LAC63

Hello everyone, I am a new bicycling enthusiast from Texas. I was a jogger for years but the wear and tear on my knees caused me a lot of problems. I haven't jogged in ten years.
I am now 50 and decided to not just sit around and let life pass me by. I have sporadically road cheap Wally World bicycles off and on in the past. After talking with serious riders over the last few years I finally broke down and purchased a new bike. I now am the proud owner of a Trek X-Caliber 5. I picked up the bike yesterday and couldn't wait to get home and ride. Just to get acquainted with it I rode around my neighborhood and was amazed at how much better this bike performs over what I have been used to. Before I knew it I was about seven miles from home. Wow what a work out and it was nice to get that exhilarating feeling I used to get from running (minus the knee pain). I wish I had done this twenty years ago and three knee surgeries earlier. I look forward to fellowship and networking with others on the forum.

Mark Stone

Hi LAC63, welcome to the community! Cycling, especially when compared with running/jogging, is a lot easier on the knees. It's a great decision on your part to remain active as you're going through your 50s, and there's no better sport than Cycling. Enjoy your new Trek, and again, welcome!

cb400bill

Welcome to Bike Forums!

Lacumo

Welcome to BF!

texbiker

Welcome to BF. Glad to hear you want to be active again. Biking is a great activity. Texas has plenty of places and events to ride. I can remember in my early years of riding that 10 laps around the block was an adventure.

LAC63

Thanks to all for the warm welcome. I live in East Texas, Tyler to be exact, and we are blessed with some good riding trails nearby. I just got home from my first novice trail ride. What a workout! I only fell once but I scraped several trees with my forearms. Good gosh, I'm gonna love this sport!

linnefaulk

Welcome.

texbiker

You might want to check out the Tyler Bicycle Club. The Beauty and the Beast Bike Ride is held in the spring in Tyler.

LAC63

I may do that. Maybe there is a shorter "fun run" version for novice riders.

paulp1

welcome from Austin,,,,let me know how that bike works out for you,,,,I am in the market for something similar,,,,I have a road bike,but would love to hit some trails,,,,,thanks and good luck

LAC63

So far the Trek has been great. It's an entry level bike but handles very well. I test rode the X-Caliber 6 and the Specialized Rockhopper Sport. I was able to get the X-Caliber 5 at a sale price. Honestly, I couldn't tell the difference in the ride compared to the other two. The main difference is the mechanical disc brakes as opposed to the hydraulic. I can tell you that it's very comfortable, responsive and affordable. Keep in my mind that these comments are from an older and very inexperienced rider. I hope to learn a lot from you guys on the forum. Again, I thank everyone for the encouraging words.

paulp1

I am pretty old and inexperienced myself,,,,lol,,,entry level is right up my alley,,,,and I doubt I would know the difference on the brakes,,,,,hell the only bike I ever rode with disc brakes had a motor,,,,,thanks,,,

ronaldm

Welcome, LAC63!