Bicycling?
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brianpperkins wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »Think about what kind of riding you will want to do...some people I know who've bought hybrids enjoy them, but the ones I know who really get into riding end up regretting it and don't get out nearly as much as they would otherwise.
I had a drop-bar 10-speed back in the day, until it was stolen from behind my Chicago apartment (probably by a drug addict, since it sure wasn't worth much by then). But my next few bikes were flat-handlebar hybrids, and I did fine riding them up to 50 miles. Bar ends can provide alternative grips.
Besides, a beginning cyclist doesn't know what kind of bike he or she will eventually want. It depends on what kind of riding you are most attracted to, and for that, you need to ride for a while. My favorite riding now is long day rides on gravel and poorly maintained pavement; for that I need a bike with fat tires and fenders. Had I bought a road bike without the clearance for wide tires and fenders, I'd be unhappy.
Meanwhile, my hybrid is still part of my stable. It's a great commuter, I can lend it to visiting friends (sizing is more versatile than a road bike), and in the winter, I put studded tires on it and I can ride even when there's snow and ice on the road. Many cyclists think that the proper answer to the question of how many bikes you need is, "One more!" But even if you're not one of them, it can be nice to have two bikes in case you notice a problem with one just as you're about to head out on a ride.
I was just pricing new rides this weekend for "one more" ... ok ... it will be the second in the stable.
The appropriate number of bikes to own comes down to two equations.
The first is "n+1" where n is the current number of bikes you own. That number will converge with the second equation which is expressed as "s-1" where s is the number of bikes that would cause your spouse to divorce you.
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My "s-1" equation is broken though since my wife is also a cyclist. I currently own 3 bikes, with a possible 4th on the way. She has 4 bikes already.
We have enough storage for more if we need it too. *sigh*0 -
So I've lost around 30 lbs (down to 265) and think it might be time to get back up on a bicycle. I'm wondering if there are any heavy folks out there who ride and what types of bikes might work out for a heavier older person (I'm 69).
Thanks!
I agree with those suggesting a local bike store. They'll be able to set you up with something that fits your body, the type of riding you plan to do, and your budget.
I also agree with those who suggested that this is the perfect time to buy. You'll get a better deal, and with a trainer, you'll be in better shape when spring rolls around.
Something that I don't think has been mentioned is that a bike is not only great exercise, it's also good motivation to get yourself in shape. Cycling will just get easier and more enjoyable the thinner you get. And while others are spending an extra couple thousand dollars to upgrade to a carbon frame bike to shed a few pounds, you'll be able to drop ten, twenty or 50 pounds all while riding a basic $400 hybrid (or whatever you decide to get).
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My "s-1" equation is broken though since my wife is also a cyclist. I currently own 3 bikes, with a possible 4th on the way. She has 4 bikes already.
We have enough storage for more if we need it too. *sigh*
Ha, are you my hubby in disguise...? I've lost count, but we have a bad habit of not selling bikes when we replace them. We sit on them to lend to friends who have fewer bikes. Also we're part owners of a LBS.
I have a road bike, 2 CX bikes (an entry-level Redline and a custom Ti Seven, because I wanted a better frame and components and no one makes anything but low-rent CX bikes in my squatty size), a 29er, and a fat bike that my 13 year old has ridden FAR more than I do. But he got a CX for Xmas and is an inch+ taller than I, so I'll get the fatty back soon. We bought a house with a 3rd garage stall almost entirely for the bikes. 
The only thing I'm missing is a TT bike, but we're likely going to put aerobars on my road bike, since I'll do most of my road riding on the Seven with slick tires. Oh, and we have a Co-Motion tandem that we have done a bunch of gravel road races on. We don't have a problem...we can quit anytime.... 
