New, What type of bike?

[Kat2u5h]

hi, I've been researching online to find information about bicycles and came across this great forum. I've been reading since last week and decided to register.

My first question, at first, was i was concerned I was tooooo old... and also to heavy, but I'm hoping to give this a try after reading so much here on these boards.

I went to my first bike store locally this weekend and tried about 3 types of bikes... the townie (which I liked a lot... a specialized mountain? and a hybrid bike)... The townie i liked the best, but am afraid it might be outgrown quickly... the specialized was not the right size for me, and they didn't have a different one for me to try)... I tried another bike (can't remember which one)... but was so uncomfortable and scared of it... i didn't ride it around the parking lot. I remember "road bikes" as being what I used to call a 10-speed bike)...

Any way... I'm still looking and know enough not to buy the first thing, but my concern is... i'm overweight and out of shape (and 5' 5")... While I don't want to buy more bike than I need, I don't want to buy a bike today (like the townie) and then realize i want something "better" or different.

I like the idea of comfort; right now my plan would be to ride to work (about 2 miles)... I'd like to be able to ride on weekends... yet I also have a friend who lives in the desert area, so not sure the thin tires would be right for the dirt road he lives on.

Any way... I appreciate all the posts I've been reading, just how do you decide before you buy what you should buy? I'm not sure any place local has bikes to rent (saw that suggestion too)...

Also, the shop was nice, and didn't really mention my size in a negative way, but I also know they just said handlebar and seat adjustments could be made; they didn't really measure me or anything... I think I tried a hybrid at 17-1/2 inches (I think)... and then like i say I'm pretty sure the "standardized" brand bike (maybe a mountain one, it had fat tires) it was extremely uncomfortable to ride and the sales guy saw that too.

So, how do you decide which type of bike to get?

[doc]

Depending on your weight, age, experience and fitness level, there is also the recumbant bicycle to consider. You really need to know what riding you plan to do. That is probably the hardest part. You might even consider buying something really inexpensive from ebay or the classified ads in you paper just to see what kind of riding you like to do and where. This is useful if you are just starting out from scratch. Then if you love that bike but wish for better, or hate that bike and wish for different, you'll have a bit of knowledge before plunking down big bucks. The LBS might even have a left over used bike for $50-100 just to get you started.
I'm a roadie, but that, and all of the above is merely opinion.

[Hell-uv-a-job]

Trust me it does not matter if you get a hybrid, electric, touring or mountain bike if you keep reading this forum daily you will be converted to a "roady". I just bought a bike a month and a half ago (a hybrid) and I already want a road bike.

[snapdragen]

Kat - don't let your size prevent you from cycling. For inspiration, let me brag on one of our members mary9761. Do a search on posts created by her - she's amazing.

To me it sounds like you would be happy on a hybrid type bike, also called a comfort bike sometimes. I think you are right, you'd outgrow the Townie quickly. Keep looking and test riding, you'll find "your" bike.

[MomOnBike]

My basic rule is that you never regret quality. Buy a little more bike than you can comfortably afford and - if you keep at it - you won't regret it.

That being said, you kind of need to decide what kind of riding you want to do, but it's OK to change your mind.

It's also OK to have more than one bike for more than one purpose. For instance - your beginning comfort bike for commutes, a weightless wonder for centuries, and a big ol' recumbent for cross-country tours could share garage space at your place. (What? Cars in the garage? Never heard of such a thing!)

If you are worried about whether or not a bike can stand up to your weight, just swallow your pride and ask. If your LBS is any good, they'll level with you and steer you in the right direction. (Been there, done that. It didn't kill me, or even hurt over much.) You'll weigh less, and be more fit the next time you wander in. The bike guys will probably even be rooting for you. For sure we will.

[Hell-uv-a-job]

I am a big lady so I went for the hybrid. If you think the hybrid is good for you or what you are looking for, make sure you get the lightest possible (or the one you can afford) and be sure to go to your LBS so you can get it fit. I was afraid of buying a bike (took me 3 yrs) due to a knee condition, afraid of getting it worse. At the LBS they helped me pick the best hybrid for me (Specialized Sirrus '06). It is one of the lightests hybrids but not as light as a road bike. Also, they are not as heavy as a mountain bike and they use road bike size tires making it faster than a MB. ith a hybrid you can commute and even go on longer rides. I hear people talking against hybrids for let say Century rides but with my weight it won't make a difference if it weights 15 or 20 pounds unless of course I loose 50 lbs. I ride mine on weekends for 25 to 30 mile rides with no problem. The only problem is long rides on a flat handle bar give you less hand resting positions than a road bike and that can be a b**. I did added end bars to mine and problem solved.

