Advice on a Bike
Hello All,
This may be my first time posting in this forum, but I'm always reading the posts. Since before my surgery one of my goals was to get back on a bike and do the MS-150 with a group of co-workers. Before my surgery (November) I didn't know if I could actually do it this spring, but I feel that I can do it with some good training. There are a lot of people at my work that train and I know I can join them. So first thing is first - I need a bike. I plan on going to Erik's Bike Shop - a local bike shop and scoop up all of their knowledge and then shop run at maybe less expensive places. I've looked on their website and OMG there is so many bikes to choose from. So I'm looking for some advice. I have gotten suggestions from co-workers (want skinny tires, light weight) but one of my concerns is that I'm not a light weight. I am losing still and have lost a good amount of weight, but I'm concerned that I still might be too big for a bike.
If anyone has any advice on purchasing a bike...please, post. I don't plan on doing an off-road biking. Either path or streets.
Thank you,
Heidi
This may be my first time posting in this forum, but I'm always reading the posts. Since before my surgery one of my goals was to get back on a bike and do the MS-150 with a group of co-workers. Before my surgery (November) I didn't know if I could actually do it this spring, but I feel that I can do it with some good training. There are a lot of people at my work that train and I know I can join them. So first thing is first - I need a bike. I plan on going to Erik's Bike Shop - a local bike shop and scoop up all of their knowledge and then shop run at maybe less expensive places. I've looked on their website and OMG there is so many bikes to choose from. So I'm looking for some advice. I have gotten suggestions from co-workers (want skinny tires, light weight) but one of my concerns is that I'm not a light weight. I am losing still and have lost a good amount of weight, but I'm concerned that I still might be too big for a bike.
If anyone has any advice on purchasing a bike...please, post. I don't plan on doing an off-road biking. Either path or streets.
Thank you,
Heidi
At the end of the day it really comes down to the motor (you), not the bike.
First, what kind of riding do you plan to do? There are different geometry for different kinds of riding. Some bikes have you more upright for long distances rides, then there are the "race" geometry that will have you bent over for a more aero position.
Then there is material. Your cheapest option will be an all aluminum bike. This will be a decent ride, very sturdy bike. The next option is aluminum with a carbon fork. The carbon will take some of the road vibration out of the ride. Then the most expensive and lightest option is the full carbon.
What ever you choose, ride them all first. Find one that fits you. Also be sure and pay for a professional fit. This is really more important than the materail you choose. Don't go to just one bike shop, shop around, look online ect.
PM me if you have any question I can help with.
ROY
First, what kind of riding do you plan to do? There are different geometry for different kinds of riding. Some bikes have you more upright for long distances rides, then there are the "race" geometry that will have you bent over for a more aero position.
Then there is material. Your cheapest option will be an all aluminum bike. This will be a decent ride, very sturdy bike. The next option is aluminum with a carbon fork. The carbon will take some of the road vibration out of the ride. Then the most expensive and lightest option is the full carbon.
What ever you choose, ride them all first. Find one that fits you. Also be sure and pay for a professional fit. This is really more important than the materail you choose. Don't go to just one bike shop, shop around, look online ect.
PM me if you have any question I can help with.
ROY
to add to roy's good comments. i bought an entry level road bike (specialized) that is aluminum frame with carbon fork/seat post. it's not the cheapest thing in the world, but it is way cheaper than a full carbon frame, and in my opinion, unless you are a very serious rider, full carbon won't really benefit you that much (certainly won't give you bang for your buck). i bought the bike when i was 260, i'm 240 now and haven't had any issues with me being to big for the bike. like roy said, a professional fit is a must, most bike shops will do it as a courtesy with a purchase.
Where are we going?? And why am I in this handbasket??
right now. somewhere. somebody is working harder than you.
right now. somewhere. somebody is working harder than you.
Hello Heidi,
I'm in a similar boat, I hadn't been on a bike since I was a kid and somehow my housemate got me to sign up for the AIDS LifeCycle this June (it's 545 miles in 7days) and I've been riding since September.
I've been really amazed at how easy it is to progress quickly with cycling. I think because it's holding your weight (and excess skin) up, it allows your muscles to really shine!
As for the bike, yes they are pricey but so worth it. I too have an aluminum with carbon fork (Trek 1.5) and a triple crankset (that's the gears attached to the pedal) make sure you get a triple if your going to be doing hills cuz it makes life sooo much easier.
In Sept I was lucky if I got to 10miles in a week....now I'm up to almost 200miles a week! It's wonderful being out there. I hope you fall in love with it like I have!
Good Luck!!!
:Danni
I'm in a similar boat, I hadn't been on a bike since I was a kid and somehow my housemate got me to sign up for the AIDS LifeCycle this June (it's 545 miles in 7days) and I've been riding since September.
