Bicycle for Beginner

[b2bailey]

Have been considering a bicycle for awhile. While looking online, recently came upon ads for adult tricycle (must admit my self image isn't quite ready for that) OR electric assist bicycle. Problem there is the cost (or perhaps balance issues).

Thoughts?

 

[rickandcindy23]

My sister loves her Schwinn tricycle. She is 62 and has had it about 10 years. She has MS, so stability was important to her. She can really move in that thing. We have a Rhoades Car and love to take it out. It's very similar to riding my Life Fitness recumbent bike, so those are muscles I am already using for the stationery bike. I love it. Rick and I get a lot of comments. Kids and teens love it and hoot and holler when we go by.

Cycle Car 4W2P $2999

Cycle Car 4W2P $2999

rhoadescar.com

 

[b2bailey]

My sister loves her Schwinn tricycle. She is 62 and has had it about 10 years. She has MS, so stability was important to her. She can really move in that thing. We have a Rhoades Car and love to take it out. It's very similar to riding my Life Fitness recumbent bike, so those are muscles I am already using for the stationery bike. I love it. Rick and I get a lot of comments. Kids and teens love it and hoot and holler when we go by.

Cycle Car 4W2P $2999

Cycle Car 4W2P $2999

rhoadescar.com

Very cool Bicycle built for two.

 

[WinniWoman]

Have been considering a bicycle for awhile. While looking online, recently came upon ads for adult tricycle (must admit my self image isn't quite ready for that) OR electric assist bicycle. Problem there is the cost (or perhaps balance issues).

Thoughts?

This is so funny you posted this today. Today, we saw two residents here riding tricycles down the road and I was wondering if they were electric since there are a lot of hills and the man told me they were!

Very cool!

 

[VacationForever]

This cannot be street legal.

 

[WinniWoman]

This cannot be street legal.

They ride them in our private development. I don't see how you could ride them on a main road. A bike path would be fine. Maybe some boardwalks- not sure.

Kind of like how people drive their golf carts on the development road.

 

[elaine]

you can get one for $300. Just an example--I like Schwinn. My bike lasted for 20 years. Otherwise, I like a 7 speed comfort bike.

Schwinn Adult Meridian 26" 3-Wheel Bike - Blue

Free shipping on orders of $35+ from Target. Read reviews and buy Schwinn Adult Meridian 26" 3-Wheel Bike - Blue at Target. Get it today with Same Day Delivery, Order Pickup or Drive Up.

www.googleadservices.com

 

[geekette]

Have been considering a bicycle for awhile. While looking online, recently came upon ads for adult tricycle (must admit my self image isn't quite ready for that) OR electric assist bicycle. Problem there is the cost (or perhaps balance issues).

Thoughts?

I hope you will ready your self image. These aren't Big Wheels for adults.

If you have balance issues, why not a three wheeler? Be safe while you exercise.

 

[elaine]

I'd get a 3 wheeler in a heartbeat if I wasn't comfortable on a bike.

 

[WinniWoman]

you can get one for $300. Just an example--I like Schwinn. My bike lasted for 20 years. Otherwise, I like a 7 speed comfort bike.

Schwinn Adult Meridian 26" 3-Wheel Bike - Blue

Free shipping on orders of $35+ from Target. Read reviews and buy Schwinn Adult Meridian 26" 3-Wheel Bike - Blue at Target. Get it today with Same Day Delivery, Order Pickup or Drive Up.

www.googleadservices.com

Not the electric, though.

 

[heathpack]

Have been considering a bicycle for awhile. While looking online, recently came upon ads for adult tricycle (must admit my self image isn't quite ready for that) OR electric assist bicycle. Problem there is the cost (or perhaps balance issues).

Thoughts?

Do you have balance issues?

What do you want to accomplish in getting a bike? Fitness? Fresh air? Transport/running errands?

You live on the central coast of California, I think? Where exactly? What I’m getting at is flat vs hilly terrain.

 

[b2bailey]

Do you have balance issues?

