When did riding a bicycle become so complicated??

OK - you know that after reading all the posts about the exercising and activities of some of you guys, I decided to jump in and get more active. So, in that light, I re-joined the gym and then went and purchased a bicycle. It's called a "street comfort"  model made by Diamondback. I can attest to one thing - riding a bike was a heck of a lot easier when I was 10 than it is now!! Not to mention not nearly as complicated considering the maximun gears was 3. Now it's a 21-speed Schimano derailleur twist grip with 3 front gears and 7 rear gears to make riding "easier". Say what??? Hell, I ain't figured out what gear to use to get out of the driveway yet!!!  BwaHahahahahaha!! 

Depending on the terrain where you live, you should be able to find a 1,3, or 5 speed bike at a garage or yard sale. 

If you bought it somewhere that accepts returns you should take a look at the Raleigh Venture 4.0. I did alot of research and am very happy with my choice. This is a GREAT comfort bike and very user friendly.  It has alot of comfort and safety features that are beneficial for us bigger guys like double walled wheels, front suspension, seat suspension, etc. I agree that the twist grip for shifting sucks, with this model you just tap a button like an f1 paddle shifter..lol Info: http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/comfort/venture-40/

Cool bike, Bama! Diamondback don't make no bad bikes and Shimano is pretty much the defacto standard for components. I checked it out on the net and it looks like you've got yourself an excellent all-around bike for street as well as a few trails here and there. Nicely done. A bike is much like a car when it comes to the almighty options. A lot of geeez, that's cool stuff.  Now, you and the little lady enjoy your new rides and get a friggin' helmet!

Boner

   

Thanks Boner!  Reading posts by you, Chad, Dave, blob, Russ and some others got me to thinking about how to get back into exercising.  Then my good buddy Bob L. in Tennessee goes out and gets him a bicycle, which inspired (or was it shamed) me to make the plunge and get one too.  It ain't no $2,000 carbondale or anything like that, but I don't need that since I don't plan to compete or make a living on it. It is supposed to be much better than a Huffy or the likes, and should do all I need as well as hold up nicley provided I take care of it properly. I'm just wanting to have another means to get some extra exercse, not only for me but for my Babydoll too. In that light, the Diamondbacks should do nicely.  

Well, I could just stick to riding my Yamaha Venture touring motorcycle. It's a heck of a lot more comfy and much easier since all I gotta do is twist the throttle and she'll take me anywhere with ease.   Oh, wait a sec, it was exercise I was wanting when I bought the bicycle!! Nevermind . . . My bad!!  BwaHahahahaha!!! 

Three years ago, I bought a Trek Calypso.  Pure comfort bike and only 7 gears.  This year I am finally riding it!  It sucks on gravel, but everywhere else it is alright.  I hope to upgrade someday, but for know it is perfect!  Just yesterday I went for a six mile ride on it!  I would be riding right now if it wasn't raining.  Bama, keep kicking butt!

Hell I made it out the driveway! But could you send me the manual, I'm down by the mail box and can't get back up the driveway???

BwaHahahahahaha!!!  Too funny!!    Wait a second . . . that could be me

I'd put it away for now.  Come September (60-75 pounds from now), bring it out and enjoy it.