Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - The Historian Goes Roadie?

I'll make you, and the rest of the Clyde/Athena Forum a deal. When I can mount a bike in a way that allows me to have a proper saddle height without hurting myself, and I don't have a saddle that rubs me raw, I'll consider myself a roadie, even without clipless or drop bars. I don't want the title unless it's free from 'special considerations.'

Deal?

No deal. You're a roadie.

I'm thinking that outside of the drop handlebar trappings, a "roadie" might essentially be a kind of road biking enthusiast who likes to cycle on the road, whenever his or her life permits ... and is also a little bit preoccupied with it during non-cycling hours.

PS. if you wait for a saddle that doesn't rub you raw, you'll have plenty of other roadies for company who are tying to find that elusive saddle that gets the job done with the minumum. I'm also on that search.

As for how you mount the bike, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. You're there to ride, and ride plenty you do.

No deal. You're a roadie.

I'm thinking that outside of the drop handlebar trappings, a "roadie" might essentially be a kind of road biking enthusiast who likes to cycle on the road, whenever his or her life permits ... and is also a little bit preoccupied with it during non-cycling hours.

PS. if you wait for a saddle that doesn't rub you raw, you'll have plenty of other roadies for company who are tying to find that elusive saddle that gets the job done with the minumum. I'm also on that search.

As for how you mount the bike, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. You're there to ride, and ride plenty you do.

I've indulged in introspection again, which is often a surprising and usually dangerous habit for me. I'm apologizing in advance for my post, which only follows yours because it allowed me to bring up some stuff I've been mulling over the past two years.

I'm still trying to figure out why I'm doing this. Riding, I mean. At first, it was because I'd never done it before. Well, I figured out how to ride, sort of. I've ridden long tours and a century. I've ridden trails and roads, in places from rural Lancaster and Oley Township to urban Philadelphia and Cleveland. I've commuted, gone shopping, even ridden my bike to church. From a standpoint of both utilitarian and recreational riding I should be satisfied.

And yet I've never enjoyed the ACT of riding. Getting on a bike is awkward, and riding is uncomfortable for me. Not only physically, but also because I get little pleasure out of not doing things well, and I recognize I don't ride well. And perhaps I am not capable of riding well. Yet I kept forcing myself out there, and opened my wallet whenever I thought there was something I could buy that might keep me riding, or make the experience of riding better.

However, I find myself going out for a ride less and less frequently. It was a beautiful fall day here in Chester County, with miles of low-traffic pavement crying out for the tread of my tires, and the bike sat in the garage all day. The bike was in good repair, the rider was reasonably healthy, but the desire wasn't there. So much for "riding as much as life permits." I feel guilty for not riding, but increasingly less so.

I've done 1900 miles this year, and, unlike last year, most of the miles have either been on tour or a ride with someone. (One of those tours was solo for nine days, but that was therapy for a toxic friendship on a previous tour.) I think, when I took up cycling, that I wanted to find friends as much as a hobby. And now I have a hobby that I'm not good at and is physically painful to me, and no one will ride with me because I'm not good enough. I think my reluctance to throw a leg over the top tube became clearer to me once I had this realization.

So I'm still trying to figure out why I ride. And I'm still coming up empty.

I've indulged in introspection again, which is often a surprising and usually dangerous habit for me. I'm apologizing in advance for my post, which only follows yours because it allowed me to bring up some stuff I've been mulling over the past two years.

I'm still trying to figure out why I'm doing this. Riding, I mean. At first, it was because I'd never done it before. Well, I figured out how to ride, sort of. I've ridden long tours and a century. I've ridden trails and roads, in places from rural Lancaster and Oley Township to urban Philadelphia and Cleveland. I've commuted, gone shopping, even ridden my bike to church. From a standpoint of both utilitarian and recreational riding I should be satisfied.

Why do we do anything Neil? If you like riding for the scenery, then look at the scenery. You take great pictures and capture things that most people will miss. If you like to ride just for the thrill of going fast, then work on going fast. Whatever it is that you like about it... just go out there and do it. You can spend all day thinking about why you do something, but unless your thinking improves upon what you are thinking about... it's a waste of time.



And yet I've never enjoyed the ACT of riding. Getting on a bike is awkward, and riding is uncomfortable for me. Not only physically, but also because I get little pleasure out of not doing things well, and I recognize I don't ride well. And perhaps I am not capable of riding well. Yet I kept forcing myself out there, and opened my wallet whenever I thought there was something I could buy that might keep me riding, or make the experience of riding better.

