Off to a BAAAAAAAAAD start!

[radioflier]

Well, I decided to get serious about this yesterday and went to the bike shop to test as many comfort/hybrid bikes as they would let me. I started with the Specialized Expedition Deluxe. A fine bike in my opinion - I never knew a bike could be so smooth riding.

All was going fine until I felt a serious leg cramp coming on quickly! I responded by hitting the brakes, and the bike responded by parting ways with me! It lost a little metal on the brake handles; I lost a good bit of skin on my forearm and knee. Fortunately I was not real close to the shop, so I had to continue my ride after I dusted myself off and collected my composure (I meant to do that!).

Guess I should have stayed home and trimmed the bushes like my wife asked me to!



ron

[Gojohnnygo.]

Take it slow at first.You'll find that bikes of today aren't only smooth riding the brakes are very strong too.Glad your ok.

[slotibartfast]

Easy on the brakes, radio. Be sure to let us know what you decide to buy. Good idea on your part to test as many bikes as possible - find the one that sings to you.

[fujibike]

Stretch well, eat potassium rich foods such as bananas, stay hydrated, maybe even some gatorade. Also you have to train a bit. It takes time. I use to cramp at about 18 miles into a ride, then 25 and now +30 I start to feel a twinge. Have learned to do some stretching while in the pedals periodically.

[radioflier]

I occasionally get these things in the middle of the night and can deal with them if I wake up fast enough and stretch my leg out. I felt a little bit of tightening when I first got on the bike, but thought the peddeling would loosen it up. I forgot all about it for the first 5 minutes into the ride until it snuck up on me. Next time I WILL BE READY FOR IT, and hopefully deal with it more gracefully than I did this time!

[Inkwolf]

Squeeze those brakes gently next time, Radioflyer!

(I have a Spec Expedition, too...sweet, aren't they?)

[MichaelW]

Modern brakes are very powerful and will stop the bike. They dont stop the rider. To maintain contact with your bike during braking, brace your arms against the bars (but dont stiffen up). Shift your weight back along the saddle and down a bit. Your centre of gravity is just below your navle, so lower your body during harsh braking.
Many leisure or comfort bikes have a very upright position, which raises your centre of gravity and makes braking more difficult.