Tips for out of shape man?
#26
Newbie
Thread Starter
OK I fell trying to get off the bike so I can turn it around. I had the cargo rack attached at the time. Took it off so I can lower the seat. Did raise it a bit.
Likes For whm1974:
#27
Newbie
Thread Starter
OK I fell trying to get off the bike so I can turn it around. I had the cargo rack attached at the time. Took it off so I can lower the seat. Did raise it a bit.
#28
Newbie
Thread Starter
I haven't seen anyone mention proper use of the gears. Keeping it in high gear does not make you go faster; it just makes it harder to pedal. Keep a low enough gear that your feet are turning 80-100 rpm all the time. Any time your feet get outside of that, feel free to shift up or down to regain the correct cadence.
As far as the wheel size, it really doesn't matter. Maybe the current bike is too big for you - which is a frame issue, not a wheel size issue. You should be able to comfortably straddle the top tube without banging any tender bits. Adjust the saddle so that it leaves your knees slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke. This necessarily means that you cannot sit on the seat when your feet are on the ground. If that's a feature you want, you should look for a different style of bike, a cruiser, which puts the pedals further forward.
Your current bike is not a 26" bike, it has 700c wheels, which are roughly - but not exactly - the same size as the old 27" standard. If you only ride on paved trails and streets, you can always change the tires to something with more or a road tread.
As far as the wheel size, it really doesn't matter. Maybe the current bike is too big for you - which is a frame issue, not a wheel size issue. You should be able to comfortably straddle the top tube without banging any tender bits. Adjust the saddle so that it leaves your knees slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke. This necessarily means that you cannot sit on the seat when your feet are on the ground. If that's a feature you want, you should look for a different style of bike, a cruiser, which puts the pedals further forward.
Your current bike is not a 26" bike, it has 700c wheels, which are roughly - but not exactly - the same size as the old 27" standard. If you only ride on paved trails and streets, you can always change the tires to something with more or a road tread.
#29
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,094 Times
in
5,053 Posts
Well guys I had the bike for ~10 years and didn't riding all that much like I did when I was working. Really let myself go. My previous bikes were 24" MTB. I plan on replacing the 26" road bike with one like I used to ride. Went to the city park today and yesterday so making progress.
The streets around here in Madison and St Clare Counties IL are and not the best, and good MTB are the best suited for riding.
The streets around here in Madison and St Clare Counties IL are and not the best, and good MTB are the best suited for riding.
Ride whatever you enjoy.
#30
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,800
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6099 Post(s)
Liked 4,730 Times
in
3,260 Posts
Are you riding pavement and maybe have rolling terrain where you are constantly going up or down? That 32 pound bike is probably just wearing you out. Get something down below 20 lbs.
But still, when I started back riding in my 50's, I struggled for a while just to do 10 miles in rolling terrain. Now 20 miles is just getting warmed up and my legs loosened.
But still, when I started back riding in my 50's, I struggled for a while just to do 10 miles in rolling terrain. Now 20 miles is just getting warmed up and my legs loosened.
#31
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,094 Times
in
5,053 Posts
My biggest piece of advice--if anyone says "no pain, no gain", slap them and say "you're welcome."
Find ways to make your ride fun, it's bicycling's biggest advantage.
Find ways to make your ride fun, it's bicycling's biggest advantage.
Likes For livedarklions:
#32
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,800
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6099 Post(s)
Liked 4,730 Times
in
3,260 Posts
I don't know, I felt a lot of pain when I had to dig out the big bucks to pay for my new bike. But the gain was tremendous. It's probably the most fun bike I've ever ridden.
#33
The Wheezing Geezer
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Espańola, NM
Posts: 995
Bikes: 1976 Fredo Speciale, Jamis Citizen 1, Ellis-Briggs FAVORI, Rivendell Clem Smith Jr.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 393 Post(s)
Liked 854 Times
in
421 Posts
#1 tip is keep it fun, and frequent.
If you don't like your bike, by all means, try others! If your range of motion is limited, try bikes with step-through frames.
If you don't like your bike, by all means, try others! If your range of motion is limited, try bikes with step-through frames.
Likes For Fredo76:
#34
Newbie
Thread Starter
Are you riding pavement and maybe have rolling terrain where you are constantly going up or down? That 32 pound bike is probably just wearing you out. Get something down below 20 lbs.
But still, when I started back riding in my 50's, I struggled for a while just to do 10 miles in rolling terrain. Now 20 miles is just getting warmed up and my legs loosened.
But still, when I started back riding in my 50's, I struggled for a while just to do 10 miles in rolling terrain. Now 20 miles is just getting warmed up and my legs loosened.
#35
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,785
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4828 Post(s)
Liked 7,820 Times
in
3,704 Posts
I'm going to have to save up more money first as I do not want to get a bike from the local Walmart. They will fall out part if I ride longer distances like I used to. Thought about ordering from amazon but I want and need certain features. Such as quick release wheels along with mounting holes for a cargo rack. But first I need to ride the one I have need to get in shape.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#36
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,094 Times
in
5,053 Posts
I'm going to have to save up more money first as I do not want to get a bike from the local Walmart. They will fall out part if I ride longer distances like I used to. Thought about ordering from amazon but I want and need certain features. Such as quick release wheels along with mounting holes for a cargo rack. But first I need to ride the one I have need to get in shape.