If I could do it all again, I would probably (even though I love my Sirrus) get an entry level road bike (Specialized Dolce or Tarmac, not entry level but a beauty). I think the reason I did not get a road bike was that I was self conscious about being heavy but since I come here often I found out I was wrong. If you are heavy (lets say >210 lbs) just stay away from carbon fiber frames (something I heard) but trust me, I have seen heavy tall guys (football frame kinda guys) on top-of-the-line carbon fiber road bikes and they don't look like they have a problem really. Also, you can ride any road bike using a tad bigger tires like 700x25 or 700x28 instead of the standard 700x23. And also the wheels should have more than 32 spokes (Girls... please correct me if I am wrong!)

Also, this forum is great!! They helped me a great deal when I asked about bicycling with my knee problems. I would have quit bicycling if it wasn't for all the great ladies here.

At the end the bike you choose should be like finding the right guy, the one that fits you best and love. Happy bike shopping!

PS: No one is too old or too big to ride a bike.

[Quillfred]

Welcome Kat-

I got back into riding about six months ago after many years. I was overwhelmed by all the possible choices. I took my time and rode all different types and prices of bikes (and did a huge amount of internet research on componentry). I was initially concerned about spending money on something I would end up not using due to comfort issues. I am the same height as yourself, 51 and 160 lbs.

I ended up with a road bike (Trek 1500 women's specific design) because it felt like magic when I tried it and I felt it was the best components for the money. My back enjoys being stretched out on the drop handle bars and I like having the option of multiple hand positions.

My main objectives thus far are exercise and enjoyment of riding. I find it works well for me to commute to work. I live in the sloppy wet NW so I recently bought a second bike (off of Craigslist) that is a cross-country so I don't "trash" my road bike. With my irregular work hours, it is the best way for me to get any exercise besides walking the dog. I ride ~ 10 miles each way.

So I echo the good advice of trying many bikes. Make sure you are treated right at the shop too. Customer services varies greatly. The smaller bike shops here tend to offer the best service and are worth the extra dollar.

Enjoy yourself!
Carole

[Aint Doody]

You know, it probably doesn't matter too much what you get because in a year's time you're going to want a better bicycle! I'm speaking from my own experience. I started out with a mountain bike. The next year I got a hybrid. The next year I got a road bike. The next year I got a better road bike! I still have the hybrid for around town & commuting. My road bike is a dream. Oh yeah, I also have a Schwinn I bought in 1973 and painted 57 Chevy green that lives at our business that I use to run to the bank and post office. It's so heavy that I could never get it over even the slightest hill. It has a basket on the front and is adorable. (I digress!)

[CorsairMac]

You know, it probably doesn't matter too much what you get because in a year's time you're going to want a better bicycle! I'm speaking from my own experience. I started out with a mountain bike. The next year I got a hybrid. The next year I got a road bike. The next year I got a better road bike! I still have the hybrid for around town & commuting. My road bike is a dream. Oh yeah, I also have a Schwinn I bought in 1973 and painted 57 Chevy green that lives at our business that I use to run to the bank and post office. It's so heavy that I could never get it over even the slightest hill. It has a basket on the front and is adorable. (I digress!)

OK - I want to see a pix of the Schwinn!! does it have streamers too?? (it should)

[Aint Doody]

OK, Corsair--I'll take a picture of the Schwinn. You'll be disappointed that it doesn't have streamers. Shoot--I was a grown woman when I bought it! It was brown--such a dull color. My ex-husband was a Chevy dealer--that's how I got it that shade of green. It'll take me a few days for the picture because I gotta bring my camera to work........

[bcipam]

What's old? I'm 55....

What's heavy? I'm 5'8" and weigh around 200 give or 10 pounds...

That should not be a criteria for buying a bike - what should be is your resolved and commitment. I personally love to ride a bike. Always have always will. If you have never been athletic and am just trying to find a way to get in shape (and so may posibly lose interest after awhile) then don't spend alot of money on a bike. Check eBay, or bike shops or bike club websites to see if anyone has a used bike for sale.

