Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Let's find a bike for Becky...

I like this one... what's your opinions?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/390417747.html

The C&V boys have given it the thumbs up, so far. I'm going to go look at it. It should be light. It's double butted Chromoly. It's early early 80's Japanese (I'm pretty sure).

I like it because I have a feeling it's undervalued and is probably going to be a nice bike.

Don't know what's on it, and don't know if I can put a triple on it without a lot of hassle. It would be nice for Becky to have a triple since she's having trouble with her knees.

Anyway, scout around for good Becky bikes. And then when I find a good candidate, we can all talk about what it needs to suit Becky!

Fans of modern bikes will have their chance to tell Becky why they're so much better, make some recommendations and we'll see what she thinks.

Sound like fun?

Remember, this is for a spare* bike, since hers is not doing well. But, I can't really see her doing RAGBRAI next year without a road bike... but what do I know? I've never even seen* a bike event.

I presume you are talking about that Mixte? If so, it'd be a nice bike. A step through frame and with that double top tube design, it's be a solid bike, as well, unlike the "Womans" road bike of the 70's and 80's that were as flexible as al dente spaghetti. Kind of like a precursor to Compact Geometry.....

No! That's too small for Becky. I was thinking of the Zebra....

You think the geometry should be more relaxed? I was under the impression that those early Japanese bikes weren't real aggressive...

Oh! I'm not sure about Becky's height, so I just took a guess which bike you were looking at.......50/50 odds!

The Zebra will be likely a Sports/Touring geometry and pretty comfortable as well, if she needs a 58 cm frame. Depending on torso length, the Top tube may or may not be a little long though since women on average have more leg length and less torso as compared to a man. Just something to consider there.

Yes, Tom's right, Becky. I may not be able to judge a good bike for you because I have shorter legs than torso length. Are you long legged?

I'm a little over 5'8", and my bikes are 55cm, 56cm, and 23", but the 23" one is a little too big, but rideable. Becky's 5"11, so I figure a 58 is a good size... but the top tube is a question. I have a strong preference for touring geometry. I think everyone feels ok on a touring geometry, don't they?

Yes, Tom's right, Becky. I may not be able to judge a good bike for you because I have shorter legs than torso length. Are you long legged?

I'm a little over 5'8", and my bikes are 55cm, 56cm, and 23", but the 23" one is a little too big, but rideable. Becky's 5"11, so I figure a 58 is a good size... but the top tube is a question. I have a strong preference for touring geometry. I think everyone feels ok on a touring geometry, don't they?

The older style frames are more relaxed anyways. Worst case you could mess with stem length. So I wouldn't worry too much.

Here's a list: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/391196707.html

Here's a mixte touring frame. They changed the handlebars but they could be changed back.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/390750768.html


This is a nice deal: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/390728734.html

Some ebay stuff close to Minneapolis.
This would be nice with some work: http://cgi.ebay.com/SCHWINN-World-Sport-Womens-21-Silver-Grey-Chrome-Moly_W0QQitemZ170135618097QQihZ007QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


This one is still at $9.99:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Maruishi-Excellence-Road-Bike-Bicycle_W0QQitemZ280140457536QQihZ018QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Actually, there's a chance that it may be a World Sport.

I picked up a World Sport early in my bike hunt that was too big for something like $20. Then I saw a guy who was selling a world sport fixie because it was a little too small, but he would also consider just selling the frame, since he was going to build another. I emailed him, and essentially gave him my World Sport, and he was going to give me the smaller frame. I told him not to worry about it if he never got around to it, but he just sent me an email asking if I still wanted the parts. Don't know if the frame is coming my way, but if it is... it's in the range the bike shop said Becky rides.

But we'll see if the guy can actually get the bikes over here before he goes back to college..

Those Motobecanes scare me to work with. I've heard French bikes have their own set of issues.

Oh! That Maruisihi looks interesting. I have to look up St. Michael.

I like this one... what's your opinions?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/390417747.html

The C&V boys have given it the thumbs up, so far. I'm going to go look at it. It should be light. It's double butted Chromoly. It's early early 80's Japanese (I'm pretty sure).

I like it because I have a feeling it's undervalued and is probably going to be a nice bike.

Don't know what's on it, and don't know if I can put a triple on it without a lot of hassle. It would be nice for Becky to have a triple since she's having trouble with her knees.

Anyway, scout around for good Becky bikes. And then when I find a good candidate, we can all talk about what it needs to suit Becky!

Fans of modern bikes will have their chance to tell Becky why they're so much better, make some recommendations and we'll see what she thinks.

Sound like fun?

