uniqueone Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 A felt that my "trail" days were nearing an end which is always sad because it means being more secluded...stuck at home alone in the drearyness. I'm known on the trail because I'm there all the time. The other day I got there later than usual and a guy rode past me and said: "I was wondering where you were!" (I'd never once said a word to the guy before--or even really ever noticed him...and here..he knew who I was....sorta) So being out there is a good social situation even if I don't make any point in talking to people. Today after I was done blading, I get to my car and this guy got to his car with his bike and said something to me about the weather. I then realized it was a guy who had talked to me in the lot last week one night when it had gotten dark out (I couldn't see him that first time though since it was dark). We were talking tonight about the lack of color in the trees and I told him how last year at this time while on the trail, I had taken a picture of some pretty maple trees and I had the picture as the background on my phone and I held up my phone. So he came over to look at it. After that, he goes back to his car and continues putting his bike in his car and we're still talking and he asks me when I'm going to get my bike out and go riding. I tell him that I don't have one (well, not one that works anyway). Then I mention that I should get one because pretty soon I won't be able to blade (once the leaves fall and cover the path). So now it's got me thinking about getting a bike so I can extend my 'trail life' I'm a little fearful of bikes though. I used to be heavily into it and then several years ago, I had a few crashes (near traffic) and after the last one I decided to do something other than biking. The trail though isn't near traffic but I still have a slight fear. And sure enough....I was talking to my mother and mentioned getting a bike and the first thing she mentioned was how I might crash....... I'm not sure if it's worth it though. Even with biking, the weather for it is going to be limited soon. I do dread the lack of my so-called trail social circle life coming to a close soon though.
Timberlane Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Are you talking about getting a road bike? They also have these really cool city commuter bikes that have handle bars that tilt and are high so you can be comfortable. REI has them. It would be great for any road/light dirt riding. It's funny you should mention it, but a friend is thinking about biking to be social as well. So I think you'd have a bike pal right off the bat. She's a tall, athletic blond woman that is a brainy nerd.
johan Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 They have little wheels you can bolt on that will help you stay upright. At least until you get your confidence back.
directx Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I hate bikes too Uniqueone. But they are only $100 for a cheap one. Why not? You get good exercise and you could really extend your 'trail' life.
Author uniqueone Posted October 17, 2007 Author Posted October 17, 2007 They have little wheels you can bolt on that will help you stay upright. At least until you get your confidence back. It's funny but when I switched from biking to blading, I told people...."hey...at least I don't have as far to fall this way......" (I've only had a rare fall in years of rolleblading and that's when I've hit a rock or something...and I must confess that I don't wear any padding..)
Author uniqueone Posted October 17, 2007 Author Posted October 17, 2007 I hate bikes too Uniqueone. But they are only $100 for a cheap one. Why not? You get good exercise and you could really extend your 'trail' life. Yeah, this guy tonight told me that last year he biked in the snow even. I do remember jogging in snow during my "jogging phase" that lasted for a year or two. But I find running pretty boring and these knees don't care for it much either. This trail guy tonight told me that he got his bike at Target for $99. I don't know if I'd buy one at Target though. I'd probably buy one at a bike store (which is where my old one was from).
directx Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Why don't you do a group exercise thing Uniqueone? Like a Tai Quon Do or Judo or something? I have made a great group of friends in my club. And you are more apt to stick with it because you do it as a group. Just a thought. Because all exercise bores me after awhile if its just repetition and same old same old. I like to do something active that I can apply and learn something. But thats just me.
