Originally Posted by
divtag
I have a long ways to go for sure. It is embarrassing at the moment, but as a teacher, the plan is to spend every day (or close to it) riding this summer. I live in Huntington Beach, two blocks from the ocean, so I have both PCH and the river trail at my disposal.
Also, since I won't be touring for at least a year. I really do need to get in shape, but it is a goal. I will be riding to work (~3 miles), getting groceries, and riding in the evening/weekends.
Let's say I never get into touring and just do long rides would a touring bike be a waste or is it a good commuter/multi-purpose bike regardless?
And I am never wearing spandex. Ever.
What kind of daily distance are you doing now? 3 miles? If so, that's a good start, but you'll want to start gradually increasing your distances.
The surgeon general or people like that say that we need to exercise an absolute minimum of 30 minutes per day every day to maintain the barest minimum of fitness. 60 minutes a day is required to improve fitness, and 90 minutes a day is required to lose weight. If you're at the 30 minutes a day level, that's great ... good start ... but it's a good idea to gradually increase that to 90 minutes a day. And that's moderate exercise ... not race pace. So whether you're going to tour or not, it is a very good idea to get in shape and lose weight for your health.
Plus if you start now, you should be ready for the local century at the end of the season ... that's a good way to get into the sport, meet people, etc.
A touring bicycle can be used for touring ... and also for commuting, and riding in general, and riding the local centuries, and so on. It's a very versatile bicycle.
And never say never! Once you're in shape, you might
want to wear spandex!! Until then, there are other options.