Fifty Plus (50+) - Back in the saddle again

I have just started riding my bike to work. A BIG 6/10 of a mile.
but the last 2/10 is a killer hill for me, at least I thought so.
I did the big no-no and bought a Moongoose at wally mart.
When I tryed to shift down for the hill it went into nuetrol and went to a stop.
so I had to push it up the hill, tryed for 3 days on the 3rd ride home I tryed to up shift
to see how fast I could go down the hill if I pedeled. Coasting I hit the bottom at 17 mph.
The chain broke. I could either push it 3/10 miles home or 3/10 up the hill to my van and take back to Wally and tell him what to do with it. I chose the latter it put me in the right mood to take it back.
Next day I went to the local bike store and bought a Trek Navigator 50.
I made it up that wimppy little hill, I was huffing and puffing but I made it and it is getting easyer each time.
It's been almost 50 years since I 've ridden a bike. But I think I am going to like it.
Today after I got home I went back out and rode another 1.5 miles, next week who knows.:D


John Gibson
Lansing Michigan

Keep at it. You have already seen what a difference a decent bike makes.

Congrats C-daug. It takes a lot of cajones to pick up a bicycle after a 50-year layoff. You've done the hard part. Now comes the fun!

CyberDaug's Wallmart bike experience should be carved in stone and mounted on the top of every cycling page on the internet. :eek:

BP. Whats happened? You have just said the most sensible thing since you have been posting. Whats more-- I completely agree with you. Have I been converted to BP's mentality or are you finally talking sense.

Another gone-er...

By the 4th you'll be doing 10 milers. By Labor Day, 15, maybe 20.

Great reaction to your crummy bike.

Thanks for posting this, CD...cool stuff!!!


I’m going to hold you to that time frame BP.:D
But try to do better and have fun doing it.

As for the crummy bike I had to know why the chain broke and it would not shift properly, so I turned it over (gently of course) and spun the rear tire I found the 3rd gear had a bent tooth and the 4th gear had a slight bend also. The chain pin looked just like Park Tools picture of after you us there tool to press in out, just in one outer link.

John Gibson

When is a Bargain not a Bargain?

It's been almost 50 years since I 've ridden a bike. But I think I am going to like it.
Today after I got home I went back out and rode another 1.5 miles, next week who knows.:D

Next week you'll find yourself getting deeper and deeper into the bliss that comes with cycling! Welcome to heaven on earth.

Good news all the way around!! Found the 50+ Forum, back on the bike after 50 yrs, rode up the darn hill, upgraded the bike already, riding to work, starting to sound like a wrench......you gotta love it!!

Good news all the way around!! Found the 50+ Forum, back on the bike after 50 yrs, rode up the darn hill, upgraded the bike already, riding to work, starting to sound like a wrench......you gotta love it!!


You got that right. It gets better.
My son-in law figured if I could do it He could too, now he doesn’t even want to drive his car. This morning my Daughter showed up on a bike, she is really proud of if too, She is telling every one that comes in all about it, now if I can get my wife to ride more then 2 blocks we can have are own little tour.