 |
 | Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us |
 | Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network |
| HomeDiscussion GroupsGeneral TopicsLow CarbWeightWatchers WeightAdviser.com Contact UsLink To UsSearch & Site Map |
Weight Loss Forum / General Topics / August 2004No bike
Even though the bike I looked at had a small frame, the seat height was still too high for me and the frame larger than I cared for. I'm still thinking about scouting for a "women's bike" elsewhere...I have bad balance, and I'd like to be able to step through the frame easily and much more easily mount the bike. Such a disappointment, after a long drive out to see the bike. I was hoping to be riding around by this weekend. :( beeswing >Such a disappointment, after a long drive out to see the bike. I was hoping >to >be riding around by this weekend. :( > >beeswing Try a girls bike. The middle bar is lower. My husband is 5'7' and has very short legs. For father's day we got him a bike, but we really should have gotten a boys bike, not that he is all that short, but his legs are so short! ~Kat "The early bird gets the worm, the second mouse gets the cheese." >Try a girls bike. The middle bar is lower. My husband is 5'7' and has very >short legs. For father's day we got him a bike, but we really should have >gotten a boys bike, not that he is all that short, but his legs are so short! Thanks! That's what I'm planning on doing. I looked at this one mostly because it was an attractive deal; I found it in our company's online classified ads...but it had a "woman's frame" (one that had been scaled down for women), it wasn't a "woman's bike" (the kind with with the top bar dropped down so that you can step through it easily). Has your husband ridden his new bike much yet? beeswing O (one that had been scaled down for women), >it wasn't a "woman's bike" (the kind with with the top bar dropped down so that >you can step through it easily). those bikes came about when woman wore dresses. they are not so you can get your leg over easily. they only make them on cheap bikes so they don't have to make many frame sizes. they are usually lower quality and far weaker and heavier bikes.  SignatureKnight-Toolworks & Custom Planes Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions. >those bikes came about when woman wore dresses. they are not so you can get >your leg over easily. they only make them on cheap bikes so they don't have to >make many frame sizes. they are usually lower quality and far weaker and heavier >bikes. I understand fully how the style came about. However, I have bad balance and have trouble getting my leg over a standard ("men's") frame. My husband used to own a bike shop. He says that quality manufacturers such as Trek make women's frames into the midrange ($450 and up) using exactly the same materials as are used in men's styled bikes. The geometry of the frame isn't as rigid and will flex easier, true. But the bikes are still of high quality and, for me, the trade off would be worthwhile. beeswing >I understand fully how the style came about. However, I have bad balance and >have trouble getting my leg over a standard ("men's") frame. My husband used to [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > >beeswing I'm no expert on bikes, but I have a Trek in that price range that has a women's frame. It's a hybrid -- not sure what they offer in street bikes. I love it! I'm very short-legged and have a hard time getting off of a men's-frame bike without tipping over. Chris Chris wrote: >I'm no expert on bikes, but I have a Trek in that price range that has >a women's frame. It's a hybrid -- not sure what they offer in street >bikes. I love it! I'm very short-legged and have a hard time getting >off of a men's-frame bike without tipping over. When I tried out the Cannondale, I had the same trouble...I practically tipped the bike getting off and on. I'm interested in possibly getting a hybrid, myself, so I'm glad to hear you like yours. I'd like something I could ride on streets and in-city bike trails. We're planning on checking out the Treks this weekend. I'm hoping to pay less-than-midrange prices for a bike, though, but maybe we'll stumble into a good deal. I'm not in a huge hurry for a bike, just checking out my options at this point, so that should help. Thanks, Chris! beeswing >x-no-archive: yes > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > >beeswing Your best bet is to go buy a new one instead of trying to find a used one that fits you. (at least I think you said you were looking at used). Anyhow - since you won't be doing any hardcore biking - just going to your local discount market (target, walmart, etc) or sports store and see what you can find that fits. Remember - the seat is adjustible. Also, try ToysRUs - as they do sell bikes and many are smaller and geared towards smaller frames. I know that it made a big difference in comfort when I got my bike that was more suited for my size. JayJay wrote: >Your best bet is to go buy a new one instead of trying to find a used >one that fits you. (at least I think you said you were looking at >used). Yeah, that's probably true. I just stumbled on a potential deal and "had to" at least look at it. It was the smallest frame size built of those bikes, and I was hoping it would work out. >Anyhow - since you won't be doing any hardcore biking - just going to >your local discount market (target, walmart, etc) or sports store and [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >I know that it made a big difference in comfort when I got my bike >that was more suited for my size. Thanks for the ideas! I don't think I can stop my husband from gravitating toward bike shops, though. ;) He's helping me pick out a bike. Many moons ago, he owned a bike and backpacking store himself . He's looking for certain features in bikes that many of the lowest-end bikes don't have. In our area, we're lucky, though: There's a gentleman who owns three well-respected bike shops. The shops carry bikes in a wide range of prices and features -- not just the the highest end bikes. I'm planning on looking there next; my husband has done some scouting already. We bought The Kid's first bike from Target (after The Husband checked it out carefully), by the way, and it was a good, solid kid's bike. Her