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#174652 - 02/14/09 11:34 PM Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike." [Re: orchid]
yonuh Offline
Member

Registered: 06/14/06
Posts: 2447
Loc: Arizona
I didn't even ride a bike until I was almost 50, so my balance isn't what it should be. I can ride fine on the flat, but hills scare me. My partner took me out to one of the National Parks here one weekend - the first hill was almost vertical and downhill. I walked my bike down it - no way was I going to ride that. I'd been riding for about a month at that point. So gentle rolls I can handle, but anything more than that and I get off and walk! I admire anyone who can ride long distances, but I guess not learning as a kid has put me at a distinct disadvantage. Maybe I should try a 3-wheeler??!!:)
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#174659 - 02/15/09 12:34 AM Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike." [Re: yonuh]
dancer9 Offline


Registered: 04/16/07
Posts: 2411
Loc: Arizona
Orchid, thank you for your reply.
What is a "hybrid," bike? I'm not afraid of gears and did ride a bike with gears when I was much younger, I'm sure they have changed by this time.

There are bike shops here, (tons by the way, there are SO many bikers in AZ,) that sell reconditioned bikes and new bikes. I can go in and try some of them and remember all those fitting facts you gave me. Perhaps I will write them down. I DON'T want arms strain so can you tell me how to avoid that? You said the handle bars need to be the length of my shoulders? I have wide shoulders.

Should my foot be FLAT on the ground when standing on the bike?

Sine this is the desert, the tires need to be a bit more tough than some I see the really experienced bikers who go out on rides in clubs for the weekend. Do the bikes you are describing have such tires? I just don't know what a hybrid is...

Thank you,

Dancer
_________________________
http://www.annalisanews.com/

"Question your privilege"

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#174660 - 02/15/09 12:36 AM Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike." [Re: yonuh]
humlan Offline


Registered: 04/15/07
Posts: 1341
Loc: Sweden
Orchid..very interested in your answer here..

I learned how to a ride a bike as a kid..but a car drove into me and my bike..with my daughter sitting on the back of it..the car was going quite slow..but it was a SHOCK!!!! I didn´t get on my bike for a while after this as the man had driven into my leg and I got an extra difficult period at the time. My daughter..thank God was ok..I mean really ok.

But now I would like to ride again..so maybe I am like yonuh?
How do you get on a bike again? I better mention that I am 61.
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#174667 - 02/15/09 02:22 AM Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike." [Re: humlan]
orchid Offline


Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
http://bicycling.about.com/b/2008/05/30/whats-a-hybrid-bike-and-why-would-i-want-one.htm A hybrid bike combines best of both worlds –sturdiness and comfort of a mountain bike, but with more lightness (in weight) and speed (more than mountain bike). Tires are not as knobby nor as fat as mountain bike. But hybrid bike tires aren’t as skinny as racing bikes, hence you don’t feel paranoid going over railway tracks or streetcar tracks.

Try lifting the bike..to test the lightness of the bike also.

http://www.venusbikes.com/comms/srv.a4d?f_pg=sizecharts_bikes.htm This illustrates proper positioning on bike. Please look at the slight bend of the knee in the illustration. When you are seated on bike, only the toes of your foot should touch ground, not flat foot. That means the bike/saddle is too low. It might feel safer to start off with seat lower, but your knees will feel “tight” and over a longer distance your knees will get killed.

When I become more familiar with a new bike that fits me and become a stronger rider, I actually raise my seat a tiny bit, so that my legs have more overall room to turn the pedals..but still with my legs slightly bent when riding comfortably.

In the above illustration, a bike too long, means the distance between saddle and handlebar is too long and a woman’s body is overstretched.

It would also help that you have handlebar set that can be adjusted at different angles. It’s ok to have shoulder width, dancer. I doubt your shoulders are as wide as a football player.

Any experienced cyclist cannot stress enough the value of a properly fitted bike..otherwise people won’t ride the bike again. Your body will thank you for it and you will want to bike more often / further when you have bike where your body is relaxed and having fun.

Of course, going up hills is a challenge. Always try on quiet route with hills. This is where gears are helpful.

I’m not promoting any brand. REI is a sporting goods and clothing U.S. chain that has stuff for all sports for everyone. I ‘ve given illustrations of hybrid bikes below.
http://www.rei.com/product/760846
http://www.marinbikes.com/2009/ca/bikes/bikes_series_city.php


There are also folding bikes…for taking into car or onto bus/train easier. An option for yonuh or humlan...one day.
http://www.en.r-m.de/products/productfinder/faltgenie/birdy/ My partner has one. (He has 3 bikes: also a hybrid, he also has touring bike which has dropped down curved handlebars.) I’m almost tempted. Look at how convenient this is, abit pricey but you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mSWrI3ID...laynext_from=PL


