Has anyone taken up Bycyling?

[OH Juli 15]

Hi my people.

I'm back at work, thinking about my work out and jealous as hell of you people who can ride year round. I hate you.

Actually the weather is fine right now, it's just that it gets dark so early, hopping on the bike at 6pm only gives a girl an hour to ride. Maybe Wednesday if it's not raining I can do a bit.

Glad to see we're all here. B and TX, you two are such nice additions.

[TexasFire 84]

Aw, shucks, J! Thanx! I love it here, too...everyone is so laid back and REAL!

Yeah, I can't imagine facing months of no riding outside. Do y'all use trainers inside? Stationary bikes just aren't the same to me...maybe using a trainer would be better? I'm thinking about getting one just because I get the urge to ride at weird times, like when I can't sleep at night.

[OH Juli 15]

I don't have a trainer but I'm thinking about getting one.

I don't really have the space to set it up.

I'll be heading to the gym more and maybe do some cross country skiing. My cycling buddies do that and have offered to hook me up.

J

[areellady 1]

I have a trainer by Cycle Ops....It is a really nice one, but it is NOT the same as being out on the road. I find myself not interested after about 20 minutes. Even before that. It sucks.

[OH Juli 15]

That sounds like a ringing endorsement!

[areellady 1]

HMMM... I am blonde through and through I guess....what is a ringing endorsement?

[babygrl1234 6]

You endorsing the Cycle ops. Makes us all wanna go out and buy one =)

[areellady 1]

Oh, well, it was definitely a negative endorsement then. I am not really that happy with it. I don't think it is the actual trainer, just the fact that it doesn't move with your body, it is weird and hard to get used too!!!!

[TexasFire 84]

Does anyone here use Speedplay pedals/clips? How do you like them?

[Suzzzie. 3]

Hey everyone... I'm thinking about getting a bike in the Spring (I live in the mid-west and we'll have snow soon!)

I haven't ridden a bike since I was about 13 years old... what do you suggest? I'm on a modest budget, so please think cheaply!

(Hi Stef!)

[mbsbike2002 0]

Stef - I want speedplays!! I have SPDs that came with the bike. They make my knees hurt a little by forcing my feet too straight. I have a friend who recommended the speedplays. They're supposed to be easier on the knees since there's more "float". Also a little easier to clip in and out of.

Aww J hates me. I feel special

B

[TexasFire 84]

Hey everyone... I'm thinking about getting a bike in the Spring (I live in the mid-west and we'll have snow soon!)

I haven't ridden a bike since I was about 13 years old... what do you suggest? I'm on a modest budget, so please think cheaply!

(Hi Stef!)

HA! You found me! Dang-it, now I have to move again! LOL

Didn't you figure out that YOU were the one I was talking about? (JUST KIDDING :kiss2:)

[TexasFire 84]

Stef - I want speedplays!! I have SPDs that came with the bike. They make my knees hurt a little by forcing my feet too straight. I have a friend who recommended the speedplays. They're supposed to be easier on the knees since there's more "float". Also a little easier to clip in and out of.

Aww J hates me. I feel special

B

B - Have I got a deal for you! Seriously, Ebay is the way to go! Otherwise, you KNOW how much they cost. I'm watching a brand new set with clips now.

JUST DON'T YOU BID AGAINST ME! LOL

The bike I'm looking at comes with toe cages...those things scare the HELL out of me!

[mbsbike2002 0]

Suzzzie -

Juli, I, and others have written before about what to look for in a bike. The short version, though, is to go to your local bike store, tell them as much as you know about what you are interested in - cost, where you'll likely ride, etc. Ride a few bikes. You may not be able to tell everything about it by riding around the parking lot, but you will know quickly which bikes won't work. Go to as many bike shops as you can - they'll likely carry different brands. Eventually, you'll find the bike that whispers (or screams) "ride me" - that's the one you should buy.

Most major bike brands (trek, cannondale, giant, specialized, etc) will have some bikes that start as low as 250-300.

Please, please, please stay away from the big box stores. Bicycle fit is one of the greatest determinants of whether the big will be fun to ride, or a pain. Also, for bigger folks, fit is crucial to keep from getting hurt - the forces you exert on your ankes, hips, and knees require a good fit to avoid doing lasting damage (or at the very least, short-term pain). There are two pieces of gear you should consider along with the bike. First, a helmet is critical. A $20 helmet will do just as good protecting your head as a $100 - it may not look as nice, but for want of a $20 piece of plastic, do you want to take a chance on suffering permanent brain damage? The second critical piece of gear is proper bike shorts. Won't go into detail about the problems associated with not wearing them, but let's just say you'll walk funny for a while....

Hope this helps.

B

[mbsbike2002 0]

damn, you're fast. No - won't bid against you - i'm on bike toy probation right now...

B