buying a bicycle, need advice please!

(deactivated member)
on 10/8/11 3:44 am
Congrats on the wind fall. 

When I got my mountain bike I went high end just for the high end front shock.  The major reason I did this is that shock systems are not designed with big folks in mind.  Information from my LBS and some research I did seems to indicate they think all riders are less than 200 LBS.  I'm not sure of he shock system design you have so you may want to ask your dealer if the front shock can be upgraded.  If they are hydraulic you can opt for stiffer springs and thicker fluid.  If they are elastic bands they should be upgradeable too.  

The increased stiffness shouldn't be noticed by you but will help controlability.  It should also help make the bike a bit more efficient since you will reduce front end bobbing.  Though I don't think you have any plans to hit the dirt trails right away you don't want to bottom out the front shock which could happen with an unexpected pot hole and such. 

I don't recall this being terribly expensive and I never regretted it.  Even if I were down to the 200 lb range, I think my upgrade would suit me just fine.  

Keep us posted!

Mrsdean4
on 10/8/11 4:25 am - VA
I purchased my specialized expedition sport this morning and have been having a blast with my children riding around the neighborhood since the minute we unloaded it from the van.  I had truly forgotten how wonderful it feels to RIDE! 

Unfortunately, I am cooling my heels for a bit while my wonderful hubby puts the chain back on.  I was (admittedly) goofing around with the gears going up a little incline and the chain slipped off the gear.   I hope this isn't something I will have to worry about happening when I know more about what I'm doing!  I had never ridden on a bike with more than 3 gears, and this one has 21 gears.  

I will post a picture of it (it's beautiful!) when hubby is done working on it.  Thanks again for the support and encouragement.  It was hard for me to walk into that LBS the first time (and each time after that) because I half expected them to tell me cycling is only for fit folks.  I couldn't have risked it without the support here on OH.  =)

Kacey
    
Seht
on 10/8/11 9:15 pm
congrats!

People drop the chain a lot if they are shifting while under load and going up hill.

Andy Schleck lost the Tour de France that way 2 yers ago.  He lost the whole event by the exact time it took him to get the chain back on the bike.

Ideally, You should if possible anticipate the climb and downshift before it's too late.

It sounds like you are having a blast.

The first time you do something - It's going to be a personal record!

Mrsdean4
on 10/8/11 11:25 pm - VA
Oh man, how painful is that??  

Well, now I know how to put the chain back on all by myself (ridiculously easy, I'm embarrassed that I didn't even try first).

NOW I need to learn how NOT to make it come off when I start playing with the gears.

And, OMW I am sore in some new and unexpected places this morning.  I LOVE that feeling of knowing I'm sore from using muscles I'd been neglecting.  I have lousy knees and I did have to be careful of my L yesterday, but they are not the problem this morning, at least they aren't any more sore than any other day.  

I will skip riding today and walk a lot instead.  Can't wait until tomorrow!  =)

    
Seht
on 10/10/11 8:31 am
I vaguely remember a quote by a professional female cyclist.  The quote I remember, the cyclist unfortunately I don't.

She said the first time she went for a multi hour ride, she indicated that it felt like she had been kicked in privates.

That's usually how my butt feels after 75-100 miles. 
When I bought my new bike, the seat was so bad, that I had numbness for close to a whole day.
Needless to say I went out and bought a new seat, problem resolved.  Still uncomfortable on the rear end for many hours in a row, but none of the pain and numbness.

Oh and bigger isn't always better with the seats.  They make anatomically formed seats for both men and women to relieve pressure.  Some times a big padded seat can actually cause you more discomfort because of rubbing and getting in your way.

Scott

The first time you do something - It's going to be a personal record!

Seht
on 10/10/11 8:27 am
How are you liking the new bike?

Have you had any cycling adventures yet?

The first time you do something - It's going to be a personal record!

Mrsdean4
on 10/10/11 10:11 am - VA
I didn't get to ride today because of a full work day and soccer practice with my girls, but I'm looking forward to riding tomorrow afternoon.  I have been quizzing all my friends to see who all has a bike and when we can hit some of our area's awesome trails.  Can't wait!  Heres a picture of my beautiful new bike. 

And in other wonderful news...I got my APPROVAL today from my insurance!  WOOHOO!

photo.JPG

Kacey
    
Most Active
×