Remember, this is for a spare* bike, since hers is not doing well. But, I can't really see her doing RAGBRAI next year without a road bike... but what do I know? I've never even seen* a bike event.

Hi Solveg,

This is a lovely idea, and I admire you for your selflessness, but I'd like to urge caution here. If you fit a bike to Becky now, it may not fit her when she loses a chunk of weight. I had this happen to me - my Navigator has an 18" inch frame, my Trek 7.5 fx - when it gets here - will have a 20". I'm more cramped on my Navigator than I was six months ago.

Hi Solveg,

This is a lovely idea, and I admire you for your selflessness, but I'd like to urge caution here. If you fit a bike to Becky now, it may not fit her when she loses a chunk of weight. I had this happen to me - my Navigator has an 18" inch frame, my Trek 7.5 fx - when it gets here - will have a 20". I'm more cramped on my Navigator than I was six months ago.

??? really! I wonder why? How much weight do you think would make you prefer a different sized bike? That is very, very interesting.

I wonder if that's why I don't like my old Bridgestone now and I did when I was in my 20's and 135 lbs?

Becky, what do you think so far about all this?

(P.S: No selflessness here. It's an excuse to bike hunt, and Becky's paying for it!)

??? really! I wonder why? How much weight do you think would make you prefer a different sized bike? That is very, very interesting.

I wonder if that's why I don't like my old Bridgestone now and I did when I was in my 20's and 135 lbs?

Becky, what do you think so far about all this?

(P.S: No selflessness here. It's an excuse to bike hunt, and Becky's paying for it!)

I'm not sure it's entirely the weight loss. Some of it might be due to my generally improved physical condition. If I recall correctly, Becky is well over 300 pounds. As she loses weight, her body is going to become more limber and stronger. She will be able to reach further to grab the bars without excess getting in the way.

She might not need a change in frame size, but she might. So that's why I urge caution.

On the other hand, the Zebra only costs $90 (half if you get BOTH for $90), so it would be easy to recycle it back onto CL if it no longer fits Becky soon.

[solveg, I can't believe you called me one of the boys :D ].

East Hill

Hi Solveg,

This is a lovely idea, and I admire you for your selflessness, but I'd like to urge caution here. If you fit a bike to Becky now, it may not fit her when she loses a chunk of weight. I had this happen to me - my Navigator has an 18" inch frame, my Trek 7.5 fx - when it gets here - will have a 20". I'm more cramped on my Navigator than I was six months ago.


+1, When I started back, I was not comfortable on any frame above..21" (Road) now I can handle a 23" even though it's slightly cramped in the standover. And thats just the change from 280 to 220lbs.

On the other hand, the Zebra only costs $90 (half if you get BOTH for $90), so it would be easy to recycle it back onto CL if it no longer fits Becky soon.

[solveg, I can't believe you called me one of the boys :D ].

East Hill

I actually thought about you when I wrote that, and thought, "Awww, East Hill won't care..." and it was too much work to write "the C&V boys and East Hill".

oh wow... I wake up and check the forum to find THIS! :)

I wasn't sure about putting all this out in public view, but hey... maybe there's another tall woman out there who will find this thread helpful. So here goes - I'm 5'11", fairly typical leg/torso proportions, I think (32" inseam). Historian is right - I've already noticed that I'm more comfortable stretching out a bit than I was when I first started riding, but I've still got about 200 lbs to lose, so I'm sure that will change even more. My Venture has handlebars that adjust to be tipped forward/back, and I've moved them from their most upright position (when I started riding) to about halfway to their forward-most/lowest angle, which puts them slightly higher than the seat.

My LBS (and solveg too) recommended that I try out some road bikes before deciding on a size, but I'm not sure I'd be able to judge that at all well, since I've never ridden one before! They're all going to feel weird. LBS said 55-57 cm, but since that's what solveg takes (5'8" but long torso), I wouldn't be surprised if one size larger was more appropriate for me. Is it correct that if the bike's too BIG, you can put risers on the handlebars to compensate? Or do you use risers if the bike's too small?

I definitely see this as a first road bike - I may fall in love with it and not want to change, but I'd rather experiment and possibly "grow out of" a used (but strong) bike than an expensive new one. If it doesn't fit, can always sell it again on CL.

Riser if it's too small, a shorter stem in length if too long.

If the standover is too high, about the only way to address that is add some leg length somehow......or wear 1970's vintage platform shoes, or Gene Simmons boots.;)

EDIT: 55-57, huh? OK, then a 58 should be tolerable as the TT length will be very close to the same.