You don't actually enjoy the ACT of riding? I call B.S. You write pages upon pages about your adventures and the things you've seen.

I'm sorry for being harsh with you on this, but I feel this needs to be said, everyone has physical problems of some sort, quit whining.




However, I find myself going out for a ride less and less frequently. It was a beautiful fall day here in Chester County, with miles of low-traffic pavement crying out for the tread of my tires, and the bike sat in the garage all day. The bike was in good repair, the rider was reasonably healthy, but the desire wasn't there. So much for "riding as much as life permits." I feel guilty for not riding, but increasingly less so. I think you just need a break, just because it's a nice day out doesn't mean you need to spend every waking minute on the bike. Take a walk in the park, sit on a bench and feed the birds or whatever else gives you pleasure. Sit in front of the TV and watch whatever it is you feel like watching. Just because you have a bike doesn't mean you need it glued to your arse 24/7.



I've done 1900 miles this year, and, unlike last year, most of the miles have either been on tour or a ride with someone. (One of those tours was solo for nine days, but that was therapy for a toxic friendship on a previous tour.) I think, when I took up cycling, that I wanted to find friends as much as a hobby. And now I have a hobby that I'm not good at and is physically painful to me, and no one will ride with me because I'm not good enough. You may spend the rest of your life trying to figure out why you ride. Maybe you like to take pictures, meet new people and socialize, or maybe you like the challenge of the different terrain, etc.

If your current bike is causing you that much pain, sell it and get a recumbent.

No one will ride with you because you're not good enough? There are plenty of group rides around where people are riding at a slower pace. But I don't think it's your riding that's the problem in all honesty.

V

I've indulged in introspection again, which is often a surprising and usually dangerous habit for me. I'm apologizing in advance for my post, which only follows yours because it allowed me to bring up some stuff I've been mulling over the past two years.

I'm still trying to figure out why I'm doing this. Riding, I mean. At first, it was because I'd never done it before. Well, I figured out how to ride, sort of. I've ridden long tours and a century. I've ridden trails and roads, in places from rural Lancaster and Oley Township to urban Philadelphia and Cleveland. I've commuted, gone shopping, even ridden my bike to church. From a standpoint of both utilitarian and recreational riding I should be satisfied.

And yet I've never enjoyed the ACT of riding. Getting on a bike is awkward, and riding is uncomfortable for me. Not only physically, but also because I get little pleasure out of not doing things well, and I recognize I don't ride well. And perhaps I am not capable of riding well. Yet I kept forcing myself out there, and opened my wallet whenever I thought there was something I could buy that might keep me riding, or make the experience of riding better.

However, I find myself going out for a ride less and less frequently. It was a beautiful fall day here in Chester County, with miles of low-traffic pavement crying out for the tread of my tires, and the bike sat in the garage all day. The bike was in good repair, the rider was reasonably healthy, but the desire wasn't there. So much for "riding as much as life permits." I feel guilty for not riding, but increasingly less so.

I've done 1900 miles this year, and, unlike last year, most of the miles have either been on tour or a ride with someone. (One of those tours was solo for nine days, but that was therapy for a toxic friendship on a previous tour.) I think, when I took up cycling, that I wanted to find friends as much as a hobby. And now I have a hobby that I'm not good at and is physically painful to me, and no one will ride with me because I'm not good enough. I think my reluctance to throw a leg over the top tube became clearer to me once I had this realization.

So I'm still trying to figure out why I ride. And I'm still coming up empty.

(Dons flame retardant suit).

Personally I think riding just to be riding, is kinda stupid.

I like to ride for several reasons, and the reason I ride or don't ride, can be different, day to day. Sometimes I ride to go somewhere, sometimes I ride for exercise, sometimes I ride to relieve stress, sometimes I ride to take photos. There are probably 65,536 reasons to ride, and if you can't find one, then perhaps it's best to take a day or two off. In the next few weeks we will start seeing winter weather, I refuse to ride in snow, it will then be late March or Early April before riding outdoors becomes possible again. I still want to get a trainer, so I can ride in the winter for exercise, and to relieve stress, might start walking and hiking again, instead, this winter.

