For the 50+ 'newbie' rider
#26
gone ride'n
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate NY
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Thoroughly agree. It all came out as a rush of words, I was surprised to see it blow out to 6000 words, and I was worried when I posted it that it might come across as daunting.
It needs some pictures and diagrams, as mentioned, but do you think it'd help if each post commenced with a brief, point form synopsis?
It needs some pictures and diagrams, as mentioned, but do you think it'd help if each post commenced with a brief, point form synopsis?
Maybe what you might do is force a hard limit on yourself - maybe 1000 words for the basic post. We have to do this in proposals where customers have a strict page limit, we do the mental vomit and then edit it down to the bare esentials - it forces you to put in just what is really needed. Then I would put links in for more indepth coverage for each area. Then at the end of each area I would put in references and links to other sites - like Sheldon Brown, Book references, article references, etc.
But let me remind you - this is your contribution, there may be no end to nit picking and suggestions. The final assessment is yours - not ours and I am sure that what ever you come up with will be valuable to the newbie audience.
One last thought - Between what was generated in the past stickies and in the history on this site I think that between you and DF you could/should write a book.
Yes - stop faffing around and go ride your age!
#27
Senior Member
Great stuff. I've been riding on and off for most of my life, and I've learned
a thing or two from your post. I say continue on, this is valuable information.
Like Louis mentioned I believe I'll print this, then I'll laminate and hang
and hang it in my garage.
a thing or two from your post. I say continue on, this is valuable information.
Like Louis mentioned I believe I'll print this, then I'll laminate and hang
and hang it in my garage.
#28
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
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I hope everyone is happy. If not, tell me when to duck.
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
Last edited by RonH; 07-08-08 at 03:03 PM.
#29
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Sale, Victoria, Australia
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P.S. Could somebody please tell me what "WWSBHD" represents?
#32
CW, here's something to add to the Resources list (each one is a link):
Cycling Past 50 by Joe Friel
Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100 by Roy M. Wallack and Bill Katovsky
Food for Fitness: Eat Right to Train Right by Chris Carmichael (this source, more than any other, helped me understand the importance of food as fuel, rather than just something to stuff in my mouth)
And here's a booklet given to Hubby today when he joined a bike group for seniors:
Bicycling Street Smarts by John S. Allen
Cycling Past 50 by Joe Friel
Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100 by Roy M. Wallack and Bill Katovsky
Food for Fitness: Eat Right to Train Right by Chris Carmichael (this source, more than any other, helped me understand the importance of food as fuel, rather than just something to stuff in my mouth)
And here's a booklet given to Hubby today when he joined a bike group for seniors:
Bicycling Street Smarts by John S. Allen
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Specialized Roubaix Expert
Surly Long Haul Trucker
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Surly Long Haul Trucker
#33
It is really great not seeing "DnvrFox" as the author of almost all the stickies, and of having just a couple of stickies!
Thanks Catweazle and others.
Here is a good link for the VERY beginner:
Learning to Ride as an Adult
Here is an edit on "Bar Height"
You wrote:
"Bar height
It won’t be an issue with step-through (ladies) bikes of course, but if that bike frame has a top tube you need to have clearance when standing astride it. For comfort and safety you should be aiming at a minimum of two inches (50mm) of clearance between crotch and bar, when you’re standing astride and off the saddle. If you don’t have that then look for a bike with a smaller frame, because that’n is too big for you."
Actually, on a road bike, and for guys like me with short legs, if you get a clearance of 2 inches, you will be riding a frame way too small. Bar height is among the least important of the measurements on a road bike fit. I have nowhere near a 2 inch clearance. This will vary with a compact frame, as the top tube is slanted.
Thanks Catweazle and others.
Here is a good link for the VERY beginner:
Learning to Ride as an Adult
Here is an edit on "Bar Height"
You wrote:
"Bar height
It won’t be an issue with step-through (ladies) bikes of course, but if that bike frame has a top tube you need to have clearance when standing astride it. For comfort and safety you should be aiming at a minimum of two inches (50mm) of clearance between crotch and bar, when you’re standing astride and off the saddle. If you don’t have that then look for a bike with a smaller frame, because that’n is too big for you."
Actually, on a road bike, and for guys like me with short legs, if you get a clearance of 2 inches, you will be riding a frame way too small. Bar height is among the least important of the measurements on a road bike fit. I have nowhere near a 2 inch clearance. This will vary with a compact frame, as the top tube is slanted.
Last edited by DnvrFox; 07-09-08 at 05:58 AM.
#36
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: California Coastal
Posts: 2
Bikes: None? I think the gary fisher montare or trek 7.5fx hybrid
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Were do I start?
I have narrowed my search down to only two bikes. Can you help me with which one is the best? I like the gary fisher Montare dual sport and the Trek ladies 7.5 fx hybrid. I've read a few reviews and still am confused. I plan on riding country roads, gravel, easy off road. I am just 50, returning to biking.
#38
What a way to welcome newbies. Great job, Catweazle! And thank you.
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Brighton, UK
Posts: 1,561
Bikes: Rocky Mountain Solo, Specialised Sirrus Triple (quick road tourer), Santana Arriva Tandem
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Spot on!
Coming late to this thread, I'm impressed and full of admiration. Good job, Mr. Feline Rodent.
Thorough, clear, supportive and approachable.
Yipster
I just did a 'soft' tour with 50+ folk who have already done a lot of miles on tough charity rides, and I'm sure that they'd have found it easier to have followed your advice on gearing, fit and cadence. It's tough to give advice without implying criticism, and your approach shows how to do it
Excellent contribution
Thorough, clear, supportive and approachable.
