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I went to LBS (local bike shop) today to look at road bikes. I promised my wife that my out of shape azz would join her in a century ride (100 miles) later in the summer. I started biking late last summer and I am ready to get back into it.
The selection had my head spinning! Aluminum frames, carbon frames....ugggggh. Any one have any advice for me? I'm not afraid to spend a little money to get a decent bike.
Thanks!
__________________ Boo! Its not the Hulk without Lou!
Does this mean your siggy is motivational and not just clever? Good luck on training and the century. I rode mountain bikes before I got hurt but now I can't. I was talking to someone who suggested that we give a tandem road bike a try with me as the stoker. Gotta convince my hubby we should try this. He is a little protective.
Hehe...right now my sig is true. I'm in such horrible shape that I broke a sweat trying out a few bikes on the stand thingy!
I bet you guys would have a good time on a tandem. I would try that with my wife, but she would take over all the pedaling. My wife is a marathon runner and over all psycho when it comes to fitness. I still cant figure out what she sees in me!
__________________ Boo! Its not the Hulk without Lou!
Does this mean your siggy is motivational and not just clever? Good luck on training and the century. I rode mountain bikes before I got hurt but now I can't. I was talking to someone who suggested that we give a tandem road bike a try with me as the stoker. Gotta convince my hubby we should try this. He is a little protective.
I've had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with this dimunitive dynamo and her husband has every reason to be, "a little protective". That's all I have to say about that!!! ---
Dick
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
i dont know what territory the 100 miles covers, but id suggest a decent mountain bike as aposed to road bike. At least you have more freedom with choices where as road bike is strictly decent black top stuff!
Weight & componantry goven the normal choices these days bud.
You want a reasonably light frame, quality gearing & brakes, & do yourself a fav & go for an after market gel seat or something to that effect. Your @ss gets taxed hard on long rides.
I bought a new bike afew years back for the great Vic bike ride, alps to bay with an average of 80 - 100 klm per day for 10days. I cant fault GT or Giant as brands with shimano componantry.
I've had mountain bikes in both those brands and liked both. I second the seat advice. I'd not only get gel, I'd buy one designed for a guy's anatomy. The anatomical saddles help keep pressure off of certain key components.
If you wife is an enthusiastic cyclist she has probably already educated you as to the importance of some functional bike shorts. If lycra isn't you style you can get ones that have a bike short liner and looser shorts outside. The ones my hubby likes look like cargo shorts on the outside.
I have a Italian aluminum road bike and a pretty nice mountain bike. I ride to work when the weather is permitting. If I could get a new bike it would be a crossover (road bike and mountain bike in one). As far as what brand to get it really depends on what fits you physically the best. You get what you pay for just like skimmers.
you are so right !!! Trek used to be a top notch CO. now their Chinese crap.
I know some of Treks frames are now being built it Tiawan, but supposedly the Tiawanese are very good at working with carbon fiber (supossedly). I was actually looking at a Trek 5200, thats an '06 holdover AND is a Made in USA bike. Of all the brands I tried, I fit the best on the Treks...the only problem is that its $1800!
I figure that'll be what motivates me not to let the thing sit and collect dust!
__________________ Boo! Its not the Hulk without Lou!
I used to race road bikes, so I've tried out a fair bit of them. If you're really set on getting a road bike vs. a mountain bike, then I would suggest the new "fitness' bikes. They have a road frame and components, but the handlebars and front post are more mountain bike style. I think that unless you're looking into seriously racing, then the fitness bike would be more comfortable. It is, however, not any less of a bike...all the components and frames are the same as the road bikes.
Having said that....a mountain bike ain't bad either. YOu can always have two sets of wheels....fatties for doing some single track rides....and some smoothies for the city/road rides.
Thanks Christi, I thought about the mountain bike thing, but I already have two that I don't use. I tried using them on the road, but I didn't care much for the weight and handling. Truth is I dont see myself beating through the woods anymore. I really think the wife and I will have more fun taking day trips on the open road.
Wait...maybe I should buy a motorcycle instead!
__________________ Boo! Its not the Hulk without Lou!
Here's just the model for you and the wife, poppin_fresh. The Redneck Harley.
Dick
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
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