You don't actually enjoy the ACT of riding? I call B.S. You write pages upon pages about your adventures and the things you've seen.


It's amazing, isn't it, what a person can convince himself of when he feels he needs to. As for persuading other people, well, I'm a writer. That's what we do.

As for seeing things, I don't need a bike to see them.



But I don't think it's your riding that's the problem in all honesty.


What a lovely thought to offer this Sunday.

(Dons flame retardant suit).

Personally I think riding just to be riding, is kinda stupid.

I like to ride for several reasons, and the reason I ride or don't ride, can be different, day to day. Sometimes I ride to go somewhere, sometimes I ride for exercise, sometimes I ride to relieve stress, sometimes I ride to take photos. There are probably 65,536 reasons to ride, and if you can't find one, then perhaps it's best to take a day or two off. In the next few weeks we will start seeing winter weather, I refuse to ride in snow, it will then be late March or Early April before riding outdoors becomes possible again. I still want to get a trainer, so I can ride in the winter for exercise, and to relieve stress, might start walking and hiking again, instead, this winter.

I agree. However, in my case it's more than a day or two. I only did the MS ride last weekend because I wanted to see Bau, and perhaps xVhanz, again. (Please note that's see, not ride with them.) I only did the SSC/Bike Philly weekend two weeks before that because I thought I needed to practice for the MS ride, and because I wanted to see some fellow club members. In retrospect, my riding for the year could have ended when I reached Milepost zero on the C & O Canal Towpath back in August, and I would have been better for it.

I see this guy on the SRT once in a while who has two useless legs, and is missing an arm. So he rides a recumbent that he can power with his remaining arm. He always has people riding with him, too. Maybe that's because he can't get around without help, but it seems like he is generally a happy guy.

I think the issue right now, Neil, is that you are really frustrated with the obstacles you come across in cycling. And part of the journey will be overcoming those obstacles. Like others have mentioned, take a break. It will do you good.

But also work on your general outlook. Happy people attract people. If cycling isn't making you happy (and like vXhanz, I call B.S. that it doesn't for you), then find something else. Getting down on yourself helps nothing.

Ever wonder why I had to dismount as frequently as I did when we rode together, Bau?


Because you had to let me catch up on that first metric?

Check out this saddle: http://www.thetriathletestore.com/images/MoonSaddle-4.jpg

Looks like it might be able to support you by the glutes vs the dangly bits.

I agree. However, in my case it's more than a day or two. I only did the MS ride last weekend because I wanted to see Bau, and perhaps xVhanz, again. (Please note that's see, not ride with them.) I only did the SSC/Bike Philly weekend two weeks before that because I thought I needed to practice for the MS ride, and because I wanted to see some fellow club members. In retrospect, my riding for the year could have ended when I reached Milepost zero on the C & O Canal Towpath back in August, and I would have been better for it.

As I said before, people ride for various reasons, if you don't have a reason to ride, then don't. Feeling guilty because your not riding, may be a reason to ride. Fall colours may be a good reason to revisit some of your summer routes, with your camera.

It's perfectly normal, after hitting a major goal, to lose momentum, I did last year, I don't honestly at this point know what next year will bring, and that's frustrating itself. I can't plan anything ride wise for next year, until some non-riding related stuff gets sorted out. I'll PM you that though, as some is not for public consumption.

I agree. However, in my case it's more than a day or two. I only did the MS ride last weekend because I wanted to see Bau, and perhaps xVhanz, again. (Please note that's see, not ride with them.) I only did the SSC/Bike Philly weekend two weeks before that because I thought I needed to practice for the MS ride, and because I wanted to see some fellow club members. In retrospect, my riding for the year could have ended when I reached Milepost zero on the C & O Canal Towpath back in August, and I would have been better for it.

Well one of those statements certainly is flattering. I hope you satisfied your goals for the weekend. For what it's worth I had a great time hanging out with you and vXhanz that night. Breakfast was fun too.

I read over your introspecting and I would like to ask this. What about all the friends you have made? Both the ones you have met in person and the ones you correspond with online? What about all the people that you have helped? The experience you have shown and the encouragement to new riders? Good certainly has come of you getting into cycling, both physically in the changes it has made in you and in the way you have changed other peoples lives. It's not always about you ya know?

