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*What if*
My husband and children all have bikes so I thought it's about time I got myself one. I want to be able to go on bike rides around the park with them and eventually use it to get to college.
I haven't been on a bike for 15yrs and I'm VERY unfit. I've been into three independant bike shops now and been given totally different info in each of them.
1, I have a sensitive back and neck after an old car accident injury so I was told... go for dual suspension only, don't go for dual as they're heavy and harder to keep pedalling momentum and only go for front suspension as dual will hurt my neck bouncing around.
2, Only buy a bike with shimano gears and levers as they're better and safer, don't but a bike with shimano stuff on it as it's much more expensive to fix and isn't any safer.
3, I'm only 5ft 2 but overweight, each shop adviced me to get a different size frame and wheels.
I've sat on the bikes but don't want to try them out in the shop as I need to learn to ride again.
Thank you for reading my lengthy explanation.
Answer
After outfitting many "new-old" riders with bicycles, I have helped many in your position. Since you numbered your questions I will respond as such... this is a looooong answer!
1) Dual suspension is not for you. You didn't mention where you were going to ride, but assuming you're going to stay on the road or groomed trails I would suggest a comfort bike, especially if your rides are going to be limited to 10 miles or less. Comfort bikes provide an upright position which has advantages and disadvantages... the upright posture does tend to be more comfortable for short rides (under 10 miles) but this same thing makes the bike fatiguing and harder to handle on longer rides.
2) Shimano is on 80% of the worlds bicycles and they are well known as reliable and precise. Another brand that is up-and-coming is SRAM. Either of these brands will serve you well and are comparable in price (for the level of bike). Neither have significant service issues unless you buy a REALLY cheap model... say, under $200.00. Never buy a bike from a department store like Target or Walmart although some chain sporting goods stores are OK (DON'T go to Sports Authority or Garts).
3) Weight has little or nothing to do with frame size, although I would definitely recommend a "mens" or "womens specific diamond" frame rather than the old fashioned ladies models.
Find a bike that you like and stand over the frame. Pull up on the handlebars until the frame touches you. There should be 3" to 5" between the ground and the front wheel.
Next, raise the saddle so that when you are sitting on it with a foot on the pedal at the bottom of the stroke that your knee is slightly bent. Place your hands on the handgrips while seated. The angle between your arm (with your elbows locked) and torso should be 75º to 85º.
Stick out your fingers- in line with your arm... the brake levers should fall directly under your fingers without having to pivot your wrists. Make sure that the shop adjusts the levers so this condition exists.
Now, to dispel some myths before I get yelled at... No, you should not be able to sit on the saddle and put your feet on the ground flatfooted. Tippytoes are more like it since you should be on the saddle only when pedalling. Other times you should be standing on the ground, straddling the top tube. No, a top tube is not dangerous... men and women have just as much to lose "down there" and there is little chance of injury with a correctly sized bike. ALWAYS wear a helmet when riding... what would your husband and kids do without you? Helmets aren't worn because you are a bad rider, but because of the idiot screaming around the corner that isn't watching for you. Everyone in the family should wear the best helmet you can buy... even the most expensive helmet is cheaper than a trip to the hospital.
Good luck!
After outfitting many "new-old" riders with bicycles, I have helped many in your position. Since you numbered your questions I will respond as such... this is a looooong answer!
1) Dual suspension is not for you. You didn't mention where you were going to ride, but assuming you're going to stay on the road or groomed trails I would suggest a comfort bike, especially if your rides are going to be limited to 10 miles or less. Comfort bikes provide an upright position which has advantages and disadvantages... the upright posture does tend to be more comfortable for short rides (under 10 miles) but this same thing makes the bike fatiguing and harder to handle on longer rides.
2) Shimano is on 80% of the worlds bicycles and they are well known as reliable and precise. Another brand that is up-and-coming is SRAM. Either of these brands will serve you well and are comparable in price (for the level of bike). Neither have significant service issues unless you buy a REALLY cheap model... say, under $200.00. Never buy a bike from a department store like Target or Walmart although some chain sporting goods stores are OK (DON'T go to Sports Authority or Garts).
3) Weight has little or nothing to do with frame size, although I would definitely recommend a "mens" or "womens specific diamond" frame rather than the old fashioned ladies models.
Find a bike that you like and stand over the frame. Pull up on the handlebars until the frame touches you. There should be 3" to 5" between the ground and the front wheel.
Next, raise the saddle so that when you are sitting on it with a foot on the pedal at the bottom of the stroke that your knee is slightly bent. Place your hands on the handgrips while seated. The angle between your arm (with your elbows locked) and torso should be 75º to 85º.
Stick out your fingers- in line with your arm... the brake levers should fall directly under your fingers without having to pivot your wrists. Make sure that the shop adjusts the levers so this condition exists.
Now, to dispel some myths before I get yelled at... No, you should not be able to sit on the saddle and put your feet on the ground flatfooted. Tippytoes are more like it since you should be on the saddle only when pedalling. Other times you should be standing on the ground, straddling the top tube. No, a top tube is not dangerous... men and women have just as much to lose "down there" and there is little chance of injury with a correctly sized bike. ALWAYS wear a helmet when riding... what would your husband and kids do without you? Helmets aren't worn because you are a bad rider, but because of the idiot screaming around the corner that isn't watching for you. Everyone in the family should wear the best helmet you can buy... even the most expensive helmet is cheaper than a trip to the hospital.
Good luck!
BMX GIrL <3?
sweettart
IM 13 years old and I think it would be really fun to do bmx. I was wondering what kind of bike I should get and what size. I weigh 102 pounds and Im 5 foot 2. I want to eventually get into competition riding but for now I just need to practice. Also, do you have any tips?? thx <3
Answer
Look around for a local bike shop that sells BMX bikes. Do not buy a bike from Wal-Mart, Target, or any other big box store. The bike shop will have staff who know about the best bike for you. They will also be able to tell you about the local racing scene.
Depending on where you live there is probably a track somewhere nearby with regular races and practices. Other than the bike, you'll need an approved BMX helmet but that's it. You have to wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants but you don't need special clothes if you're just starting out.
I guarantee there are tons of kids your age doing BMX. Once you find them you'll have plenty of chances to learn, practice, and race.
Good luck and have fun!
Look around for a local bike shop that sells BMX bikes. Do not buy a bike from Wal-Mart, Target, or any other big box store. The bike shop will have staff who know about the best bike for you. They will also be able to tell you about the local racing scene.
Depending on where you live there is probably a track somewhere nearby with regular races and practices. Other than the bike, you'll need an approved BMX helmet but that's it. You have to wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants but you don't need special clothes if you're just starting out.
I guarantee there are tons of kids your age doing BMX. Once you find them you'll have plenty of chances to learn, practice, and race.
Good luck and have fun!
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Title Post: Totally confused, good advice needed please?
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Rating: 94% based on 932 ratings. 4,1 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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