Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.Buffybike
09-12-09, 11:07 AM
I picked up cycling 6 weeks ago when my orthopedic surgeon told me that my knees were twice the age as the rest of my body (which is 35) and suggested cycling as an alternative to jogging. He also recommended the elliptical machine, but I feel like a hamster on those things. So, I did a lot of research on good, entry-level bikes and decided on the Giant Avail 3. The men's version (the Defy 3) had got lots of good press, so I figured the Avail would be a good choice as well. Overall, I like my bike although I'm wishing I had spent the extra money and got a bike with Shimano 105 components instead of the Sora. Since I've started, I typically ride 4-5 days a week between 15 and 20 miles at a time. My longest ride is 32 miles in a flat area. My usual route is a little hilly--nothing extreme--but enough to give my legs a good workout. Right now, I'm working on my power and pedal stroke (which is pretty bad). I'm loving my time on the bike...it's a great break from my duties as a stay at home mom as it gives me some quiet time to myself. Plus, I just feel better overall. My goal is to do a "metric century" which is scheduled for 10/17. I'd be out riding right now except that I'm coming down with a cold and feel like crap.