It's ok not to ride when the weather is nice. Riding should never be a chore, you should ride because you want to not because you feel you have to (baring the people who have gone car free or had too many DWI's then they have to). You don't have to ride to please anyone else but yourself. Ride on your own terms, if that means packing up the bike for a couple months then do it. Return to cycling when you are ready. Just be ready for the great cheesesteak hunt. I'll be up next spring, I want the biggest darn steak in philly with Wiz, onions, no mushrooms and from whichever famous establishment is the best, calories be damned :D

I see this guy on the SRT once in a while who has two useless legs, and is missing an arm. So he rides a recumbent that he can power with his remaining arm. He always has people riding with him, too. Maybe that's because he can't get around without help, but it seems like he is generally a happy guy.


Perhaps he's a happy guy because people ride with him, as opposed to having people ride with him because he's a happy guy? Now there's a thought.... :)

Perhaps he's a happy guy because people ride with him, as opposed to having people ride with him because he's a happy guy? Now there's a thought.... :)

Leave it to you to spin it like that.

Well one of those statements certainly is flattering. I hope you satisfied your goals for the weekend. For what it's worth I had a great time hanging out with you and vXhanz that night. Breakfast was fun too.

I read over your introspecting and I would like to ask this. What about all the friends you have made? Both the ones you have met in person and the ones you correspond with online? What about all the people that you have helped? The experience you have shown and the encouragement to new riders? Good certainly has come of you getting into cycling, both physically in the changes it has made in you and in the way you have changed other peoples lives. It's not always about you ya know?

It's ok not to ride when the weather is nice. Riding should never be a chore, you should ride because you want to not because you feel you have to (baring the people who have gone car free or had too many DWI's then they have to). You don't have to ride to please anyone else but yourself. Ride on your own terms, if that means packing up the bike for a couple months then do it. Return to cycling when you are ready. Just be ready for the great cheesesteak hunt. I'll be up next spring, I want the biggest darn steak in philly with Wiz, onions, no mushrooms and from whichever famous establishment is the best, calories be damned :D

I enjoyed seeing you last weekend, Bau. vXhanz too, although between his bluntness and his likeness to Clark Kent, mild-manner reporter for the Daily Planet, he's a little intimidating. :)

I must disagree, Bau. I have been riding for myself. Yes, I'm glad I've met folks through cycling. Yes, I'm glad some folks have been encouraged or have gotten ideas from my riding, and from written accounts of my riding. But to say I turn the pedals for other folks? Bah! If folks want to think of me as the Tiny Tim of the Bike Forums peleton, let them. I hope they choke on those thoughts.

I think it's an excellent idea to stop riding at this time, and take up another sport if I wish. Or not - I'm finding it harder and harder to push myself into any exercise these days. But that's another subject. However, let's face it. One day becomes two, which become a week, a month, a year....... before you know it my bib shorts will be up on Craigslist.

Leave it to you to spin it like that.

Find a less spinable example next time, Dan.

I enjoyed seeing you last weekend, Bau. vXhanz too, although between his bluntness and his likeness to Clark Kent, mild-manner reporter for the Daily Planet, he's a little intimidating. :)

I must disagree, Bau. I have been riding for myself. Yes, I'm glad I've met folks through cycling. Yes, I'm glad some folks have been encouraged or have gotten ideas from my riding, and from written accounts of my riding. But to say I turn the pedals for other folks? Bah! If folks want to think of me as the Tiny Tim of the Bike Forums peleton, let them. I hope they choke on those thoughts.

I think it's an excellent idea to stop riding at this time, and take up another sport if I wish. Or not - I'm finding it harder and harder to push myself into any exercise these days. But that's another subject. However, let's face it. One day becomes two, which become a week, a month, a year....... before you know it my bib shorts will be up on Craigslist.

Intimidating? Ha! Blunt? Yes... but look at it this way, if I wasn't blunt with you it means I don't care. I enjoyed meeting up with you and having dinner with you and Bau after the MS ride as well, it was fun.

You've met a lot of people on your rides and your adventures, but again I don't think it's the riding that's the problem. As I, and others have mentioned, I think you just need to take a break. If that break happens to be a month or a year... so what? As Bau and others have mentioned, you have to ride for your own reasons, not for anyone else's.

You like cycling, it's obvious because it's given you a level of freedom that you didn't have before. It was also a challenge for you at the time, and still is physically. Perhaps you just need to move into a different phase with it? You like to write... why not write a book about cycling, combine it with the history of the area and you're point of view when riding.

