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jan
Yahoo User
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 Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 3:32 am Post subject: what is the best bike to buy for a new cyclist? |
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| I borrowed a bike and rode to work on Sunday, and boy did I ache (only 2.5 miles) decided that cycling was not for me, but my Doctor says I must have used the gears incorrectly as cycling should be easier than walking. It is basicly downhill on the way to work and obviuosly up on the return. Can anyone offer advise???? would a traditional type of bike with only 3 gears be the best buy??? |
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Paul S
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 3:35 am Post subject: |
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| Tricycle 4 U I'm afraid... |
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sfr1224
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 4:42 am Post subject: |
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| The first time you get on a bike after a hiatus of any length of time is going to be painful. You've got to get your muscles strengthed and your butt toughened up. Congratulations for getting on riding. Congratulations for pursuing the purchase of a bike.Learning to use gears is of utmost importance. It is much better and easier on your body to use your lower gear and spin the pedals than to use your highest gears and mash them. In general, try to keep your pedals spinning around 70-90 RPM. In short order, you'll find this is the pedal cadence that is between having your legs burning and being out of breath with your heart pounding.Before deciding how many gears you want, you really need to figure out what type of bicycle is most comfortable for you and fits your style the best. Do you want a comfort/cruiser bike that lets you sit upright, but isn't overly efficient for long rides? Do you want a mountain bike that has a somewhat more efficient postion, and can go on or off road? Do you want a road bike that will be most effcient, but perhaps the most difficult to get used to?Comfort/cruiser bikes like Townies from Electra may come with a 3 speed hub or may have derailleurs with 24 or even 27 gears. Mountain bikes usually have 24-27 gears. Road bikes usually have 27-30 gears. Why so many gears? A highly trained cyclist is capable of pedaling a bike between about 0 and perhaps 150 RPM. Most riders are comfortable in the range of 60-100 RPM. Which is a narrow range of operation. The more gears your bicycle has, the more likely you can keep spinning the pedals at a comfortable RPM while maintaing decent speed on varied terrain.Regarding 3 speed hubs, they is a mechanical marvel and will give years of service. They are, however, exceedingly difficult to work on when things go bad. I can tell you from personal experience, you never want to let a 13 year old service a 3 speed hub. (It worked great for about 10 miles, though.) A derailleur system is exceedingly simple, reliable, cheap to repair and easy to work on.Hope this helps. |
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Briant D
Yahoo User
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M R
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:46 am Post subject: |
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| Well, I guess you are way out of shape. I'd recommend a hybrid with a derailleur instead. You'll get a much wider gear selection and they work great. Usually, after a dozen rides it'll be a breeze for you. |
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Bob Lahblah
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 9:53 am Post subject: |
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| Here's my suggestion. Lighter bike, skinny tires pumped up way high, well lubricated chain and practice. Yes, get a road bike. |
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Caramac
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 9:53 am Post subject: |
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| The best advice i can give you is go to a decent bike shop and have a chat with the people there. They will more than likely be able to answer all your questions honestly and professionally. You may even be able to try some out before you spend your hard earned money. Every single person gets their own,'something', out of cycling so good luck to you and i hope it all goes well. |
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