EdwardMH

Hi all,

I am Edward 47 years old and am new to the bicycle world, my last bike was back in 1988. I am a 100% disabled Veteran whom for the past 2 years has been sedentary and last month decided it was time to get active and eat healthier as I am borderline diabetic and borderline hypertension.

Currently my main exercise is walking 2 miles a day. I decided to get a bike and from what I been reading a Hybrid is what I need. Man have bikes changed over the years.

I am trying to decide between a Giant Roam 3 2013 $516.13 and a Bianchi Camaleonte 504 2012 $657.73. The Bianchi has disk brakes the Giant does not. Not sure I need disk as I do not intend to ride in the rain BUT they did seem smoother. The Bianchi has a solid front fork where as the Giant has front Fork SR Suntour NEX w/ Lock-Out, 63mm Travel, it is my understanding that the solid fork will be better on hills and the suspension fork better for minor off road riding. (At this time 90%+ of my riding will be paved greenways. I Rode both, the Giant seemed more comfortable but the Bianchi felt more responsive. Neither bike was adjusted to fit so those differences might be better after adjustment. Also looking at Trek, and Specialized at this time.

Does anyone here have suggestions? Or another bike to check out?

Thanks

Edward

10 Wheels

Hey Edward,

Howdy and Welcome to Bike Forums from a Texas road rider.

Pass on the disc brakes and fork shocks.
Get the Giant if you don't race.

Buying from a Friendly Bike Shop is more Important than the brand.

EdwardMH

Thank you Mr. Texan :-) I am actually trying to decide on my future permanent home, I want 5-20 acres either in Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, or New Mexico.
I have added Trek, and Specialized to my search do you have opinions? I am looking for an all around bike that as my skills, strength, and endurance increase it will grow with me. I do not foresee racing in my future though I would not rule out Charity Bike Rides later on.

10 Wheels

Texas has a Gulf Coast with humidity.
The other 3 have dry climates.

10 Wheels

I have been a diabetic for 5 years.

Bike riding 1000 a month is my medication.

EdwardMH

Well it is my hope that diet change and exercise, walking and Bike riding will keep me away from needing medication, 1 month ago my Triglycerides were 486, now they are 213, now I just need to raise my HDL and lower my LDL time will tell.

10 Wheels

What was your A1C? My First one was 14.25

EdwardMH

last month 18, now about 9

10 Wheels

Your First bike is a Learning Bike.

You will learn much about bikes, riding, and yourself.

When you go for the 2nd bike you will know what you want and need.

10 Wheels

Walk more, and get a bike soon.

EdwardMH

working on it, I even applied for a trek card to try to get a bike today but it said I had to wait 7-10 days for a reply :-( This is a cut and paste from a post I made last week.

Diet is working my triglycerides went from 486 to 251 it should be 0 - 150, LDL went from 115 to 125 it should be under 101 I can work on this, HDL 40 to 37 need to be 40+ 58+ is best,but can adjust diet to raise it. My biggest worry was the Triglycerides. My total colesterol was 200 needs to be between 0-200.

10 Wheels

Cool...Can you walk more?
Like walk 2 miles, three times a day.

EdwardMH

Working on increasing my walks, I been sedentary 2 years, right now after a 2 mile walk I am wiped. but it is not a easy walk, I keep my heart rate between 155-168 and walk briskly. I will try to do more tomorrow.

10 Wheels

I was totally sick for four years. Started walking before riding.

Stay with it, you will become stronger each week.

EdwardMH

I already notice changes. I used to wake up feeling lethargic, worn out and go right back to sleep sometimes all day. Now when I wake up I feel like getting up and have energy. My medications sometimes make me sleep as late as 11:00 but I am awake and ready to go that is a big change. Odd thing though I get worn out easy but yet my resting heart rate is that of an athlete between 44-53..

10 Wheels

You are doing so good.

10 Wheels

The 2 mile walk was my favorite.

I found this hat on one walk.

My niece gave me this bike.