I've been really amazed at how easy it is to progress quickly with cycling. I think because it's holding your weight (and excess skin) up, it allows your muscles to really shine!
As for the bike, yes they are pricey but so worth it. I too have an aluminum with carbon fork (Trek 1.5) and a triple crankset (that's the gears attached to the pedal) make sure you get a triple if your going to be doing hills cuz it makes life sooo much easier.
In Sept I was lucky if I got to 10miles in a week....now I'm up to almost 200miles a week! It's wonderful being out there. I hope you fall in love with it like I have!
Good Luck!!!
:Danni
:Danni >>>AIDS/LifeCycle 10 & 11 Finisher: 545miles on the bike in 7 days <<<
HW390/SW340/CW 208/GW170
You have gotten some good advice so far, but I do want to caution you on going cheap...
I did that with my first bike and now I'm regretting it. I have had it in for maintenance a bunch because the parts are cheap. I have had to replace things before their time. That money would have been better spent on a nicer bike in the beginning.
Additional expenses that you may or may not have thought of. Cycling shoes, pedals and cleats. Most of the "better" bikes are not going to come with pedals, as there is a big selection of styles out there. Helmet, sunglasses or prescription glasses to protect your eyes, probably something more than regular reading glasses, you will want something that protects the side or has some wrap around. Cycling clothes, some good pants with the Chamoise (sp?) built in will make a world of difference in comfort. Bottle cages and bottles, seat pack and spare tube and tools for changing a flat, lights front and back if you ride at night. Cycling gloves to keep hands warm and protect them in case of a fall, they will also probably have some additional padding in the palms to help cushion your ride. Cycling jersyey with convenient pockets in the back for easy access to things like gels or snacks.
Now of course some of that list is optional but they make the longer rides more comfortable.
You could go with standard flat pedals, no clips or shoes, but when I switched to real cycling shoes, pedals, and cleats, I got an extra 2 mph without any extra effort. Thats a big deal when you are riding 150 miles. Mandatory things on my list (helmet, eye protection, possibly gloves)
All the rest is situational, you won't need lights if you aren't riding at night, however I still use the flashing red light on the back of the bike even during the day.
OK, that being said you need to decide what kind of rider you are going to be. The geometry of the bike will be crucial to your comfort. If you get a bike that is more upright, it will be easier on your back and comfort level for long rides, but you will pay for it in speed. Yes you are the motor that powers the bike, but that motor is going to be on any bike you ride, the biggest slow down you are going to experience is wind drag.
I suggest you ride the bikes, and ride them on a bumpy road. Many bike stores have a rental policy, you can rent one of their bikes for a day and they will apply that rental fee to the purchase of a new bike if you so decide. You should look into that. You want to take the bike out for more than just a cruise around the block, you want to hit some smoothe roads, some bumpy roads and some hills to see how it feels to you.
There are some places that can do a custom fitting before you buy the bike. We have a local bike specialist that has an adjustable frame machine, he can put you on it take measurements, adjust thing get you into your best most comfortable position and then look at the geometry and tell you which bikes most closely match your setup.
Anyhow cycling is a great activity, It is my favorite. Running is probably the best for me as far as maintenance and staying physically fit, but cycling is my favorite.
Anyhow good luck with the bike shopping and have a great time on your ride.
Scott
I did that with my first bike and now I'm regretting it. I have had it in for maintenance a bunch because the parts are cheap. I have had to replace things before their time. That money would have been better spent on a nicer bike in the beginning.
Additional expenses that you may or may not have thought of. Cycling shoes, pedals and cleats. Most of the "better" bikes are not going to come with pedals, as there is a big selection of styles out there. Helmet, sunglasses or prescription glasses to protect your eyes, probably something more than regular reading glasses, you will want something that protects the side or has some wrap around. Cycling clothes, some good pants with the Chamoise (sp?) built in will make a world of difference in comfort. Bottle cages and bottles, seat pack and spare tube and tools for changing a flat, lights front and back if you ride at night. Cycling gloves to keep hands warm and protect them in case of a fall, they will also probably have some additional padding in the palms to help cushion your ride. Cycling jersyey with convenient pockets in the back for easy access to things like gels or snacks.
Now of course some of that list is optional but they make the longer rides more comfortable.
You could go with standard flat pedals, no clips or shoes, but when I switched to real cycling shoes, pedals, and cleats, I got an extra 2 mph without any extra effort. Thats a big deal when you are riding 150 miles. Mandatory things on my list (helmet, eye protection, possibly gloves)
All the rest is situational, you won't need lights if you aren't riding at night, however I still use the flashing red light on the back of the bike even during the day.
