talbert

So, after a 12 year lay off from the sport...I'm looking to climb back in and hit it hard. I'm no good at doing anything half throttle. I'm turning 34 this year, I'm over weight and unhealthy. All I own is a mountain bike...but there was once a day were cycling was my life traveling the south to all the big races on the weekends. I've reached that point many of us do in our 30's. Stressed, overweight, buried in my career...or should I say a career that's gonna bury me one day.

I live in North Dallas now, and come to find out...there's quite the riding community here. Some really nice shops in the area, excellent roads to ride on, several group rides and races to participate in...and above all....I live 10 minutes from one of the few Velodromes in the US. Could you ask for more? The stage is set...

So this week I set out to look at bikes. Already my mind is racing...road bike, tt bike, crit, track...so many things to buy..so much money to spend. I'm blown away at some of the bikes out now...but I'll always remember a valuable lesson I learned at 17 when I was riding my new fancy Cannondale 17 years ago and a guy in his 50s blew by me on a steel frame like I was nothing. The engine comes first as I look down at my legs...groom them...train them..

For now...I'm going to drop some weight with my mountain bike for a few weeks and get some miles under my belt. Right now it doesn't matter what I ride..Im so out of shape. But I've got that fire inside of me and I expect things to move fast...road bike to follow...then TT..and so on.

My life has changed ladies and gentlemen....Add one more to the pack

talbert

Just one thing to add also...lots of road bikes these days. I'm pretty sure I'm going carbon (big surprise...). I've been down the whole Cannondale/Klein/Trek/Specialized route. Bikes are great...I'm not knocking them by any means. This time though I think I'm going to go a different route...something different.

I was originally looking at Kestrels...but now I thinking Kuota/Cervelo/Felt. Luckily there's quite a few places in the area that have them so there's plnety to test ride.

JoelS

Welcome back! I picked it up again a few months ago after 8 years off. Loosing weight and getting in shape. It's good.

As for a new bike, I'd like to suggest you try something different. Something you likely haven't considered.

There are a BUNCH of boutique frame builders scattered around the US. I'd be willing to bet there's at least one in the greater Dallas metropol. Ask around at the bike shops to find out. When you do, call him/her and schedule a visit. Get a frame that's built just for you. Then hang on whatever component group you like. You'll end up with a perfect fit.

This is my plan when I can finally save up enough to buy another bike. My wife went this route with Serotta 10 years ago, she still loves her bike, and it fits perfectly.

Sixty Fiver

I went from being recreational rider to a nearly car free full time rider a few years ago, have quit the soul sucking / stressful jobs, and could not be happier.

I only thought I was in good shape then and now I usually feel like I am ten years younger than I am (I'm 42) and have the kind of legs I had when I was riding in my twenties and pulling down sub hour 40's on a whim.

Just get on and ride... the rest will just happen.

maddyfish

I'm 35, I've ridden non stop for 20 years, and I still need to take it slow the first month of spring when I start back up sport riding (I commute year round, but only sport ride in decent weather). So my advice is to take it very slow. Make usre your bike is fitted well, and spin more, mash less. Take it easy on that 34 year old cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that aren't used to activity, especially in the first months. It will be very easy to over-do it.