Is it correct that if the bike's too BIG, you can put risers on the handlebars to compensate? Or do you use risers if the bike's too small?

Info about sizing and such here (Rivendell bikes). They preach you can adjust a bike that's too big much easier than you can one that is too small.
http://www.rivbike.com/how_to_pick_your_bike/our_approach_to_fit_sizing_and_riding_position



I definitely see this as a first road bike - I may fall in love with it and not want to change, but I'd rather experiment and possibly "grow out of" a used (but strong) bike than an expensive new one. If it doesn't fit, can always sell it again on CL.
When I decided to look into a road bike, I did some "good" test rides. I rode my Trek Navigator for about a year when I decided to look into a road bike. When I test rode some, I gave them 10-20 mile test rides.

You will likely find, like me, that a steel touring bike has the best feel for a larger rider. I ended up with a Trek 520.

I think you need to pay attention to tire size until weight gets down some.

Read this geek thread to see why ;)
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=330573

I actually thought about you when I wrote that, and thought, "Awww, East Hill won't care..." and it was too much work to write "the C&V boys and East Hill".

Just teasin'. Over there, I'm happy to be 'one of the boys' :p .

Becky (and all the other Athenas and Clydes), I think both as you lose weight, and gain experience on a bike, you will become more comfortable on a bigger bike than you thought possible. My first bike, a lovely Specialized Dolce Elite, is a 44cm WSD. As I've biked more and more, I've discovered that I can ride anything up to a 48cm in the vintage steel bikes I own. Beyond that I'm in negative standover territory :eek: . I am extremely comfortable stretched out, and ride in the drops virtually the entire time, unlike most of the other women with whom I ride.

The mixte that's for sale could be a good compromise for you. They have very relaxed geometry compared to other road bikes, you don't have to worry about standover issues, and you don't have to strain to throw your leg over the top tube.

I'd say (unless the mixte is sized more for a small person like me) that either the Zebra or the mixte would work quite well, and it would be easy to recover your money if and when you came to sell.

East Hill

I think I'll skip the Zebra...

It would be nice to find something with a triple already on it. I've found on my SR that some of these old bikes are really hard to find parts for, and impossible to just adapt, and Becky needs a triple. I'll still try and get over there just to see what's on the bike.

Becky, I'm sorry if you hadn't planned on taking this public! It never occurred to me that bike shopping shouldn't be a group event!!!! I've already learned a lot* about it.

Anyway, if you don't respond to this thread again, we'll just let it fade away. Or you can ask tom to delete it forever! Or if you don't mind and were just surprised, then post here once more.

This thread is a good idea. It puts more eyes out there to find things.

It's fine :) I'm getting really excited about it - just a little self-conscious about being the center of attention! I suppose I can get used to it... lol ;)

I actually spent a little time on the Minneapolis CL last night... in spite of a long list, good stuff doesn't pop up every day, does it?

It's fine :) I'm getting really excited about it - just a little self-conscious about being the center of attention! I suppose I can get used to it... lol ;)

I actually spent a little time on the Minneapolis CL last night... in spite of a long list, good stuff doesn't pop up every day, does it?


No, but sometimes you nab some good stuff! Keep an eye on the CL and eBay finds thread in the Classic & Vintage forum, and you'll see :) .

East Hill

How about a nice Schwinn Letour with new tires for $75?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/397991579.html

I've heard glowing revues about how they ride, but I've never ridden one....

I'll be honest.. the more I think about it, the more I have serious doubts that I can handle riding a road bike before I've lost a significant amount of weight. I want one... but it seems like it'd just be too much pressure on my hands to be in a forward position.

17" Schwinn MTB
$25, needs work. 'tis a thought!
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/397921569.html

I'll be honest.. the more I think about it, the more I have serious doubts that I can handle riding a road bike before I've lost a significant amount of weight. I want one... but it seems like it'd just be too much pressure on my hands to be in a forward position.

Cool! There will always be road bikes in Minneapolis!

I'll be honest.. the more I think about it, the more I have serious doubts that I can handle riding a road bike before I've lost a significant amount of weight. I want one... but it seems like it'd just be too much pressure on my hands to be in a forward position.


If you are comfy and happy on your current bike then there is no reason to change. There is quit a bit of difference between a comfort bike and a road bike. If you aren't ready for a road bike then don't worry about getting one now. When you are ridding the wheels off our current bike, then upgrade to a road bike. If you want a second bike, maybe another comfort/cruiser type bike.

Cool! There will always be road bikes in Minneapolis!

Too small! I have an 18" Bridgestone cross she could have, but it won't fit her. It's too small for me at 5'8".