Maybe take the winter off, keep off a trainer, and just hybernate for a while. In the spring, revisit what initially got you interested in cycling and go from there. Don't focus on the negative thoughts you are having right now.

As Bau mentioned about that cheese steak hunt... I too am looking forward to it in the spring and I've got some time off that I can use during that time. We still need a guide to tour the city, and GPS won't cut it.

V

I enjoyed seeing you last weekend, Bau. vXhanz too, although between his bluntness and his likeness to Clark Kent, mild-manner reporter for the Daily Planet, he's a little intimidating. :)


...able to bunny-hop tall buildings in a single bound....

http://www.patfullerton.com/superman/pix/clark/clark1978c.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2895723297_142f3f7a01_b.jpg

In the spring, revisit what initially got you interested in cycling and go from there.

That means I need to knock over Uncadan again. Dan, are you ready to hit the pavement - literally - this January?

Ah yes, the good old days, when I could knock over Clydesdales....:)

Ah yes, the good old days, when I could knock over Clydesdales....:)

Farting doesn't count :lol:

For me, two things are true. First, it's very easy for me to forget the positives after a couple days off the bike, then focus on the negatives. My legs hurt, my hands get numb, my feet hurt, I feel wobbly - pretty much you name it, it goes through my head. For usually the first day, maybe two, sometimes even three after a long break. I completely forget the good parts - clear mind, self confidence, and overall general well being.

Second, I don't know about you, but even the days of pain, agony, and crap I'd take over being obese and sedentary again. I think back to that time, that lifestyle, and thank everything I'm no longer there.

Again, this is a personal thing for you, so I won't try to offer any BS - just what goes through my mind when thoughts such as the ones you are experiencing come around.

So Neil, have you made any adjustments to your saddle yet? Any news to share about it?

I think I have four options at this point.

1. ) The Trek InForm saddle in the next size down - 143. I have two months to exchange the existing saddle.

2. ) Alter in some way the existing saddle - either in positioning, or physically altering it.

3. ) A Brooks B-66 I was sent by a Bike Forums poster. If I use it I have to buy it - BF posters are generous, but not that generous.

4. ) Some other saddle.

One point in favor of the Brooks is that, in theory, the leather will confirm to the shape of - well, to my shape. This might eliminate the chafing I get on the left. Any experience with chafing on a Brooks?

One point in favor of the Brooks is that, in theory, the leather will confirm to the shape of - well, to my shape. This might eliminate the chafing I get on the left. Any experience with chafing on a Brooks?

I've had chafing on every saddle I've ridden aside from the Brooks. With it, nada. Zip. Zilch.

There are other options as well. If you can't find a saddle and have trouble getting on the bike, a recumbant or trike is a great option. I did a metric this past weekend with a guy on a trike. No trouble there.

If you want to stay on an upright, you might look at a Mixte style frame. A step through. That'll make it a lot easier to get on as you don't have to swing a leg over.

Take some time off and revisit. You might just be hitting burnout.

I've had chafing on every saddle I've ridden aside from the Brooks. With it, nada. Zip. Zilch.

Thanks, Big Ben. While I'm leery of joining the Brooks cultists, your comments just might sway me if I ride again.

Thanks, Big Ben. While I'm leery of joining the Brooks cultists, your comments just might sway me if I ride again.

Honestly? I was in the same boat. I didn't believe it, but now I do. Sure there are tradeoffs - for me it takes about the first 15-30 minutes to get into "the spot" on the saddle - but that is hugely outweighed by long term comfort. This year I've done a metric, a full century, and a 135 mile ride on my Brooks - never once did I have saddle pain. A friend/riding buddy has many bikes with many saddles, but whenever we go on a long ride he always puts his well-worn B17 on whatever bike he will be riding.

p.s. Dear Brooks - I still haven't gotten my commission check this month!

;)

I don't know. I merely ride the things, not wrench them. :)

Historian,

Darn, you are sounding like a pro!