What do you want to accomplish in getting a bike? Fitness? Fresh air? Transport/running errands?

You live on the central coast of California, I think? Where exactly? What I’m getting at is flat vs hilly terrain.

Hi, thanks for asking. I know you are the biking expert here.
1. I live in mostly flat territory, Palm Desert area.
2. Primary intention is exercise and fresh air.
3. Would like to use for short distance errands.
4. Have done a bit of bike riding my entire life. Recently found a good bike in a second-hand store. They let me take it out for a test drive and I was wobbly, ran off curb and fell off. So that's why the mention of balance.

 

[Cornell]

@b2bailey I have an electric bike (two wheeler). I love it. I never used to enjoy riding a bike until I bought this. I use it to run lots of errands (I Have a really nice carrier on the back). I use it for short commuting. And I use it for fitness / pleasure. The battery takes away a lot of the things I used to hate about bike riding. It gives you a boost / assist when needed (it does not pedal for you). For instance, I can give it some juice when going up a hill, or to compensate for lots of wind, or when I'm carrying a heavy load.

This video gives you a great idea of how they fit into your life

3 wheeled bikes are harder to handle, specifically with turns.

 

[Old Hickory]

We all have balance issues until we practice what we're doing or want to do whether it's riding a bike or walking on uneven dirt trails. If you want to ride a more efficient two wheeled bicycle (reasons 1-4) then you'll need to practice riding it. Find an empty parking lot and practice. Baby steps. You'll also need to practice riding with a basket or other (for your errands).

A three-wheel bike will be heavier and harder to peddle. There are three-wheeled bikes called recumbent bikes but they are made to go fast(er). But, three-wheelers are not tip-over proof. You're going to need four wheels to prevent that.

"Hey mister, how do you get to Carnegie Hall?"

 

[tschwa2]

When we go to Hilton Head I always get a Trike for my husband, as he didn't grow up riding and has a minor balance problem. A relatively flat community like HHI with bike paths are perfect for 3 wheelers.

 

[VacationForever]

I have a question regarding riding a bicycle. First of all, I have always had balance issues which doctors attributed with my having loose ligaments. Whenever I ride a horse or a bicycle, my butt becomes very sore. My friends and family don't have the same complaint and they brush it off as my butt having too little padding. Anyone having the same issue or can explain it?

 

[rickandcindy23]

I have a question regarding riding a bicycle. First of all, I have always had balance issues which doctors attributed with my having loose ligaments. Whenever I ride a horse or a bicycle, my butt becomes very sore. My friends and family don't have the same complaint and they brush it off as my butt having too little padding. Anyone having the same issue or can explain it?

A padded seat helps. I have had the same issue. But if you are not used to sitting up straight on a bike with your feet moving like that, that could cause the pain in the buttocks (I picture Forrest Gump saying buttocks every single time I see that word). You move quite a bit in the butt when you bicycle. Such good exercise. But it can be painful at first. You do get used to it. Even Rick has a padded seat on his bike, and he used to ride to work every day when the weather was good.

I have a great bicycle that I bought in Boulder. No better place to buy a bicycle, there are shops everywhere and lots of experts to guide you to a purchase. I love that bike, it's made for mountains and dirt, which is probably not the best for me now. I did have a nasty fall on our ride from the local Olive Garden. I was bruised along my right side. It scared me enough that I just haven't been on the bike much since. The tires are probably rotting.

 

[heathpack]

Hi, thanks for asking. I know you are the biking expert here.
1. I live in mostly flat territory, Palm Desert area.
2. Primary intention is exercise and fresh air.
3. Would like to use for short distance errands.
4. Have done a bit of bike riding my entire life. Recently found a good bike in a second-hand store. They let me take it out for a test drive and I was wobbly, ran off curb and fell off. So that's why the mention of balance.

I don't know much about adult trikes but that might be your best option because you won't worry about crashing and falling.

Electric bikes are pretty expensive and until you know you'll like cycling, it would be a shame to spend a bunch of money. Plus it would be a stressor if you ran an errand and had to worry about it being stolen.