I actually have 3 bikes. (My first bike at 31 after not biking for many years, costed me $350.00CAN. Probably put on over 30,000 kms. over 9 yrs. on bike –all over town, bike trips and to work. I gave that to a sister which…I borrow whenever I visit my family every few years. :D) Right now, I have a beat up, used hand mountain bike..which was bought when I visited my partner when he lived and worked in Calgary for 2 yrs. I would leave the bike there at his place. It’s too small for me but I wanted something cheap and doesn’t have enough gears for me to deal with hills. (only 12 speed) But I keep it for guests. 2nd bike is hybrid and I used for about 5 years but always found it abit too big and whole gearing ratios abit sluggish. My 3rd bike is a hybrid, is my lightest bike (aluminum frame), has medium width tires and not knobby and fits me best. I ride best on it. I paid $700.00CAN. That was nearly 3 yrs. ago. The first day I got onto that bike after buying it, I went nuts. I rode 90 kms. that day.

Remember we don’t own any car. So bike buying to us, is still a whole lot cheaper than frequent car travel. Besides, we don't pay any fitness club fees. Fun and fitness just integrates naturally when going grocery shopping, chores etc. ...By the way, ask if the bike style will allow one to install a bike rack at the back (a bike store can tell you)....IF you should ever get motivated to do light errands with bike bag on the bike rack. You won't want to wear a knapsack on back. Too hot/heavy.

Would I ride a beach cruiser? ...well in all honesty only for a few kms. and on totally flat land. If you think about it, a bike with no gears is for a strong competent/fit bike rider. The bike rider has no gears to help them go up and down hills. There are is a fun cult of bike owners/riders who have fixies...bikes that have no gears...and no hand brakes, you just use your foot. Really for adults, that takes serious overall fitness. Children of course, don't know any better. smile

Do yourself a favour, take time to try and shop around for a bike that fits with gearing. It can take months....meanwhile you can save up some money for the bike you want.

And buy a U lock for bike. Otherwise you frequently worry about it ..

_________________________
http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/ (How cycling leads to other types of adventures, thoughts)
http://velourbansism.wordpress.com


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#174669 - 02/15/09 02:37 AM Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike." [Re: orchid]
orchid Offline


Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
Originally Posted By: orchid
http://bicycling.about.com/b/2008/05/30/whats-a-hybrid-bike-and-why-would-i-want-one.htm A hybrid bike combines best of both worlds –sturdiness and comfort of a mountain bike, but with more lightness (in weight) and speed (more than mountain bike). Tires are not as knobby nor as fat as mountain bike. But hybrid bike tires aren’t as skinny as racing bikes, hence you don’t feel paranoid going over railway tracks or streetcar tracks.

Try lifting the bike..to test the lightness of the bike also.

http://www.venusbikes.com/comms/srv.a4d?f_pg=sizecharts_bikes.htm This illustrates proper positioning on bike. Please look at the slight bend of the knee in the illustration. When you are seated on bike, only the toes of your foot should touch ground, not flat foot. That means the bike/saddle is too low. It might feel safer to start off with seat lower, but your knees will feel “tight” and over a longer distance your knees will get killed.

When I become more familiar with a new bike that fits me and become a stronger rider, I actually raise my seat a tiny bit, so that my legs have more overall room to turn the pedals..but still with my legs slightly bent when riding comfortably.

In the above illustration, a bike too long, means the distance between saddle and handlebar is too long and a woman’s body is overstretched.

It would also help that you have handlebar set that can be adjusted at different angles. It’s ok to have shoulder width, dancer. I doubt your shoulders are as wide as a football player. When you are riding the bike, your arms should have a slight bend at the elbow, so that it is not stiff and when bent slightly, can take the bumps on road. I'm sure dancer you know how important it is for any sport, for the body to be alert, but limbs bent/at ease in any position in any sport.

Any experienced cyclist cannot stress enough the value of a properly fitted bike..otherwise people won’t ride the bike again. Your body will thank you for it and you will want to bike more often / further when you have bike where your body is relaxed and having fun.

Of course, going up hills is a challenge. Always try on quiet route with hills. This is where gears are helpful.

I’m not promoting any brand. REI is a sporting goods and clothing U.S. chain that has stuff for all sports for everyone. I ‘ve given illustrations of hybrid bikes below.
http://www.rei.com/product/760846
http://www.marinbikes.com/2009/ca/bikes/bikes_series_city.php


There are also folding bikes…for taking into car or onto bus/train easier. An option for yonuh or humlan...one day.
http://www.en.r-m.de/products/productfinder/faltgenie/birdy/ My partner has one. (He has 3 bikes: also a hybrid, he also has touring bike which has dropped down curved handlebars.) I’m almost tempted. Look at how convenient this is, abit pricey but you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mSWrI3ID...laynext_from=PL


I actually have 3 bikes. (My first bike at 31 after not biking for many years, costed me $350.00CAN. Probably put on over 30,000 kms. over 9 yrs. on bike –all over town, bike trips and to work. I gave that to a sister which…I borrow whenever I visit my family every few years. :D) Right now, I have a beat up, used hand mountain bike..which was bought when I visited my partner when he lived and worked in Calgary for 2 yrs. I would leave the bike there at his place. It’s too small for me but I wanted something cheap and doesn’t have enough gears for me to deal with hills. (only 12 speed) But I keep it for guests. 2nd bike is hybrid and I used for about 5 years but always found it abit too big and whole gearing ratios abit sluggish. My 3rd bike is a hybrid, is my lightest bike (aluminum frame), has medium width tires and not knobby and fits me best. I ride best on it. I paid $700.00CAN. That was nearly 3 yrs. ago. The first day I got onto that bike after buying it, I went nuts. I rode 90 kms. that day.

