Any Cyclists?

[biggieou]

Anyone here ride a bike on a daily basis or a few times a week? I am gonna go buy one today. With the cost of fuel and the need to excercise :{ I figured I would rather ride a bike than do any running. Anyone ride their bike to commute to work?

 

[nps]

Work is too far away, but just started riding last month. Picked up 2 Schwinn S40s for the wife and I to tool around the neighborhood on, and to also strap to the back of the 5er for riding around the campground.



Got them at Target - monoshock in the rear, sprung forks up front, front disc brake, and 21 speeds controlled by a ratchet shifter (no guessing where to move the shifter handle for the next gear).

 

[klenger]

I've done a lot of cycling in the past, and rode over 2000 miles last year. I used to ride to work when I lived in Denver and worked at Stapleton Air Port. Commute was about 9 miles each way. I'm probably too old for that on a daily basis, but I still ride daily in the summer and weekends year-round for exercize. Good luck. I'd recommend shopping at a good bike shop rather than from a department store. Look to spend $300 and up to get some decent quality.

 

[Rman]

I bought a full durace setup (K2 Mod 5) off ebay for just under a grand last year. It's been a fabulous road bike. A full ultegra setup will run about 1075 new... so The bike was one heck of a deal. I ride probably around 75 miles a week, now that the weather is nicer I'll try to increase that.



I don't mountain bike much anymore, but it sure was fun. I've found road riding to be much better than I thought it would be, it prepares your legs for mountain biking if that's what your looking to do.



Good luck, ask questions I'm sure there's a few more bikers on here.

 

[GFritsch]

Used to ride both Mountain and road bikes competitively as well as managed a bike store. Like Klenger said, go to a reputable shop. The brand isn't as important as the fit, and a quality assembly backed by quality service. If you are going to ride it regularly (commute) I would look at $500 as a starting point. Less expensive bikes will require more maintenance. Keep in mind also to set aside some money for equipment.



1. A good helmet--saved my head more than once.

2. Gloves-- a must have. If you do crash they will help save your hands.

3. A pump and tube repair kit. A good shop will help you learn how to repair a flat tire. This can be done in 10 minutes, much better than walking, or calling for help.





If you are just starting to ride don't push yourself too hard and get discouraged. Maybe commute 2 times a week at first and build up depending on how far the ride is. Have fun! Riding to work will make you feel great all day (especially riding past the fuel station :-laf )



Good luck,

Greg

 

[NPloysa]

My girlfriend's sister and her husband are both avid cyclists. She let Mack and I borrow two of her road bikes. Mack is training to ride a 50K with her in July. The second bike is for me to train with her and get some exercise. One is a Lemond 21 speed and the other is a Trek 1000 24 speed.



I have all the gear except for a jersey. Its fun!



Nick

 

[bighammer]

I'm slowly working back into it. I used to ride all the time, but wife, son, building 2 houses, and a number of injuries cut into it. I bought a new road bike a couple years ago, finally replacing the Bob Jackson I built in high school. (can't get rid of that )

Just last week I was on a trail andmy old mountain bike got pretty busted up. I stood up and the chain broke and pulled the deraileur into the crankset, nearly ripping it off. I went to price some parts, but demo'ed a few bikes and REALLY liked the ride of the Stumpjumper Expert. (got a Rockhopper for my son too) Now I'm out on my new bike every evening, running my dogs through the neighbors' cherry orchards, vineyards, woods, etc. What a BLAST!!Oo.

My son is excited about trail riding, so I think we're both going to get out more.

 

[TboneMan]

As others have said, go to a bike shop not the big box stores. You won't regret it, especially if you get "hooked" and start thinking about doing some distance riding (50 - 100 miles or more). Talk to people in your local cycling club.



I would also invite you to join the "dark side", as DF (Diamond Frame) riders refer to us.



Look into a RECUMBENT bicycle (or trike). At least try one.



You ride in a reclined seat with your legs in front of you.



Pros:

No hand pain! No butt pain! No Neck Pain!

Enjoy the scenery because your head it facing up and forward all of the time.

Fast down hills and flat riding (more aerodynamic)

Many "cool bike Dude" comments



Cons:

Good "bents" are more expensive than comparable DFs

Hill climbing is a bit slower (spin vs. stand)

It takes a bit to get used to the difference is balance points

You will need a little time to develop your "bent" muscles

I don't think I'd go off-road.

Some say you are less visible to drivers (I say that depends on the bike and your equipment, helmet and clothes color)



By the way, did I mention you get no hand pain, butt pain or neck pain?



Check out the variety here:

Recumbent Bikes | Recumbent Bicycles | Recumbent Trikes | Tandem Recumbents | Crank Forward Bikes | Hobie Kayaks - The Bicycle Man has over 50 Recumbents In Stock to choose from the largest selection in New York State.

 

[daytripper63]

The brand isn't as important as the fit, and a quality assembly backed by quality service.

1. A good helmet--saved my head more than once.

2. Gloves-- a must have. If you do crash they will help save your hands.

3. A pump and tube repair kit. A good shop will help you learn how to repair a flat tire. This can be done in 10 minutes, much better than walking, or calling for help.



Good luck,

Greg

The fit on a bike, I believe is one of the most important things. It will be the deciding factor on how comfortable your rides will be, and you definetely want the bike shop to fit you to the bike .



If you want an awsome workout in your rides and never a dull moment pick up on of these: Unicycle.com :: Product Information :: Kris Holm 24-inch Mountain 2007<b>(out of stock until August 15)</b>

And come riding with us

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I also ride a 36" wheeled one and recently rode 72 miles around lake tahoe

 

[bighammer]

I need to master 2 wheels first. Can't imagine doing trails on one wheel.

 

[klenger]

I crashed riding my road bike on Wednesday around my neighborhood when I hit some sand left by the rain. I am seriously briused frm shoulder to knee on my right side and broken right elbow. I was in the hospital for two days and now have another plate and 7 screws in my body.



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