If you got the trike and found you really enjoyed riding, you could always get something more expensive later.

Whatever you get, I'd aim for a notch above something you'd get at Walmart or Target. Those bikes are often cheaply made and not that fun to ride. I'm not sure where to look for an adult trike but I know a friend who is into higher end bikes and his wife rides a trike. So I can ask him for ideas as to good sources for trikes, if you decide that's the direction you want to take.

 

[Cornell]

My advice: Find a bike rental place and rent a couple of options for a few hours . You'll really learn how they feel , ride, appeals to you by doing that vs test driving at a bike store.

 

[Chrispee]

It might be tough to find a trike to test out, but I'd suggest that prior to committing to one. I did an electric trike build with some students a couple of years ago, and although it was fairly stable at a brisk walking pace it definitely was not foolproof on uneven ground or at speed. There's a good reason why trike ATVs are no longer widely produced.

 

[b2bailey]

I don't know much about adult trikes but that might be your best option because you won't worry about crashing and falling.

Electric bikes are pretty expensive and until you know you'll like cycling, it would be a shame to spend a bunch of money. Plus it would be a stressor if you ran an errand and had to worry about it being stolen.

If you got the trike and found you really enjoyed riding, you could always get something more expensive later.

Whatever you get, I'd aim for a notch above something you'd get at Walmart or Target. Those bikes are often cheaply made and not that fun to ride. I'm not sure where to look for an adult trike but I know a friend who is into higher end bikes and his wife rides a trike. So I can ask him for ideas as to good sources for trikes, if you decide that's the direction you want to take.

Good point about leaving electric bike unattended. Hadn't thought of that.

 

[taterhed]

I'm not trying to be 'heavy' about this conversation.....but a few thoughts.

Anything that makes you active, get outdoors, exercise and improves your overall health is fantastic! Congrats on the motivation.
Riding a bicycle (road, hybrid, mountain, recumbent etc...) is a strenuous, active and challenging activity. As with any challenge....there are some risks.
Riding a tricycle (not recumbent 3 wheel, a real ADULT trike) provides some exercise, gets you off the couch, and could assist with mobility. There are some risks here too.

I would suggest you confer with your healthcare provider in person, on the phone or via email before undertaking such a challenge. You may have a free 'nurse-line' or health advisory contact to avoid spending any money for this advice. I only say this because your tone and your words tell me that you have concerns and you may have private reasons for those concerns. You shouldn't ignore your conscience. IMO

I would not suggest you purchase an adult trike with the intent to ride it on public roads or to the store. They are large, awkward, and don't mix with traffic, people or sidewalks. They especially don't mix well with fast-paced or busy bike lanes. They are usually quite heavy and can generate a lot of physical workout or stress on anything but flat pavement. For those that have mobility issues and/or private low-traffic areas to relax and enjoy a self-paced ride.....I think they are fantastic. Just like a golf cart, but with some exercise built in. But, make no mistake--you can injure yourself or threaten your health on anything with 2, 3 or 4 wheels. I have some experience with this....my Mom etc...

• New bikes are like new cars: drive them off the lot, they lose 30% of the value. It's your choice of course.
• Walmart sells awesome toilet paper (when they have it). They sell CRAP bikes. Pun intended.
• Buy used. Buy a decent bike made in the last 10 years that's made from decent materials. Have it inspected before you buy. Your LBS can help.
• If you buy a bike, like a car, you will need a mechanic some day. Buy new or used from your LBS (local, bike store). Or, just use the services of your LBS (inspection, tune-up etc.)
• Rent first. You can't possibly test-ride and select a good bike if you haven't ridden in years. Take it slow.
  • Rental or test ride?: NO busy city streets. No curbs, cars, traffic, sewer grates, potholes. No large groups of people watching you relive your childhood.
  • Find a spotter to assist you and keep you safe for the first few trial rides. As we get older....safety first.
  • Never ride--even a short 'test'-- without appropriate safety gear. No helmet? Buy or rent one before you ride. No excuses.
  • The most dangerous parts?: starting, stopping, getting on, getting off. Next comes traffic, curbs, grates, potholes. That's why you begin in a quiet spot.

