Inscrutable

Hi there,
Just joined up here in anticipation of getting back into biking. I used to do some road biking in a former life up north. Haven't done any since moving down south, to the land of no shoulders. However, since I blew out my achilles on my 50th birthday last year, most of my preferred aerobic exercise may be a thing of the past, so I'm going to take up biking again. My wife and I gave each other bikes for our anniversary (yet to be purchased). I just had my 3rd operation a few days ago, so I am probably a few months away from any real riding. I will be looking for a recumbent stationary trainer for my rehab. I'm undecided whether to get a hybrid or a road bike - I'm sure I will be posting some questions and soliciting advice soon ;-) Thanks in advance, and look forward to talking to you.
Regards,
Tim

East Hill

Hello Tim, ouch! That's a pity about the achilles tendon . Hmmm. If you haven't yet gotten a bike, would you be looking for new, or used? Used is a fun way to go, and if you do, you can have the collective wisdom of the Classic & Vintage forum folks looking out for you .

What kind of budget did you have?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Inscrutable

East Hill,
Thanks! I almost certainly want to start used. I figure if I really get into it, I would anticipate upgrading or at least wanting something different than the first bike I might buy - whatever it is, and if I don't take to it, I would minimize my out of pocket.

The downside is I am uncertain about size, having never been professionally measured. And I am afraid if I make a mistake with the fit, I won't be as comfortable as I could be, and not biking a lot could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Based on what info I can find so far, I'd guess a 60 - 62 cm frame is close ... I am 6-2 and wear a 34inch inseam trouser. Been looking at craigslist for several weeks, and those large frames are hard to come by.

Tim

BTW, not sure what forum(s) is best to post those kind of questions? I fit in the over 50, and just barely fit into the Clydesdale one too. Or the road biking one? Or the family one for light rec biking? Seems like a lot of overlap with the plethora of subforums.

Inscrutable

Oh, and budget is not firm ... looking for good value ... though I probably want to start below 500 or 600 used.

East Hill

If you are looking for a good used bike, and want to go the vintage route (steel bikes are very sturdy, and reasonably priced for the most part), feel free to ask the opinions and advice of the Classic & Vintage forum. There's a few of the C & Vers who post in the Clydes/Athenas forum as well. Road Cycling pretty much sticks to modern bikes, Recreational Cycling is not big into vintage either. General Cycling would get you a few people who can give you some guidance too, but your best bet is C & V or Clydes/Athenas.

Plus, C & V, C/A, and General Cycling have the friendliest folks .

East Hill

Inscrutable

Thanks for the tips, EH. Some boards frown on cross-posting, but it doesn't seem to be a large concern here(?). I'll prospect around.
Regards,
Tim

East Hill

I think because it's such a big board that some people spend all their time in only one forum. So, if you post in the General Cycling, most of the C & V regulars don't go there and would never find your question to answer it, and vice versa.

Then too, I might post a 'where'd I ride today' in the Classic & Vintage forum (because today's ride was on the 198? Nishiki international), but I could also post in the Pacific Northwest Forum (because that's where I live), and I would reach two different sets of people. You could always put in a link from one to the other.

East Hill

bikingMILF

hey tim, where ya from up north?

Inscrutable

Upstate/western ... Elmira/Corning area. Also took a temporary insanity sabatical in Williamsport PA.

Inscrutable

Well, we found used bikes. Happened sorta fast so didn't ask for too much advice. Got a Gary Fisher Gitchee Gumee hybrid/comfort for Shirl, and found (what I think is a) vintage Cinelli steel frame upfit with DuraAce/Ultegra/105 components. It appears to have been a steal. Can't wait to find out why it wasn't.

East Hill

I'll join the C & V chorus, and ask:

WHERE ARE THE PHOTOS?

Too bad about the bad paint job, but you are right about the components probably being worth the price you paid.

East Hill

Inscrutable

OK, I put some pics up in the 'help ID' thread in C&V

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/323981-help-id-cinelli-frame.html

Inscrutable

$250 ... I'd say so.

Inscrutable

More pics over at Triangle Cycling under 'TimB new mystery ride'



https://www.trianglecycling.com/galle...images.php?c=4

East Hill

It's a nice bike, and a lovely colour. What's the ride like? We love a good mystery over at C & V .

East Hill

DnvrFox

Drop by the 50+ forum. Despite what East Hill says, we are the friendliest, most laid back, and we don't take ourselves very seriously!

East Hill

Grudgingly says "well, yeah, ok ..."

I'll add the 50+ forum to the list in the future .

Edit: I looked at that and said, nah, not grudgingly.

Enthusiastically says "Yes, the 50+ forum folks are a good lot too " .

East Hill