I don't know the nature of your disability, but folks on this forum might have some insight into what might work best for you:
https://www.bikeforums.net/adaptive-...t-other-needs/
#37
Along for the ride
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: PNW US
Posts: 234
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 209 Times
in
106 Posts
I know a lot of people who decide to get fit, start going to the gym or riding a bike or whatever - for a few weeks or even a few months, maybe a year. They get fitter and then at some point they start to lose interest. 6 months later they are back to doing nothing and they might as well have not bothered in the first place. Don't be that guy.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,165
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4271 Post(s)
Liked 4,707 Times
in
2,907 Posts
So I would say focus on consistency and not try to do too much, too soon. Exercising little and often requires less commitment and has more chance of becoming established a lifelong habit.
Likes For PeteHski:
#39
Am-a-tour
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: NOVA
Posts: 127
Bikes: 2020 New Albion Privateer, 1983 Schwinn Super Sport, 2022 Rivendell Atlantis
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 44 Post(s)
Liked 65 Times
in
40 Posts
Hey friend, real proud of you for getting out there.
There are loads of good YT videos that might help you better understand what kinda bike you're working with, how to improve it to suit your needs, and also what's out there that may be a better fit for you. I, as well as a bunch of previous posters, applaud your efforts. Best of luck in the saddle, and welcome back.
There are loads of good YT videos that might help you better understand what kinda bike you're working with, how to improve it to suit your needs, and also what's out there that may be a better fit for you. I, as well as a bunch of previous posters, applaud your efforts. Best of luck in the saddle, and welcome back.
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,893
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1062 Post(s)
Liked 665 Times
in
421 Posts
Just looked up the Diamondback Edgewood. It should be a fine bike, assuming it fits and is in good repair. Unless you were riding a lot before your disability, or storing it under harsh conditions, it's unlikely that anything is worn out.
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 902
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Liked 449 Times
in
246 Posts
Fair enough. When I wrote that I was thinking of 2 of my neighbours who got into exercising during the pandemic lock-down. They were both super-keen at first and went into it full gas. One bought a Peloton spin bike and a hybrid bike, the other a mountain bike and gym membership. A year later, both of them had given up and they don't appear to have made any valuable steps since.
So I would say focus on consistency and not try to do too much, too soon. Exercising little and often requires less commitment and has more chance of becoming established a lifelong habit.
So I would say focus on consistency and not try to do too much, too soon. Exercising little and often requires less commitment and has more chance of becoming established a lifelong habit.
The best exercise is when you don't even know you are exercising.
Likes For RH Clark:
#42
Newbie
This thread is encouraging! Pre-pandemic I was getting up at 5am routinely and riding, and then life got in the way. Now I'm trying to get back at it, and I can tell that my rides are not as long and as easy as before - but it's fun, and I'm not discouraged. I'm trying to pick trails around town in addition to my neighborhood road riding to keep it interesting, and that helps. I appreciate the advice in this thread, even though it wasn't meant for me... but it's still good stuff!
#43
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,800
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6099 Post(s)
Liked 4,730 Times
in
3,260 Posts
I'm going to have to save up more money first as I do not want to get a bike from the local Walmart. They will fall out part if I ride longer distances like I used to. Thought about ordering from amazon but I want and need certain features. Such as quick release wheels along with mounting holes for a cargo rack. But first I need to ride the one I have need to get in shape.
If bikes at the local bike shops are out of your price range then look at the online retailers that sell only bike stuff. Even Bikes Direct will be a decent choice IMO than Amazon where you don't know much if anything about the vendors that sell on Amazon.
Ride what you have till it falls apart or you get in such decent shape that you know it's holding you back. By that time you'll have a better understanding of what you really need in a bike.
Don't know why you need quick release wheels. Through axles which are becoming very common now don't take much more effort to remove.
Likes For Iride01:
#44
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
I only have one tip for OP and it's called consistency....Every fitness journey and fitness lifestyle depends on being consistent, if you're not consistent you may as well not even start because you're wasting time.
Likes For wolfchild:
#45
Newbie
Thread Starter
On Amazon, IMHO... you have a better chance of getting what is essentially something others will call a Walmart bike. Sure there are some good bikes, but more crap bikes. Are you experienced enough to know the difference?
If bikes at the local bike shops are out of your price range then look at the online retailers that sell only bike stuff. Even Bikes Direct will be a decent choice IMO than Amazon where you don't know much if anything about the vendors that sell on Amazon.
Ride what you have till it falls apart or you get in such decent shape that you know it's holding you back. By that time you'll have a better understanding of what you really need in a bike.
Don't know why you need quick release wheels. Through axles which are becoming very common now don't take much more effort to remove.
If bikes at the local bike shops are out of your price range then look at the online retailers that sell only bike stuff. Even Bikes Direct will be a decent choice IMO than Amazon where you don't know much if anything about the vendors that sell on Amazon.
Ride what you have till it falls apart or you get in such decent shape that you know it's holding you back. By that time you'll have a better understanding of what you really need in a bike.
Don't know why you need quick release wheels. Through axles which are becoming very common now don't take much more effort to remove.
#46
Newbie
Thread Starter
Thanks. I used to ride a bike a lot since I needed to get to work and the stores where I live.
#47
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Posts: 141
Bikes: Trek Émonda SL 5, Trek Checkpoint SL 5, Giant Trance X 2, Trek Farley
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times
in
50 Posts
#48
Newbie
Thread Starter
So rode around twice today. I live downtown granite city IL, rode to the shopping center. After I put the cargo rack on the bike and later a milk crate. Did buy some bungee cords for the crate.
Thanks for the helpful tips.
Thanks for the helpful tips.
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,165
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4271 Post(s)
Liked 4,707 Times
in
2,907 Posts
Good start, just keep on repeating until the habit is established.