OK, that being said you need to decide what kind of rider you are going to be. The geometry of the bike will be crucial to your comfort. If you get a bike that is more upright, it will be easier on your back and comfort level for long rides, but you will pay for it in speed. Yes you are the motor that powers the bike, but that motor is going to be on any bike you ride, the biggest slow down you are going to experience is wind drag.
I suggest you ride the bikes, and ride them on a bumpy road. Many bike stores have a rental policy, you can rent one of their bikes for a day and they will apply that rental fee to the purchase of a new bike if you so decide. You should look into that. You want to take the bike out for more than just a cruise around the block, you want to hit some smoothe roads, some bumpy roads and some hills to see how it feels to you.
There are some places that can do a custom fitting before you buy the bike. We have a local bike specialist that has an adjustable frame machine, he can put you on it take measurements, adjust thing get you into your best most comfortable position and then look at the geometry and tell you which bikes most closely match your setup.
Anyhow cycling is a great activity, It is my favorite. Running is probably the best for me as far as maintenance and staying physically fit, but cycling is my favorite.
Anyhow good luck with the bike shopping and have a great time on your ride.
Scott
The first time you do something - It's going to be a personal record!
I almost forgot, my roommate sent me this website with training plans for the MS rides to help me with training on my ride...home.trainingpeaks.com/events/cycling/ms-society.aspx
Oh and you absolutely need the things that Seht says, padded shorts, cycling jersey, sunglasses, helmet (of course), gloves, blinky lights, an attached bag (for your spare tire, repair kit, snacks, keys etc), and either a camelback or two water bottle cages... and yes, clip-in pedals/ If you're going to be doing any riding for more than a few hours these are essentials.
Check out www.nashbar.com/bikes/TopCategories_10053_10052_-1 for good and cheap items!
It may seem overwhelming at first, but once you've been out riding for 8+ hours and enjoying life...you'll appreciate every last little purchase!
Oh and you absolutely need the things that Seht says, padded shorts, cycling jersey, sunglasses, helmet (of course), gloves, blinky lights, an attached bag (for your spare tire, repair kit, snacks, keys etc), and either a camelback or two water bottle cages... and yes, clip-in pedals/ If you're going to be doing any riding for more than a few hours these are essentials.
Check out www.nashbar.com/bikes/TopCategories_10053_10052_-1 for good and cheap items!
It may seem overwhelming at first, but once you've been out riding for 8+ hours and enjoying life...you'll appreciate every last little purchase!
:Danni >>>AIDS/LifeCycle 10 & 11 Finisher: 545miles on the bike in 7 days <<<
HW390/SW340/CW 208/GW170
You are guys gave some amazing advice, thank you so very much!
I talked to the captain of our team that will bike and he has offered to meet me up the bike shop to help me. Just like you guys said, he mentioned about if I want to have a casual bike (sitting more up) or the other kind (bending over) which will give more speed. I think for me, casual will be better, I'm not so concerned about finishing it fast - just to finish. :) I am also going to get fitted for a bike as he said too that it's very important. I want to test ride as many as I can, but yeah I'm in Minnesota and it's very snowy out. Which kind of sticks, because I wanted to go out the bikes now since they have some last year models on sale, but there is no place to ride them.
I never even thought of all of the extras..wow. Well, I was told about padded shorts, and I already knew about the helmet, Never thought of gloves, but yeah I think that would be important.
I am going to copy and paste all of this information so I can review it at any time. After doing some talking and reading here, I won't be going cheap - well to maybe to some. I am just hoping to keep it under $500. I am so excited, I can't wait to get on a bike - I want this to be MY thing!
Thanks again for all of your advice, I truly appreciate it.
Heidi
I talked to the captain of our team that will bike and he has offered to meet me up the bike shop to help me. Just like you guys said, he mentioned about if I want to have a casual bike (sitting more up) or the other kind (bending over) which will give more speed. I think for me, casual will be better, I'm not so concerned about finishing it fast - just to finish. :) I am also going to get fitted for a bike as he said too that it's very important. I want to test ride as many as I can, but yeah I'm in Minnesota and it's very snowy out. Which kind of sticks, because I wanted to go out the bikes now since they have some last year models on sale, but there is no place to ride them.
I never even thought of all of the extras..wow. Well, I was told about padded shorts, and I already knew about the helmet, Never thought of gloves, but yeah I think that would be important.
I am going to copy and paste all of this information so I can review it at any time. After doing some talking and reading here, I won't be going cheap - well to maybe to some. I am just hoping to keep it under $500. I am so excited, I can't wait to get on a bike - I want this to be MY thing!
Thanks again for all of your advice, I truly appreciate it.
Heidi
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