Remember we don’t own any car. So bike buying to us, is still a whole lot cheaper than frequent car travel. Besides, we don't pay any fitness club fees. Fun and fitness just integrates naturally when going grocery shopping, chores etc. ...By the way, ask if the bike style will allow one to install a bike rack at the back (a bike store can tell you)....IF you should ever get motivated to do light errands with bike bag on the bike rack. You won't want to wear a knapsack on back. Too hot/heavy.

Would I ride a beach cruiser? ...well in all honesty only for a few kms. and on totally flat land. If you think about it, a bike with no gears is for a strong competent/fit bike rider. The bike rider has no gears to help them go up and down hills. There are is a fun cult of bike owners/riders who have fixies...bikes that have no gears...and no hand brakes, you just use your foot. Really for adults, that takes serious overall fitness. Children of course, don't know any better. smile

Do yourself a favour, take time to try and shop around for a bike that fits with gearing. It can take months....meanwhile you can save up some money for the bike you want.

And buy a U lock for bike. Otherwise you frequently worry about it ..

_________________________
http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/ (How cycling leads to other types of adventures, thoughts)
http://velourbansism.wordpress.com


Top
#174671 - 02/15/09 02:41 AM Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike." [Re: dancer9]
orchid Offline


Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
Hunlam, it doesn't matter that you are older. I do know women 10 years older than you who are still biking.

If you want to be modest, to try riding someone else's bike for an hr., if bike fits in a quiet area/quiet time of day. You could always rent a bike. I think many European countries have more cycling facilities and bike paths. However I don't know Sweden. By the way, my parnter, when he was in Europe looking at cycling facilities for his biz, he did cross the bridge from Copenhagen, Denmark (where it is cycling friendly) to Malmo, Sweden.
_________________________
http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/ (How cycling leads to other types of adventures, thoughts)
http://velourbansism.wordpress.com


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#174672 - 02/15/09 02:44 AM Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike." [Re: dancer9]
orchid Offline


Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
I'm impressed yonuh that you didn't ride a bike until you were 50.

I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was 11 yrs. We lived in an apartment before.

One of partner's biz partners for his cycling facility planning company, didn't learn to ride until he was around 26 yrs. old.
_________________________
http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/ (How cycling leads to other types of adventures, thoughts)
http://velourbansism.wordpress.com


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#174679 - 02/15/09 04:40 AM Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike." [Re: orchid]
orchid Offline


Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
I don't know where cyclingirl is, since she is older than I, but really cycling keeps you young and full of fun.

http://www.cccts.org/photos.html These photos are from a cycling organization with its membership and participants mostly over 50, several over 70 yrs. old from British Columbia. However because they cycle often, it is difficult to guess their chronological age. My partner has done 2 bike trip tours with this group so I hear of the ages of its participants. Each trip he rode about 500 kms. over 10 days. If you look at some of their bikes,...really, not all bikes are racing looking bikes at all.
_________________________
http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/ (How cycling leads to other types of adventures, thoughts)
http://velourbansism.wordpress.com


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#174742 - 02/15/09 08:44 PM Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike." [Re: orchid]
dancer9 Offline


Registered: 04/16/07
Posts: 2411
Loc: Arizona
Thank you for all of this, Orchid. I'm studying it and I will have a list when I buy a bike. I'll keep you informed...

Dancer
_________________________
http://www.annalisanews.com/

"Question your privilege"

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#174760 - 02/15/09 10:52 PM Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike." [Re: dancer9]
orchid Offline


Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
By the way, this example I gave, is a hybrid but with mountain bike tires. Tires are quite knobby. For my type of riding, which is not on bush trails/ dirt trails in woods, I don't need that type of stuff. Knobbiness gives you a more cushioned ride, but also it slows you down alot more. You will get impatient.
http://www.rei.com/product/760846

When buying a bike at bike store (not regular department store like Walmarts), you can negotiate to swap those tires for a different set. You will have to pay abit more. But there may be rm. for negotiation.

Also for you dancer, it might be useful to have front suspension shocks. The shocks don't have to be expensive to help a beginner like yourself. They will dampen /soften abit of jarring when going over bumps, etc.

Keep us posted when you are ready to tell us more.
_________________________
http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/ (How cycling leads to other types of adventures, thoughts)
http://velourbansism.wordpress.com


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