Newbie - Basic Questions about bikes we bought
 

Hey Guys.... just got into biking with my wife (she biked a lot when she was growing up, so we are doing this as a hobby/fitness)

Initially we bought some el cheapo bikes from Wal-Mart for about 88 - 99 each... and ended up returning those since they were junk. After returning them, we went over to a LBS to get an idea of what we should get, we were told by the sales person since our budget wasn't very friendly we should look at a particular bike at Target (Schwinn OR2) ...

I know that a lot of people on this forum will probably bash us for getting these, but we could not afford to spend more than 500 total, and buying used was proving way too difficult for us... here are the bikes we bought.... I am able to get about 10-12 mph on avg with my bike... today we did a trail that was windy ..13 miles avg 10 mph ...

My Bike:
http://www.target.com/Schwinn-700c-M.../dp/B004EQAVKK

Wife's Bike:
http://www.target.com/Schwinn-28-Tra...mmunityReviews

My question is my right shoulder hurts when I am biking, I am not sure if this is because I am holding the handle too hard or something with my form.... any advice?

Try taking a photo of you on your bike so that we can get an
idea of your form. Put your bike as close to a wall as possible,
put your hands on the bars your feet on the pedals. Slightly
lean on the wall for balance, but make sure your posture is
close to your natural riding stance.

Hindsight is 20/20, and I would have suggested taking your $500 and shopping for quality, used bikes. That said, your bikes aren't horrible and are easily upgradeable as funds permit.

One "trap" that you have fallen into is that your bikes are equipped with heavy, inefficient suspension forks. At this level, suspension forks offer almost none of the benefits that a quality set does, and come at the cost of weight. IME (in my experience) suspension forks of any caliber are overkill unless I'm riding off road. The energy that I could have been using to propel myself forward is instead being gobbled up by the fork.

Similar things can be said about the suspension seatpost and "comfort" saddle on your wife's bike; they are unnecessary and inefficient, and would be the first thing that I would swap. A saddle like the Serfas Rx and a rigid, $15 seatpost from your LBS would be a great upgrade.

Another upgrade you may want to consider ASAP is a good set of puncture-resistant, pavement-friendly tires. A search here on BF will lead to all sorts of threads about tires. Personally I've had good luck with Continental Top Contacts.

When funds permit, ask your LBS about upgrading to set of rigid chromoly steel forks. Expect to pay about $60 per bike, plus another $40 or so if the LBS does the swap for you.

As for your shoulder it could just be a shock to your muscles to introduce them to a new form of exercise. Give it some time to see if you toughen up.

Welcome to Bike Forums, and ride safe! :thumb:

Thanks for the replies... I really do appreciate it... I guess I am going to try and get into this sport, and if I am able to keep myself disciplined I can always upgrade to a newer bike (I have seen people sell the same bikes I got for 150 - 199 on CL) .... so maybe use these for a few a months sell them on CL and get a newer nicer bike??? Rather than upgrade...

I will keep you guys informed on the shoulder pain...

Just got back from Performance Bikes... what do you guys think of this bike? it is about 80 dollars more than the one I got from Target... and it is my size...

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...mmaryOnly=true

Is this any better than what I have ... I can still return mine to Target... Just checked with them...

Did you ride it so you could see how it feels to you?

I did ride it, it feels nice, but honestly the Target bike feels better...

The bike you have now can't be the reason your shoulder hurts, right? I don't think?

Have you tried something more upright, with less of a crouch to your ride?

There is nothing wrong with your price range. Upgrade when you've 'earned' it after a couple months or seasons of pushing what you've got.

I am not sure what is causing the pain, I did a small ride today about 5.25 miles ... and the pain was there .... I think I may have a problem with my posture ....

Put some ergonomic grips on it.

Since money is tight, make do with what you have. Don't get caught up in upgrade-itis. That never ends.
You'll need some basic tools, though. If only to change a flat.

BTW, at sheriff's auctions and garage sales I've seen old, but decent bikes go for $1.
(why are there two "f"s in sheriff?)

Thanks again for all the updates... I really do look forward to it... I am going to try to get those grips ...