Yipster
I just did a 'soft' tour with 50+ folk who have already done a lot of miles on tough charity rides, and I'm sure that they'd have found it easier to have followed your advice on gearing, fit and cadence. It's tough to give advice without implying criticism, and your approach shows how to do it
Excellent contribution
#40
Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Webster, NY
Posts: 1
Bikes: GT Palomar
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If I had read this information before buying a bike, I would not have bought what I did, so yeah..it's all good info and although it can be a lot of information to take in, I should have taken it all it before buying a bike that really doesn't fit me.
Now I'll search the forum to see if there's anything I can do to modify this bike, or if I need to go shopping again.
Now I'll search the forum to see if there's anything I can do to modify this bike, or if I need to go shopping again.
#41
Don't mince words
If I had read this information before buying a bike, I would not have bought what I did, so yeah..it's all good info and although it can be a lot of information to take in, I should have taken it all it before buying a bike that really doesn't fit me.
Now I'll search the forum to see if there's anything I can do to modify this bike, or when I need to go shopping again.
Now I'll search the forum to see if there's anything I can do to modify this bike, or when I need to go shopping again.
Welcome to the wonderful world of N+1.
#44
Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 2
Bikes: I do not own one yet. Son in law taking me to purchase a bike in a couple of weeks.
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Upset Me? Heck NO!
This post was PERFECT. I printed it out for my leisure re-reading. I am 60 and had to give up running due to the knees. I still speed walk but want to start riding. Last bike I had and rode didn't have gears and had foot brakes! I don't understand the strange looks I get when I talk to my daughters and sons-in-law about foot brakes...
My son in law will be taking me to his bike shop in a week or so to purchase a bike. The section of your post about the hybrid was very helpful, as I want to ride on both paved bike paths and on wooded trails. I will find out Monday when I try out my daughters' bike if the saying is true that one never forgets how to ride a bike. I guess my biggest worry is that I really will need to learn how to fix a bike also.
Thanks again for a very informative and comprehensive post for those of us who know little about the New Age of Biking
Oh BTW, do you or anyone know if there is such a thing as converting an on the road bike to a stationary bike for winter use? (When I arise in the AM and get home from work in the PM in the winter it's dark.)
#45
They are called a "trainer" and they are available at your bike shop, online - try nashbar.com, from Craigslist, etc.
Here is a group with lots of information about trainers. Check the files section.
https://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group...yguid=11846886
Or do a search on BFN about trainers. There are many and varied - they start about $89 - magnetic, fluid, wind, etc.
#46
Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 2
Bikes: I do not own one yet. Son in law taking me to purchase a bike in a couple of weeks.
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They are called a "trainer" and they are available at your bike shop, online - try nashbar.com, from Craigslist, etc.
Here is a group with lots of information about trainers. Check the files section.
https://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group...yguid=11846886
Or do a search on BFN about trainers. There are many and varied - they start about $89 - magnetic, fluid, wind, etc.
Here is a group with lots of information about trainers. Check the files section.
https://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group...yguid=11846886
Or do a search on BFN about trainers. There are many and varied - they start about $89 - magnetic, fluid, wind, etc.
Thanks. Do you own a trainer and/or can you recommend a moderately priced good one?
#47
It depends a bit on your purpose for using the trainer, and your budget.
Some folks believe that the fluid and the air trainers better simulate actual riding than the magnetic trainers (which are the cheapest)
I have a Minoura Mag Trainer and my wife uses a Nashbar brand mag trainer. Both about $100 - the Minoura has more adjustments for tension, and it can be adjusted from the bars. More expensive trainers will go up to about $250 or so.
Some folks don't even use trainers, they use rollers - much more difficult because you actually balance your bike on a stationary indoor "track."
And, some folks ride outside at night with proper lights and reflectors, and all year round with proper weather gear.
You takes your choice!
Have fun.
#48
In case you are interested in clipless pedals, there is a great article here:
https://www.caree.org/bike101cliplesspedals.htm
https://www.caree.org/bike101cliplesspedals.htm
#49
Newbie
Join Date: Dec 2008
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thank you for the info!!!
hi thanks so much for the excellent info! i am a new biker and this was exceptionally helpful. i am debating which kind of bike to get... mountain or hybrid. i will re-read your posts several times!
thanks again and i sincerely look forward to enjoying this forum!
ann
thanks again and i sincerely look forward to enjoying this forum!
ann
#50
Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Francisco
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First of all…. Hello fellow old guys!
Second - I use to ride a lot and race a fair amount. Then life changed and I could not ride and got FAT! Fat as in raced at 148 lbs at age 43 and hit 178 at age 55. I have started to ride again... and improve.
So my question is what can I expect after 10-12 years away from the sport?
Will I ever be able to climb again? Will I ever be able to ride a flat road at 24+ m.p.h. again?
What can I reasonably expect from my body?
When I was riding a lot I always told people that the genetics were still there and they would be as good as they ever were relative to others the same age. But of course I was just being positive about their potential so they would ride. But now since I’m finding time to ride again I wonder … was I full of it? Or will I be a good rider; given time on the bike?
Second - I use to ride a lot and race a fair amount. Then life changed and I could not ride and got FAT! Fat as in raced at 148 lbs at age 43 and hit 178 at age 55. I have started to ride again... and improve.
So my question is what can I expect after 10-12 years away from the sport?
Will I ever be able to climb again? Will I ever be able to ride a flat road at 24+ m.p.h. again?
What can I reasonably expect from my body?
When I was riding a lot I always told people that the genetics were still there and they would be as good as they ever were relative to others the same age. But of course I was just being positive about their potential so they would ride. But now since I’m finding time to ride again I wonder … was I full of it? Or will I be a good rider; given time on the bike?