I think as long as Becky's coming up here, she'll find a bike on her own if it's meant to be...

Well, I'm not entirely comfortable or happy on my current bike. I've had one problem after another... alternating between painful knees and painful/numb hands and elbows (no, I don't lock them). Lately the problems have been due, I think, to the non-suspension seatpost I got a few weeks ago. It was a cheapie, and the saddle keeps coming loose and won't hold the correct angle. Since I've been sitting practically off the back end of it to be comfortable, I think I'm going to invest in one with two bolts holding the seat, and a little more than normal offset. Hopefully that will help.

If it doesn't, I have serious doubts about whether I'll be able to increase my mileage much beyond what I'm doing now. (planning on 45 this week) I don't know if a different bike will help.

Well, I'm not entirely comfortable or happy on my current bike. I've had one problem after another... alternating between painful knees and painful/numb hands and elbows (no, I don't lock them). Lately the problems have been due, I think, to the non-suspension seatpost I got a few weeks ago. It was a cheapie, and the saddle keeps coming loose and won't hold the correct angle. Since I've been sitting practically off the back end of it to be comfortable, I think I'm going to invest in one with two bolts holding the seat, and a little more than normal offset. Hopefully that will help.

If it doesn't, I have serious doubts about whether I'll be able to increase my mileage much beyond what I'm doing now. (planning on 45 this week) I don't know if a different bike will help.


I would suggest that you do not swap out your bike for a road bike right now. A road bike by nature will tip you over farther on your hands/arms and it sounds like that is the last thing you want to do right now. Keep messing with the fit and it will come. My Navigator was very comfy once I got the seat and bar position dialed in.

Thanks, Cain. I've been feeling really discouraged this week - not a lot of energy, and I seem to have done to my right hand what you did to your.. ahem... well, ring and pinky finger have been numb or partially numb since Saturday. That's made me a little afraid to do much riding.

I got in 10 miles this morning, a little slower than usual (a little under 10 mph average speed). My legs were fine, but my hands started going numb(er) again, and I didn't want to make things any worse. I'd put the old seatpost back on - I still don't love the suspension, but at least it holds the saddle securely. So it was better than Saturday's ride (during which my hand went totally numb and I steered into a curb and fell). I also want to try tipping my handlebars up a bit, but I can't get the bolt loose that allows that to be adjusted.

I was hoping to aim for at least one 20-25 mile ride this week, but with numb hands, that's not happening. Add to this a mysterious 8 lb weight gain over the weekend, that hasn't gone away yet... My confidence in being ready for Mille Lacs, and ultimately RAGBRAI, is definitely taking a hit.

Becky, not to get too personal, but a woman does have a monthly cycle that can account for an 8 pound fluid weight gain, remember. See if your monthly isn't it.

Something you can try for the hands as well....

Don't be afraid to pull a hand off the bars and shake it out to get the circulation going again.....it's kind of the same issue as the butt and junk with a guy in that you do need to periodically relieve the pressure and get the blood flowing again.;)
Thanks, Cain. I've been feeling really discouraged this week - not a lot of energy, and I seem to have done to my right hand what you did to your.. ahem... well, ring and pinky finger have been numb or partially numb since Saturday. That's made me a little afraid to do much riding.

I got in 10 miles this morning, a little slower than usual (a little under 10 mph average speed). My legs were fine, but my hands started going numb(er) again, and I didn't want to make things any worse. I'd put the old seatpost back on - I still don't love the suspension, but at least it holds the saddle securely. So it was better than Saturday's ride (during which my hand went totally numb and I steered into a curb and fell). I also want to try tipping my handlebars up a bit, but I can't get the bolt loose that allows that to be adjusted.

I was hoping to aim for at least one 20-25 mile ride this week, but with numb hands, that's not happening. Add to this a mysterious 8 lb weight gain over the weekend, that hasn't gone away yet... My confidence in being ready for Mille Lacs, and ultimately RAGBRAI, is definitely taking a hit.

Well, I'm going to look at a bike for you anyway today. It's an unbelievable german bike for $20. Not a road bike, but more of a cross, but really well made. The components on it, if they're original are worth the car ride there. I have to clarify that it is indeed $20 and not a typo for $200, If the frame is good, I don't care what size it is.

Saw these in her local CL.
A Nishiki for $25?
http://fayar.craigslist.org/bik/395424586.html

Becky do you wear gloves? I have numbness in my hands too and most are reccommending I use gloves - I've not found any I like yet so I don't know if that will help or not. That is supposed to releive some pressure on the heel/palm area so the blood can flow. I do what Tom suggested of shaking a hand awake occasionally too - seems to help.

