Dan Chatten said:1. I have been working out now for 2 months on a stationary bike and running, and this spring (if
it ever arrives here in Mass) I would like to start riding outside.
The roads aren't too bad right now. I'm in western Mass and have been riding all winter. You should
be able to get out right now to start getting some miles in!
Ooops, I spoke too soon! I see it's snowing like crazy out the window right now. Looks like the
knobby tires are going to get a workout again on the commute home!
Quoted message said:2. My short term goal is to bike to work and back home (24 miles around trip)
My "base" commute is about exactly that distance. About 55 minutes (one way) on the slow MTB in
winter and 35-40 during summer on a road bike.
Commuting by bike is more a state of mind thing than real physcial conditioning. There are always
reasons for not biking today. It must become a life style choice above simply a goal.
I own a truck and love to drive; but I commute pretty much by bike. And even after years of doing
so, there are still days my mind says it's too wet or dry, too hot or cold, or not enough time due
to some other consideration before or after work, to bother with the bike today.
So attain your goal by doing a few 10-20 mile rides over a weekend, in the early part of the year.
Get your bike properly set up. It may take a few miles of seat adjustments to get things settled.
When you've done a few 20 milers, plan your D-Day assault on the office commute.
Try it once or twice a week, then more as you come to be confident you can do it. There's really no
reason a person can not be physically capable of riding a bike 20-25 miles in a reasonable amount of
time in a very short time...unless you live up in the Berkshires or some other demanding bicycling
environment!
Quoted message said:3. My long term goal is to bike 150 Miles for MS with a group of local bickers in work. Over two
days in June.
So that's roughly 70-80 miles per day. This again should be no problem by the June deadline.
But be advised that "things happen" riding 70-80 miles that do not happen when riding 20-30. Seat
issues may be the dominant problem, which is primarily an adjustment thing, but sometimes an
inadequacy: it's simply not the right seat for biking over 30 miles!
So by all means, do a 60 mile ride several times before your June date. I've found that people who
can ride 60 miles can ride 100.
Quoted message said:What brand, type, bike style should I consider as a beginner, and also be able to handle my goals
above. I was hoping to keep my budget in the $500 range, but I am certainly very open minded on
that front.
A road bike is made for covering distance quickly, but unfortunately, *new* $500 road bikes are hard
to come by. You'd have to probably go to the second hand market to find one.
A mountain bike can be modified to cover distance with simply a change of tires. And they are very
versatile bikes for general use, and very easy to find in your price range.
The so called hybrid bikes can also be found in your price range, and might be just what you need
requiring no modification, as they will already be road friendly, with wider, more comfortable tires
on it, along with the more upright seating position that new bicyclists (or bicyclists from decades
past) seem to prefer.
Quoted message said:** Are there e-sites that have better deals?
Can't answer this question.
Quoted message said:** Is it better to purchase locally?
General consensus here is to buy at a local bike shop. My view is mixed.
There are no shortage of local shops that are no better than buying at a department store. They'll
point out a bike, take your money, and send you out the door with little interaction or advice.
They'll not remember they even sold you the bike next week when you ask about adjustment.
A good bike shop is well worth shopping. They have expertise and can help you make choices based on
matching the best product to you. Also, you can build a relationship with a local bike shop. I've
walked out of my favorite shops with parts virtually for free because they know me; I've purchased a
bike from them, or have had wheels built or tuneups done. That can be worth a great deal over time.
Quoted message said:** Can I expect any deals on 2002 bikes or is that only a fall option?
Well the year model run often starts in spring. I think Trek used to start around March. If that is
still so, a 2002 laying about may be had for some savings. But I've generally never been too
impressed with the discounts offered on "old" new bikes.
Quoted message said:** What type of tires should I consider given the climate of Mass?
Massachusetts climate doesn't offer anything pecular to bike tire demands. Depending on the bike you
buy, purchase a road tire of some sort. Wider tires will be more comfortable for the bumpy roads,
while narrow ones at higher pressures will offer less rolling resistance. But be aware that some
bikes will allow wider, and more varied tire selection than others.
Many road bikes will only allow 19-25mm tire sizes, hybrids a much wider selection of size and
pattern, and mountain bikes the most varied of all.
But if you're going to ride the road, get a road tire.
Quoted message said:Any other help or advise would be greatly appreciated.
Goals are good to help motivate and measure progress. But don't be too goal driven in your pursuit,
unless your objective is competitively based.
If you are only interested in watching miles rolling over, you might just as well be on your trainer
in the basement.
Ride to enjoy! If you can't quite get to 100 miles one day, there's nothing wrong with
stopping at 99!
SMH
