Will this kill my girlfriend?
10-03-07 | 12:03 PM
#26
I would highly caution you against trying to get a girlfriend who "doesn't really like biking" to start riding. Seriously, you are entering rough waters for the relationship.
Having been through this both with friends who don't ride and a girlfriend who had been off the bike for almost 2 years after she was hit by a car on her hybrid, start with a cruiser. Keep an eye on CL over the next few months and see if you can find an old Raleigh 3-speed, or really any classic cruiser. They have a killer look, and they're super low pressure for a non-cyclist because you can't go that fast, it feels just like sitting in a chair because you're so upright, and you still look cool doing it. Also, you can get a great bike on CL for $75; a small fraction of what you'll pay for a new bike, but you can still probably flip it for profit.
Having been through this both with friends who don't ride and a girlfriend who had been off the bike for almost 2 years after she was hit by a car on her hybrid, start with a cruiser. Keep an eye on CL over the next few months and see if you can find an old Raleigh 3-speed, or really any classic cruiser. They have a killer look, and they're super low pressure for a non-cyclist because you can't go that fast, it feels just like sitting in a chair because you're so upright, and you still look cool doing it. Also, you can get a great bike on CL for $75; a small fraction of what you'll pay for a new bike, but you can still probably flip it for profit.
Maybe it's a two step process? Cruiser then SS road?
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10-03-07 | 12:52 PM
#27
*****es love tarck
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,301
Likes: 1
From: Sandy, UT
Bikes: so many
It depends on the cruiser I guess, but most cruisers are as bad or worse than a decent mountain bike. I commuted for a year on a hard tail mountain bike, but I don't I would have lasted a month on a 45lb three speed or a slow ass single speed balloon tired jalopy. Don't get me wrong, I own a 45lb three speed and a slow ass single speed balloon tired jalopy, but they aren't the first thing I reach for most days.
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10-03-07 | 01:41 PM
#28
Thread Starter
i think i've done alright
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Somverville, MA
Bikes: {stolen} 01' Schwinn Moab II Mtb.{/stolen} 06 Jamis Sputnik (ftw), Gary Fisher Sugar 4
I would love to build her a used singlespeed convo, however, i have no tools/work area here in somerville, and am 2 months new to the city so i know 0 people that would help me... in fact, i know 4 people in a 5 mile radius total...
i'm not exactly asking for help (as I have zero cash at the moment for parts) but would be happy to charge things till i'm $300 deep... however craigslist users rarely take the plastic... and the thought of building another wheelset (helped a good buddy build his fixie up over the summer) makes me want to vomit as it took us over a month to get our other buddy to put the **** together (and it cost >$200 for a "low end" build..his doing, not mine though)
i'm not exactly asking for help (as I have zero cash at the moment for parts) but would be happy to charge things till i'm $300 deep... however craigslist users rarely take the plastic... and the thought of building another wheelset (helped a good buddy build his fixie up over the summer) makes me want to vomit as it took us over a month to get our other buddy to put the **** together (and it cost >$200 for a "low end" build..his doing, not mine though)
10-03-07 | 06:23 PM
#31
jerk store
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Boston
Bikes: '80s Chimo Garbage fixed 36/14, Centurion fixed 42/17
Dude, I'm in Brighton. I'd be happy to help out with whatever I can. I successfully moved my gf from pedestrian to fixed-gear enthusiast, and we're both excited about helping people get excited. We're fairly new to the area as well. Also, IRO has the 20% off deal right now, so that means you can get one of their wheelsets for $150 on plastic. Decent wheels for a more than decent price. Snatch 'em up and hide 'em!
To the anti-cruiser crowd: I absolutely see your points. If the inefficiency is the issue, then don't go cruiser. But if we're talking about a total non-cyclist here, it might be better to start off with something for just dicking around the neighborhood. Then when she sees the limitations of her current ride and finds herself wanting more, she'll be ready to upgrade.
To the anti-cruiser crowd: I absolutely see your points. If the inefficiency is the issue, then don't go cruiser. But if we're talking about a total non-cyclist here, it might be better to start off with something for just dicking around the neighborhood. Then when she sees the limitations of her current ride and finds herself wanting more, she'll be ready to upgrade.
10-04-07 | 11:02 AM
#32
Thread Starter
i think i've done alright
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Somverville, MA
Bikes: {stolen} 01' Schwinn Moab II Mtb.{/stolen} 06 Jamis Sputnik (ftw), Gary Fisher Sugar 4
now you've done it math! i'll see what iro turns up and be in touch if i take this to fruition
thanks for the help again everyone, also my first 2 page thread!! score
thanks for the help again everyone, also my first 2 page thread!! score
