Bike Forums - Where to start?

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Rode about 7 miles last night but can't tonight - cold and wet. When not riding, I'm on this site or looking at some bike site. I just bought a bike, but twice a day I still go through the most recent adds on Craigslist. Is there something wrong with me? Should I be seeking help, a group perhaps? Is there such a thing as B.A.A?
I've been trying to figure out the hydration thing, think I'll just go with the NUUN tablets when I get a bit more stamina and can ride longer, just water for now (I do sweat alot when I ride).
I raised the seat 3/4" (1/4" at a time) and it seems about right, I can still touch the ground with my tip toes while on the seat, although, it's easier to slip off the front of the seat and put both feet on the ground when I stop.
I'm curious about the length of the crank arms. It seems to me possibly going with a longer crank would solve part of the seat height issue and provide more leverage (I have long legs - 36" inseam). I obviously know nothing about this, cost, practicality, possible resulting problems, but, it is a concept I've thought about. I'd be interested in any info on this as you all have given me great advice on my other questions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VegasTriker (Post 12687140)

If the salesman sold you a bike where you can not firmly plant your feet on the ground while seated on the saddle he did not set up the bike correctly. If it is still the case after adjusting the saddle height correctly for your leg length (knee just slightly bent at the maximum extension) then he sold you a bike with too large a frame. Appears to be someone more interested in making a sale than meeting the customer's needs correctly. I was going to suggest you look at used bike which is heresy for someone who long ago worked in a bike shop. There are many quality used bikes for sale. Often they have may have had very little use by the first owner. It helps if you can recognize a quality bike from a junk bike if you chose that route. Now days you can go online and get specifications, owner's reviews, and original prices for most of the common used bikes.

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Never heard of this requirement. Certainly doesn't fit my bikes. What is your reference/source for this bike fit info? My expert LBS fitter would be most interested!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by fsrgp (Post 12704748)

7 miles...good for you. Soon it will be 10 and then....and then...

About the crank arms, don't overthink all of this yet. It seems that you have a bike that is quite suitable for your current purposes. You've got lots of miles to go before you'll know your abilities, needs, and preferences. For now, just ride, ride, and ride.

It should be a pretty nice weekend for riding.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fsrgp (Post 12673283)

One thing I didn't mention is that I have a very bad back (3 fused vert. in lower spine), thats why I thought a comfort bike would be best (more upright sitting position).

Could be so, but maybe not. During my recent back problems (resulting in a fusion), my most comfortable position was on a road bike. As TSL and others mention, the upright position puts all the weight on one spot - your vertebrae lined up like ducks. A "laid out" position puts the weight in other places, actually reducing the pressure on the back, and even stretching the back muscles. However, this varies markedly with individuals, and may not apply at all to you. The only way to find out is to give it a try, either way.

Instead of a "comfort" bike, consider a low-end entry level mtn bike. Great flexibility in use, great gearing for a beginner, and you will keep it forever, even as you add more bikes. For example, Specialized Hardrock or equivalent.

Good luck and have fun.