Where are you riding? Street, bike trails, dirt trails, mountain singletracks? That will help determine what type of bike to purchase. I have always been fo the mind set to get a bike to suit your riding. Hybrid bikes are OK but really don't suit any one style of riding. If you are doing road - think about getting a road bike. Where the weight issue comes into play is materials. Consider a steel v. aluminum, carbon or Ti bike. Steel although alittle (not much) heavier) is a good solid material, has good ride feel and can handle some weight.

Also think about the proper clothing - Terry and Borah both carry nice plus size jerseys and shorts.

Also this is excellent advice: Also, you can ride any road bike using a tad bigger tires like 700x25 or 700x28 instead of the standard 700x23. And also the wheels should have more than 32 spokes (Girls... please correct me if I am wrong!)

I ride on 700 X 25 and use Continental Gatorskins. Not the lightest tires out there but then at 200 pounds, why worry?

Good luck have fun!!!

[Geonz]

Well, you *might* want a new bike six months later... but not everybody goes through that. It was five years before I really had the urge - and only 'cause I could suddenly afford one. I did "upgrade" to thinner tires (from 32 or 35cm, I forget which, to 28), which made me 2 mph faster instantly... but when I was ready for it. And that's 'way cheaper than a new bike ;-) (I ride a lot, btw. The bike fits.)
However, that hybrid was and is a decent, bike shop bike that I shopped for by riding tons of bikes, and talking to the bike shop guys.
I would say get the kind of frame type that feels comfortable - that's going to be what keeps you getting on it :-)
I'd also cruise different bike shops if you can. Look for the ones who listen to *you* and what you want. Here's that first "real bike" with its latest addition, the xtracycle Free Radical:



( http://www.wetmores.net/Xtracycle/Xtracycle.html has more)

Then GET OUT AND RIDE :-) :-) I'll be riding right beside you...

[CR400]

I'd just like to add on thing. If you for some reason end up wanting and getting a road bike the fit will be a little different once you start loosing large amounts of weight. If that is a goal. Note this also depends on where you keep most of your excess size. In my case I have problems in the mid section, still do (I swear that is where those last pesky 20lbs are). When I first got my bike the fit was fine but now that I can get lower and more streched out because all that fat isn't in the way, now it sometimes feel like the reach is to short. I also had to raise the seat quite a bit as I lost weight.

[Brandi]

The first bike I purchased as an adult really sucked, so much I never road. The next bike I bought I was much more sreiouse about it. I got a giant mountain bike. But realized I didn't like the single track 's around here ( I don't like tick's at all and there are a lot around here, I pick them off my husband daily) So I converted my mountain bike into a road bike. I don't get a lot of respect from th road bikers around here cause of it. Now my husband is building me a hybred. It will be great for the road and I can go off road if I want. But I will probably convert back my giant to mountain. You might have to be like me and go through a few. But my suggestion , don't go to cheap you will regret it like I did with my first bike.

[bikerchick68]

just to echo a ton of good advice and input... the first thing to decide is what kind of riding you intend to do! If you plan to ride in the dirt or sand, you'll want a mtn bike... if you plan to strictly ride on pavement, you'll want a commuter or a road bike...

the one thing I tell people is that it's an investment... much like a car... so ride every single bike you can get your hands on before you buy!!! Buy the best FRAME you can afford... the components can always be upgraded when you get more serious! (notice the use of "when" not "if" )

as to desert riding... if you get a road bike you can get tires that are much better in puncture resistance... I ride Continental DuraSkins because I got tired of changing flats... my last set I got 2000 miles out of!!! that's a decent amount of miles for road tires...

fit is very important... try to find some shops near you that have fitters and they will direct you to the size range you will need... it really varies person to person depending on inseam length and upper body length... I'm 5'7" but I ride a 49cm MEN'S bike because I have short legs and a long torso... other women who are 5'7" may ride a 51cm WSD bike! Get whatever fits YOU best! If you end up with a guys bike the shop can WSD the brakes etc for you so your reach won't be an issue...

good luck with it! OH! And your weight has nothing to do with being able to ride! I have seen riders of every size out doing centuries! Mary is a wonderful example and she has shed much weight since taking up this wonderful hobby... my brother also completed his first century at 320lbs... and is now down to 229!

And last but not least.. where are you in SoCal? I'm in San Diego... if you're nearby let me know... would be fun to do a ride sometime!