So I've been full Moustachian with transportation for 7 weeks. We have an electric car (Volt, 2012) and rarely put gas in it. I ride my bike almost everywhere, but man ... it's killing my knees. I have a hard time walking up the stairs in our house. I feel like my knees are 70 yrs. old. I'm 45, former collegiate athlete (swimming), still in better than average shape (4 yr old kid has significantly has limited my working out). I shouldn't be having these issues, and I didn't have them before buying the bike. I've been traveling for 3 days and my knees feel much better.
I've adjusted the height (it was too low), and that has helped, but something is definitely wrong.
I bought a Nashbar, and in general I like it. It's a bit difficult to mount and dismount quickly, and I'm 6'2. I usually cart around a 4 yr old, so I would definitely be amenable to switching bikes and selling the Nashbar.
The research I've done online says that I should probably pay to have an expert recommend a proper bike that will suit my needs and have it properly fit for me. This will cost several hundred dollars, and I have no idea where to start.
I absolutely love cycling, I love the stress release, and I love the fact that I now realize just how much driving stressed me out (and I'm a seriously mellow guy). Biking everywhere for less than 2 months has already paid for the bike ($25/wk in fuel savings just by riding my kid to school and back and all his activities and appointments). I've shed 10 lbs, so I really want to stick with the bike and avoid driving.
Any advice would be very welcome.