[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.

[DoctorNelsonOnten]

I'm definitely leaning toward a hybrid. Easier on my back for one. Still shopping though.

[crycleascentyv]

I bought my first bike in summer of 2010, so it had been awhile for me. You never forget, but your balance will improve as you keep riding. I absolutely love my bike, it's one of the best purchases I've made. It still rides like a dream. I wanted to spend as little as possible, but get something good quality. It's not the best on dirt roads, etc., but I think that's because of the thinner tires, which you could change out for others. It's perfect for a city streets and inclines. It's not super light-weight, but I can carry mine down subway stairs without a problem - and I'm a weakling.

Here's a link to an updated model. Isn't it pretty? http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...er/9051/48943/

[grinaJanoDant]

I got a bike in September as a means of commuting all over the city, be it work or meeting with friends, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. San Francisco has 4-hour classes paid for by the state to teach you all of the ins, outs, and laws one should know before using a bike as a central form of transportation, and I found the class to be an invaluable resource. Things like dooring and a driver aggravating a cyclist even by merely honking their horn when the cyclist has the right of way are all misdemeanor offenses. I have a Trek 7.2 Hybrid and because the body is aluminum it's lightweight and rides like a dream. Given the nature of SF's hills, I'm a huge proponent of multi-speed, as it allows you to handle uneven terrain with more confidence. Knock on wood, I've only had one spill so far, and it wasn't so bad. And yeah, it had been years since I'd ridden, and I was a pro after one day (almost). In addition to it being an excellent workout, there's also the good feeling that you're lessening your carbon footprint every time you opt for your bike over your car. I've taken my bike off-roading a few times and was very impressed with how she handled.

Here's a stock photo of my bike:

[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.

[Chito]

Sooo...I am pretty sure I am getting a bike, but I am pretty scared of biking in NYC. I am not really planning on using it for commuting, mostly for fitness and maybe an occasional race. I think I'm going for a Trek 7000, its a hybrid and the guy at the bike store strongly urged me to get a bike with plenty of gears because any ride worth its salt in NYC involves hills.

I'm so excited/scared!

ETA: This is it.

[G778G9P0]

Well it looks nice! I don't know a lot about bikes, but I have a hybrid that I bought from a friend who does know a lot about bikes. He said the bike is good but the shifters were worth as much as the rest of it. They are Shimanos, I don't know which model and they are kind of old now, but they really are wonderful, very smooth. Also, you can downshift up to three gears at a time with your thumb, which is something I use a lot. But then, maybe they're all like that now, I don't know.

[Qncvqpgfg]

Good luck with your cycling adventures Kari!

[ebonytipchik]

Youre gonna have lots of fun, Kari! Congrats!


A local bike company here in Cali is gifting & customizing a bike for me worth 8k...OMGOMG

itll look mostly like this

[G778G9P0]

^ Nice looking bike! What is the frame made of?

[ebonytipchik]

Carbon!! By itself, the frame weighs 5.3 lbs...
yeah
woot

[Grenader]

Sooo...I am pretty sure I am getting a bike, but I am pretty scared of biking in NYC. I am not really planning on using it for commuting, mostly for fitness and maybe an occasional race. I think I'm going for a Trek 7000, its a hybrid and the guy at the bike store strongly urged me to get a bike with plenty of gears because any ride worth its salt in NYC involves hills.

I'm so excited/scared!

ETA: This is it.

i have the older version of this bike. its tops for what your purposes are. enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SigNeewfoew]

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.

[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...