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There are about 6 positions you can use on the drop bars. The flat bars will give you only 2 or 3. If your hands tingle and go numb you'll be glad to have these. I ride a lot and I move my hands a lot. your mileage may vary
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Let's get back to the original post. My suggestions are Performance bike for your initial purchase/road bike with a compact crank 50/34 and a 13/28 cassette in the back. Cycling shorts that are one size larger than pant size for comfort. Now is the time to buy, many clearance bikes on sale.0
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Let's get back to the original post. My suggestions are Performance bike for your initial purchase/road bike with a compact crank 50/34 and a 13/28 cassette in the back. Cycling shorts that are one size larger than pant size for comfort. Now is the time to buy, many clearance bikes on sale.
Quite the specificity there ... what store to buy from, what crank and cassette combo to buy ... all without looking at where the OP is going to ride, what best fits their needs, etc.0 -
Thanks again! I live in Colorado and am 69 yo and weigh 265 so I'm not looking to race or do extended trips, just want to get around town and get a bit of exercise in the process. From all the comments, I've pretty much settled on a hybrid from a local shop, details probably based on what's available and moderately priced. The image of myself wearing spandex or whatever gives me a good laugh!0
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On the subject of handlebars. When I do long rides and speed is not a factor I have a bike set up with Brahma bars and a set of clip on aero bars mounted to them with the pads removed. Slightly odd looking but lots of hand positions and you can stretch out nice.0
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Thanks again! I live in Colorado and am 69 yo and weigh 265 so I'm not looking to race or do extended trips, just want to get around town and get a bit of exercise in the process. From all the comments, I've pretty much settled on a hybrid from a local shop, details probably based on what's available and moderately priced. The image of myself wearing spandex or whatever gives me a good laugh!
Where in Colorado? Ever considered riding the Triple Bypass?
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Don't sell yourself short (don't be like my mom who gave up on herself when she was my age...in her early 40s. It makes me nuts that at 70 she's afraid to try anything new or take on any challenges. There are women older than her who have taken up distance running and cycling and have turned back the clock on their health and fitness). I have friends with a good 50#s on you who ride relatively high miles and regularly. These are not spring chickens...I'm talking 45-65. The more you ride, the more you'll lose. And have a blast doing so!0 -
If I may, there is a great message board for bigger riders:
http://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdales-athenas-200-lb-91-kg/
You'll get a lot of good information there.0 -
mikeeggins_66 wrote: »Full on road bikes can be uncomfortable to ride and tricky to ride for someone who is less fit. My 400 quid specialised cirrus has served me well for the first 6 months of my journey. I'll think about something sportier when I hit 100 kg.
I disagree. I started with the same bike (Spesh. Sirrus). My road bike (Spesh. Robuaix) is *more* comfortable and easier to ride. More hand positions and options than a flatbar bike.0 -
This guy does cyclocross. No one really has a place to say that they are too big to be a BAMF. Believing that one is too heavy to do...whatever simply prevents us from ever changing that status. It doesn't allow us to exit our comfort zones. I'm asthmatic. Some asthmatics refuse to be active at all...in spite of the fact that activity can make their lungs stronger. I'm also slow and clumsy. I'm the last person who should be doing cyclocross and running, but I love doing things that I'm not naturally good at, because molds are for breaking.0
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If I may, there is a great message board for bigger riders:
http://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdales-athenas-200-lb-91-kg/
You'll get a lot of good information there.
Interesting stuff there, thanks. Interesting to note that I'm a Clydesdale!0 -
As others have indicated, a bike shop is best. My husband and I looked at Walmart and found those bikes to be very poor quality. Good for short term riding, not long term quality. We went to several bike shops finding one that worked for us. This particular shop answered all our questions. We knew at our age we wanted to sit up straight and enjoy our riding. Our final decision was the Electra Amsterdam 3 speed bikes. We are not marathoner type people. We just need some exercise everyday.
Ask numerous questions. Don't let them sway you to what you do not want or need. Many shops wanted us to buy 21 speed bikes. Then told us we did not need to use all the gears. Wow. That was their inventory and they did not want to order what we wanted. Find a shop that listens and you will be happy with your purchase long term.....good luck0
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