orguasch

Don't be sorry, nobody is never to late, Rich

angel_eyes244ca

Hi Rich!

Welcome! I always enjoy corresponding with people on BikeForum. Any suggestions around a beginner like me is greatly welcomed.

:angel:

angel_eyes244ca

Hi Rich!

Welcome! I always enjoy corresponding with people on BikeForum. Any suggestions around a beginner like me is greatly welcomed.

:angel:

fubar5

Have you found a bike yet? What kind of suggestions do you need?

angel_eyes244ca

Hi Everyone.

Here's my dilemma. My daughter and I might be moving in early July and all the money we can muster up for moving expenses would be good. But I don't want to put off the bike thing any longer. I've been a procrastinator for too long because of fear and pride. I guess I might need to borrow a bike for now, so that at least I know how to ride. Is that a bad idea? What do you all suggest I do?:angel:

fubar5

The only bad part of borrowing a bike is that you may damage it, and then you have a problem on your hands.

Where are you moving to? Just another location in the same town, or total relocation?

aerobat

If you have a good friend that has a bike and would even help you learn to ride it, I think that would be a darn good idea. It would give you a start on cycling.

I don't think the chances of damaging it are too great if you're just going to learn to ride it in a safe place, like a quiet street or parking lot, and if your friend is right there, no sweat!

The main thing is if the bike is a good fit for you, it will be a lot easier to learn on.

Good luck!

angel_eyes244ca

Actually, its still up in the air. I applied for a Co-op 6 months ago, and they called 4 days ago and said that they have an opening available for July. The committee has to see if I'd be a good addition to the co-op. So pray for us or keep your fingers crossed! It is in the Riverdale area, so it's real nice.

Anyways, I think I may know someone who can lend me her bike. She is about the same height as I am. Hopefully things will work out. Things are coming together. Again, everyone keep your fingers crossed for my daughter and I. Tell yas how it goes.:angel:

PS. This aviator thing isn't working out. What am I doing wrong?

nebill

Hi Angel_eyes!
I have been following your string for a while, but have not posted, because I am just a newbie to these forums and biking myself.
Isn't it amazing how these bikers support each other? I can see that you have gotten a lot of really good advice. Being new to cycling, it has really been a big help for me getting questions answered, and the encouragement that I have gotten has helped me do things that I didn't think I could do!
As far as a bike goes, I would think that a hybrid or cross trainer would work well for you. It will have a heavier frame and thicker tires than a road bike, but still give you better road performance than a mountain bike.
Over and over you have been advised to get a bike that fits you, and I agree with this. Patty at my LBS won't let me off her lot untill she has everything adjusted, and I have never experienced any sore knees or other problems associated with poor fit. Except for the swap meet, no one has mentioned used bikes. I now own two bikes, a hybrid and a road bike, and they are both used. They have allowed me to get into cycling at a very reasonable cost (well within your previously mentioned limits) and have proven to be very good values. My advice to you is to get to know the people at the local bike shop (LBS.) Once they know what you need, maybe if you can't swing a new bike, they will have a good used one that will get you on the road. Patty went through both of my bikes before I got them, and they are in perfect shape. I have put on over 500 miles between the two of them, and never had a seconds trouble with them!
Best of luck to you and your daughter!

angel_eyes244ca

All of you are incredable! I can't get over how supportive everyone is here. I'm very glad I found Bike Forums. You are what make it great!
:angel:

Oscar

Three step method

1. Buy a thrift store bike for low dollars.

2. Ride it all over the place

3. Get settled. Select new bike. Buy it at your leisure. Return thrift store bike to thrift store.

Bubba

A bike may actually save you money. I don't know if you ride the rocket (a misnomer if ever there was one), but at $2+ a trip, a bike can save a lot of money over the course of time. If you're a metropasser, you may ride enough that you can ditch the pass and pay as you play. Same goes for gas at $0.85/litre.

Sit down and do some math, a good used bike may pay for itself in a hurry. Don't forget to check out the garage sale bikes. Oscar's 3 step method will work equally well with a garage sale bike. A friend of mine once said that the first bike you buy will show you what you want in a bike and the second bike you buy will be the one you like.

angel_eyes244ca

Hi everyone!

I've found this used bike shop on Queen Street East. It's called Recycled (or something like that). I think I might check it out. If any one else knows any more really good used bike places in Toronto let me know.
:angel:

LittleBigMan

Don't forget the three most important things to remember when buying your bike:

1) fit
2) fit
3) fit

AlphaGeek

Er, um, Angeleyes, don't mis-read sumo man here. He doesn't mean to "have a fit".

He's right, as usual, tho... I can't tell you what a difference it made for me to get a bike built for my 6'2" height. It is really important to get one sized right. If you are not certain what to look for, go by the LBS and have them give you an idea which bike is your size. It's okay, they'll get your business when you get your next bike.

mike

Magnificent advice, Oscar.

What's more, you are recommending, perhaps the very best in proactive environmental conservatism.

Not only are you recycling (a bicycle), but by bicycling, you also reduce fossil fuel emissions.

Cheers to you, Oscar.

aerobat

Kind of gives the term "recycling" a new meaning, doesn't it? (shades of Cambronne!)

angel_eyes244ca

Hi everyone!

I am getting my bike next week! I'll keep all of your advice in mind and I'll let you know what happens. :angel:

fubar5

HOOAH!!!!!! It's party time!!!! You go girl!!!

orguasch

You can check BIKE SWAP along Yonge between Davisville and Eglinton Avenue, they are selling used bike also and as well as there 2000 year bike models at a greatly reduce prices

Old Dan

there's no way that I could offer any better advice than that already given...so, I'm going to head off on a bit of a tangent which is just as important as the right bike.

This is your safety gear - talk to the pros at the bike shop about the helmets they use for their rides...it's money well spent....