Hello from Deer Park, TX
 

My name is Bob and I am a long-time couch potato. :)

Seriously, I am 59 years old, in horrible shape, just diagnosed as BARELY over the line type 2 diabetic. I am already attacking my diet with other efforts but I know that I need to add some exercise to my life but with the current state of my knees anything with impact will probably discourage me. And THAT started me thinking..... heyyy... a bike!!!!!!

As I child I rode bikes from the time that I was about 6 (taught myself) until I got my driver's license and, again, while in college I rode. I never did any official "touring" but still made plenty of distance and did it all the time.

With that, here I am now looking to find recommendations, assistance, answers to a few questions.... as I try to figure out what type of bike to acquire, how to set it up, what maintenance I need to keep up with. A lot I will know but, I believe that we are always learning and I am NOT through learning yet.

I'm going to go read the FAQ and hope to run into some of you "down the road" as I fumble my way through the forums!!!!

Bob

Cheers Bob, welcome to Bike Forums!

--J

Welcome, Bob.

I'm 53 and had a scare several months ago with "borderline" DM. Got a hybrid, started cycling about 50 miles a week and repeated the blood tests a few weeks ago and they were normal! I got a Trek hybrid and am really enjoying it, it's an addictive hobby.

Welcome Bob. I'm 69 and love my road bikes. :beer: Stop by the 50+ forum and ask the folks there about bikes. You'll get more recommendations than you may want. My advice is to find a bike shop you like (friendly folks, good service, good advice) and buy a bike from them. Test ride all the bikes that appeal to you to find the right one.

Howdy Bob from a Houston rider.

Do this ride next year!

Texas independence Bicycle Tour presented by Deer Park rotary

Welcome to BF! There are widely disparate opinions on the old “what type of bike to buy” quandary. One important bottom line is that the road bikes will be less comfortable but more efficient and the hybrids will be less efficient and more comfortable. That being said, I used to occasionally ride centuries on a hybrid when I was close to the line that separates overweight from obese and definitely not in admirable condition, either. So... “ya pays yer money and ya takes yer choice”... Good luck with it.

Hello Bob,

Welcome to Bike Forums from a League City Type 2 Diabetic road rider.

Visit a local bike shop. Have then help you figure your bike size.

Then keep checking Craigslist for something you want.

2004 Specialized Allez 54cm. Upgraded Wheelset Tuned Up & Ride Ready.

Welcome Bob

I'm right down the road from you in Pasadena. Actually graduated from DPHS. I second the suggestion to visit a local bike shop. Bike Barn, Bay Area Schwinn, Webster Bicycle are the closest shops.
Given your self confessed couch potato status and the diabetes diagnosis, I'd suggest you talk with your doctor before any serious cycling. Get his advice about how hard to push it and what to eat / drink before, during and after a ride.
Let me know when you get a bike - I'd be happy to show you the Armand Bayou trail.