Author uniqueone Posted October 17, 2007 Author Posted October 17, 2007 Why don't you do a group exercise thing Uniqueone? Like a Tai Quon Do or Judo or something? I have made a great group of friends in my club. And you are more apt to stick with it because you do it as a group. Just a thought. Because all exercise bores me after awhile if its just repetition and same old same old. I like to do something active that I can apply and learn something. But thats just me. I like the freedom of coming and going as I please I guess. Unfortunately, I've never been a group person. And (this part scares me a bit) as I've gotten older, I've noticed that I don't like to be tied to any set schedule. I'm really wondering if I've gotten to be too independent. So how is Judo not the same ol' same ol'....but biking would be?
directx Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 I like the freedom of coming and going as I please I guess. Unfortunately, I've never been a group person. And (this part scares me a bit) as I've gotten older, I've noticed that I don't like to be tied to any set schedule. I'm really wondering if I've gotten to be too independent. So how is Judo not the same ol' same ol'....but biking would be? In every class, I swear, I learn something new. Even when I am not playing but watching. Plus its amazing when someone 100 pounds lighter than yourself takes you to town. It is much cooperation and very fun. And it is very free form. Everyone has their own style and its encouraged you develop your own style. The best thing is, everything you learn you can try out, full force, no hold back. But not every club is the same. I am lucky to have found the one I did.
Author uniqueone Posted October 18, 2007 Author Posted October 18, 2007 I got to the trail after work and, although the rain had stopped, the pavement was too wet and I sat in my car deciding whether or not to chance it on my blades, but kept envisioning pictures of a Charlie Chaplin routine.....(alright, I'd better not hear: Who's Charlie Chaplin")! The only people I saw on the wet trail were cyclists. So, in a pissy mood, I drove away and headed to Target to look at some bikes. Sure..you can get one for $100 just like the guy the other night told me....but nooo..I can't settle for one of those.....I have to like the $200+ bikes of course! (and I know enough about bikes to know what I'm paying the extra for too.....better gears, etc...) So I'm really thinking of getting one....that is, if I want to spend the money. Although I wonder if even with biking if there's going to be much time left in the season. There's that good ol' "darkness" thing approaching. Then once you buy a bike, you start buying accessories! I know how it goes! But I'm really dreading having to start staying indoors..it's more depressing. So...should I spring for the bike?
Timberlane Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 Yes, get the cheap bike. I had a Raleigh years ago that looked good and had decent shifters and other goodies. It was cheap and a bit heavy, but it served me well. I sold it a few years back. Sports you aren't that into yet merit the cheap intro level gear. Then you can bike with the others and have fun.
Author uniqueone Posted October 18, 2007 Author Posted October 18, 2007 Yes, get the cheap bike. I had a Raleigh years ago that looked good and had decent shifters and other goodies. It was cheap and a bit heavy, but it served me well. I sold it a few years back. Sports you aren't that into yet merit the cheap intro level gear. Then you can bike with the others and have fun. I had a "Giant" before so I can't get the cheap ones! I basically want an aluminum frame and shimano shifting....and I'm referring to the mountain bike variety.
Timberlane Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 I had a "Giant" before so I can't get the cheap ones! I basically want an aluminum frame and shimano shifting....and I'm referring to the mountain bike variety. Mine had Shimano gearing, which is pretty common. I had a chrome-moly frame, however. It was a mountain bike as well. You can get a full suspension bike these days from Shwinn for under $150, that stuff is so mainstream. But I had a Specialized for a while, which was nice. Just in case anyone was wondering, the bike is a dating related sort of thing, as it might lead to meeting someone. Not off topic!
JosieMcCoy Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 If you get a bike, you HAVE to put playing cards in the spokes!!! You would be so coooool!!! Cheers!
Author uniqueone Posted October 18, 2007 Author Posted October 18, 2007 Mine had Shimano gearing, which is pretty common. I had a chrome-moly frame, however. It was a mountain bike as well. You can get a full suspension bike these days from Shwinn for under $150, that stuff is so mainstream. But I had a Specialized for a while, which was nice. Just in case anyone was wondering, the bike is a dating related sort of thing, as it might lead to meeting someone. Not off topic! Hey, it's MY thread so if I want to get off topic, I CAN! That's a rule, you know. Besides, no one's reading this **** thread anyway. I didn't see any for under $150 with those features. You sure you're talking 2007 prices?
