30 Years old, First time biker
07-25-14, 11:04 AM
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30 Years old, First time biker
Yes it is quite embarrassing. I'm 30 years old and did not know how to ride a bike until last week!
I took a 2 hour free lesson and was surprised I was able to pedal within 45 minutes. Still have issues when turning but I'm taking it day by day.
I found this website while searching for a bicycle to purchase. I'm currently using my wife's road bike to practice on but I just don't feel comfortable in it. My wife is a crazy biker, she goes on 20-30 mile rides at a time.
I'm just looking for a bicycle to get better on and was hoping someone can recommend me on what to get. I live in NYC, there are quite a bit of bike paths. For now I'm looking to just riding in public parks and around the neighborhood. I don't like the bent over position. I rather ride upright and comfort is a must!
I don't need to be speedy Gonzales, I just want to be able to ride and enjoy my surroundings.
Most people tell me to buy a Hybrid, is there something else that can offer more comfort?
Thanks!
I took a 2 hour free lesson and was surprised I was able to pedal within 45 minutes. Still have issues when turning but I'm taking it day by day.
I found this website while searching for a bicycle to purchase. I'm currently using my wife's road bike to practice on but I just don't feel comfortable in it. My wife is a crazy biker, she goes on 20-30 mile rides at a time.
I'm just looking for a bicycle to get better on and was hoping someone can recommend me on what to get. I live in NYC, there are quite a bit of bike paths. For now I'm looking to just riding in public parks and around the neighborhood. I don't like the bent over position. I rather ride upright and comfort is a must!
I don't need to be speedy Gonzales, I just want to be able to ride and enjoy my surroundings.
Most people tell me to buy a Hybrid, is there something else that can offer more comfort?
Thanks!
07-25-14, 11:19 AM
#2
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Hello coooolwhip,
Welcome to bike Forums.
Once your body gets in shape you will feel comfortable on any bike.
Welcome to bike Forums.
Once your body gets in shape you will feel comfortable on any bike.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
07-25-14, 11:38 AM
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Hi CW,
Noticed you're from the city so maybe I can help. There's a great deal for you to consider when buying your first bike. Much has to do with your riding expectations and budget.
You need to consider whether you will continue with cycling (like your wife) or is this just going to be a summer rage. It would be a shame to invest in a "beginner" bike only to find it will not suit your needs as you begin to ride more often and for longer distances. Will your rides consist of all or mostly road work, or will you want to ride trails? The "upright position" to which you are referring is usually only a transitional desire. After you become more comfortable, experienced and efficient on a bike, "upright" will begin to feel awkward.
Also you need for your bike to fit your body dimensions. Riding your wife's bike, unless she is the same size as you (body and leg length), would be very uncomfortable. If nothing else, the top tube and stem would likely be far too short for you which would force way too much weight forward onto your hands, arms and shoulders.
A hybrid is a good starting bike, because it can be used both on and off road. It's a good "city" bike for commuting and the like. But due to it's nature, it's neither especially good for road or mountain. Hybrid = compromise. Most serious or enthusiast riders will have a hybrid for commuting and then another bike (or 2-5 :-) for their chosen ride (road or mountain).
Anyway, there's SO much to choosing a bike. Best for you to find a local bike shop who will allow you to try a few before you buy. Also make sure to have them fit you to whatever bike you choose. Inexpensive bikes come in frame sizes only so that you can't customize the associated parts "group" that comes with the bike. Nonetheless, at lease the frame size should be correct.
When it all comes together, it's simply the best!
Noticed you're from the city so maybe I can help. There's a great deal for you to consider when buying your first bike. Much has to do with your riding expectations and budget.
You need to consider whether you will continue with cycling (like your wife) or is this just going to be a summer rage. It would be a shame to invest in a "beginner" bike only to find it will not suit your needs as you begin to ride more often and for longer distances. Will your rides consist of all or mostly road work, or will you want to ride trails? The "upright position" to which you are referring is usually only a transitional desire. After you become more comfortable, experienced and efficient on a bike, "upright" will begin to feel awkward.
Also you need for your bike to fit your body dimensions. Riding your wife's bike, unless she is the same size as you (body and leg length), would be very uncomfortable. If nothing else, the top tube and stem would likely be far too short for you which would force way too much weight forward onto your hands, arms and shoulders.