After you see if riding a bike is safe and something you're actually motivated and capable of, you'll feel much better about spending the money and taking the time to find a bike that's a good fit for you. Or, you may find that biking is not physically appropriate for you or that you lack a safe environment to ride in.

In closing, I wish you luck. Please don't think that having a 3rd wheel or acid-paste will keep you safe or make riding 'much easier.'
Just like timeshares......buying resale after doing your research will make you a happier Tugger!

My baby: (file photo)

 

[b2bailey]

I'm not trying to be 'heavy' about this conversation.....but a few thoughts.

Anything that makes you active, get outdoors, exercise and improves your overall health is fantastic! Congrats on the motivation.
Riding a bicycle (road, hybrid, mountain, recumbent etc...) is a strenuous, active and challenging activity. As with any challenge....there are some risks.
Riding a tricycle (not recumbent 3 wheel, a real ADULT trike) provides some exercise, gets you off the couch, and could assist with mobility. There are some risks here too.

I would suggest you confer with your healthcare provider in person, on the phone or via email before undertaking such a challenge. You may have a free 'nurse-line' or health advisory contact to avoid spending any money for this advice. I only say this because your tone and your words tell me that you have concerns and you may have private reasons for those concerns. You shouldn't ignore your conscience. IMO

I would not suggest you purchase an adult trike with the intent to ride it on public roads or to the store. They are large, awkward, and don't mix with traffic, people or sidewalks. They especially don't mix well with fast-paced or busy bike lanes. They are usually quite heavy and can generate a lot of physical workout or stress on anything but flat pavement. For those that have mobility issues and/or private low-traffic areas to relax and enjoy a self-paced ride.....I think they are fantastic. Just like a golf cart, but with some exercise built in. But, make no mistake--you can injure yourself or threaten your health on anything with 2, 3 or 4 wheels. I have some experience with this....my Mom etc...

• New bikes are like new cars: drive them off the lot, they lose 30% of the value. It's your choice of course.
• Walmart sells awesome toilet paper (when they have it). They sell CRAP bikes. Pun intended.
• Buy used. Buy a decent bike made in the last 10 years that's made from decent materials. Have it inspected before you buy. Your LBS can help.
• If you buy a bike, like a car, you will need a mechanic some day. Buy new or used from your LBS (local, bike store). Or, just use the services of your LBS (inspection, tune-up etc.)
• Rent first. You can't possibly test-ride and select a good bike if you haven't ridden in years. Take it slow.
  • Rental or test ride?: NO busy city streets. No curbs, cars, traffic, sewer grates, potholes. No large groups of people watching you relive your childhood.
  • Find a spotter to assist you and keep you safe for the first few trial rides. As we get older....safety first.
  • Never ride--even a short 'test'-- without appropriate safety gear. No helmet? Buy or rent one before you ride. No excuses.
  • The most dangerous parts?: starting, stopping, getting on, getting off. Next comes traffic, curbs, grates, potholes. That's why you begin in a quiet spot.

After you see if riding a bike is safe and something you're actually motivated and capable of, you'll feel much better about spending the money and taking the time to find a bike that's a good fit for you. Or, you may find that biking is not physically appropriate for you or that you lack a safe environment to ride in.

In closing, I wish you luck. Please don't think that having a 3rd wheel or acid-paste will keep you safe or make riding 'much easier.'
Just like timeshares......buying resale after doing your research will make you a happier Tugger!

My baby: (file photo)View attachment 18729

Excellent info. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

 

[PigsDad]

My wife has RA that affects her knees and ankles, so she did not feel safe on a bicycle. We ended up getting her an adult tricycle, and it has worked out well for her. The only thing we would have done differently is to have spent the extra $$ and get one with gears -- hers is a single gear / speed model, and while it is fine for most places, it would have been nice to have the multi-gear option for hills.

Kurt