A bicycle or a lawn tractor?

   / A bicycle or a lawn tractor? #11  
After reading all this, I kind of miss my old Schwinn.......Unicycle....
 
   / A bicycle or a lawn tractor?
  • Thread Starter
#12  
Awesome! Thanks so much for the info. I'm about 6'2" with longer legs and shorter torso than most - weigh about 190. My wife is about 5'6" or so - weighs about 130. I really appreciate all the advice. I think some of my friends at work have friends who ride around the area, so I'll ask around with them as well to get advice as to what types of bikes might work for us.
 
   / A bicycle or a lawn tractor? #13  
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.
 
   / A bicycle or a lawn tractor?
  • Thread Starter
#14  
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.
“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.
 
   / A bicycle or a lawn tractor? #15  
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.
 
   / A bicycle or a lawn tractor? #16  
To answer your what makes good bikes so expensive: well made light weight parts. Every extra pound on the bike is one you have to drag up hills. It also makes the bike feel slow. It costs a lot to trim the extra grams off every part yet still make it reliable.
 
   / A bicycle or a lawn tractor?
  • Thread Starter
#17  
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.
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.
 
   / A bicycle or a lawn tractor? #18  
1. Go to a real and locale bike store and get fitted. 2. Expect to spend money. 3. Have fun on something that works and fits.
 
   / A bicycle or a lawn tractor? #19  
I really don’t see the point in spending big bucks on a bicycle unless you’re racing them. Yes I’ve rode a good one and yes it’s more efficient but wouldn’t that make it worse at the intended goal of exercise?
 
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   / A bicycle or a lawn tractor? #20  
My wife and I have Trek bikes. They are fantastic. They cost something like $700 each. That included getting kick stands, water bottle holders, a mirror upgraded seats and a mileage counter.

We only ride paved or chat trails and paths. But - as I said - they are fantastic. We probably ride 1000 miles per year. She rides more than me.

Bikes are great exercise and easy on the joints. I hurt my knee playing tennis and had a time where I couldn’t walk easily. But, I could ride a bike easy. Helped build my knees back to good.

Good luck.

MoKelly
 
 
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