A hybrid is a good starting bike, because it can be used both on and off road. It's a good "city" bike for commuting and the like. But due to it's nature, it's neither especially good for road or mountain. Hybrid = compromise. Most serious or enthusiast riders will have a hybrid for commuting and then another bike (or 2-5 :-) for their chosen ride (road or mountain).
Anyway, there's SO much to choosing a bike. Best for you to find a local bike shop who will allow you to try a few before you buy. Also make sure to have them fit you to whatever bike you choose. Inexpensive bikes come in frame sizes only so that you can't customize the associated parts "group" that comes with the bike. Nonetheless, at lease the frame size should be correct.
When it all comes together, it's simply the best!
07-25-14, 11:45 AM
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Hi CW,
Noticed you're from the city so maybe I can help. There's a great deal for you to consider when buying your first bike. Much has to do with your riding expectations and budget.
You need to consider whether you will continue with cycling (like your wife) or is this just going to be a summer rage. It would be a shame to invest in a "beginner" bike only to find it will not suit your needs as you begin to ride more often and for longer distances. Will your rides consist of all or mostly road work, or will you want to ride trails? The "upright position" to which you are referring is usually only a transitional desire. After you become more comfortable, experienced and efficient on a bike, "upright" will begin to feel awkward.
Also you need for your bike to fit your body dimensions. Riding your wife's bike, unless she is the same size as you (body and leg length), would be very uncomfortable. If nothing else, the top tube and stem would likely be far too short for you which would force way too much weight forward onto your hands, arms and shoulders.
A hybrid is a good starting bike, because it can be used both on and off road. It's a good "city" bike for commuting and the like. But due to it's nature, it's neither especially good for road or mountain. Hybrid = compromise. Most serious or enthusiast riders will have a hybrid for commuting and then another bike (or 2-5 :-) for their chosen ride (road or mountain).
Anyway, there's SO much to choosing a bike. Best for you to find a local bike shop who will allow you to try a few before you buy. Also make sure to have them fit you to whatever bike you choose. Inexpensive bikes come in frame sizes only so that you can't customize the associated parts "group" that comes with the bike. Nonetheless, at lease the frame size should be correct.
When it all comes together, it's simply the best!
Noticed you're from the city so maybe I can help. There's a great deal for you to consider when buying your first bike. Much has to do with your riding expectations and budget.
You need to consider whether you will continue with cycling (like your wife) or is this just going to be a summer rage. It would be a shame to invest in a "beginner" bike only to find it will not suit your needs as you begin to ride more often and for longer distances. Will your rides consist of all or mostly road work, or will you want to ride trails? The "upright position" to which you are referring is usually only a transitional desire. After you become more comfortable, experienced and efficient on a bike, "upright" will begin to feel awkward.
Also you need for your bike to fit your body dimensions. Riding your wife's bike, unless she is the same size as you (body and leg length), would be very uncomfortable. If nothing else, the top tube and stem would likely be far too short for you which would force way too much weight forward onto your hands, arms and shoulders.
A hybrid is a good starting bike, because it can be used both on and off road. It's a good "city" bike for commuting and the like. But due to it's nature, it's neither especially good for road or mountain. Hybrid = compromise. Most serious or enthusiast riders will have a hybrid for commuting and then another bike (or 2-5 :-) for their chosen ride (road or mountain).
Anyway, there's SO much to choosing a bike. Best for you to find a local bike shop who will allow you to try a few before you buy. Also make sure to have them fit you to whatever bike you choose. Inexpensive bikes come in frame sizes only so that you can't customize the associated parts "group" that comes with the bike. Nonetheless, at lease the frame size should be correct.
When it all comes together, it's simply the best!
Thanks. I definitely want to do this beyond this summer. I'm a jogger and it just seems more fun to be biking than jogging. You can travel much further on a bike.
My wife is definitely NOT my size. I'm 5'11 she's 5'2.
I think I will go for a hybrid. My budget is around $500.00. There's actually a bike shop near me (Roy's Bicycle Shop) in Brooklyn. I'll pay them a visit.
Thanks.
07-25-14, 11:54 AM
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There's SO many. See what Roy's is authorized to sell. Think they do sell Specialized.
1 option:
Specialized Bicycle Components
Best of luck.
1 option:
Specialized Bicycle Components
Best of luck.
