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| *Vultures Knob>>>Bike Pedals |
Totally confused, good advice needed please? |
My husband and children all have bikes so I thought it's about time I got myself one. I want to be able to go on bike rides around the park with them and eventually use it to get to college. I haven't been on a bike for 15yrs and I'm VERY unfit. I've been into three independant bike shops now and been given totally different info in each of them. 1, I have a sensitive back and neck after an old car accident injury so I was told... go for dual suspension only, don't go for dual as they're heavy and harder to keep pedalling momentum and only go for front suspension as dual will hurt my neck bouncing around. 2, Only buy a bike with shimano gears and levers as they're better and safer, don't but a bike with shimano stuff on it as it's much more expensive to fix and isn't any safer. 3, I'm only 5ft 2 but overweight, each shop adviced me to get a different size frame and wheels. I've sat on the bikes but don't want to try them out in the shop as I need to learn to ride again. After outfitting many "new-old" riders with bicycles, I have helped many in your position. Since you numbered your questions I will respond as such... this is a looooong answer! 1) Dual suspension is not for you. You didn't mention where you were going to ride, but assuming you're going to stay on the road or groomed trails I would suggest a comfort bike, especially if your rides are going to be limited to 10 miles or less. Comfort bikes provide an upright position which has advantages and disadvantages... the upright posture does tend to be more comfortable for short rides (under 10 miles) but this same thing makes the bike fatiguing and harder to handle on longer rides. 2) Shimano is on 80% of the worlds bicycles and they are well known as reliable and precise. Another brand that is up-and-coming is SRAM. Either of these brands will serve you well and are comparable in price (for the level of bike). Neither have significant service issues unless you buy a REALLY cheap model... say, under $200.00. Never buy a bike from a department store like Target or Walmart although some chain sporting goods stores are OK (DON'T go to Sports Authority or Garts). 3) Weight has little or nothing to do with frame size, although I would definitely recommend a "mens" or "womens specific diamond" frame rather than the old fashioned ladies models. Find a bike that you like and stand over the frame. Pull up on the handlebars until the frame touches you. There should be 3" to 5" between the ground and the front wheel. Next, raise the saddle so that when you are sitting on it with a foot on the pedal at the bottom of the stroke that your knee is slightly bent. Place your hands on the handgrips while seated. The angle between your arm (with your elbows locked) and torso should be 75潞 to 85潞. Stick out your fingers- in line with your arm... the brake levers should fall directly under your fingers without having to pivot your wrists. Make sure that the shop adjusts the levers so this condition exists. Now, to dispel some myths before I get yelled at... No, you should not be able to sit on the saddle and put your feet on the ground flatfooted. Tippytoes are more like it since you should be on the saddle only when pedalling. Other times you should be standing on the ground, straddling the top tube. No, a top tube is not dangerous... men and women have just as much to lose "down there" and there is little chance of injury with a correctly sized bike. ALWAYS wear a helmet when riding... what would your husband and kids do without you? Helmets aren't worn because you are a bad rider, but because of the idiot screaming around the corner that isn't watching for you. Everyone in the family should wear the best helmet you can buy... even the most expensive helmet is cheaper than a trip to the hospital. Good luck! Source(s): 27 years in the industry It's tough to decide on what type of bike you'll need when there are so many options. If you've ridden before, you probably won't need to learn again. Like the old saying goes, "It's just like riding a bike"! You might feel a little unstable at first, but you'll quickly get the hang of it. As for the choice of bike, are there friends' or family's bikes you can borrow to test out? Or even someone you see in the park with your similar height might help out. Most bikers are very helpful and love talking bikes with other riders. Even if the size isn't exactly right, it will give you some idea of the riding position and comfort level. Plus it will get you riding again, so you'll feel more comfortable going back to the bike shop and testing one out. Of the three bike shops you visited, pick the one you felt most comfortable with and stick with them. Make sure they have experienced repair people and stand behind what they sell. When you decide to make the purchase, explain your dilemma and maybe they can work some kind of a return policy if what you bought doesn't work out. Good Luck! From a women's perspective, I can help answer some of your questions, but maybe not all of them. 1. I'm not so sure that suspension will be a big issue for you. It sounds like your going to be riding around town, not on any 50 or 100 mile road rides or any hard core mountain bike rides. So, as far as a commuter bike goes, a comfort bike, or a hybid may be the best choice for you. The comfort bike will help to keep your back more straight. You won't be leaned over so far forward like many of the other bikes you see. Comfort bikes ARE used mostly by people who are commuting or taking leisurely rides around town. They are made for YOUR comfort! The hybrid bike will be great for you as it is not a mountain bike (heavy, bulky, larger tires) but it is not a road bike (extremely light, slick tires). You will really get the best of both worlds. The tires will be thinner than a mountain bike, but not as small and slick as a road bike. So, with this, I would tell you to ask for a comfort hybrid bike. I can't tell you any makes or models, i'm not that advanced. But I will tell you that every bike I have, and my boyfriend as well, as specialized bikes. They are just very dependable and overall great bikes. 2. Don't worry about the Shimano bike parts. From the type of riding your going to be doing, it really won't make a difference. If you ever get into hard core riding, it may, but for now, I don't think so. I DO want to emphasize what the above person said about NOT getting a bike from walmart or target. These are the worst pieces of Cr*** that your money can buy. Furthermore, the store won't stand behind the product. Most bike shops will stand behind the product, and will do anything they can to make sure the bike is perfect for your use and that your getting everything you can out of your bike. Many bike stores even offer special women's rides! These are a great way to build your skills while getting to know other women in the community. 3. I"m not great with fitting bikes, I am a small or 16" and i'm just a little taller than you. So I would say your either a 16" or maybe 15". I would talk to your bike shop, as they can help you with that. Try the bike out!! Realize that MOST people going into a bike shop are in your boat. They haven't ridden in a long time, but want to get back with it. The employees at the shop can give you some pointers to get started. Most shops will allow you to take the bike for a short spin around the block. Don't ride the bike in the store, as you may have troubles steering around all the obstacles. But take the bike out of the store, and even just ride it around the parking lot. I also want to emphasize the imporance of getting a womens specific bike!! I cannot stress this enough. The seat and the reach of the handlebars makes such a big difference! So, more than anything, get a women's specific bike! Good Luck! And have fun with your family! I have been riding for about 4 years, just about every day. I have 2 town bikes, 1 mountain and 1 road bike. My boyfriend, brother & many other friends work in the industry |
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