New and perplexed

[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.

[bikegranny]

The Electra Townie. I'm thinking pink.

[PamNY]

The Electra Townie. I'm thinking pink.

Remember -- you owe us a picture

[bikegranny]

will do!

[murielalex]

I like the pink Townie idea.