Hi everyone, I just turned 50 in April and would like to know what size, type, and brand of bike is appropriate for me for everyday riding. I'm average height 5' 6" tall. My last bike, about 20 years ago, was a mountain bike that I truly loved and road daily, but today I'm not quite as flexible and need to work up my stamina. I'm more interested now in an easy ride that will give me room to grow and one that will give me good exercise on a daily basis. Any help or suggestions? My budget is in the $400 range. I would really appreciate your advice.
i just bought a Giant FCR3 - considered a fitness bike - a lightweight bike, but with upright handle bars. Now, all the guys I ride with are buying them. 2008 models are hard to come by, but 2009 comes out in August. good luck
I would recommend looking into a company called Fezzari (www.fezzari.com). They custom fit all their bikes for size, age, riding style, etc. You can get an entry level bike from here for around $550, but I would suggest spending a little more (around $670) and upgrading to a full suspension (easier on the back and knees).
I'm 55 and I would probably recommend a Trek hybrid with a 50mm front shock, that is about 2 inches of travel, if you are planning on riding mostly hard paved surfaces. They will also do OK on hard packed trails.
Try to get a bike with high handlebars, about seat height or an inch or two higher. This will give you a more upright relaxed riding position. Read Sheldon Brown's comments about seat height first. His site has good recomendations about cadence, shifting and other skills people often overlook.
I highly recommend thumb/finger shifters, (I call them trigger shifters). I'd point you to a model, but I haven't found one at that price. Now is a good time for a year end deal.
There are a lot of mountain bikes that might work for you if you change the tires to 1.5 inch with 85 psi.
You may wish to look at used bikes. If you are in an area that has lots of bike activity, you can recover much of your investment if you change your mind.
Must use Buy It Now and PayPal.
)
)
)