Siu Blue Wind

Hi Edward, I'm glad to see that you are doing better and working on increasing your walking. Cycling is so much easier on the body, in my opinion. Smooth motions, great for cardio and for breathing. I have two Hybrid bikes, a Marin and a Kona. I like my Kona better because it's built tougher, has the disc brakes and a solid fork. Pretty simple bike but it really fits me good. Fit is VERY important, sometimes it can make or break someone's interest in riding. Be sure to make sure your new bike is comfortable. Meaning, no stress on your hands, neck or back in terms of riding position.

Good luck on your search!

Oh and welcome to Bike Forums!

EdwardMH

So far the Giant Roam 3 was the most "comfortable" but it is not a solid front fork. The Bianchi which has solid front fork but disk brakes was not comfortable in the shoulders but as I said these were not adjusted to me. I will go back and see if they are willing to adjust the bikes to my fit to try them out again. The only reason I looked at the Trek and Specialized is I was told they were american made.

Siu Blue Wind

Keep in mind that a lot of the bikes ARE made overseas and that does include Trek. Trek is based in Waterloo but they do outsource. Unless something has changed recently, from what I understand their higher line and carbon bikes are made here, the others overseas. I believe Specialized might be the same too.

Yes, have them adjust the test bike to where you feel comfortable. Dont feel shy in taking your time riding, adjusting, riding, adjusting. Tell them where it feels uncomfortable and they will know where the adjustment needs to be, whether it is the height of the bars, the saddle being forward or back (or even tilted), the brakes and shift levers rotated around, it's all adjustable.

Be aware of how the seat feels too. Keep in mind that for the first few weeks of riding, your bottom will be sore where your sit bones are because you are not used to your body weight being supported by that area. Also be aware of any numbness, and let the bike shop know so that can be handled too.

EdwardMH

I will do that. now the seat on the bikes will not be the one I have when I buy it. it was suggested I get this one https://www.serfas.com/products/view/173/refererroducts%7Cindex%7Csaddles%7Crx-saddles they will give me 25% off for swapping and 15% off what ever I buy on Veteran Discount. The other shop where the Trek, and Specialized are will only give 10% off Veteran discount but 50% off on seat upgrade. If I buy from the first store I am limited to $800 for bike, helmet, and what ever I need to get riding out the door. The other Shop I applied for a Trek Card that they will let me buy anything, Trek or not If it gets approaved I might have enough credit on it to get better setup maybe up to $1000 or so.

Siu Blue Wind

That's a good saddle, that channel in the middle is what I was referring to in terms of numbness. Some saddles that don't have a channel or hole will put pressure where it does not need to be, affecting blood flow and cause numbness.

Good luck on deciding, it's not a purchase to take lightly, especially in the price range you are looking at. Again, check into Kona bikes, I have three of them. But then again, you and I are different people and you may not like them - that's what shopping is all about!

DW99

Welcome Edward! I think you are making a good decision in getting into bicycling. It's a fun and healthy way to spend some time. Hey, you have an excellent bike trail down in your area. Are you familiar with the Frisco Highline Trail? It runs from Springfield to Bolivar. It's a fun ride, a hybrid style bike is my choice for that trail. Good luck to ya in your bike choice, you are looking at good quality bikes, a good bike shop will get you fixed up.

"Don't hurry, be happy"!

DW

EdwardMH

I know of the trail but my current fitness level is too low for it. it is on my list for trails to work up too though.

I went back to the Bike shop and had the bikes adjusted to me for test drive and rulled out the Giant Roam 3 all together as it was not as comfortable. I am now leaning toward the Bianchi Camaleonte Due $680 (($657.73 out the door with better seat) but am also considering the more expensive Bianchi Camaleonte Tre (Will have to save a couple months to afford it) $1000 (($950.07 with discounts out the door with better seat) because of the better parts used. I was told it would cost a lot more to upgrade the $680 bike to the quality of the $1000 bike later than it would to just by the more expensive one now. going to look for bike comperable to those two with normal brakes instead of disk brakes and see what I find. Any suggestions on what to look at would be welcomed.