I bought a new pedal and shoe system. Helmet is next on the list.

I will take my bike to the LBS to see what they have to say about a tune-up.

Thanks for all the replies. It helps to know that there are ladies out there to help me figure this all out again.

Roo4 - from what I've been reading, that is a really great ride you have there. (Did I just date myself by calling it "ride"? Do people use that anymore or did I just embarrass myself? )