My little finger is hurting too on my right hand most of the time. I'm not sure if the biking is causing it though. I'm also lifting weights a lot and it hurts more after the gym than it does after a ride.

Looking at you miles - you have really been stepping up. Don't be afraid to pace yourself a little. How many miles were you doing 7 weeks ago, and how many now????

You reported 11 miles on 7-28, and 33 miles last week. That's a 300% increase in 2 or 3 weeks! Pretty incredible.

That's a big change for your body, it may take a while to adapt.

I know if my miles went up 3x in two weeks I'd be finding a whole new set of aches and pains. ;)

Saw these in her local CL.
A Nishiki for $25?
http://fayar.craigslist.org/bik/395424586.html

I actually emailed that poster... no response. Oh well - I'm sure they went fast!



Becky do you wear gloves?
<snip>
Looking at you miles - you have really been stepping up. Don't be afraid to pace yourself a little. How many miles were you doing 7 weeks ago, and how many now????

You reported 11 miles on 7-28, and 33 miles last week. That's a 300% increase in 2 or 3 weeks! Pretty incredible.

That's a big change for your body, it may take a while to adapt.

I know if my miles went up 3x in two weeks I'd be finding a whole new set of aches and pains. ;)

Yeah, I got gloves (and Ergon grips) a couple months ago, the first time my hands started hurting! :rolleyes: They do help a lot. I think you're right about the other part... yes, 300% in 3 weeks, and I was going for 45 miles (+12 miles from last week) this week. Not sure I'll make it, though. I know it's fast progress, but I want to do that ride at Mille Lacs, so I've been pushing a bit. It helps that I've switched from hilly-ish rides to fairly flat rides, so it's maybe not as extreme as it looks. But I know if I want to do a35 mile ride a month from now, I need to get some serious saddle time in.

Well, I'm going to look at a bike for you anyway today. It's an unbelievable german bike for $20. Not a road bike, but more of a cross, but really well made. The components on it, if they're original are worth the car ride there. I have to clarify that it is indeed $20 and not a typo for $200, If the frame is good, I don't care what size it is.

Thanks, solveg :) I'm still not sure about a road bike, but if you want to buy it just to play with it, I'll give it a whirl when it's done, and buy it from you if it fits and I can ride it :)

I'm having trouble connecting with the guy. Doesn't look good. It looked like a cool bike.

When I tried to buy a bike off of Mpls.Stpaul C/L, I wouldn't get answers unless emailed minutes after the bikes where posted. There are so many buys that most of the good stuff is sold in the first few minutes. It takes a while and can be fusterating, but it's worth it.

On another note. I was out in the garden shed behind the rental house that we are living in. Back in the corner covered in dust I spied three vintage Schwinns(one womans) and a vintage youth Columbia. I might see if the owner wants to get rid of them, if so I might sell, or give them away.

This is what it was... for $20. It's still posted. I emailed within 15 minutes, he emailed me his work and home phone. I called his work phone immed and left him my home phone. Never called. Tonight at 7 I called his house. He wasn't home, but I left my number with his wife again.

The amount hasn't changed on the listing to $200, so I don't think he suddenly realized he mistyped. I'll bet it's gone, except there was no photo, and noone here in the US knows about this bike except for a few. It's a well made, german-engineered bike.

http://www.wheelerworldwide.com/trekking-7700.htm

I'd like to help, what can I do?

Thanks for the offer, Red... I'm not even sure I want another bike! Well - I'd like to have a spare, so solveg and I are scouting CL for a cheapie (she likes to fix bikes! :D ) I know I do want a road bike eventually, so she's scouting for one of those too, but I'm in no hurry.

Hi Becky,

About the weight, you have been riding a lot more and it is not uncommon for muscle to cause a gain before a drop in weight. Just keep spinning.

My fingers and toes were going numb not too long ago. I tilted the seat up a degree or two and it has improved a bunch. Keep tweeking on it and it will get better. Bug your LBS a bunch for their ideas as well. Try bar ends or something to give you more hand positions and keep moving your hands around. Shaking and standing up for about 5 pedal strokes does wonders too. I think that was already mentioned. I will keep an eye out for a cheap comfort, road, cross bike for you down here.

Becky's going to end up with 100 bikes! :D

Becky's going to end up with 100 bikes! :D

Hmm... I don't think that's a problem :)
And thanks, b_young.. seems LR Craigslist isn't much better than F'ville's though (I've been checking it too).

Thanks for the offer, Red... I'm not even sure I want another bike!

Well, I do. Especially if it's free. :-)