New and perplexed

[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.

[bikegranny]

My excitment over them is tampered a bit after I checked the price...........$150 to $200. would probably only be used two or three times, just til I get the details of pedaling, shifting, brakes, etc. well remembered. sigh...........everything comes down to money! perhaps I can find a pair to rent.....

[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]

Again, thanks to you all. Today I shopped bikes. First, let me get this off my chest: I did not ride a bike. because, I'm terrified of falling. Yes, shame on me. But, in all fairness to me, my ribs are still very very sore, and my daughter would kill me if I come home even more damaged. and I will ride again, just not right now So, I did learn enough to know that I want the Electra Townie. 99% certain! It fits just right, can reach the ground when seat is adjusted, and it's beautiful. it's more comfortable than the Trek Pure, and I felt safer on it. even tho I wasn't moving! do like the Pure tho. and have ruled out the Day 6 altogether. The guy at the Trek store, and Bike Source #2 were very nice and willing to spend time listening to me and evaluating my fit needs. Said daughter objects strongly to the whole idea, and that is a bit discouraging to me. but is not a deal breaker. so thats my story. Thanks for listening.

[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!