Richard
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2000
- Messages
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- Location
- Knoxville, TN
- Tractor
- International 1066 Full sized JCB Loader/Backhoe and a John Deere 430 to mow with
After reading all this, I kind of miss my old Schwinn.......Unicycle....
“Even VA” - LOL. Yeah, I checked earlier and there is a Trek bike shop in town. That’s why I asked the question of Ning. I do kind of like trying something out, before buying.You may save nothing buying two bikes for say $1,500 and after your first 10 minutes the wife’s hands fall asleep and or your neck hurts. Bikes are like hiking boots or trail running shoes for me. I have to try them on. Trek has bike stores all over the place. Even Virginia. you can spend some money or tons of it there on bikes.
It will really be leisure, not too hardcore riding. Who knows what it will turn into, but I expect it won't be anything close to the level you're describing. Appreciate the advice, and info on the costs.I suggest going to a real bike store. Actually go to a few of them. A good one will make sure you fit on the bike. BD can't do that. Bike fit is super important for comfort. Even for bike racers. Many of the road racers I rode and raced with with paid good money to specialist bike fitters to get their fit dialed. There are a lot of fit systems but an experienced person with a good eye can do as well.
I did my first century (organized 100 mile road ride) on a MTB but it's not something I'd recommend. They're just not that fun to ride on the road. The tires are slow, the position makes you catch the wind, and you can't change hand positions like on a drop bar. On the MTB I don't ride much more pavement then connectors between trails. If you want to ride off road you'll need to find the trails. Trailforks (web site and app) is good for that.
You'll want decent clothes. Bike shorts are padded and that helps comfort a lot. The road race kit is skin tight so it won't bunch up under you (causes raw spots where you sit, not fun) and so it won't flap in the wind. Often the LBS will offer discounts on gear bought with a bike, so take advantage of that.
You should discuss with your wife what you want to do if you want to ride together. I tried to get my wife into it when I was already pretty hard core but not racing yet. It didn't go well. Besides the fitness difference she just didn't want to suffer as much as I did. OTOH I know some couples who have ridden together for decades.
It's a super fun sport, and you can get really into it if you have the right (wrong) personality.