Something you CAN do (even my dad, a mathematician, could do this!!!) that will eliminate the rear wheel problem: Take the bike and both wheels to a competent LBS. Tell them you want the Raleigh cold set to match the rear wheel, the frame might have been bent. Ask them for advice on which rear wheel you should use on a regular basis, and say you're keeping the other one as a spare (this way they won't be tempted to have you leave them the better wheel "for proper disposal" - just keeping good people honest). What should happen is they figure out why the old one won't come off (this will take about 4 minutes), they'll see if the frame is in fact out of line or bent together, and they'll take out some specialized tools and adjust the frame spacing by carefully bending things back into place and aligning the little ends that hold the wheel. You should have to pay at most $40 for all this, I'd think. Probably less if you don't hang around the technician (remember I said a competent shop!!) and run up his labor time.

If your Raleigh is a nice old C&V steel one, there is nearly zero risk that anything will be damaged by this bending operation.

They might see the need to tune up or at least adjust the gears on the back after doing this, it should be worth the extra $20 this might cost. The need might be very real.

PM me if you'd like to discuss.

Editing:

Wow just noticed how long this thread is! The Historian story is long and rich! Still, if you need discussion regarding mechanical stuff, I'd be glad to talk.

Road Fan

Historian,

Darn, you are sounding like a pro!

Something you CAN do (even my dad, a mathematician, could do this!!!) that will eliminate the rear wheel problem: Take the bike and both wheels to a competent LBS. Tell them you want the Raleigh cold set to match the rear wheel, the frame might have been bent. Ask them for advice on which rear wheel you should use on a regular basis, and say you're keeping the other one as a spare (this way they won't be tempted to have you leave them the better wheel "for proper disposal" - just keeping good people honest). What should happen is they figure out why the old one won't come off (this will take about 4 minutes), they'll see if the frame is in fact out of line or bent together, and they'll take out some specialized tools and adjust the frame spacing by carefully bending things back into place and aligning the little ends that hold the wheel. You should have to pay at most $40 for all this, I'd think. Probably less if you don't hang around the technician (remember I said a competent shop!!) and run up his labor time.

If your Raleigh is a nice old C&V steel one, there is nearly zero risk that anything will be damaged by this bending operation.

They might see the need to tune up or at least adjust the gears on the back after doing this, it should be worth the extra $20 this might cost. The need might be very real.

PM me if you'd like to discuss.

Editing:

Wow just noticed how long this thread is! The Historian story is long and rich! Still, if you need discussion regarding mechanical stuff, I'd be glad to talk.

Road Fan

Thanks, and at some point I may PM you, but as it stands now I'm as likely to sell the Raleigh as get it fixed up. I should be able to get what I paid for it - 5 dollars. Perhaps Wal-mart will take back the unopened 27" tires.

While on the subject, what do you think I could get for a 2006 Trek Navigator (18" frame size) and a 2007 Trek 7.5 fx (20" frame size)? Both bikes have been used quite a bit. Most of my other cycling stuff I can price, but I don't know how to price the bikes. Or the 1970's Schwinn frame I have, and the Yakima trailer.

Thanks, and at some point I may PM you, but as it stands now I'm as likely to sell the Raleigh as get it fixed up. I should be able to get what I paid for it - 5 dollars. Perhaps Wal-mart will take back the unopened 27" tires.

While on the subject, what do you think I could get for a 2006 Trek Navigator (18" frame size) and a 2007 Trek 7.5 fx (20" frame size)? Both bikes have been used quite a bit. Most of my other cycling stuff I can price, but I don't know how to price the bikes. Or the 1970's Schwinn frame I have, and the Yakima trailer.

Why are you selling your bikes off? Got a new ride in mind or are you hanging your lycra up for good? I really hope your selling off for a touring rig for the Pedal West Destiny saga of your life.

I'll make you an offer of $40 for the trailer as it is my understanding the latching mechanism is broken. Unless you're selling off for good in which case I want no part of it.

Thanks, and at some point I may PM you, but as it stands now I'm as likely to sell the Raleigh as get it fixed up. I should be able to get what I paid for it - 5 dollars. Perhaps Wal-mart will take back the unopened 27" tires.

While on the subject, what do you think I could get for a 2006 Trek Navigator (18" frame size) and a 2007 Trek 7.5 fx (20" frame size)? Both bikes have been used quite a bit. Most of my other cycling stuff I can price, but I don't know how to price the bikes. Or the 1970's Schwinn frame I have, and the Yakima trailer.


I really have no idea re the Trek. good chatting with you, tho!

Thanks, and at some point I may PM you, but as it stands now I'm as likely to sell the Raleigh as get it fixed up. I should be able to get what I paid for it - 5 dollars. Perhaps Wal-mart will take back the unopened 27" tires.

