New and perplexed

[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.....

[malkin]

Hey granny! Welcome to TE!
I haven't got much to add here; you have received some good advice, and you certainly have pluck!

Best wishes for your bike shop visits! May you find a helpful and friendly place with lots of bikes to try.

[bikegranny]

Thanks for the very good advice. I'm so glad to have found this site, it's wonderful.

[bikegranny]

P.S. nope, I'm not the horseback rider.

[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.

[PamNY]

Bikegranny, that's great. I'm glad you found a good bike shop -- and it sounds like you've found the right bike as well. I look forward to hearing about your adventures when the time comes!

[Melalvai]

You're really brave and determined to still be talking about biking after your fall. I'm eager to hear about your next attempt (and of course I hope it goes a lot better).

After what you described of your fall, I would suggest that your next attempt, you ride with your seat low enough you can put your feet on the ground while sitting on the seat. As I mentioned before, that height will be bad for your knees when you start going on longer rides. But for learning, it will help with your stability. When you are comfortable riding, you can start learning the "power pedal" start & stop. (Easy to show, hard to describe. I'll explain better later.)

Said daughter objects strongly to the whole idea, and that is a bit discouraging to me. but is not a deal breaker.

This is kind of funny because it's my mom who worries about me biking. I went on a self supported, 744 mile tour, camping in state parks, solo, 3 years ago. One woman I met said, "Your poor mother!" However, she's come around, especially as I came through the solo tour unscathed and haven't done any more solo tours (yet). She's got a new bike and has been riding it more too.

I hope your daughter feels better when she sees how much you enjoy it, and some day joins you on some bike rides. I've inspired a lot of my family to bike more--not the one person I want to bike more than anyone else, but quite a few others!

[bikegranny]

Thank you, Melalvai. I've read about and others have suggested the "sit on seat and push" method of learning, and that is my plan when my soreness is healed. Wow, very impressive camping bicycle tour! Many years ago I often thought I would like that, but not sure I still want to.