Author Topic: Buy a Bike?  (Read 3584 times)

Beckyemerson

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Buy a Bike?
« on: July 26, 2013, 11:30:17 PM »
I am trying to figure out if buying a bike is worth it for me. I have a ton of complainy pants excuses to not bike ride, but the top of the list is that I am not athletic. I have a few health issues that cause me to have weak muscles and get tired easily, but in the last few years this has improved. After getting a proper diagnosis and treatment I have more energy then I ever did and I feel stronger than ever, so I think I could do this but I would hate to spend money on a bike and then hardly use it. Right now I am riding a free bike that someone gave my husband. I think it is a walmart or target bike. It hurts my bum, back and knees to ride it. I can go a few blocks before I get winded and have to get off and start walking back. After a bit of a rest I hop on and ride home. Could a better bike make it substantially easier for me to ride? Or should I just make due with the one I have until I get stronger and I am certain that I will keep up the riding.


MichaelR

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Re: Buy a Bike?
« Reply #1 on: July 26, 2013, 11:38:12 PM »
How long have you been riding for - generally it takes a few weeks for sore bums to settle down. But if you are having to stop riding after only a few blocks I would double check with your doctor as to whether have the appropriate level of fitness.

Having said that it is true that a better bike makes riding a whole lot easier and more fun - and hence means you are more likely to ride.

Micheal

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Re: Buy a Bike?
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2013, 11:44:39 PM »
The other cheaper route is to try a different seat and tune the bike for your height and leg length which will actually make a difference and generally only requires an allen key set and a socket or open ended wrench either 1/2 or 9/16 YMMV.  You may also want to make sure the gears and chain are free moving and well lubricated and the wheels are true, all these things can cause a bike to feel like it's just not easy to ride.  I used to weigh 300lbs and had to ride standing up most of the time as seats were a pain, I'm 280 now and need a padded seat to ride for any length of time, but the same seat has followed me through several bikes and will go on the next one as I'm in between bikes ATM.  But in general tinker and tweak the settings till the bike feels right for you.

Beckyemerson

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Re: Buy a Bike?
« Reply #3 on: July 26, 2013, 11:59:15 PM »
How long have you been riding for - generally it takes a few weeks for sore bums to settle down. But if you are having to stop riding after only a few blocks I would double check with your doctor as to whether have the appropriate level of fitness.

Having said that it is true that a better bike makes riding a whole lot easier and more fun - and hence means you are more likely to ride.

I just started riding this week. Good to know sore bum is normal.

My doctor thinks it is good for me to exercise. It's not unhealthy or dangerous, just harder.

Beckyemerson

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Re: Buy a Bike?
« Reply #4 on: July 27, 2013, 12:19:17 AM »
The other cheaper route is to try a different seat and tune the bike for your height and leg length which will actually make a difference and generally only requires an allen key set and a socket or open ended wrench either 1/2 or 9/16 YMMV.  You may also want to make sure the gears and chain are free moving and well lubricated and the wheels are true, all these things can cause a bike to feel like it's just not easy to ride.  I used to weigh 300lbs and had to ride standing up most of the time as seats were a pain, I'm 280 now and need a padded seat to ride for any length of time, but the same seat has followed me through several bikes and will go on the next one as I'm in between bikes ATM.  But in general tinker and tweak the settings till the bike feels right for you.

Your post got me thinking... What is a proper seat height for me? I looked up videos on youtube and discovered my seat is way low. I assumed it would be high enough since it is a men's bike and I am a girl. I will adjust it before I ride next time.

I will also lubricate the gears and chain. How do I know if the "wheels are true"?

Micheal

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Re: Buy a Bike?
« Reply #5 on: July 27, 2013, 12:39:05 AM »
Sorry I meant straight not bent or warped, to check just spin the tire and check for wobble, or look at it straight on and see if it is bent.