last bike was from one of the guy's bike shops I mentioned above, and it was both reasonably priced and well-built. Right now, she's riding a bike my husband bought at a garage sale years ago and reconditioned for her (well, for me, actually, but I never used it, and now I've lost ownership). beeswing > x-no-archive: yes > Many moons ago, he owned a bike and backpacking store himself . He's looking > for certain features in bikes that many of the lowest-end bikes don't have. In > our area, we're lucky, though: There's a gentleman who owns three > well-respected bike shops. The shops carry bikes in a wide range of prices and > features -- not just the the highest end bikes. I'm planning on looking there > next; my husband has done some scouting already. Last year when I tried to get DH into biking with me, we were able to pick up a very decent new bike at a bike shop that was the previous year's model so it was almost half what the current year's model would have been. BTW, replacement seats aren't all that expensive and are definitely worth it! I got a nice gel seat for $30 last year. My bike is 14 years old and I've had almost all of the major parts replaced as of this year (new, higher, handlebar). Good luck in your bike search! Jenn >Last year when I tried to get DH into biking with me, we were able to pick >up a very decent new bike at a bike shop that was the previous year's model >so it was almost half what the current year's model would have been. I hope I stumble into something like that. >BTW, replacement seats aren't all that expensive and are definitely worth >it! I got a nice gel seat for $30 last year. My bike is 14 years old and >I've had almost all of the major parts replaced as of this year (new, >higher, handlebar). Given his past profession, my husband is great at swapping out parts. I'm already eyeballing replacement seats, and I don't even have a bike yet. :) >Good luck in your bike search! Thanks, Jenn! beeswing > >Last year when I tried to get DH into biking with me, we were able to pick > >up a very decent new bike at a bike shop that was the previous year's model > >so it was almost half what the current year's model would have been. > > I hope I stumble into something like that. It's probably best at the end or beginning of the season. We got DH's bike at the very end of last winter and I'll be getting my new bike at the end of next winter. I only have 100 miles to go to beat last year's mileage and once my sinus infection is better that should take less than 2 weeks. If I do enough miles this year it will justify my new bike for next year :) Jenn >It's probably best at the end or beginning of the season. We got DH's bike >at the very end of last winter and I'll be getting my new bike at the end of >next winter. I only have 100 miles to go to beat last year's mileage and >once my sinus infection is better that should take less than 2 weeks. If I >do enough miles this year it will justify my new bike for next year :) I'm sure that's true. And I'm feeling impatient. I want one NOW...I want an Oompa Loompa now, Daddy! Woops, drifted into MovieLand. :) beeswing > I'm sure that's true. And I'm feeling impatient. I want one NOW...I > want an Oompa Loompa now, Daddy! Woops, drifted into MovieLand. :) I'm with you Bees - I'm determined to have a bike this week! SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 >I'm with you Bees - I'm determined to have a bike this week! Kewl! Do you have one picked out already? Or are you still scouting for one? beeswing here is another option. this bike has a good bit of good feedback. http://www.electrabike.com/04/bikes/townie/townie_home.html and it is pretty comfortable. SignatureKnight-Toolworks & Custom Planes Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions. >here is another option. this bike has a good bit of good feedback. >http://www.electrabike.com/04/bikes/townie/townie_home.html and it is pretty >comfortable. How *did* you do that?! :) I promise that I didn't see your post until this very minute, and I'd never heard of the bike before today. But I bought one earlier one this afternoon, the Electra Townie 21 in a woman's model. According to the web site, it's a bike built for people who are trying to re-enter biking and are scared of bikes. That sums me up precisely! The bike shop where I bought it is giving my new bike a before-purchase inspection and setup, and I bring the bike home tomorrow. Thanks so much for the great suggestion and for the reassurance about this line of bikes. If I can relearn to bike at all, it will be on this bike. Now, I need a helmet. :) beeswing > But I bought one earlier one this afternoon, the Electra Townie 21 in a > woman's model. According to the web site, it's a bike built for people who > are trying to re-enter biking and are scared of bikes. That sums me up > precisely! yay! congratulations, beeswing. i've been back on the bike for a couple of months now (after a five-year hiatus) and i'm so glad i've gotten back into it. it's done a lot for me, both physically and mentally, even in just this short period of time. i hope it all works out well for you and that you enjoy your return to cycling! >yay! congratulations, beeswing. > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >time. i hope it all works out well for you and that you enjoy your >return to cycling! Thanks! It sounds like you've had a good experience getting back to biking, and that's encouraging to me. If I can get the hang of it again (and I "should" be able to), I think it's going to be a lot of fun. I mostly just want to be able to bike ride with The Kid. beeswing > x-no-archive: yes > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > beeswing I've been spending a lot more time on my bike this year due to less running and I just love it. The trail I use the most has a section (at the beginning) that is just chock full of families riding together. I'm taking the neighbor kid I've been sitting to the trail this week for a ride, it should be interesting. BTW I saw a bike at a rummage sale this morning and thought of you. I didn't buy the bike (though tempted because I'd really like a road bike), but I did get a pair of rollerblades for $3. Now I just have to learn how to use them. Jenn >I've been spending a lot more time on my bike this year due to less running >and I just love it. The trail I use the most has a section (at the [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >but I did get a pair of rollerblades for $3. Now I just have to learn how >to use them. Rollerblades?! I thought I was brave just trying to relearn how to ride a bike. I have bad balance, so rollerblades scare the heck outta me. I'm sure you'll do great, though. Have fun! beeswing > x-no-archive: yes > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > beeswing I have to get protective gear and then I can take them to a spot where can practice. My driveway and road are gravel so they're out. I *do* have a laminate floor in my house however ;) Jenn a few laps around the couch maybe? (I'm kidding) > I have to get protective gear and then I can take them to a spot where > can practice. My driveway and road are gravel so they're out. I *do* > have a laminate floor in my house however ;) I've been taking advantage of my tax dollars at work and using the school driveway and parking lot. Recently paved, nice and flat, empty! SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 > > I have to get protective gear and then I can take them to a spot where > > can practice. My driveway and road are gravel so they're out. I *do* > > have a laminate floor in my house however ;) > > I've been taking advantage of my tax dollars at work and using the school > driveway and parking lot. Recently paved, nice and flat, empty! I'll end up over at the high school at least until school starts. Jenn >I've been taking advantage of my tax dollars at work and using the school >driveway and parking lot. Recently paved, nice and flat, empty! Yup, my daughter's school is two blocks from us. We take her up there to ride her bike...and that's where I plan to take mine to relearn riding. They have a nice paved playfield in the back intended for basketball, four square, and stuff...it's great to zip around there when there's no one playing. Well...once I *can* zip, it expect it will be. :) beeswing > x-no-archive: yes > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > beeswing Glad you found a bike. I saw it in another thread and it looks very comfortable. You'll be zipping in no time. It doesn't take too long to get back into biking. There's been a lot of posts recently about buying bikes - maybe we need to arrange a get together for some rides<g> Beverly "Beverly" wrote: > Glad you found a bike. I saw it in another thread and it looks very > comfortable. You'll be zipping in no time. It doesn't take too long > to get back into biking. There's been a lot of posts recently about > buying bikes - maybe we need to arrange a get together for some > rides<g> Ok, I'm ready for the ASD Rally!! http://home.midmaine.com/~snugbear/images/Bike2.jpg The shops had minimal used bikes - all men's and huge. This is the height of the tourist season. I'm so bad - I had to have one today <s>. I test road a cheaper bike but when I saw this one I knew I'd be a goner as soon as I rode it. It's very comfy and has lots of gears - lol. Is there some trick to remember which way to turn them? After supper I followed the routes of 2 of my favorite walks, one is 4.5 miles and the other 7.5 miles. It took me the same amount of time as walking the 4.5 mile route. Only one hill defeated me but because I shifted the wrong way. Now I need to see how many calories it burns. I know I want a mirror and it would be fun to have something that measures mileage. Any suggestions? I love it! SignatureWalking (and riding!) on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 > Now I need to see how many calories it burns. I know I want a mirror and > it would be fun to have something that measures mileage. Any > suggestions? > > I love it! Congrats on the bike! I have a great Cat's Eye bike computer on mine, it does distance, time, has an odometer & let's you know your average speed. It was approx $25. Jenn > I have a great Cat's Eye bike computer on mine, it does distance, > time, has an odometer & let's you know your average speed. It was > approx $25. Cool - I need one! SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 O >After supper I followed the routes of 2 of my favorite walks, one is 4.5 >miles and the other 7.5 miles. It took me the same amount of time as [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >it would be fun to have something that measures mileage. Any >suggestions? At that speed I bet you burn more calories walking. to get a good workout on a bike you need to atleast one of these. you need to pedal fast enough to get your heart working. that's about a minimum of 80 rpms. or 80 strokes per minute. get that down and you just change gears to keep that same speed without getting worn out. then to get more of a workout you go longer and or faster. you can get a bicycle computer with a cadence meter so you can see how your doing. a very good thing about peddling faster is you can go far longer then peddling slower and pushing harder. SignatureKnight-Toolworks & Custom Planes Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions. > O > >After supper I followed the routes of 2 of my favorite walks, one is 4.5 [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > > >Now I need to see how many calories it burns. less than walking the 4.5mile route, since casual biking is a lot more efficient than walking. 12 miles is a good ride, but only good for ~200 kcal or so. Steve Knight wrote: > At that speed I bet you burn more calories walking. to get a good > workout on a bike you need to atleast one of these. you need to pedal [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > doing. a very good thing about peddling faster is you can go far > longer then peddling slower and pushing harder. Thanks Steve. I need to know all this stuff. SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 >Thanks Steve. I need to know all this stuff. we all have to learn. cycling is one of the easiest ways to burn calories. I do 20 miles a day commuting http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=152 SignatureKnight-Toolworks & Custom Planes Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions. >Ok, I'm ready for the ASD Rally!! >http://home.midmaine.com/~snugbear/images/Bike2.jpg [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >as soon as I rode