While on the subject, what do you think I could get for a 2006 Trek Navigator (18" frame size) and a 2007 Trek 7.5 fx (20" frame size)? Both bikes have been used quite a bit. Most of my other cycling stuff I can price, but I don't know how to price the bikes. Or the 1970's Schwinn frame I have, and the Yakima trailer.

The Trek FX, I hope you have better luck than I. I managed to get half of the MSRP of mine, even though it had upgrades like crazy (new rear wheel, nice bottle cages, etc etc). I'd say if you ballpark $250, you'll be in the right range. The Navigator, who knows, again just depends.

You might want to hold on to at least one bike. That way should you get the desire to ride again, you can just air up the tires and be ready to go.

You might want to hold on to at least one bike. That way should you get the desire to ride again, you can just air up the tires and be ready to go.

+1

Actually, (this is for Niel), a good idea is to hold onto your collection until spring, your likely to get more for them in the spring then now. Plus when the weather gets nice again, you may get the bug to start riding again yourself. It's common in places that get more winter like weather, that as the weather slides toward winter, people lose the drive to ride. I have not ridden in over 2 weeks, haven't felt like it, doesn't mean I'm giving up on riding all together, just that I don't really like riding when it's cold and dark out. It's a long weekend this weekend, here in Canada, so I may try and get a couple of rides in.....

ok so here is what I am hearing.... there have been a lot of challenges for you getting the right fit... go back and read how proud you were with yourself at the begining of this thread... you are frustrated... anyone would be you have been trying so hard to get it write... I hear alot of passion in your posts you are passionate about wanting to get it write....

So you had some challenges and you are feeling disappointment... that is no reason to give up and just walk away you have worked so hard to get to the point you are at now in the cycling world.... you have lost a lot of weight and gained an imense amount of confidence... that has been shattered some but don't give up on yourself.... nobody said all this would be easy.

There are solutions out there you just don't want to hear them right now that is ok... that is where you are at but don't sell the bikes that is like throwing the baby out with the bath water... as the saying goes.... stop being so tough on yourself and give yourself a break you have fought long and hard to get where you are at.... just dont give up... unless that is truely what you want to do after taking all the frustration and disappoinment out of the equation...


that is my view on the situation I hope that it helps... but go back and read all the pride and passion you have for the sport and your accomplishments... remember how far you have come and remember that sometimes there are bumps in the road... and that is all they are... just bumps... don't give up.....

+1

Actually, (this is for Niel), a good idea is to hold onto your collection until spring, your likely to get more for them in the spring then now. Plus when the weather gets nice again, you may get the bug to start riding again yourself. It's common in places that get more winter like weather, that as the weather slides toward winter, people lose the drive to ride. I have not ridden in over 2 weeks, haven't felt like it, doesn't mean I'm giving up on riding all together, just that I don't really like riding when it's cold and dark out. It's a long weekend this weekend, here in Canada, so I may try and get a couple of rides in.....

Agreed. Craigslist can wait a couple of months.

Agreed. Craigslist can wait a couple of months.

Selling the Raleigh I can understand. Selling one of the other 2 bikes I can understand. The thought of you selling all of your bikes brings me sadness.

I 2nd, 3rd, or 4th the idea that taking the winter off may be the best idea. Take a break, and try and not think about it too much. When Spring gets here, well, to coin a phrase by baseball fans the world over....Hope Springs Eternal.

I know that were things you were hoping find when you learned to ride. Many of those things haven't come to be, but what about the things you have found? Think about what you discovered within yourself when you finally moved past 10, 20, 50 miles for a ride. The hill you though you might not clear, or the goal that others thought might not be realistic.

I know I ride because there aren't many things else I can do physically. I want/need/have to do something and riding is my way of not giving in to challenge. Yes it can hurt. Plenty of rides are followed by ice packs and anti inflamatories. It feels great, in a philosophical kind of way. It also hurts less than doing nothing.

There is a perfect cliché for this, my friend. It's not about the bike.

Take a break, and try and not think about it too much. When Spring gets here, well, to coin a phrase by baseball fans the world over....Hope Springs Eternal.


As a Mets fan, I understand that very well. However, riding like the Bad News Bears played baseball isn't what I got on a bike for. :)

An interesting analogy, Neil, remember, in the end, they not only won, but remembered they also had fun again.


