Bicycles ?

[cobraman]

Anyone here ride a bicycle for exercise or for just getting out of the house for a bit ? If so I am looking for any suggestions or one you can recommend . I have been walking everyday for health reasons and that has been working but there are some cool places around my house that would be good for riding. Not going to buying one till the summer is just about over due to the heat. My wants are simple and I believe I just want a single speed cruiser type of bike. I kind of like the look of the stretch type but have heard they are not comfortable to ride. Comfort would be my main goal. If it is not comfortable I know I just won't ride it. Also until I know I will use the darn thing I don't want to spend a lot of money on one. I also like the fully suspended type but have no interest or need for an 18 or 21 speed which most seem to be. Any suggestions ??? Thanks

[2whl]

Ray....as you can tell from my user name, I am an avid bicyclist. I'd be happy to help any way I can. First, I would suggest going to yard sales and finding a cheap bike.

[Harry P.]

That's like asking what car to buy. Way too many choices, way too many personal preferences to give you any reasonable advice, because everyone's needs and desires and expectations are different.

Generically speaking, if comfort is goal #1, get a bike with handlebars that let you sit as upright as possible. Avoid the "racing" types of handlebars where you have to bend down low... all your upper body weight is on your arms and it's very tiring after a while. Also look for a gel-type seat (or add a seat cushion/cover).

If you're going to ride on smooth, paved surfaces (not on trails or off-road), I think a bike with suspension is a waste of money.

A basic single-speed "cruiser" style bike sounds like just what you want, IMO. Simple and inexpensive.

[oldnslow]

Was in Goodwill this weekend and they had a new looking 10 speed for $13.95. It needed the chain oiled, a new comfortable seat and it would be ready to go. If you don't like changing gears, just find one speed that's comfortable and leave it there. Check out the discount stores too. I found my bike in the trash while delivering for my job, fella thru it out because he didn't know how to tighten the handlebars. I got rid of the butt cutter seat and it was ready to go.

Edited June 22, 2014 by oldnslow

[von Zipper]

Ray,

You could look at bicycles very much the same as model cars or any other hobby.

Here are a few sites that cater to the bicycle hobby-If you'd like a few more ideas.

http://www.ratrodbikes.com/

http://www.schwinnbikeforum.com/index.php

Over the years I have bought a couple of brand new 21 speed mountain bikes and hated them. About 10 years ago I pieced this 1952 Schwinn together

It rides as good or better than a brand new cruiser from the big box store.

[Ace-Garageguy]

...I found my bike in the trash while delivering for my job, fella thru it out because he didn't know how to tighten the handlebars...

Must not be a smart-phone app for that...you know, hold the phone next to the handlebars, etc.

[Harry P.]

Ray,

You could look at bicycles very much the same as model cars or any other hobby.

Here are a few sites that cater to the bicycle hobby-If you'd like a few more ideas.

http://www.ratrodbikes.com/

http://www.schwinnbikeforum.com/index.php

Over the years I have bought a couple of brand new 21 speed mountain bikes and hated them. About 10 years ago I pieced this 1952 Schwinn together

It rides as good or better than a brand new cruiser from the big box store.

That's all the bike anyone needs for the casual sort of biking Ray is talking about.

[southpier]

these guys are knowledgeable & helpful: bikeforums.net

[oldnslow]

Yeah, the little plastic cover over the allen head adjustment screw completely had him confused. When I asked about the bike, he said he had already bought another one and he was tired of looking at it. I checked and it was a $400 Schwinn 18 speed mountain bike. I really didn't feel bad about taking it.

Edited June 23, 2014 by oldnslow

[cobraman]

Thanks for the input guys. I think a single speed cruiser type with a comfy seat would be what I want. I will keep my eyes open for a garage sale find or maybe one on CL. I can always change the seat or bars to something else if needed.

[PatW]

I have an 18 speed hardtail mountain bike and my two sons who are in their 40's both have full suspension mountain bikes. The older of the two does downhill and the younger one cross country. They firstly started when they were 10 & 12 respectively in BMX here in the UK. I was our local club chairman for 3 years.

The oldest more of a leisure racer but the youngest top of his class in age groups from 11 to 16 and number 4 in the UK in his final year od racing. He retired at 16 when he started work.

Since then he has organised BMX racing and show and shine meetings.

It keeps us all fit. And for me more fit to drop!

Edited June 24, 2014 by PatW

[mrindy77]

I have ridden over 1200 miles since January. As has been pointed out it is near impossible to make a recommendation. I have 5 different bikes for different types of riding, road, mountain, winter bike, single speed fixie,and all around towner. I would suggest going to a bike shop and get fitted properly as this will enhance your riding experience...ie comfortable. All LBS that I know will let you demo bikes. Big squishy seats does not equate to comfort. I have a bike that has a Brooks saddle...basically a formed piece of leather...it has no padding but has some give sort of like a hammock...it is one of the most comfortable seats I own. You want to find a saddle that fits your sit bones and we are all different. It takes a while to find a good seat. I buy them ride a few 100 miles(a good bike shop will also let you demo seats) on them to see how the really feel. You don't find out by riding around the block...it is process. Much like the type of bike you are going to feel comfortable on. Have fun....it's a great way to get exercise and its easy on the joints. It may become addictive...much like model cars its hard to buy just one.

[Modelmartin]

What Cal said! I would add that a good choice would be an internal geared hub like an old Raleigh 3speed or even a Sears or Huffy. Craig's list or garage sales are good sources. I understand that you just want to tool around town a bit and the IGH 3 speed bikes are bulletproof and having a few gears will make life better while pedaling.