it. It's very comfy and has lots of gears - lol. Is >there some trick to remember which way to turn them? Congrats on your new bike! It looks *great,* and more importantly, you look happy. I hope you have a lot of fun riding it. Thanks so much for sending the link to the picture. I've never ridden a bike with gears, and I don't really know what to do with them, but my new bike has lots. I foresee a big learning curve. ;) I've been thinking about a mirror, maybe, but there was only one accessory I absolutely *had to have* straight off -- a bell. I need to warn people of the potential of my careening into them. Oh, yes, and helmet...so when I fall off the first twenty times, I don't kill myself outright. Laurie, you have lots of riding experience...right? You're not the neophyte I am? beeswing beeswing wrote: > Congrats on your new bike! It looks *great,* and more importantly, you > look happy. I hope you have a lot of fun riding it. Thanks so much for > sending the link to the picture. Thanks, I'm very pleased with it and it IS fun. > I've never ridden a bike with gears, and I don't really know what to > do with them, but my new bike has lots. I foresee a big learning > curve. ;) You'll get used to it very quickly. > I've been thinking about a mirror, maybe, but there was only one > accessory I absolutely *had to have* straight off -- a bell. I need to > warn people of the potential of my careening into them. Oh, yes, and > helmet...so when I fall off the first twenty times, I don't kill > myself outright. You aren't going to fall off!! wear the helmet anyway <g> > Laurie, you have lots of riding experience...right? You're not the > neophyte I am? I rode a 10 speed bike a lot when we lived in Columbia MD in the mid 80s but not since then. There's a reason for the phrase: "just like riding a bike" you never forget! Everyone who knows me is dumbfounded to see what a jock I've become. Worse things could have happened ;-) Go for the gusto, Bees - have fun on your bike. SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 > > Glad you found a bike. I saw it in another thread and it looks very > > comfortable. You'll be zipping in no time. It doesn't take too long [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > I love it! That's a good looking bike! You'll master those gears soon. Learn to use them on hills as they really make riding easier and more enjoyable. I still have a problem learning to shift down in time to continue climbing the hill. IIRC on the handle bar gears it's toward you for lower gears (climbing hills) and away from you for higher gears. The left handle bar should have 3 gears. Most riding can be done in 2. You'll probably adjust the right handle controlled gear the most. They usually range from 1 to 7 depending on how many gears on the bike. One for the lower gears (climbing hills) and 7 for the higher gears. You might want to head back to the bike shop for the mirror and bike computer. Cateye makes a variety of computers in a wide price range. I have a wireless on the new bike and the wire models on the other bikes. They both work just fine. I usually have the bike shop install things for me. It takes them 5 minutes to do what it takes me 30-60 minutes to do with a lot of frustration. I need to stop and have them install another mirror. I lost mine Sunday while the bike was on the back of the van. I still have the frame but the mirror blew out on the highway. Maybe I should have covered it<g> Oh well, it was time for another trip to the bike shop. It's always one of my favorite shopping trips. I need to buy a new pair of biking shorts for my daughter. We're planning to do the Chesapeake Bay Bridge bike ride again this year in October. We're also planning to ride the day before on Kent Island in Maryland. Here are a few of the Cateye computers http://shop.store.yahoo.com/realbicycles/cateye1.html I have the Cordless 7 on the road bike and the Velo 2 on the hybrids. They even have them with cadence counters, heart rate monitors, etc but those models cost way too much. My mirror is (was) mounted on the end of my handle bar. I see more handle bar mounted mirrors than the helmet mounted mirrors around here. Enjoy that new bike! I still think we need to organize an ASD bike ride sometime next year. Beverly >"Beverly" wrote: > [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > >I love it! Your bike looks great! What brand/model is it? I looked at the Electra website, and those Townies look nice, but no dealer around here! Cynthia 262/236.0/225 > Your bike looks great! What brand/model is it? > > I looked at the Electra website, and those Townies look nice, but no > dealer around here! Thanks! I've ridden every day since I got it. It's a Diamondback Wildwood Deluxe: http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=6&itemid=92&childid=193 I got a bike computer on eBay and it should be here tomorrow. SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 >> Your bike looks great! What brand/model is it? >> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > >I got a bike computer on eBay and it should be here tomorrow. Cool! So I take it you like the bike? I'm not sure what's available around here, we have no bike shop, that's for sure. I'm not sure if I'd ride so much anyway with the mosquitoes about, but I used to like riding a bike, so I keep thinking one day I may return to it. Cynthia 262/236.0/225 > Cool! So I take it you like the bike? Love it, love it, love it! > I'm not sure what's available around here, we have no bike shop, > that's for sure. I'm not sure if I'd ride so much anyway with the > mosquitoes about, but I used to like riding a bike, so I keep thinking > one day I may return to it. You can ride faster than the 'skeeters! I was getting eaten alive walking if I forgot the bug spray. SignatureWalking (or riding!) on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 >> Cool! So I take it you like the bike? > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >You can ride faster than the 'skeeters! I was getting eaten alive >walking if I forgot the bug spray. Well, I'll definitely consider riding again if I can find a bike I like. Right now though, saving for a delayed honeymoon, so bike will have to wait. No bike shops in town really anyway, other than Wal-Mart. Cynthia 262/236.0/225 > >> Cool! So