underpants Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 I splurged once for a Specialized trail bike. It was so awesome. Light yet versatile. My dog used to run along side. He would not heel during a walk but was perfect on the bike (even with cat and squirrel temptations). Go figure? Unfortunately, some thief is enjoying that bicycle now. Call a few bike shops and see if they have a refurbished trail bike at a reduced price. Also, check out some pawn shops. (you might find my old bike)
MR2Aaron Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 Protip: Craigslist is probably the single best source for sweet deals on gently used bicycles. Look at Trek, Cannondale and Specialized. Schwinn is kind of a joke these days. If this trail you speak of is paved at all, I'd be looking at what are called hybrids as opposed to mountain bikes, which are generally heavier and have very short gearing. You can also go the road bike route, but that's pretty expensive for something you're not really passionate about. Get yourself a set of slicks (tires without tread siping) and a decent helmet and you should be set.
Author uniqueone Posted October 18, 2007 Author Posted October 18, 2007 I splurged once for a Specialized trail bike. It was so awesome. Light yet versatile. My dog used to run along side. He would not heel during a walk but was perfect on the bike (even with cat and squirrel temptations). Go figure? Unfortunately, some thief is enjoying that bicycle now. Call a few bike shops and see if they have a refurbished trail bike at a reduced price. Also, check out some pawn shops. (you might find my old bike) I saw some bikes on Ebay but I'm reluctant to buy a used bike....too many crashes possible! It's like buying a used car. That sucks that your bike got stolen. Were you on your way to the Walmart?
Author uniqueone Posted October 18, 2007 Author Posted October 18, 2007 Protip: Craigslist is probably the single best source for sweet deals on gently used bicycles. Look at Trek, Cannondale and Specialized. Schwinn is kind of a joke these days. If this trail you speak of is paved at all, I'd be looking at what are called hybrids as opposed to mountain bikes, which are generally heavier and have very short gearing. You can also go the road bike route, but that's pretty expensive for something you're not really passionate about. Get yourself a set of slicks (tires without tread siping) and a decent helmet and you should be set. I did check out Craiglist but that involves traveling around checking them out and you know....by the time you do that, for the amount you'll spend in gas you could have gotten yourself a $1000 bicycle! Ok, so maybe not THAT bad, but still....... I agree with you on Schwinn. After I saw the two at Target, I read their online reviews and the one got a pretty poor review. That's unbelieveable for a Schwinn! Yes, the trail is paved but I like Mountain bikes, nonetheless. I had one before and I like the fat tires and the way they're built. Why do you think they're not suitable for paved trails? I agree with you on the Trek but e-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e!!! (I'm not familiar with the other two you mentioned). I checked out two sporting goods web sites last night (I actually look at other web sites besides LS! ) and there were some worth checking out based on user reviews. What do you think of Mongoose? I know it's not a high end bike, but it rated well.
MR2Aaron Posted October 18, 2007 Posted October 18, 2007 I did check out Craiglist but that involves traveling around checking them out and you know....by the time you do that, for the amount you'll spend in gas you could have gotten yourself a $1000 bicycle! Ok, so maybe not THAT bad, but still....... I agree with you on Schwinn. After I saw the two at Target, I read their online reviews and the one got a pretty poor review. That's unbelieveable for a Schwinn! Yes, the trail is paved but I like Mountain bikes, nonetheless. I had one before and I like the fat tires and the way they're built. Why do you think they're not suitable for paved trails? I agree with you on the Trek but e-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e!!! (I'm not familiar with the other two you mentioned). I checked out two sporting goods web sites last night (I actually look at other web sites besides LS! ) and there were some worth checking out based on user reviews. What do you think of Mongoose? I know it's not a high end bike, but it rated well. I'm something of an enthusiast on this topic, so this may be technical... Mountain bikes aren't completely unsuitable for use on a paved surface, but they are somewhat less than ideal for several reasons. The first is that, particularly on the lower end of the spectrum, they're quite heavy, which will make climbing hills much more laborious. They also tend to come with very heavy wheels, huge balloony, knobby tires and at least a suspension fork if not a rear suspension setup as well (as opposed to a