chimo

I'm new to these forums and relatively new to cycling. Bought a bicycle last May on a whim. I was in WalMart waiting while my car was being serviced nearby and saw a bicycle that looked like my kind of bicycle. Not that I had a 'kind of bicycle' but this one didn't look like a teenager's mountain bike nor did it look like something Lance Armstrong would ride. It turned out it was a fairly good decision. It would be termed a hybrid -700c x 38 semi-slick tires, straight bars, 21 speeds, and a relatively comfortable saddle on a suspension post. It only cost me $200 but weighs a ton. At the time I wanted to lose weight so I figured I needed a sturdy frame. I rode it over 2000km during the summer and found I very much enjoyed cycling. I lost a lot of weight and am thinking of a new bike. I'm not sure what I would do different except I feel there must be more efficient rides out there. I hadn't ridden in 40 years or more and am not much interested in speed or distance. I ride the back country roads mostly and stop to read all the historic markers or simply to watch the ducks swim by. I don't want to race but I would like to keep up with the kids. Its embarrassing when I'm huffing up some hill and some cute young thing says "On your left Sir" and goes by me like I'm standing still. She should at least have to work to go by me.

CycleMagic

on yer left! welcome to the forums and welcome to your new passion! sounds like you found your sport. good luck searching for your next bike.

CRUM

Welcome back to cycling. Seems you have rekindled an urge from long ago. From your post, the miles you cranked out indicates that your next bike should be a step up and no the same ole, same ole. I advise you to find a local bike shop that makes you feel comfortable and let them guide you to your next ride.

willic

Hi. Welcome from a fellow biker from across the pond,(Good old little England).

Beware! your next bike may be a road machine, once your on one of those, you just want to ride and ride and ride........

BlastRadius

Wow, adding the "sir" on the end is really rubbing it in.
Welcome, and good luck on your next bike. I suggest a Cross bike. It's basically a road bike with canti-lever or disc brakes and 700c knobby tires. Go fast on road and off.

AndrewP

The drop bars on a road (or sport touring) bike dont have to make you into a pretzel, if you have them set high. They do give you a variety of positions, which prevents aches developing.

You wont hear 'on your left' nearly as often if you spend more than $700. Between $200 and $700 you will notice a fantastic difference, more expensive bike are even better but the law of diminishing returns sets in.

There are some great rides around Picton, just to the W of you.