New and perplexed

[OakLeaf]

Aw, sorry that happened to you - hope you feel better soon. They say you don't forget how to ride a bike, but it surely took me a few rides to remember how, after I came back from my long hiatus. I felt VERY wobbly at first on my very stable hybrid bike ... and when I returned to road cycling two years after that, I did have a couple of failure-to-unclip falls. It happens. It will come back.

I don't know a single thing about Northland Cycle - the only Columbus dealer Day 6 lists on their website. I'm about 99% sure that Bike Doctor in Heath doesn't stock them on their floor, but it's not that far of a drive for you if you call and find out that they do have a bike you could test ride. Do try out as many bikes as you can before you make your decision. Don't commit yourself to a particular style of bike before you take your test rides - you may find that what's comfortable for you isn't what you'd assumed.

I think as long as you're staying in and around town, you don't have to worry too much about gearing or climbing geometry. The grades you'll encounter in Franklin County may not be easy for a newly returning rider, but they're plenty doable with some training - they're not the kind of hills people talk about having trouble with a crank forward or recumbent bike.

Welcome to TE and happy shopping!

[bikegranny]

Thanks so much for the kind words, everybody.............you guys are nice! I'm taking today off because my body hurts! had a bit of trouble sleeping, but still think there is no real damage. I have two knee replacements, and one of my knees is very sore, that's my main concern. the Day 6 interests me because I think my feet could reach the ground and thus prevent falls . Looked at the TerraTrike online, don't like it much. The Rans are wonderful, but way out of my price range. That would be my choice, if money grew on trees. and the real problem with me is I'm terrified to get back on the bike. The old bike does not fit, I didn't know anything about fit when I bought it. So today is a resting and thinking day, by the weekend I will be ready to test bikes.

[PamNY]

Yikes! Sorry you had a fall. But that does happen. When I first returned to cycling, I had several inglorious moments -- once running into a large, highly visible concrete bench while I was going very slowly. I'm impressed that you are eager to continue cycling despite a brief setback. As someone said upthread, you've got spunk and that will take you a long way.

Yyou are wise to rest for a day or two and be careful of your knees. I hope you get a chance to try the Day 6 as soon as you are feeling better. Let us know how it goes.

[bikegranny]

Guess what, guys!!! I just heard about a thing called bike stabilizers for grown ups! Tell me the truth: would I be a total loser wash-out hopeless sissy if I used those just for a little while? just for a few rides until I have a bit of confidence back? have any of you heard of them or used them at all? it looks very appealing to me, in my fear and hesitancy, yet with a strong desire to ride. If I used them, I could get a "normal" bike like I really want, instead of the crank forward type. maybe. Would like to hear your thoughts, kind and fearless women.

[bikegranny]

Thanks, Muirenn. I will carefully consider your advice on the Day 6. It does cost more than the Trek Pure, not sure about the electra. but will check both of them out. Monday is a free day for me so I plan to visit bike shops all day.

[Catrin]

My LBS has a Townie section (an entire separate room) filled with a large number of Townies of every possible type. It really is amazing how many different options there are for those bikes, and a number of them are quite sharp!

[Melalvai]

I'd like to hear more about bike stabilizers if you try them. They look like kind of big training wheels? I'm sure a lot of people are intimidated about riding again after so many years, who would benefit from a transitional sort of thing like that. I am approached a lot for advice about cycling, so I'd love to have information about these sorts of things to pass on, and someone else's experience with it would be just the thing.

[Trek420]

I'm a little concerned about the overlarge seat with a backrest. That would affect handling and balance. And be rather top-heavy and unweildly.

I agree. The trail is what bothers me too. What I mean is the handlebars are so far behind the wheels that it will make handling dicey. I don't imagine it feeling stabile.

I also question the bars are so high. Cute but seems uncomfortable and the longer you ride the more it would be awkward.

I highly recommend you test ride a Townie. My MIL got one and is very happy with it. She's very active but had a stroke and finds it stabile and fun.

[breeze]

bikegranny, if you're in Columbus, you might check out one of the Roll shops. There are a few in town (one on Lane Ave, one in Bexley, and another at Polaris), and the vibe is very much geared towards beginner/inexperienced cyclists. Last time I stopped in the Lane Ave location, they had a full range of the Electra bikes on the floor, and the shop sits in front of some quiet residential streets of Upper Arlington (fairly low traffic) so you can try out the ride. The employees seem to trend young, but enthusiastic.

Good luck!

[breeze]

Oh, also: if you haven't checked it out yet, take a look at the "Consider Biking" group based in Columbus. There's lots of info about local cyclist activities, maps, etc.

http://www.considerbiking.org/

[bikegranny]

Thanks, NY, I just called a bike shop in Columbus and they do have Day 6 bikes in stock, so I will go try it on Monday, when i have a free day. and time to shop for other bikes also. excited!

[bikegranny]

Thanks, Oakleaf, I called northland cycle this morn, and they do have one Day 6 bike in the shop to test ride. so I will do that Monday, when I have a free day.