I take it you like the bike? > > [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > Cynthia > 262/236.0/225 When you get ready to buy a bike try to find a bike shop. I think you'll find a big difference in the quality and comfort of bikes between the two places. An entry level hybrid from the bike shop will be much more comfortable than one from Wal-Mart and have better quality components. Beverly > >> Your bike looks great! What brand/model is it? > >> [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > that's for sure. I'm not sure if I'd ride so much anyway with the > mosquitoes about, The interweb says the flightspeed of a mosquito is 20mph, so as long as you really crank it you'll be fine :) > "Beverly" wrote: > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Ok, I'm ready for the ASD Rally!! > http://home.midmaine.com/~snugbear/images/Bike2.jpg the bike looks great, but I LOVE where you live. The trees must smell soo good. Enjoy the bike before the snow comes! Heywood Mogroot wrote: > the bike looks great, but I LOVE where you live. The trees must smell > soo good. > > Enjoy the bike before the snow comes! It's a toss up over which smells better - the trees or the salt air. I don't take it for granted, believe me. I ought to be able to get a couple more weeks in before the snow ;-) Maine is 8 months of winter and 4 of rough sledding. SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 > > the bike looks great, but I LOVE where you live. The trees must smell > > soo good. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Maine is 8 months of winter and 4 of rough sledding. Too much winter for me<g> I think it's terrible because I have to put up with 2-3 months of winter weather around here. We start our "Bike for the Health of It" program in May and run them through October. We're considering starting it a month earlier next year - yea!! I usually find a few days in November to March that I can get out of the trails. I just pick the trails that get the most sun. Many of them run along rivers and I don't want to be sliding off the trail into the water. Beverly > Too much winter for me<g> I think it's terrible because I have to put > up with 2-3 months of winter weather around here. We start our "Bike [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > run along rivers and I don't want to be sliding off the trail into the > water. Oh sure - thanks. Now you have me obsessed with this bike and I have to wish for an open winter???? Truth is, I *really* want to snowshoe and barely could 5 times last winter. <sigh> I've already been thinking how I'll have to take the bike with me to NY when I go visiting. SignatureWalking (or riding!) on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 >Glad you found a bike. I saw it in another thread and it looks very >comfortable. You'll be zipping in no time. It doesn't take too long to get >back into biking. There's been a lot of posts recently about buying bikes - >maybe we need to arrange a get together for some rides<g> Thanks. A get together sounds great...AFTER I figure out if I can actually balance on the thing and move forward at the same time. ;) My husband picked it up from the bike shop today. I'm really looking forward to trying it out but will probably have to wait until the weekend. Meanwhile, I'm having fun ringing the bike bell! beeswing > BTW I saw a bike at a rummage sale this morning and thought of you. I > didn't buy the bike (though tempted because I'd really like a road > bike), but I did get a pair of rollerblades for $3. Now I just have > to learn how to use them. Piece of cake. If I can do it, anyone can :-) http://home.midmaine.com/~snugbear/images/2nd_time.jpg SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 > > BTW I saw a bike at a rummage sale this morning and thought of you. I > > didn't buy the bike (though tempted because I'd really like a road [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Piece of cake. If I can do it, anyone can :-) > http://home.midmaine.com/~snugbear/images/2nd_time.jpg I sure hope so. Cute pic :) Jenn > > But I bought one earlier one this afternoon, the Electra Townie 21 in a > > woman's model. According to the web site, it's a bike built for people who [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > time. i hope it all works out well for you and that you enjoy your > return to cycling! Back in 2000 when I came back to the states from Japan, the first thing I bought was a bicycle. I *knew* riding my bicycle to work (~6 miles) several times a week was what kept me from ballooning (I weighed ~200lbs then). Alas, I could not find an apartment within biking range to work (this was Silicon Valley at the height of the boom). That and american food and general laziness resulted in a ~35lb gain in just 2 years. :( But, riding my bike over the past 5 months, I've ridden ~1000 miles, which at 50 miles/lb is worth for half of my 40lb weight loss, and now weigh less than I did when I came back. :) > > > But I bought one earlier one this afternoon, the Electra Townie 21 in a > > > woman's model. According to the web site, it's a bike built for people who [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > which at 50 miles/lb is worth for half of my 40lb weight loss, and now > weigh less than I did when I came back. :) congrats. i ride to work three or four days a week right now, and even though my commute is all of two whopping miles each way, it's still doing me a lot of good (it also helps that instead of coming home for lunch i walk for half an hour to forty minutes on the days that i ride). my calves went back to their former shapely shape practically overnight, which really pleased me. and my mental outlook is just so much better when i ride. it's really a great thing. > congrats. i ride to work three or four days a week right now, and > even though my commute is all of two whopping miles each way, it's [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > practically overnight, which really pleased me. and my mental outlook > is just so much better when i ride. it's really a great thing. I wanted to ride my bike to work this morning but it's raining on and off :-( Maybe later! SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 > > congrats. i ride to work three or four days a week right now, and > > even though my commute is all of two whopping miles each way, it's [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Maybe later! Oh gee.....I see another item to add to your list of things to buy at the bike shop<g> - Rain gear! Beverly (who doesn't like riding in the rain but has done it ocassionally) > Walking on . . . > Laurie in Maine > 207/110 60 inches of attitude! > Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 > Oh gee.....I see another item to add to your list of things to buy at the > bike shop<g> - Rain gear! I'm remembering my last bike without fenders and that black, wet stripe up my back :-( SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 > Oh gee.....I see another item to add to your list of things to buy at the > bike shop<g> - Rain gear! best things I've got for my bike are: a plastic black fender one of those $200+ super-bright rechargable light thingies Being able to SEE (and be seen) in the dark makes a lot of difference. > a plastic black fender I knew you meant *back* <s>. Are these universal items or do I need a special one for *my* bike? SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 > > a plastic black fender > > I knew you meant *back* <s>. Are these universal items or do I need a > special one for *my* bike? universal > > > a plastic black fender > > > > I knew you meant *back* <s>. Are these universal items or do I need a > > special one for *my* bike? > > universal If you're talking fenders here, not all will fit every bike. A lot will depend on the type of bike - road, hybrid, mountain, etc. If you install a bike carrier and trunk it eliminates the need for a fender. The carrier and trunk will keep mud and water off you<g> Beverly > one of those $200+ super-bright rechargable light thingies > > Being able to SEE (and be seen) in the dark makes a lot of difference. And if you saw these narrow, winding, hilly roads with sandy shoulders that I've been afraid to ride on until just this summer, you'll understand why I won't *ever* need a light. <g> SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 plastic *back* fender. Not black. >I wanted to ride my bike to work this morning but it's raining on and >off :-( what your not waterproof? the only days I don't ride is when it snows. the right rain gear and dress solve those problems. if it is above 60 no need for rain gear. SignatureKnight-Toolworks & Custom Planes Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions. Steve Knight wrote: > what your not waterproof? the only days I don't ride is when it snows. > the right rain gear and dress solve those problems. if it is above 60 > no need for rain gear. One rainy day as I was leaving my apartment in Columbia, MD a gentleman from Texas was smoking in the stairwell. I stopped a minute to access the weather. He told me I was about to get wet and when I said I wasn't afraid of melting his reply was "Naw, but you might lump up some" lol I'm not worried about riding in the rain but I knew I'd have other opportunities today. I'm riding to the post office right now to walk with my friend! Btw, I got a bike computer last night on eBay! SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 > One rainy day as I was leaving my apartment in Columbia, MD a gentleman > from Texas was smoking in the stairwell. I stopped a minute to access > the weather. He told me I was about to get wet and when I said I wasn't > afraid of melting his reply was "Naw, but you might lump up some" lol Ok, dopey me. I was assessing the weather <g> SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 > >I wanted to ride my bike to work this morning but it's raining on and > >off :-( > > what your not waterproof? the only days I don't ride is when it snows. the right > rain gear and dress solve those problems. if it is above 60 no need for rain > gear. I try to avoid riding in the rain for one reason - it makes the hair frizzy :) I hate "helmet hair". Beverly > > > > But I bought one earlier one this afternoon, the Electra Townie 21 in a > > > > woman's model. According to the web site, it's a bike built for people who [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > which really pleased me. and my mental outlook is just so much better > when i ride. it's really a great thing. I've always envied people who can commute to work. Unfortunately my commute just isn't possible on a bike. I do use the bike for errands around home, trips to the eye doctor, etc. I also patrol the local bike paths on weekends so I've been averaging 60+ miles a week. I only wish I had more time for biking. Beverly >I've always envied people who can commute to work. Unfortunately my commute >just isn't possible on a bike. I do use the bike for errands around home, >trips to the eye doctor, etc. I also patrol the local bike paths on >weekends so I've been averaging 60+ miles a week. I only wish I had more >time for biking. I envy people who can bike anywhere useful from their home. We have about 6 miles of hilly residential streets around my neighborhood and that's it -- gets old fast. I have to take my bike in the car to find anyplace interesting to bike. (Once you get out of my neighborhood there are narrow but busy two-lane highways that would be too dangerous for biking -- even for an expert, which I'm not.) Chris beeswing wrote: > How *did* you do that?! :) I promise that I didn't see your post until > this very minute, and I'd never heard of the bike before today. But I [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Now, I need a helmet. :) Yay bees! You'll be fine. I'll be right behind you - I'm going shopping tomorrow. Wish me luck? SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 >Yay bees! You'll be fine. Thanks! I *think* so, too. I appreciate the encouragement. >I'll be right behind you - I'm going shopping >tomorrow. Kewl! :) Please let us know what you decide on, if you don't mind. >Wish me luck? Oh, definitely! Good luck! beeswing > Kewl! :) Please let us know what you decide on, if you don't mind. Oh heck, I'm not shy - I'll take pictures <g> SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 >Thanks so much for the great suggestion and for the reassurance about this line >of bikes. If I can relearn to bike at all, it will be on this bike. luck I guess (G) in a bike forum the bike had gotten good