Comanche

Not sure where to post this (so feel free to move if it belongs somewhere else). I just turned 50 recently and figure Id ask this here.

I haven't ridden a bike in 20+ years. I bought a schwinn Cross-fit in 1992 after I got out of the military (brand new at the time), and only rode it twice. I could not find anyone to ride with and then got married, had kids etc etc.. and it just sat in the garage and collected dust.

So here I am, just turned 50 (can't belive it) and finally want to get back into biking. I rode a lot as a teen, but not much since then. So I bought a bike for my wife a "Giant" and a small bike for my son (he just turned 8). I got a bike rack for the top of the SUV and I am planning on us doing some biking once the spring comes.

My main qusestion is, is this old Cross-Fit a decent bike or should I look at something new. I cleaned it up, got a gell seat for it and rode it around th eblock, and it felt pretty good. I wont be doing any mountain biking, just riding on paved paths at local bike parks/paths etc. Hopfully with my wife and son. I have a friend at work who is tryiing to get me to go biking with him, but he is into mountain biking and Im afraid this bike wont cut it. Since I never used it, its pretty much brand new although I worry the tires will need to be replaced just from age.

Im 6'3" and in good shape. So is this bike good for me?, or should I dump it and get something else? Also Should I replace the tires or do anything else to it before riding a bike thats been sitting in a garage for almost 22 years?

Rob

Heres a pic of it.

Slackerprince

If I were you, I would hang on to that bike as a back-up or neighborhood bike.
It really depends on if you want to do some serious road riding, possibly doing
group rides, etc., then you would probably need a drop-bar road bike.
If you just want something similar, but updated, go with a hybrid, like a
Specialized Sirrus, Giant Escape, or Specialized Sirrus. Get one with a carbon
fork.
Best thing to do is go to a shop and try some different options. Try several
shops, too.

s

10 Wheels

New tires an tubes......ride it.

Looks to be Too small for a 6'-3" rider.

Zinger

It does look short to me for a tall rider. If it doesn't fit you comfortably don't put money into it. Make sure your ride fits you whatever you choose. You should be able to extend your leg just short of being straight with the pedal down. You wouldn't like long rides on a bike too short for you I can say by my own experience.

But if it does fit, replace the tires and tubes. Don't forget to carry pump (or C02) spare tube, patches and tire spoons when you ride.

Gerryattrick

The bike looks in good condition. Just check a few things such as are there any splits in the tyres, are brake blocks, cables etc. still OK, then ride it for a while.

If you get the biking bug then consider upgrading.

N+1 will kick in soon enough if you do get the bug, but don't be in any hurry to empty your wallet.

NOS88

Welcome to the 50+. Overall good advice so far. You might want to check out the sub forum on bike fit. Fit can make or break your riding experience. But unless you've got unlimited resources, ride what you've got to learn more about what you like & don't like.

Pirkaus

I say ride it to be sure you like riding
Then work out what type of riding you like and buy the best bike suited for that
Have fun is the most important thing, hope your wife and kid get into it too
Pirk

maddmaxx 

Ride it and enjoy.

Retro Grouch 

That bike is IDEAL for your use:
1. It's an appropriate genre for your stated use.
2. One purpose of your first bike is to help you figure out what you want in your next bike.
3. You already own it.

Just ride it and see what happens:
1. If your tires have a lot of sidewall cracks, plan on replacing them sometime soon but it's not an emergency.
2. Don't worry about size yet but think about it when you ride. Size is something to consider when you buy your next bike.

jppe

My story is similar to yours. I started back riding about the same age and what I started on was similar to what you have there.

Get out there, explore the area around where you live and see how much you enjoy riding first. If you get hooked plan to spend a lot more than you think you should and buy a better bike and stuff than you think you should.......It will save you money in the long run.

Make sure you have a decent helmet......

jyl

As long as the saddle is high enough (when pedal at lowest position and the ball of your foot on the pedal, knees should be bent about 25-30 degrees; alternatively, when pedal at lowest position and your leg locked straight, you can barely touch the pedal with your heel) and tires aren't scary (cracked), ride the bike as-is for a few months.

I, too, think the bike is is too small for you, but it is fine to get you introduced to riding.

