[DoctorNelsonOnten]

Tell me about your good experiences. Tell me about your bad.

I'm thinking about getting a bike, but don't know where to begin.

I'd like to bike to work on nice days, save fuel costs that way and get some exercise in. I'm looking for something street worthy, non-competitive, relatively lightweight but sturdy and a comfortable seat. I'm leaning toward mountain bikes and I can take some nifty short cuts over dirt trails and roads. I understand there's a fitting process involved for some bikes which would be nice given my short legs, oh hell, I'm short all over!

Also, is it true you don't forget how to ride a bike? I haven't ridden in over a decade.

[MightyMasc]

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/

My husband has a Surly Steamroller, it's a single speed (no gears) but they also make geared bikes. He likes his a lot and they are pretty burly bikes.

It may be a good place to start Happy hunting!

[Qncvqpgfg]

I left it well over 10 years before I got back on a bike and had no problems.

I've got a hybrid which is faster on roads than a mountain bike but will still cope with the trails, bridleways and the like.

This is my bike taken when the weather was better:



I didn't get it properly fitted but did make some adjustments after riding it for a little bit.

And probably stating the obvious but be safe be seen!

[Emunsesoxmete]

And get a road id.

[Fekliopas]

A lot of people use their bikes as transportation in Chicago. I bought a new bike about a year ago and a few months later someone stole the seat off of it. Winter came around and I never got it replaced, but once summer rolls around I definitely want a new one. There's nothing like riding along the lakeshore in Chicago in the summer.

[MightyMasc]

I rode my bike again today, for the first time in MONTHS!!! Oh it felt so good even if it did remind me how out of shape I am

[ebonytipchik]

The longer your commute is (6+ or so miles) the less you'll want a mountain bike. A hybrid is better suited for longer commutes. I would recommend a Specialised Sirrus w/ 700 centimeter tires. I've taken my road bike on dirt trails, so it just depends how comfortable riding you are to allow you to do off-road stuff.

I love riding. I ride road, mountain and crossbike. It's like a you-manned roller coaster.

The only insider industry advice I can give you is that 'cushy seats' are a gimmick and once youre used to riding (yes it will hurt your crotchal region for weeks) the pain stops and youre good to go. IMO regular seats are just fine.

[educationonlines]

The only insider industry advice I can give you is that 'cushy seats' are a gimmick and once youre used to riding (yes it will hurt your crotchal region for weeks) the pain stops and youre good to go. IMO regular seats are just fine.

Yup. When I started cycling it was soooo painful and I thought, "Nuh uh, I can't do this. I can't!" After a couple of weeks it went away completely and I've had no problems since then. I don't use a cushy seat, I just use a regular bike seat (both on my mountain bike and on the stationary bike at the gym) and it's comfortable to me.

[DoctorNelsonOnten]

Me and my "pony" after a ride today. What you can't see is the crud and dirt and cut from said ride. It was fun though!
Kinda big so...

[ebonytipchik]

People, please talk to me! My pop wants a stationary bike that he can ride to help improve his balance. He also wants the exercise, of course. Any recommendations for stationary bikes for the (quite) elderly? I am all ears.

These Townie bikes came highly recommended, like- as the best of the best for the age group youre looking for. In combination with a magnet trainer you'd have a stationary bike that you could take off the trainer rig and ride around if the mood struck. Otherwise I would suggest talking to someone at gym equip. stores. They have the ones most people are looking for, imo.



MTC- Nice! You look like you your bike.

[DoctorNelsonOnten]

We're still getting used to each other. I think it's a saddle thing. I don't think my sits bones line up very well with the saddle but I'm not sure how to measure for correctly fitting seat.

[ebonytipchik]

it looks a little small for you, actually. Is it an XS (extra small)? You might want to try an S. Ladies' bikes are odd like that sometimes.

[DoctorNelsonOnten]

The seat is super narrow, no give either. The bike frame itself is small, 26" tires. I tried larger sizes and couldn't stop without crashing. Not the best way to stop for any reason.

[ebonytipchik]

Try going to a pro shop and getting your plumb-bob testing done, where they measure how your hips and knees are lining up, they can make adjustments specifically tailored to you.

[SigNeewfoew]

These Townie bikes came highly recommended, like- as the best of the best for the age group youre looking for. In combination with a magnet trainer you'd have a stationary bike that you could take off the trainer rig and ride around if the mood struck. Otherwise I would suggest talking to someone at gym equip. stores. They have the ones most people are looking for, imo.

Thanks for replying.

I am very worried about him taking the bike off the trainer rig and riding the thing outside. I will do some shopping around and see what I can find in the way of stationary bikes.

[Chito]

Okay, so I was all set and ready to get me a bike, and then I read that someone got doored in my neighborhood and his handlebars TORE THROUGH HIS JUGULAR VEIN AND HE BLED TO DEATH ON THE STREET OH MY GOD.

Now I'm too scared.

[G778G9P0]

Yeah, somebody got fatally doored a couple of years ago here too. It's a real problem riding around but some streets are safer than others. I found a bike route map for our town, is there something like that available for your area?

[ebonytipchik]

Hi from Cali, bike friends! These trails are only accessible with a special use land pass...

And thats a VERY deep ravine off to the left of the narrow trail...

[SigNeewfoew]

Thanks for replying.

I am very worried about him taking the bike off the trainer rig and riding the thing outside. I will do some shopping around and see what I can find in the way of stationary bikes.

Holy crap. My father just barked at me that he does NOT want a stationary bike. He already has a regular bicycle that he hasn't ridden in years, so all I have to do is get the magnet trainer.

[G778G9P0]

Well, WHY DIDN'T YOU KNOW THAT! But now you know what to look for anyway.