sugestionwelcom

*I made a quick decision on a used bike - thanks for all your input!*

Hi all,
I've found these forums really helpful as I figure out basic bike info and now have a specific question of my own. Sorry this is long - any input appreciated!

I recently (a few months ago) started biking again after many years away from it, and this is my first time biking in a city. I've been using the local bike share system (reliable but clunky) and I'm ready to get my own.

I want to use a bike for commuting a few days a week, running errands/getting groceries, and occasional longer weekend rides on a path. After making the rounds of LBSs, I've figured out that I'm more comfortable on a bike that's relatively upright and has a step through setup. I probably want fenders, rack, pannier for city weather + carrying my stuff.

I'm trying to decide among a few options:

Raleigh Detour women's hybrid - comfortable although I did wish the handlebars were slightly higher (adjustable so that could be fixed) or maybe more that they were closer to me (not adjustable in that direction). Also, my hands got a bit grimy from the grip, not a big deal but when I mentioned it I was told they tend to "melt" and need to be replaced ~1x/year - is that accurate/normal?

XDS 200 Cross women's hybrid - this one seemed to hurt my wrists just a tad, wasn't sure if that was because of bad fit, because I need to work on my muscles, or because I'd been biking all day (still unusual for me at this point). Slightly cheaper than the Raleigh.

I tried a few Bianchi models a couple weeks ago (Torino Dama, Cortina Dama) and I liked them ok, although they were a bit pricer. Also checking out some Craigslist options including a Trek 7100.

I guess my questions are: any strong thoughts about brand/model differences, and how concerned should I be about a minor amount of discomfort when I first test the bike?

Thanks a ton!

NormanF

Things like bars and saddles can be swapped out for a more comfortable fit. If you hate flat bars, cruiser/north road bars are usually the ticket. There are cushioned and good leather saddles with springs available.

Good luck.

lopek77

Check Specialized Ariel. My wife love it. Frame have everything you need to add racks and fenders. Specialized Bicycle Components

elephino

KHS Green (comes with fenders and rack already attached, a nice touch)
Giant Cypress
Trek Verve
Trek Allant
Specialized Ariel

In terms of comfort, I find that I get used to a saddle, but problems with my hands on the grip and how I hold my shoulders/neck (connected in my case to how upright the handlebars are) get worse over time. Problems with your wrists might also be that you are putting too much weight on your hands to hold you upright, not enough work being done by your core.

sugestionwelcom

Thanks everyone! NormanF, I forgot about switching out handlebars. And elephino, I thought of position but not core, definitely a possibility as a newbie. Any tips on figuring out if that's the cause?

sugestionwelcom

I made a quick decision today on a used Trek 7100 - felt right. Thanks again!

Wanderer

You chose a good place to start! Enjoy

fietsbob

Your favorite bike shop is the first choice.

elephino

I hope you love your new bike! "Feels right" sounds like a great place to start.

As for how to tell if it's core weakness--I'm guessing it's more a case of, if you don't have the core strength holding you up, your arms pick up the slack. You could always try to focus on keeping your stomach and back muscles engaged as you ride, although I wouldn't recommend trying to think about it the entire time, how boring (and probably impossible). Maybe in minute or so increments every now and then until it becomes muscle memory. And if you don't work out regularly, build up to the two-minute plank challenge or something?

Also, the fairly upright posture of the 7100 should help ease pressure on your wrists. And maybe changing the position of your hands more frequently would help? (That's a cure for numb/tingling hands, I don't know about wrists).

Go have fun buying up all the accessories you want!

sugestionwelcom

Thanks again everyone!

Oh boy, there are so many and I keep adding to the list. Lock & lights to start, and then this bike is going to make me an easy person to buy gifts for for a long time, I think...