Comanche

Thanks for all the responses. Lots of good information to soak in!
I will keep the bike (for now) and see how it goes. I just dropped it off at the bike store(same place I got it 20 years ago) and I'm having new tires and tubes put on. The originals still looked good, but Id rather not take any chances. The bike mechanic said it was a good bike and everything looks like it was just built yesterday. It rides nice and the gel seat is very comfortable.

The bike looks small in the picture, I guess because of the angle, but its far from small. In fact, I need to lower the seat about 1/2 inch from where it is now for a better fit. If I find myself, wanting to go off road, I will have to get something else, but for now, it seems this will be a good start and then see where it goes before putting in any more money.

I am confident I will enjoy riding. I did for many years when I was younger, but I am hoping my wife will take to it as well. Not so sure about her. My son loves it, so in a worse case scenerio, we will have some good father son bonding. Not a bad thing!

Thanks again for all the replies

Rob

LoriG

Take your wife shopping for some nice biking clothes, and find a nice mellow group of women bikers...she'll be hooked in no time.

Zinger

Looks like that one has water bottle bosses so I'd pick up a bottle cage and water bottle for it to carry along with your flat fixing bag of some sort. I like to carry a little spoke wrench too, which I have used once when I bent a rim and had to repair it to get me home.

Oh

And have fun

billydonn

Exactly what I was thinking. Ride some more before buying a new bike.

zandoval 

New tires and tubes - Don't get crazy just get some cheap chicom replacements and ride...

You will probably find that now you will have to raise the handle bars about 1" to 2 " and lower the seat about 1/2" to 1" at first - This will take the pressure off that back of yours that is now 20 years older...

Remember that military guys usually are more beat up than they look - That means that bikes are a perfect way to get in a fair work out without the back-lash of pain and retribution...

Hey - After a few months of riding you will know exactly what kind of bike you want...

This ones a good starter...

As a military man know that you really don't need a bike shop - With Youtube and the forum your going to be able to do just about anything you need to that bike... Fun Fun Fun...

GlassKnees

I'm 6'4". My recommendations are as follows:

What's most important is whether the bike fits you - a good fit will do the most for maximizing your riding enjoyment. I suggest that you go to a bike shop that offers a fitting. Yes, you will pay some $$ but it will be worth it. Take your bike with you - the mechanics can determine if they can make the necessary adjustments (saddle height, stem length, handlebar width, crank size, etc.). You may find that they can't get it to fit you - if that's the case, then you're better off getting rid of it (donate it!).

After you've got a bike that fits, make sure you get a decent helmet and learn how to adjust/wear it properly. If you ever get involved in a crash (crashes can be caused by a multitude of things - collisions, slippery surfaces, pilot error, etc.)

Start out easy - relatively short distances. As your confidence and stamina improves, try challenging yourself at longer distances. But then you're going to need to be more independent - take tools you'll need to fix a flat (learn how to remove a wheel and fix a flat at home before you're stuck out on the road somewhere!). Be sure to take a water bottle and drink!

In time, you'll learn other things that most of us already know, but don't want to overload you!

Good luck and have fun!

Comanche

Thanks for all the replies!

We had some decent weather last week, and my wife bought me a bike rack for the car and a bike helmet for Christmas, so I threw the bike onto the car and took off for a park that had a lot of nice bike paths. I rode for several hours and loved every min of it! After I got home, I could feel it in my legs for a day or so and then it felt great. I feel more energetic. I went out again 3 days later and rode about 25 miles! I see myself really getting into this sport/hobby. Thanks for all the great advice.

I think thats the most I ever rode this bike in the 20+ years since I bought it. The bike worked great and after adjusting the seat a little, it seemed a good fit for me. I remember the original seat was very uncomfortable, but this gell seat feel a whole lot better on my A$$. It was comfortable and moveds along at a quick pace.

One thing I realized was the traffic around here is not good for biking. I had a few close calls with people driving like idiots. I think going forward, Ill stick to parks and bike paths. Especially when riding with the family.

In the spring, Ill be picking up another roof rack for my wifes bike. My son's is small and can fit in the back. I thought the roof mount, would be a pain since the car is very tall, but it only took less than a min to get it up there and since Im tall, it was no problem. I just have to look out for low branches and remind myself not to pull into the garage with the bike.

All in all, Im very happy to get back into this. Im finally loving this bike after it was sitting in the garage for 21 years. I may very well get another bike next year, if I keep up with it. For now, this one will do me fine.

Rob