Originally Posted by rsbob (Post 22836638)

I think we need to discuss the cargo rack issue. How did you fall out? Or did it fall out? Or did you fall out of the rack? If we can solve this riddle, it may hold the key for getting back into shape (since you brought it up). ;)

Originally Posted by rsbob (Post 22836638)

I think we need to discuss the cargo rack issue. How did you fall out? Or did it fall out? Or did you fall out of the rack? If we can solve this riddle, it may hold the key for getting back into shape (since you brought it up). ;)

Originally Posted by BlazingPedals (Post 22836732)

I haven't seen anyone mention proper use of the gears. Keeping it in high gear does not make you go faster; it just makes it harder to pedal. Keep a low enough gear that your feet are turning 80-100 rpm all the time. Any time your feet get outside of that, feel free to shift up or down to regain the correct cadence.

As far as the wheel size, it really doesn't matter. Maybe the current bike is too big for you - which is a frame issue, not a wheel size issue. You should be able to comfortably straddle the top tube without banging any tender bits. Adjust the saddle so that it leaves your knees slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke. This necessarily means that you cannot sit on the seat when your feet are on the ground. If that's a feature you want, you should look for a different style of bike, a cruiser, which puts the pedals further forward.

Your current bike is not a 26" bike, it has 700c wheels, which are roughly - but not exactly - the same size as the old 27" standard. If you only ride on paved trails and streets, you can always change the tires to something with more or a road tread.

Originally Posted by whm1974 (Post 22836586)

Well guys I had the bike for ~10 years and didn't riding all that much like I did when I was working. Really let myself go. My previous bikes were 24" MTB. I plan on replacing the 26" road bike with one like I used to ride. Went to the city park today and yesterday so making progress.

The streets around here in Madison and St Clare Counties IL are and not the best, and good MTB are the best suited for riding.

Originally Posted by livedarklions (Post 22837336)

My biggest piece of advice--if anyone says "no pain, no gain", slap them and say "you're welcome."

Find ways to make your ride fun, it's bicycling's biggest advantage.

Originally Posted by Iride01 (Post 22837333)

Are you riding pavement and maybe have rolling terrain where you are constantly going up or down? That 32 pound bike is probably just wearing you out. Get something down below 20 lbs.

But still, when I started back riding in my 50's, I struggled for a while just to do 10 miles in rolling terrain. Now 20 miles is just getting warmed up and my legs loosened.

Originally Posted by whm1974 (Post 22837717)

I'm going to have to save up more money first as I do not want to get a bike from the local Walmart. They will fall out part if I ride longer distances like I used to. Thought about ordering from amazon but I want and need certain features. Such as quick release wheels along with mounting holes for a cargo rack. But first I need to ride the one I have need to get in shape.

Originally Posted by whm1974 (Post 22837717)

I'm going to have to save up more money first as I do not want to get a bike from the local Walmart. They will fall out part if I ride longer distances like I used to. Thought about ordering from amazon but I want and need certain features. Such as quick release wheels along with mounting holes for a cargo rack. But first I need to ride the one I have need to get in shape.

Originally Posted by PeteHski (Post 22836709)

I know a lot of people who decide to get fit, start going to the gym or riding a bike or whatever - for a few weeks or even a few months, maybe a year. They get fitter and then at some point they start to lose interest. 6 months later they are back to doing nothing and they might as well have not bothered in the first place. Don't be that guy.

Originally Posted by retswerb (Post 22839531)

Completely disagree. Sometimes habits take multiple false starts before they're truly established, but each one is valuable and is a step on the path. Even if 6 months is all it ever turns into, it's time better spent than on the couch.

Originally Posted by PeteHski (Post 22839720)

Fair enough. When I wrote that I was thinking of 2 of my neighbours who got into exercising during the pandemic lock-down. They were both super-keen at first and went into it full gas. One bought a Peloton spin bike and a hybrid bike, the other a mountain bike and gym membership. A year later, both of them had given up and they don't appear to have made any valuable steps since.

So I would say focus on consistency and not try to do too much, too soon. Exercising little and often requires less commitment and has more chance of becoming established a lifelong habit.

Originally Posted by whm1974 (Post 22837717)

I'm going to have to save up more money first as I do not want to get a bike from the local Walmart. They will fall out part if I ride longer distances like I used to. Thought about ordering from amazon but I want and need certain features. Such as quick release wheels along with mounting holes for a cargo rack. But first I need to ride the one I have need to get in shape.

Originally Posted by Iride01 (Post 22840152)

On Amazon, IMHO... you have a better chance of getting what is essentially something others will call a Walmart bike. Sure there are some good bikes, but more crap bikes. Are you experienced enough to know the difference?

If bikes at the local bike shops are out of your price range then look at the online retailers that sell only bike stuff. Even Bikes Direct will be a decent choice IMO than Amazon where you don't know much if anything about the vendors that sell on Amazon.

Ride what you have till it falls apart or you get in such decent shape that you know it's holding you back. By that time you'll have a better understanding of what you really need in a bike.

Don't know why you need quick release wheels. Through axles which are becoming very common now don't take much more effort to remove.

Originally Posted by wolfchild (Post 22840250)

I only have one tip for OP and it's called consistency....Every fitness journey and fitness lifestyle depends on being consistent, if you're not consistent you may as well not even start because you're wasting time.

Originally Posted by whm1974 (Post 22836586)

The streets around here in Madison and St Clare Counties IL are and not the best ...

Originally Posted by whm1974 (Post 22841258)

So rode around twice today. I live downtown granite city IL, rode to the shopping center. After I put the cargo rack on the bike and later a milk crate. Did buy some bungee cords for the crate.

Thanks for the helpful tips.