reviews. SignatureKnight-Toolworks & Custom Planes Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions. beeswing wrote: > x-no-archive: yes > >>I'm with you Bees - I'm determined to have a bike this week! > > Kewl! Do you have one picked out already? Or are you still scouting > for one? I have a couple leads that I will investigate through Monday but today I test rode a friend's bike. She bought it used from one of the bike rental places in our touristy area and couldn't be happier with the bike or the service. Also purchased bikes for her DH and grown son. It felt great to me and the $180. price tag is in my Cheap Yankee range. I agree with you about not wanting a man's bike - I'd only hurt myself! SignatureWalking (but soon riding!) on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 >I have a couple leads that I will investigate through Monday but today I >test rode a friend's bike. She bought it used from one of the bike [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >It felt great to me and the $180. price tag is in my Cheap Yankee range. >I agree with you about not wanting a man's bike - I'd only hurt myself! That sounds great to me. I bought me a bike this afternoon...it's an Electra Townie 21 with a step-through frame. Even so, I almost killed myself (okay, I fell off and slammed into a shop window...death was not truly imminent) trying it out. I think I can get the hang of biking again, though. I need training wheels! Too bad they don't make them for adults. Good luck in your bike hunt! beeswing > That sounds great to me. I bought me a bike this afternoon...it's an > Electra Townie 21 with a step-through frame. Even so, I almost killed > myself (okay, I fell off and slammed into a shop window...death was > not truly imminent) trying it out. I think I can get the hang of > biking again, though. I need training wheels! Too bad they don't make > them for adults. Maybe next time ;-) http://www.waltscycle.com/trikes.htm SignatureWalking on . . . Laurie in Maine 207/110 60 inches of attitude! Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03 >Maybe next time ;-) >http://www.waltscycle.com/trikes.htm LOL! I kinda like it. The Kid thought it it was rather funny, though. :) beeswing >Given his past profession, my husband is great at swapping out parts. I'm >already eyeballing replacement seats, and I don't even have a bike yet. :) shame he doesn't have some good contacts left to get you a good deal on a bike. :) JayJay wrote: >>Given his past profession, my husband is great at swapping out parts. I'm >>already eyeballing replacement seats, and I don't even have a bike yet. :) > >shame he doesn't have some good contacts left to get you a good deal >on a bike. :) Yeah, isn't it? He owned the bike and backpack shop in his 20s. I met him when he was ... lemme think ... maybe 40. beeswing >Thanks for the ideas! I don't think I can stop my husband from gravitating >toward bike shops, though. ;) He's helping me pick out a bike. Ya know - bike shops aren't always the most expensive to buy from. I just figured you didn't need all the bells and whistles of the higherend bikes for someone who is really more of a casual rider. But hey - if hubby wants to do it - why not. :) >Many moons ago, he owned a bike and backpacking store himself . He's looking >for certain features in bikes that many of the lowest-end bikes don't have. In [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >garage sale years ago and reconditioned for her (well, for me, actually, but I >never used it, and now I've lost ownership). At this point I still buy DS's bikes from the discount stores. DS's last bike was bought at Sams Club. When he outgrows them faster than he wears them out, there's no point in spending lots of $$ on a bike. Since he started riding bikes at the age of 5, he's gotten a new bike every 2 yrs. This last bike is a full size trick bike/dirt bike type. Even DH can ride it. I figure at some point he may want to turn that one in for more of a full size mountain bike or something larger. In the mean time, he's got his bike, and he can almost fit on my mountain bike with the small frame and as he grows he will probably eventually grow into one of DH's 2 bikes. So, in otherwords, we may not have to buy a new bike for a few years again. :) BTW - as of a couple weeks ago, DS and I were standing in the kitchen in our barefeet. He's up to my eyeballs. He's only 10!!!! JayJay wrote: >Ya know - bike shops aren't always the most expensive to buy from. I >just figured you didn't need all the bells and whistles of the >higherend bikes for someone who is really more of a casual rider. >But hey - if hubby wants to do it - why not. :) Hubby won't be the one paying for it; we have his, hers, and ours accounts. But I definitely will be relying on his opinion. I don't want bells and whistles...at all...what I want is a well-fitting, reasonably well-made, light-weight frame, *safe* bike. I'm not saying you can't get that from a discount store; we just happen to have a good local bike store "chain" that I feel more safe buying from ( http://greggscycles.com/ , if anyone is interested; in addition to the bikes that appear on his web site, he sells lower priced models.) >At this point I still buy DS's bikes from the discount stores. >So, in otherwords, we may not have to buy a new bike for a few years >again. :) Discount stores can sell bikes that are plenty good. That's why I pointed out that we got The Kid's first bike from Target. You just need to know what to look for. I don't, but DH does. >BTW - as of a couple weeks ago, DS and I were standing in the kitchen >in our barefeet. He's up to my eyeballs. He's only 10!!!! My kid is 9 1/2 and TALL for her age. I don't even want to THINK about it. You have my sympathies! :) :) beeswing >Many moons ago, he owned a bike and backpacking store himself . He's looking >for certain features in bikes that many of the lowest-end bikes don't have. In >our area, we're lucky, though: There's a gentleman who owns three >well-respected bike shops. The shops carry bikes in a wide range of prices and >features -- not just the the highest end bikes. I'm planning on looking there >next; my husband has done some scouting already. this will get you a far better bike then a crappy walmart bike. Plus one that fits and has a service backup. you