As a Mets fan, I understand that very well. However, riding like the Bad News Bears played baseball isn't what I got on a bike for. :)

An interesting analogy, Neil, remember, in the end, they not only won, but remembered they also had fun again.

Perhaps the Cubs might have been a better analogy. But they do play in the 'big leagues', of course, and I don't. :)

As a Mets fan, I understand that very well. However, riding like the Bad News Bears played baseball isn't what I got on a bike for. :)

If you want to ride like a pro, it'll take more work for you to get there than it did for them. They started young!

If you want to ride like a pro, it'll take more work for you to get there than it did for them. They started young!

Not everyone wants or needs to ride like a pro, I don't and I don't really need to, I ride for exercise, I ride to get somewhere, and I ride because I want to. Will I ever compete in the TdF, no, but then I don't need to, and maybe The Historian doesn't either.

One thing I would miss if The Historian quits riding, are the pix that he posts..... Now I need to get out on my own ride, and maybe take some of my own pix.....

One thing I would miss if The Historian quits riding, are the pix that he posts.....

I realize that saying I've gotten a private message asking that I continue to post is on the order of saying "all the lurkers agree with me" in an online debate, but I've received a private message asking that I continue to post even if I leave cycling. I like many of you, even if it's only some of the time, so I'll stick around a while. Or at least as long as the moderators let me. :)

You are seriously considering to give up bicycling? Come on, now, you can't be serious?

Just a thought, do we have here anybody who could get Historians driving license recalled?:) Nothing like a good hint in the right direction.:)

You are seriously considering to give up bicycling? Come on, now, you can't be serious?

Ever since I learned to ride, which was less than two years ago, BTW, I've considered my cycling an experiment. Not all experiments have a satisfactory ending.

Ever since I learned to ride, which was less than two years ago, BTW, I've considered my cycling an experiment. Not all experiments have a satisfactory ending.

So, are you moving to something else or just to the recliner?

So, are you moving to something else or just to the recliner?

We'll see.

Well, good luck to you, whatever you do.

I realize that saying I've gotten a private message asking that I continue to post is on the order of saying "all the lurkers agree with me" in an online debate, but I've received a private message asking that I continue to post even if I leave cycling. I like many of you, even if it's only some of the time, so I'll stick around a while. Or at least as long as the moderators let me. :)

I for one would still miss the ride report pix, I don't know about others, I will say though that the bicycle has to be THE best photography platform ever invented, something about low speed, the ability to look around as you go, and enough potential storage capacity to hold serious camera gear, Sometimes the hills and such you need to go over are a challenge, but then so are the valleys in life itself. As I have said before, take the winter off, then re-evaluate in the spring, I was ready to quit a couple of weeks ago, but today, it's a warm 18℃ (which is warm for here, this time of year), sunny and not too much wind, Both the camera and bike were calling to me, so I loaded up the camera gear and went for a ride. Not far, only about 17km or so, but that doesn't really matter. If you sell off all of your bikes, and quit all together, you don't have the option, so keep at least one bike, Doesn't mean you need to ride every day, just means, if you feel like it, you have the option. BTW it's true, you never forget how to ride a bike.

Wow. The Historian is thinking of giving up cycling? Man, that is what I get for not being around lately. Per my physical therapist, I am currently not allowed to ride the bike over any bumps (back problem predating my cycling by a couple years) until I have my MRI and find out what is up. That takes away any road riding and commuting around here. I kinda talked her into saying smooth bike paths might be ok for right now anyway.

Anyway, I have kind of been evaluating why I ride and what it means to me in case something comes back that prevents me from doing it any more. It sucks riding with pain and it sucks even more not riding well with pain.

No doubt I would miss it. It is as much for the solitude, the being out on the bike paths with nature and the photography opportunities as the actual physical aspect of turning the pedals. I do get pleasure from the actual aspect of cycling but the other things are what I would miss more.

I sold the Raleigh today for 20 bucks. One down.....

Not sure what your goals were originally, but you took yourself and biking too seriously. You should hang the bike up for few days/weeks months. It will take time to realize how much the bike helped you.

Anyway, pardon my rant, it is always easy to give up.

I sold the Raleigh today for 20 bucks. One down.....

The 1970's Schwinn frame and wheels also have a new owner, at least once I drop them off.