Has anyone taken up Bycyling?

[MacMadame 81]

Is this something you just have to get used to or should I get a bigger seat??

No, you get a smaller butt!

Seriously, as you lose weight, it's not that big of an issue. I had some problems in the beginning but the smaller I get, the less my seat hurts.

[babygrl1234 6]

You can also get fitted for a different bike seat at the bike shop. It all depends on where your bones rest and such. There might be some discomfort at first but then your bootie gets used to it.

[Suzzzie. 3]

New Year, New You: Cycling Weight-Loss Stories Slide 1 : Bicycling Magazine.com

Found that and thought of all ya'll skinny bycylers!

[Emep 0]

Charlietuna,

Great to hear you're getting into cycling. There are a number of top brand bikes and Trek would be included with them. However the there are a couple of things you should consider before you purchase such as what type of cycling you will be doing ie off-road, commuting, recreation, trecking etc. Once you determine that then the fit of the bike is the most important consideration which is why you don't want to limit to one brand. You should look for a reputable bike shop in your area and seek their assistance in choosing the right bike for your needs. You pay a little more but the advice you should get is priceless and the right bike will add to your enjoyment of the sport.

A decent hybrid bike (commuting and recreation) should be less than $500.00. However if money is an issue, you can check garage sales and armed with a little knowledge you can find some great deal. For instance I paid $50.00 for a bike that retailed for about $400.00. I've used it for years and lost over 70 lbs with it. I'm know somewhat of a fanatic and I own 3 bikes for different uses. Cycling was a key motivation for my weight loss. Hopfully it can be for yours too.

[OH Juli 15]

I'll second that about not sticking to one brand and figuring out what kind of riding you might do.

The one thing most people do is under buy their first bike. Meaning they put real money into it, but not enough. Like I want a road bike, I'll buy the cheapest one I can get. That doesn't work out well in the long run.

If you are just thinking about starting to ride, do some research and look at buying used. If you LOVE it, and you probably will, save your pennies and buy a new bike, a model or two up from them lowest entry level bike.

And as for your butt on the seat, it doesn't matter how big or little your butt is, it always hurts the first couple of rides. If you ride 2 or 3 times a week and you're still hurting on the third week you need a new seat. Otherwise you'll probably get used to it.

[MacMadame 81]

So did I under-buy? I got the Specialized Dolce Elite and it seemed pretty expensive to me. :w00t: But I know there way more expensive bikes out there.

[OH Juli 15]

So you already want a different bike Mac?

If not, no you didn't, if so, yes you did.

[MacMadame 81]

No, I'm just wondering if I made a good decision. I felt like it was *too much* bike for me at first. But I already don't feel that way.

I'm no where near where getting a better bike will improve my times though.

[babygrl1234 6]

Mac I think you made a good choice.

Big Sexy ended up costing me around $750 on sale. Was it the cheapest one there? Yes. Would I have rather had a more expensive one? Yes. But regardless this bike is going to last me for awhile. Money wise there is no way I have the $2100 it is going to cost me to get the Madone I have been drooling over. I will not even get close to saving that much money. And until I am out of debt and hubby and have at least 6 months of living expenses stowed away I would never even consider spending that much on a bike.

But that being said, if you can afford it and you know that biking is your thing then absolutely spend the extra money. You won't be sorry. There is a huge difference between how my bike rides and the one I really love rides.

[OH Juli 15]

I'll piggy back what Babygirl said-

I bought the cheapest Giant bike out there. It was $650 two years ago.

I didn't buy a Fuji though I could have but it was too cheaply made. Last year I upgraded some components. This year I'm riding her as is. Maybe next year I'll buy a new bike and when I do I'll drop closer to $1000.

However, the underbuying also meant people will underestimate how much time they will spend riding. The logic follows that they can ride any old bike for an hour and go to the box store to buy the $200 hybrid. They just underbought a bike.

That how people end up with a small collection of bikes until they get to the one they love.

[babygrl1234 6]

Well we do own about 4 mountain bikes. And darn it not one of them fits me right. =)

[babygrl1234 6]

This is on closeout at my LBS. For only $2085

Trek Bikes | Bikes | Road | Madone 5.1 WSD

I want to lick it.

[Emep 0]

Sweet bike! Full carbon frame great components. Wow you don't do anything half way. If your experience is anything like mine, a good fitting, quality bike will greatly enhance your riding experience and get you out more often. Congratulations! Now you need to get a tool kit and learn to repair punctures on the road. This is an unfortunate reality with road bikes. Be prepared and avoid frustration.

[babygrl1234 6]

Emep, I wish I could get that bike lol. I am just going to have to stick with my Trek 1000 for now.

[OH Juli 15]

Stacy,

So what's the TOSRV status?