The issue with the big overstuffed seats is that it cuts off circulation somewhat to your legs. You want to be on your sitbones. A narrow gel seat may work out well for you.

Harry! Don't try to get a job as a bike fitter! For road bikers it is good to stretch out over the handlebars. It actually takes weight off the arms. The effort of pedaling lightens the load on the arms. Sitting upright with all your weight on the seat is actually a bad way to ride and your spine absorbs all the shocks. The ideal is supposed to be a balance of the legs, seat and arms.

[Harry P.]

Harry! Don't try to get a job as a bike fitter! For road bikers it is good to stretch out over the handlebars. It actually takes weight off the arms. The effort of pedaling lightens the load on the arms. Sitting upright with all your weight on the seat is actually a bad way to ride and your spine absorbs all the shocks. The ideal is supposed to be a balance of the legs, seat and arms.

OK, I'll defer to you. But what "shocks" are you going to encounter just leisurely tooling around town that you can't just steer around? You're not jumping curbs or blasting through potholes doing the kind of riding Ray is talking about.

I have a traditional "racing bike" with the turned-down handlebars and a Trek with traditional-style handlebars. I've put hundreds, if not thousands, of miles on them. I find the more upright riding position to be a lot more comfortable.

[Harry P.]

For road bikers it is good to stretch out over the handlebars. It actually takes weight off the arms.

Hard to see how if you're leaning forward and supporting your upper body with your arms, that you're lessening the load on your arms.

[BMXNBULLDOG]

Is 2whl the "famous or infamous" bmx vet pro? If so are you still racing or if not sorry to assume.

[mrindy77]

The weight on your arms is alleviated from your core muscle group. You'll find that if you carry the weight forward your shoulders and back will become fatigued. A slight bend in your arms at the elbows when riding a road bike is paramount to cycling longer distances and absorbing some of the road 'shock'. I run 120 to 150 lbs in the tyres and even a short ride you will 'feel' the road. You don't have to be doing jumps, etc. Letting some air out of your tyres will also lessen the harshness of a ride.

Andy, your spot on the type of bike. 3 speeds are great for townies, commuter bikes. Probably can find them on the cheap as well.

Ray, I suspect that if you stick with it and ride daily , if it permits you will eventually be riding longer distance. Your legs will become stronger, your stamina will increase, as well as a host of other health benefits. The farther you ride the more you will notice little things like seat height, positioning, saddle fore/aft positioning. It will be at that point you will see the shortcomings a $15 bike.

But find one you like to ride and ride the wheels off it! I applaud you for making the first step...err pedal.

“Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realise fishing is stupid and boring.” – Desmond Tutu

[mrindy77]

This is my all arounder...Handsome bicycle in Mpls makes this one. I have added the 'bling'. This bike puts me in a much more upright position. It is comfortable and this seat works well for that positioning. I ride this on around town as it is 7 speed.

The Lemond is my dedicated road bike. Currently, it weighs in at 16.9 lbs. I can do 100 mile rides on this bike and it is very comfortable...because the bike has been fitted. It is a steel framed bike and absorbs road vibration very well...we call it compliant.

The Origin 8 is my single speed leg grinder. I bought it at a garage sale for $150. No speeds ..so you really have to mash the pedals to get up hills.

There a very noticeable differences in ride quality on different frame materials. Steel is very forgiving, the aluminum framed bikes I have ridden are very harsh, carbon fiber is very stiff but they can vary the thickness of the tubing to create compliant frames.

[cobraman]

Cool bikes.

[Agent G]

If it has two wheels I require a motor to be placed between them. Seriously I have never fully enjoyed bicycle riding, but I am a life long motorcyclist.

G

[mrindy77]

If it has two wheels I require a motor to be placed between them. Seriously I have never fully enjoyed bicycle riding, but I am a life long motorcyclist.

G

I have a those as well...when I like to stir up the neighbors I fire them up.

[Modelmartin]

I have a those as well...when I like to stir up the neighbors I fire them up.

Or setting off car alarms as you exit dining establishments!!! Leaning Tower. Yes.

[Modelmartin]

Hard to see how if you're leaning forward and supporting your upper body with your arms, that you're lessening the load on your arms.

What you are doing is distributing your weight amongst your arms, legs and seat. By stretching out a bit your legs are supporting more weight with the pedaling motion. Think of a top fuel dragster. The longer the wheel base the less weight on the front wheels! It takes a while to be able to do it. I have riding for about 4-5 years now and find that each year I can move the seat back, the handlebars down and forward more. I ride a lot and it find it to be pretty comfy. It certainly isn't for everyone. If someone just wants to ride a mile or so around town leisurely then a cruiser is OK if there are no hills. If you have any hills or rises then you should have some gears.

There are always cracks in the road, frost heaves, expansion strips, etc. Those are the shocks in the road. When a majority of your weight is on your arse then all the shocks are transmitted up and down your spine. best to suspend some of your body weight on your arms, some on your legs, and the remainder on your sit-bones. The best way to save your spine when you see a big crack or frost heave or RR tracks is to raise yourself off the seat and I relax my grip on the handlebars while making sure they don't jump out of my hands.

[mrindy77]

Or setting off car alarms as you exit dining establishments!!! Leaning Tower. Yes.

I think that was caused by one of those Minnesota earthquakes...I cannot confirm or deny.

[Agent G]

I had a Ducati that would set off car alarms. Great fun when working nightwatch.

G