Question for cyclists

SharonNehring

I am considering upgrading my cheap bike to one that is more comfortable and am not sure what brands/types to even look at other than Trek. My current bike is a 15 speed about 5 yrs old, bought at a big box store with little knowledge of how to select a bike.

Vibrations and bumps are transferring from the handlebars and up my arms, aggravating my bad shoulders (not being helped by riding in a leaning forward position either). My hands are going numb from the handlebars and my rear end is not happy about that seat even though I immediately replaced the original seat with a better padded one.

To address some of this, I recently bought padded biking shorts and capris, along with padded gloves for my hands. Now I'm looking for a moderately priced bike that offers more comfort and ease of riding. I generally ride in town on pavement and concrete but do encounter an occasional gravel road or dirt path. I'm not going to be racing or anything, just riding for enjoyment and fitness.

Any suggestions about brands or types of bikes to consider? I've been reading articles regarding selecting a women's bike and think I'm more confused now. LOL Any advise or links to reputable websites I can get some good info from would be greatly appreciated.

brianpperkins

Keep it simple then shop around at local bike shops and check out multiple brands ... Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Felt, Giant, BMC, and more. You'll know when you find the shop for you ... they'll work to match your needs rather than lead you straight to the most expensive ride or one that looks girly.

If you plan on continuing to ride on gravel and dirt, you're looking at a mountain bike with the option of changing tires for something more suitable for primarily road riding, a hybrid, or a cyclocross/gravel bike (looks like a road bike but a bit more bump and vibration absorbing along with wider tires than a standard road ride). Those give you options of where to ride, gearing, etc.

Selecting a women's or men's bike is a similar process. Get one that meets your riding needs that is fit to you. Without knowing what you're thinking of budget wise there is no way to really get too specific.

SharonNehring

I prefer not to ride on gravel or dirt really but have ended up doing so on occasion as I explore our area and come across them. I feel more comfortable on pavement as my earlier biking experiences were on that surface.

Cost-wise, I'm thinking $400-800, but I'm willing to go higher if I find a bike I absolutely love. I beleive I'll start checking out the local bike shops as you suggest to see if I can narrow it down to a few options at least. Much easier for you to comment on the pros/cons of a specific model.

Thanks for the feedback! I greatly appreciate it. I know no one where we live (MN) who rides a lot.

sijomial

Agree with Brian about sticking to the name brands.

If your budget stretches to a carbon fork then they tend to transmit less road shock and vibration. I nicknamed my first all ali hybrid "the boneshaker" as it's so harsh on the hands...

An alternative hand position makes a big difference on long rides so think about bar ends.


You can get handlebar grips with a wider outer end to spread the weight over a wider area of your palm.


The other big thing for comfort is getting a proper bike fitting - makes a huge difference.

peterjens

Find a bike shop that has "bike fitting" service. I bought a Trek 5200 back in 2003. After riding it for a month I noticed how my body was not always comfortable - usually after a longer ride. I paid for a bike fitting and it was money well-spent. Here is a link that explain what this service provides. I have no affiliation to them. http://www.bikegallery.com/about/bike-fitting-pg69.htm

mochapygmy

Absolutely go to a knowledgeable bike shop even if you have to drive a distance to get there. Look on yelp for a reputable shop.

I had done some research before I went into the shop and thought I knew what I wanted but the clerk still walked me through the whole process including what I was willing to spend and made 3 recommendations. They set all three bikes to my settings and let me ride around as long as I wanted. I bought the one I liked the best, came in under budget and Love my bike.

SBRRepeat

Like everyone else is saying, find a reputable, locally owned shop who will take their time getting you on the right bike. My brother's shop sells Jamis bikes and both my parents are on their hybrid sport bikes, really comfortable for longer rides.
I ride a Fuji road bike, which I love. They make nice mid range women's road bikes with carbon forks, if you prefer that geometry.
I'm thinking a hybrid bike would be more appropriate. Any major brands will have a good line. I'd just let the professionals guide you through the process, because there are a LOT of options.
In terms of comfortable seats- I find that the huge squishy gel seats are actually less comfortable than the more streamlined ones. Your money would probably be better spent on a big tube of Chamois Butter for your bike shorts!
Good luck!

SharonNehring

I searched out the two best reviewed shops closeby on yelp and will be visiting both. One includes a fit service with a new bike purchase but nothing on the other's website about it so I'll have to ask. You have convinced me that is definitely the way to go.

I love those wide handle grips and will check to see if they have them too. I have carpal tunnel so I think they would make a big difference. I really enjoy riding and could increase my seat time if I can find the proper bike.

Thanks so much for the suggestions everyone! If I make it to the shops this weekend I'll come back with an update.

brianpperkins

Bike shopping is pretty much like car shopping. There are a ton of options, a lot of them cosmetic, that can lead to confusion and consternation when shopping. In the $800 and below price range, you have a lot of options ... mostly with aluminum frames which are durable and fairly light. When I say a lot of options, it's four or more from most of the makers between their road and hybrid lines.

The big difference in bike prices usually comes down to the difference between aluminum or carbon frame and the components (shifters, derailleurs, crankset, wheels). All of the components can get upgraded later if you choose.

The industry is moving towards disc brakes. Most reviews I've read state they provide better stopping power.