hardtail). The advantage to all those features is greater traction and a smoother ride over rough ground, but the disadvantage is that a significant portion of your effort while riding is wasted overcoming the rolling resistance of those huge knobby tires, moving that suspension fork up and down, and turning those heavy wheels. Lastly, they typically have really short gearing, which just isn't as suitable for the higher speed you typically see on a paved surface. Edit:The tire disadvantage can be partially overcome by using a set of tires that don't have the knobs on them, but that's money you could spend on a better bike or any of the various other gear you may need, such as super-cool looking lycra bicycling shorts. Cannondale and Specialized are very highly regarded brands in cycling, although if Trek is too rich for your blood, they may be as well. Mongoose is actually a brand owned by the same company that makes Diamondback, Schwinn and at least one other. They're made on the same assembly line and painted differently. Assuming they're assembled correctly (which doesn't happen that often at Wal-Mart), they can be OK bikes, but for the money, you're better off looking at used ones. What I would recommend is something like this (there's a women's version as well): http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/bike_path/fx/75fx/ My suggestion is to go to an actual bike shop and ask someone there for advice. Tell them the sort of riding you'll be doing and see what they say. If they want to "fit" you to a bike, let them. This is more common with road bikes than hybrids, but it's useful to make sure that you get one that's the correct size and that is adjusted properly to the shape of your body. Proper fit makes an enormous difference in how enjoyable riding a bike is to you.
Author uniqueone Posted October 21, 2007 Author Posted October 21, 2007 Return of the bike thread for those looking for it.
PWSX3 Posted October 23, 2007 Posted October 23, 2007 Everything I have read about buying a book says you should spend the extra & buy a bike at a bike shop not a store like Walmart. Most of the shops around my town have free tune ups for the life of the bike, which I would think is a good deal specially when they charge you $50.00 each time you take it in for a tune up. You also get someone that will help you with tech questions & they will help fit a bike to you. I've been looking for a road bike so that is different then a mountain bike so I'm not much help. As for crashing, at least you don't have a motor between your legs. I used to ride dirt bike in my younger days & it REALLY hurt when you crashed on those things.
Timberlane Posted October 23, 2007 Posted October 23, 2007 The last time I wrecked on a mountain bike, I flipped over the handle bars and broke the seat bolt off clean by hitting the seat with my butt hard. I had to walk the thing back. You'll need a picture of yourself on your new bike when you get it.
Author uniqueone Posted October 23, 2007 Author Posted October 23, 2007 Everything I have read about buying a book says you should spend the extra & buy a bike at a bike shop not a store like Walmart. Most of the shops around my town have free tune ups for the life of the bike, which I would think is a good deal specially when they charge you $50.00 each time you take it in for a tune up. You also get someone that will help you with tech questions & they will help fit a bike to you. I've been looking for a road bike so that is different then a mountain bike so I'm not much help. As for crashing, at least you don't have a motor between your legs. I used to ride dirt bike in my younger days & it REALLY hurt when you crashed on those things. My Giant I used to have was from a bike shop and I really don't remember being in there all that often. Darn, I wish I still had that bike! It was a mountain bike. The chain ended up rusting and falling off after I'd had it sitting out one winter. Then that Spring, some guy who'd been trying to get me to go out with him tried to get me to go riding with him. I told him my bike needed work. He said he'd fix it for me. Well...even though this guy was in a cycling club he couldn't do a thing for himself (EXTREMELY spoiled, well-to-do, only child type). So instead he gives me his daughters old bike to ride instead (a Schwinn hybrid). So I have the Schwinn and not my Giant, although, chances are, my Giant might have ended up costing too much to fix anyway (not sure if there were other problems or not--this was in 2002) And he even called me a year later wanting his bike back and I told him I couldn't find it (I lied). I should have traded it back then but I didn't want to see him....he was a weasel and a nutcase. (seriously)
Author uniqueone Posted October 23, 2007 Author Posted October 23, 2007 You'll need a picture of yourself on your new bike when you get it. Oh yeah.....that'll be happening........ How about a Jan Brady scene?
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