Tips for out of shape man?
03-22-23 | 02:28 PM
#26
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 38
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Bikes: 26" Diamondback DBW 700
OK I fell trying to get off the bike so I can turn it around. I had the cargo rack attached at the time. Took it off so I can lower the seat. Did raise it a bit.
03-22-23 | 02:28 PM
#27
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 38
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Bikes: 26" Diamondback DBW 700
OK I fell trying to get off the bike so I can turn it around. I had the cargo rack attached at the time. Took it off so I can lower the seat. Did raise it a bit.
03-22-23 | 02:48 PM
#28
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 38
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Bikes: 26" Diamondback DBW 700
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.
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.
03-22-23 | 02:50 PM
#29
Tragically Ignorant
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 15,593
Likes: 9,109
From: New England
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
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.
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.
Ride whatever you enjoy.
03-22-23 | 02:51 PM
#30
Facts just confuse people
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 19,369
Likes: 7,076
From: Mississippi
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
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.
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.
03-22-23 | 02:55 PM
#31
Tragically Ignorant
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 15,593
Likes: 9,109
From: New England
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
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.
Find ways to make your ride fun, it's bicycling's biggest advantage.
03-22-23 | 02:58 PM
#32
Facts just confuse people
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 19,369
Likes: 7,076
From: Mississippi
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
I don't know, I felt a lot of pain when I had to dig out the big bucks to pay for my new bike. But the gain was tremendous. It's probably the most fun bike I've ever ridden.
03-22-23 | 04:57 PM
#33
The Wheezing Geezer
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,858
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From: Espańola, NM
Bikes: 1976 Fredo Speciale, Rivendell Clem Smith Jr., Libertas mixte, Raleigh Super Record mixte
#1 tip is keep it fun, and frequent.
If you don't like your bike, by all means, try others! If your range of motion is limited, try bikes with step-through frames.
If you don't like your bike, by all means, try others! If your range of motion is limited, try bikes with step-through frames.
__________________
Beneath the valley of the underbikers.
Beneath the valley of the underbikers.
03-22-23 | 10:53 PM
#34
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 38
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Bikes: 26" Diamondback DBW 700
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.
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.
03-22-23 | 11:01 PM
#35
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Joined: Jan 2020
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From: Altadena, CA
Bikes: 2025 Ritte Esprit, 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2022 Trek Supercaliber
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.
__________________
RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
03-23-23 | 07:18 AM
#36
Tragically Ignorant
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 15,593
Likes: 9,109
From: New England
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
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.
I don't know the nature of your disability, but folks on this forum might have some insight into what might work best for you:
https://www.bikeforums.net/adaptive-...t-other-needs/
03-24-23 | 04:43 PM
#37
Along for the ride
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 270
Likes: 250
From: PNW US
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.
03-24-23 | 08:07 PM
#38
Senior Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 11,620
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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.
03-24-23 | 08:48 PM
#39
Am-a-tour
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 66
From: NOVA
Bikes: 2020 New Albion Privateer, 1983 Schwinn Super Sport, 2022 Rivendell Atlantis
Hey friend, real proud of you for getting out there.
There are loads of good YT videos that might help you better understand what kinda bike you're working with, how to improve it to suit your needs, and also what's out there that may be a better fit for you. I, as well as a bunch of previous posters, applaud your efforts. Best of luck in the saddle, and welcome back.
There are loads of good YT videos that might help you better understand what kinda bike you're working with, how to improve it to suit your needs, and also what's out there that may be a better fit for you. I, as well as a bunch of previous posters, applaud your efforts. Best of luck in the saddle, and welcome back.
03-24-23 | 10:57 PM
#40
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,902
Likes: 681
Just looked up the Diamondback Edgewood. It should be a fine bike, assuming it fits and is in good repair. Unless you were riding a lot before your disability, or storing it under harsh conditions, it's unlikely that anything is worn out.
03-25-23 | 05:20 AM
#41
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,500
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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.
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.
The best exercise is when you don't even know you are exercising.
03-25-23 | 10:28 AM
#42
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 28
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From: Pleasant Grove, AL
Bikes: 2015 Trek DS 8.3, Trek Pilot 5.2
This thread is encouraging! Pre-pandemic I was getting up at 5am routinely and riding, and then life got in the way. Now I'm trying to get back at it, and I can tell that my rides are not as long and as easy as before - but it's fun, and I'm not discouraged. I'm trying to pick trails around town in addition to my neighborhood road riding to keep it interesting, and that helps. I appreciate the advice in this thread, even though it wasn't meant for me... but it's still good stuff!
03-25-23 | 11:21 AM
#43
Facts just confuse people
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 19,369
Likes: 7,076
From: Mississippi
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
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.
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.
03-25-23 | 01:06 PM
#44
Banned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,701
Likes: 2,506
From: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
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.
03-26-23 | 07:56 AM
#45
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 38
Likes: 12
Bikes: 26" Diamondback DBW 700
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.
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.
03-26-23 | 07:57 AM
#46
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 38
Likes: 12
Bikes: 26" Diamondback DBW 700
Thanks. I used to ride a bike a lot since I needed to get to work and the stores where I live.
03-26-23 | 12:14 PM
#47
Full Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 215
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From: St. Louis, Missouri
Bikes: Trek Émonda SL 5, Trek Checkpoint SL 5, Giant Trance X 2, Trek Farley
03-26-23 | 03:58 PM
#48
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 38
Likes: 12
Bikes: 26" Diamondback DBW 700
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.
Thanks for the helpful tips.
03-27-23 | 03:52 AM
#49
Senior Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 11,620
Likes: 7,017
Good start, just keep on repeating until the habit is established.
