Hello there Band fans....I got banded March 28th-2007.

I told myself....Bycyling would be a very good choice. Fresh air, muscles working for the sake of "Cardio". After one week passed--in April. I purchased three new bikes for me and my two sons. I have defeated many things doing that. No more not riding with my children--we ride as a crew (family). We could not conquer the hill on my street. We used to stop 3 to 4 times before getting to the top ( I did). So now the wheels have turned. My kids ask me---"Daddy can we stop--our legs are burning". Thank God I am doing well now. Now with 21 pounds gone---but just riding bikes. I am ready for the next Journey...The 1st fill--I am looking forward to the next 4 to 6 weeks--maybe 12 or 20 pounds gone...who knows...:faint: this is how I feel on many days after my ride. Today--(8.5 miles) It was walking, riding around the fair in my town--but that is what my speedometer said when it was all over...

Aw, shucks, J! Thanx! I love it here, too...everyone is so laid back and REAL!

Yeah, I can't imagine facing months of no riding outside. Do y'all use trainers inside? Stationary bikes just aren't the same to me...maybe using a trainer would be better? I'm thinking about getting one just because I get the urge to ride at weird times, like when I can't sleep at night.

I don't have a trainer but I'm thinking about getting one.

I don't really have the space to set it up.

I'll be heading to the gym more and maybe do some cross country skiing. My cycling buddies do that and have offered to hook me up.

J

I have a trainer by Cycle Ops....It is a really nice one, but it is NOT the same as being out on the road. I find myself not interested after about 20 minutes. Even before that. It sucks.

That sounds like a ringing endorsement!

HMMM... I am blonde through and through I guess....what is a ringing endorsement?

You endorsing the Cycle ops. Makes us all wanna go out and buy one =)

Oh, well, it was definitely a negative endorsement then. I am not really that happy with it. I don't think it is the actual trainer, just the fact that it doesn't move with your body, it is weird and hard to get used too!!!!

Does anyone here use Speedplay pedals/clips? How do you like them?

Hey everyone... I'm thinking about getting a bike in the Spring (I live in the mid-west and we'll have snow soon!)

I haven't ridden a bike since I was about 13 years old... what do you suggest? I'm on a modest budget, so please think cheaply!

(Hi Stef!)

Stef - I want speedplays!! I have SPDs that came with the bike. They make my knees hurt a little by forcing my feet too straight. I have a friend who recommended the speedplays. They're supposed to be easier on the knees since there's more "float". Also a little easier to clip in and out of.

Aww J hates me. I feel special

B

Hey everyone... I'm thinking about getting a bike in the Spring (I live in the mid-west and we'll have snow soon!)

I haven't ridden a bike since I was about 13 years old... what do you suggest? I'm on a modest budget, so please think cheaply!

(Hi Stef!)

HA! You found me! Dang-it, now I have to move again! LOL

Didn't you figure out that YOU were the one I was talking about? (JUST KIDDING :kiss2:)

Stef - I want speedplays!! I have SPDs that came with the bike. They make my knees hurt a little by forcing my feet too straight. I have a friend who recommended the speedplays. They're supposed to be easier on the knees since there's more "float". Also a little easier to clip in and out of.

Aww J hates me. I feel special

B

B - Have I got a deal for you! Seriously, Ebay is the way to go! Otherwise, you KNOW how much they cost. I'm watching a brand new set with clips now.

JUST DON'T YOU BID AGAINST ME! LOL

The bike I'm looking at comes with toe cages...those things scare the HELL out of me!

Suzzzie -

Juli, I, and others have written before about what to look for in a bike. The short version, though, is to go to your local bike store, tell them as much as you know about what you are interested in - cost, where you'll likely ride, etc. Ride a few bikes. You may not be able to tell everything about it by riding around the parking lot, but you will know quickly which bikes won't work. Go to as many bike shops as you can - they'll likely carry different brands. Eventually, you'll find the bike that whispers (or screams) "ride me" - that's the one you should buy.

Most major bike brands (trek, cannondale, giant, specialized, etc) will have some bikes that start as low as 250-300.

Please, please, please stay away from the big box stores. Bicycle fit is one of the greatest determinants of whether the big will be fun to ride, or a pain. Also, for bigger folks, fit is crucial to keep from getting hurt - the forces you exert on your ankes, hips, and knees require a good fit to avoid doing lasting damage (or at the very least, short-term pain). There are two pieces of gear you should consider along with the bike. First, a helmet is critical. A $20 helmet will do just as good protecting your head as a $100 - it may not look as nice, but for want of a $20 piece of plastic, do you want to take a chance on suffering permanent brain damage? The second critical piece of gear is proper bike shorts. Won't go into detail about the problems associated with not wearing them, but let's just say you'll walk funny for a while....

Hope this helps.

B

damn, you're fast. No - won't bid against you - i'm on bike toy probation right now...

B

Hey, SUZZZIE! At the rate you are going with your excercise, I wouldn't sell yourself short. You will be bored with a regular bike (Target, Walmart, etc.) in no time, as am I, and mine is brand new. Check sales...this is the time of year. Also, if you join your local bike club, it usually entitles you to discounts in your local bike shop (LBS). And then many have layaway, so you could have yourself a nice road bike for Spring! Everyone here already knows, but I'm looking at the Specialized Dolce...very reasonable at $799 and lots of features. But there are many to consider...GO SHOPPING!

EDIT: I didn't even realize major bike brands started as low as 250-300! There you go!