Hi! ...(waves nervously)...
06-30-18 | 11:15 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Hi! ...(waves nervously)...
I'm in NYC, bought my used Trek 710 hybrid last month but haven't had a chance to ride it until yesterday.
Just some one background info-I used to ride my bike as a kid every day for years. Up until yesterday, I hadn't gotten on a bike in a good 25-30 years but I figured "how hard can it be? Just like riding a bicycle!" Wink wink.
Good heavens, I looked like trained bear on a bike! I don't know if it was nerves from learning how to switch gears, or the constant fear of riding on NYC streets, or that I just wasn't comfortable on he bike (I think the seat still needs to be lowered, but it's down as far as I can get it anyway).
My question is-did anyone else have this problem?
Just some one background info-I used to ride my bike as a kid every day for years. Up until yesterday, I hadn't gotten on a bike in a good 25-30 years but I figured "how hard can it be? Just like riding a bicycle!" Wink wink.
Good heavens, I looked like trained bear on a bike! I don't know if it was nerves from learning how to switch gears, or the constant fear of riding on NYC streets, or that I just wasn't comfortable on he bike (I think the seat still needs to be lowered, but it's down as far as I can get it anyway).
My question is-did anyone else have this problem?
06-30-18 | 11:32 AM
#2
Super Modest
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 25,329
Likes: 6,636
From: Central Illinois
Bikes: Trek Domane+x2, Trek Emonda
Welcome. Glad to have you. You can ask in the General forum and maybe get some tips on fit.
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06-30-18 | 11:41 AM
#3
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 157
Likes: 1
From: S.E. PA
Bikes: 1987 Cannondale SR500
Yes. I hadn't been on a bike for 25 years until yesterday. I pulled my old bike out of moth balls, cleaned it up, performed some routine maintenance, and lube, filled the tires and went. I don't have to contend with city traffic, but was a bit shaky at first, but no problems. My biggest discovery was how out of shape I am, especially my wind. Hills were a KILLER. I went out today again, after a few minor adjustments, and it was much better. I had a blast. Things will come together for you, just keep at it. You may want to take a drive with your bike in the car to a less populated location to get your bearings a bit.
06-30-18 | 01:36 PM
#4
Hi and welcome to Bike Forums!! Yes, I think that a lot of us who had large gaps between riding (and that's a LOT of us who have not ridden since being a kid) have these kinds of issues. Bikes have changed quite a bit. It won't be too long until your confidence comes back and you feel good on it. Good luck!
06-30-18 | 04:31 PM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4,173
Likes: 1,277
From: San Mateo,Ca.
Bikes: TRIMMED DOWN THE HERD
Hi and welcome,Carolyn! Unfortunately if your seat still needs to be lowered more and it's bottomed out, your bike may be too big for you. Rule of thumb for me for saddle height is when you're on the lowest point of your downstroke in pedaling ,you should have a slight bend in your knees and not totally locked/extended. I'm sure you'll get more tips here.
07-02-18 | 08:22 PM
#12
LET'S ROLL
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,789
Likes: 59
From: NEW YORK, NY - USA
Bikes: 2014 BMC Gran Fondo, 2013 Brompton S6L-X
Howdy and welcome aboard!
I volunteer with Bike NY. They offer many classes.
One of them is for riders trying to get more comfrotable
riding on city streets. Price is very reasonable for NYC;
free
https://www.bike.nyc/education/class...ctice-session/
I volunteer with Bike NY. They offer many classes.
One of them is for riders trying to get more comfrotable
riding on city streets. Price is very reasonable for NYC;
free
https://www.bike.nyc/education/class...ctice-session/
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07-02-18 | 08:48 PM
#13
Administrator
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,651
Likes: 2,694
From: Delaware shore
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
Welcome. Starting out in the park is a good idea. I wouldn’t worry about switching gears until you are comfortable pedaling. Just get the bike in an easy gear and go until your confidence up.