With a more traditional road bike, you have plenty of hand positioning options on the bar .... a hybrid usually comes with a straight bar that can accommodate end grips. That decision is a personal one and is usually dictated by rider comfort.

If you ride in a hilly area, keep the gear ratio in mind. If you want to keep going on gravel and improved dirt paths, make sure your frame can handle wider tires.

I'd factor in the shop when you choose to buy. Most will do at least a general fitting when you buy ... if they don't shop elsewhere. Do they do free adjustments? Do they offer a free or discounted first tune up on your bike? Does the staff make you feel comfortable so you can go in and talk about things?

allaboutthecake

Keep in mind when you got to your LBS, wear what you would normally wear for cycling. And bring your helmet. Some of the bike chains will "sell" you on the fitting. Small non-chain stores will "fit" you to a bike you are more comfortable in. Cuz lets face it, if the bike is comfy, you're going to be in the saddle more. I like my gel-cover for my saddle. It helps the behind. I bought it at either Walmart or Target. And wear cycling gloves. That helps the wrists/hands from getting sore, too. I bought those at the LBS.

The bike shop that I had purchased my bike from is not in an area I can bike to (interstate highways). So I frequent the LBS closest to me. After the 1 year warranty at the purchasing store for the new bike, taking care of upkeep that came with the bike, I end up going to my LBS that is next to me. They take care of flats, chain, derailleur, brakes, upkeep, etc. And because I'm in there often enough (sometimes TOO much, lol) they occasionally throw in a freebies (like flat repairs).

I also keep them in a steady supply of fresh baked cookies. Some shops accept beer as their tip....mine happens to like the cookies. So my suggestion is, whichever shop you will frequent, ask them what they prefer. This knowledge will serve you well as they will serve you well, even to the point of stopping what they are doing to get you back in the saddle faster.

(edited to add: go to LOTS of LBS to find your bike...I did. I was hard to fit cuz lots of hurty body parts. I must've hit at least 7 shops before buying my bike.)

allaboutthecake

A couple of awesome Groups here on MFP that you may find beneficial. And, we are a pretty nice group too.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/344-bicycling-road-and-mountain

and

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/15535-mfp-strava-cycling-club

SharonNehring

I love the cookies and beer tips! LOL Bribery truly can work wonders. I have fibromyalgia, so finding the right bike is a must for long term enjoyment. The new gear does seem to be helping, although it can't compensate for having better equipment.

Thanks for all the advise everyone. I truly appreciate it. The good news is, I'm enjoying riding even with my cheap bike (other than the discomfort it causes) so it can only get better.

spoonyspork

I inherited hubby's Electra Townie when he 'upgraded' to a more portable bike, and for the first time ever I've actually been comfortable and even having fun biking.

It's sort of a hybrid cruiser/mountain/commuter bike and puts you in a different position than most bikes. More upright with a slight pedal-forward position (like a recumbent but way less extreme). It comes in a variety of speeds (1/3/7/12 IIRC -- I have the 3). You won't go as fast as on a road bike, but you'll be way more comfortable and efficient. The tires are nice and fat too, so you'd be comfortable on both dirt/gravel and pavement/asphalt.

They're ~$800 I think. It's worth at least a test ride, if any of the places you shop have them!

cheshirecatastrophe

OP, you mentioned saddle discomfort. One thing you might want to be aware of--some bike shops actually have demo programs for *bike seats*, where they will set you up with a trial one for a week or so to see if you like it. You don't necessarily have to do this with the same shop you buy your bike at, either.

A lot of women have really great luck with Terry saddles, so that's something to check out if you can't get comfortable on the stock seat.

Depending on the manufacturer, you might end up paying more for a "women's" version of a bike with the same components as the men's/unisex version (I know Felt and Specialized are or were like this. Trek is better about equivalents). Don't be afraid to try out guy bikes if the store people recommend it. You can stick a women's seat on them if you have to.

SharonNehring

An update to my original post- I bought a TREK FX3 today. I liked the Electra Townie as suggested, it was quite comfortable, but it seemed heavy and I worried about being able to get up the hills around here. The TREK Verve was a contender too but it seemed too cramped, like the handlebar was too close to the seat. The FX3 came with the wider handle grips standard so I didn't need to switch those out which is nice.

The computer I bought doesn't seem to be tracking properly and I want the hand grips adjusted a bit, so I'll be heading back to the shop this week. I don't care for the seat, even with padded shorts it was uncomfortable, so there'll be a definite upgrade or gel cover to get, I need a new tire pump and better lock...looks like I'm going to be a regular shop visitor. LOL

peterjens

SharonNehring wrote: »

I bought a TREK FX3 today.

Congratulations. Easy does it. Ride a little each day so your body gets used to the bike.

cheshirecatastrophe

Great choice! Enjoy your bike!

One of the times you're in the shop, see if you can get the maintenance staff to show you how to change a flat tire, or ask if they offer bike maintenance classes. It's one of the best investments of time and money you'll put into your bike.

SharonNehring

That is a great suggestion! He did show me how to take the front tire and saddle off out of necessity, we had to do it to get it into my car. Adding a bike rack to my wish list. LOL I took my first ride yesterday and love the ease in changing gears compared to my old bike.

I struggled a bit to ride the same distance I was covering before but then realized, duh, it was 85 degrees yesterday instead of the 60s-70s I've been riding in. Thankfully the first accessory added was an insulated water bottle/holder.