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[struggle4progress]

Suppose I am an old fart. And suppose I am considering buying a bicycle so I can (say) get more exercise and burn less gas when I go grocery shopping

Grocery store is perhaps a bit over 3 mi away -- pretty flat terrain, might take me 1:15 hr to walk there. I can't afford to spend 1:15 + :30 + 1:15 = 3:00 hr for a walking grocery run when a car run takes me maybe 0:05 + 0:30 + 0:05 = 0:40. But I could probably afford to spend 0:15 + 0:30 + 0:15 = 1:00 or 0:20 + 0:30 + 0:20 = 1:10 for a grocery run, since I'd been getting exercise at the same time

Anybody want to give advice regarding a bike? I haven't biked for years, so it might take a bit of practice, but I could toodle around the neighborhood a bit for a while before I try the highways and byways

[wtmusic]

1. You're in for a nice surprise.

Bikes in general (I suppose, like cars) are lighter, easier to ride, more comfortable, and cheaper than ever.

Sounds like a hybrid bike would be a good choice: medium-width tires and comfortable upright sitting position. Below is a Giant Cypress with a nice aluminum frame, but there's nearly always a good selection of similar, used models on craigslist.com or your local paper.



http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/cypress/7354/44064/

You may want to get fenders, depending on what your weather's like. Be sure to get the right size and get it fitted; that's as good an argument as any for taking a trip down to your LBS (local bike shop).

Good luck, keep us posted. :thumbsup:

[happyslug]

2. previous discussion on this subject:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=324x1820

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=324x1788

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=324x1614

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=324x1451

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=324x1239

An article on Bicycle Frames:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-materials.html

My advice is get the best FRAME you can get afford, you can upgrade the other parts of the bike, but the frame is the single most expensive part.

Make sure the frame FITS you, your LEG should extend fully when biking, this generally requires the seat to be higher then many beginning biker like. Most beginning bikers tend to want they feet to hit reach the ground and be FLAT. The feet should be flat when the peddle is at its bottom loop, which is 2-3 inches ABOVE the ground. Thus when you stop you should always get off the seat so your feet can reach the ground. When you start to bike, peddle as you re-seat yourself.

As to bikes themselves, all are about the same. I would avoid a bike with suspension, on most bikes more for looks then actual assistance when biking. Get the best frame, and one that fits you, that your can afford, BUT you can go cheaper on the components.

I would avoid Wal-mart and other "Department" models, mostly do to they try to fit what they have in stock. Bike stores often do the same, but they tend to have a wider range of bikes AND can tell you what bike they would recommend to a beginner.

[Kennah]

3. I'm 44 and starting to show signs of O-L-D syndrome

I got back on a bike just over 3 years ago after having not been on a bike since probably the mid 90s, when I was in my late 20s. The expression "just like riding a bike" was oh so true.

A hybrid or a cruiser bike would probably be a good fit for you. I still marvel at how far technologically bikes have advanced from my 1986 Schwinn World to my 2008 Kona Dew.

Avoid toy store and department store bikes. By some estimates, they are engineered for a useable life of 70 miles before they hit the landfill.

You definitely want an actual local bike shop, or LBS. It will be a little pricier than toy and department store counterparts, but wear, tear, and tune-ups will eat up that difference in no time. In the end, toy and department store bikes are way more expensive.

Contrary to mythology, you don't have to spend thousands on a bike at an LBS. My Kona Dew was $400. A toy or department store hybrid would probably run $250 to $300, but at $70+ a pop for tune-ups, maintenance (I'm a commuter so I ride in shitty weather), help with accessories, etc. I saved buying from an LBS.

With a hybrid you will definitely have gears, but there are single speed cruiser bikes. If you go cruiser, I would still opt for a multi-speed cruiser, at least 7 or 8 gears. For a cruiser, I really like the Electra Townies and Cruisers.
http://www.electrabike.com/Bikes/townie-bikes-electra
http://www.electrabike.com/Bikes/cruiser-bikes-electra

Hop over to bikeforums.net and sign up. Lots of very helpful and knowledgeable folks there. Ask about a good LBS in your area. Maybe ask in the Southeast Regional forum about a good local LBS
http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/234-Southeast

There are lots of posts with recommendations about good bikes to suit your needs. Kona Dew also shows up on a lot of lists as recommended. Pic below.

Ideally, your LBS should be close enough for you to ride there. If it's close, you can always stop in and get help with stuff more conveniently.

Finally, North Carolina appears to have a lot of bike clubs throughout the state. NC DOT has a lot of good info online about clubs, LBSes, routes, maps, etc. Maybe find a local club and check 'em out. Get some local assistance in picking out a good bike for you.

http://www.ncdot.org/bikeped/bicycle/bikeclubs/
http://www.ncdot.gov/bikeped/bicycle/bikeshops/

[Kennah]

4. Also be sure to look at the available bike racks

There are excellent quality bike racks that the LBS can mount on your bike. Together with a set of grocery bag panniers (bags that attach to the bike rack) you could haul a good amount of groceries on your bike.

You could also, if you wanted, add a front rack and get grocery panniers for it as well.

I just picked up a Planet Bike brand rack for my old Schwinn. $27 and rated for 55 pounds.