will enjoy riding it far more then one that does not fit. SignatureKnight-Toolworks & Custom Planes Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions. > Even though the bike I looked at had a small frame, the seat height was > still too high for me and the frame larger than I cared for. I'm still [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Such a disappointment, after a long drive out to see the bike. I was > hoping to be riding around by this weekend. :( http://www.terrybicycles.com/Bikes/trixie.lasso http://www.terrybicycles.com/Bikes/susanb.lasso >http://www.terrybicycles.com/Bikes/trixie.lasso >http://www.terrybicycles.com/Bikes/susanb.lasso Thanks for the suggestions; I also found this site. I can't at all afford the first bike; but the second one, though still pricy, looks intriguing...but I do prefer the drop-down bar that the first one has. I've tried to do a little research on the Net on Terry's bikes. Have you seen them personally or maybe ridden one? If so, what are your impressions of them? beeswing > x-no-archive: yes > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > seen them personally or maybe ridden one? If so, what are your impressions > of them? i've never ridden a terry bike, but they are a reputable company. bars can be easily switched, as can any other component that might make you more comfortable, such as saddles and pedals. it shouldn't be at all difficult to make things fit, although it certainly takes some tweaking. do you have a local bike shop that you can deal with? $450 is a good price although i know not everyone can just go out and drop five hundred bucks on a bike. but if you have trouble finding something "off the rack" that fits, you might have to spend the extra money if you really want a bike (which i hope you do, they're great exercise and lots of fun). you can also look for a used terry bike once you determine the frame type and size you want/need. and if you find one that isn't set up exactly the way you want it, you can take it into a good shop and have it set up to be the way you want it, and that shouldn't be too expensive. >450 is a good price I agree, though I'm hoping to find something I can live with for about half that. >although i know not everyone can just go out and >drop five hundred bucks on a bike. If one were to bike a lot, it might be worth every penny. > but if you have trouble finding >something "off the rack" that fits, you might have to spend the extra [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >a good shop and have it set up to be the way you want it, and that >shouldn't be too expensive. I was looking a Terry "just in case," as you suggested, I can't find a bike that fits me otherwise. I'm willing to consider them. I have an advantage over a lot of people -- my husband can adjust bikes himself and can change out parts. Right now, I'm gonna look around, and we'll see what happens. I'd certainly consider a bottom-end Terry, but I'd like something cheaper, ideally, I have to admit. Thanks for the information; I appreciate it. beeswing > > Even though the bike I looked at had a small frame, the seat height was > > still too high for me and the frame larger than I cared for. I'm still [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > http://www.terrybicycles.com/Bikes/trixie.lasso > http://www.terrybicycles.com/Bikes/susanb.lasso Anybody who would pay those kinds of prices for a bicycle is out of their minds. You can pick up a Huffy for a hundred bucks or so. Hell, at your big box stores, they have "no name" brands for around $50. Em who bought her bike at a thrift shop for $10 > Anybody who would pay those kinds of prices for a bicycle is out of their > minds. You can pick up a Huffy for a hundred bucks or so. Hell, at your > big box stores, they have "no name" brands for around $50. Huffys are not very nice in the sense that they are very heavy and break quite a bit. At least that has been my experience. I bought a beautiful racing bicycle at a garage sale for $2. My friend, who is into bicycles, says that it is worth $300 new. The one I bought was, obviously, not new, but it runs just as well. i > > > Even though the bike I looked at had a small frame, the seat height was > > > still too high for me and the frame larger than I cared for. I'm still [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > Em > who bought her bike at a thrift shop for $10 If you do a *lot* of riding you can tell a big difference between the department store bikes and the higher end bikes. For trips around the neighborhood most any bike will do. For trips where you're going to ride 40+ miles you'll want something much more comfortable and lighter. Beverly > > > Even though the bike I looked at had a small frame, the seat height > > > was still too high for me and the frame larger than I cared for. I'm [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > minds. You can pick up a Huffy for a hundred bucks or so. Hell, at your > big box stores, they have "no name" brands for around $50. it's pretty clear that you don't really know anything about bikes or cycling. if you're happy with a huffy, well, good for you. but those of us who know better won't be buying them. >Anybody who would pay those kinds of prices for a bicycle is out of their >minds. You can pick up a Huffy for a hundred bucks or so. Hell, at your >big box stores, they have "no name" brands for around $50. Huffy's? My husband, who used to own a bicycle and backpack shop in the 1970s, says they were nicknamed "Kid killers." beeswing, just reporting what she was told >Anybody who would pay those kinds of prices for a bicycle is out of their >minds. You can pick up a Huffy for a hundred bucks or so. Hell, at your >big box stores, they have "no name" brands for around $50. try riding a hundred miles at a time on that huffy. I bet you can't. I ride 100 miles or more a week on my road bike. comfort and the right fit are critical to the enjoyment of cycling. SignatureKnight-Toolworks & Custom Planes Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions. |
Reply to this Message |
 Sign In
 Join
 My Latest Posts My Monitored Threads My Blog My Photo Gallery My Profile My Homepage Start New Thread Enable EMail Alerts Rate this Thread
|
©2012 Advenet LLC Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.