Convince me to get a bike.....

punk_mama
punk_mama Posts: 93
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
About 1.5 years ago I found out I loooooooved running. I never thought I would even slightly like running. I was the kid that *****ed and moaned during gym class and walked the mile swearing I would never run I'm my life. Now I dont want to stop. BUT running has completly amplified problems with my feet that I never knew I had. I am pronated pretty bad, I think my left foot is worse and getting worse it aches if I push it at all. I did all I could with over the counter insoles, "right" kind of shoes and now I am waiting for my orthotics. I also some how broke the end of a bone off in my right foot that resulted in surgery. I think it was running related but I really dont know when/why it happened.

I have been thinking about buying a bike. I want something that will give me the satisfaction running has given me. I am so proud of what I have done and I wonder if biking would give me these same feelings? I am tired of my feet hurting!!! Any runners turned bikers out there?

Replies

  • taso42_DELETED
    taso42_DELETED Posts: 3,394 Member
    I messed up my ankle several months ago so I started riding my old bike instead of running for a while. Caught the bike bug and got a fancy new bike. Really loving it. My ankle has long since healed, but I feel like I've been cheating on running. Today was my first run in a couple of weeks.. ever since I got this new bike I've been doing that instead. I think it's really cool to have both activities to choose from.
  • fridayjustleft04
    fridayjustleft04 Posts: 851 Member
    I'm not a runner turned biker, but I do both. I'd say the benefits of a bike lie mostly in the fact that you can go just as far, but faster, which leaves you more time for a relaxing shower. Also, I burn more calories on a bike than I do running. (Perhaps because I don't really run so much as shuffle along slightly quicker than I walk? I'm really slow.) Finally, you don't get shin splints on a bike.
  • KissTheHaze
    KissTheHaze Posts: 2
    I recently converted, sort of. I love running but have weak ankles, so to prevent further injuries I started biking and really fell head over heals in love after I moved to Austin (the traffic is so horrendous and frustrating that I find it's easier to bike everywhere). I've definitely noticed an improvement in my feet/ankles, and the thing I love about biking is the feeling of productivity afterwards; besides using it just for exercise, I bike whenever I need to run errands. For example, I'll bike the 1.5 miles to Central Market, purchase my groceries, and bike back to my apartment. It's easy and doesn't even feel like exercise. I still run, but biking has allowed me to let my body heal when necessary. Honestly, I love both biking and running, but biking wins out because of the ability to multi-task and the accompanying sense of accomplishment. I don't know if your situation will allow you to bike as much as I do, but I definitely recommend it even as just a way to alleviate the pressure on your feet. =]
  • punk_mama
    punk_mama Posts: 93
    That's another reason I was concidering getting a bike, the multitasking. We are moving to Santa monica soon and there are 3 hospitals with-in 5 miles of our new place with any hope I will work at one of them and bike to work. :-D
    What bikes do you guys recommend?
  • fridayjustleft04
    fridayjustleft04 Posts: 851 Member
    I just went to Kmart and got a generic bike..nothing fancy, no bells and whistles. It has suspension, which is nice because it makes for a smoother ride, but really I think if you're not a bike enthusiast, just find something in your price range that looks snazzy to you. :smile:
  • squishyjenn
    squishyjenn Posts: 245 Member
    I don't have a car so all I do is ride my bike. It burns a ton more calories than running and gets you there way quicker. You can also purchase a bicycle trailer and it hooks to your back tire. You can fit up to 100 pounds of groceries and up to 2 kids or anything really in it. I love it but I still want a car in this heat, lol.
  • Reykur
    Reykur Posts: 18
    My favorite bike was a specialized hardrock. I think the main thing is that the bike fits you right. If you get one to big its hard to get going, stopping and going realy fast. If I get one to small it cramps me up. The right sized bike is so much fun. If you hit curbs stuff like that you might want a trail bike. But if your good at dodging things like rain gutters sewer covers than the road bikes can be a bit faster.


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  • taso42_DELETED
    taso42_DELETED Posts: 3,394 Member
    Most importantly, the bike frame needs to fit you http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtoride/a/bike_size_hub.htm

    In a pinch, if you're standing over the frame, there should be about 1" clearance between the top tube and your crotch.

    Second, you need to figure out what sort of bike you want? Do you want a fast road bike? A versatile commuter-style bike that you can put racks and panniers on? A bike that you can take off road sometimes... all the time? If you're always going to be riding on pavement, for example, you wouldn't want a mountain bike because the knobby tires and suspension will slow you down; whereas if you're going to ride over dirt on occasion, a straight up road bike is probably not appropriate. Some things to consider.

    Once you know your size and style, you can probably find a deal on craigslist for something higher in quality than what you'd get at a big box store.

    If you can afford it, get a good bike from a reputable bike shop. They can properly fit you, and you will have a place to take it for tune ups and upgrades.
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