New guy, 53, questions, about getting on a bike

[Tom Keats]

In article <df113bb5-7a30-4b2c-8cc4-c6667526d6f1@o77g2000hsf.googlegroups.com>,
Art Harris <[email protected]> writes:
> garagecapital wrote:
>> Been thinking of getting a road bike after doing a lot of spinning.
>> But two things have lodged in the back of my head: 1) I notice getting
>> on my spin bike is hard, lifting the leg way up and onto the seat; I
>> often cheat by getting on with one leg through in front of the seat.
>> Can I  do that on a bike --or do I need to?
> On a road bike you don't "Lift your leg up and onto the seat."

You can say that again

I guess what's meant is lifting one's leg up and /over/ the seat.

But I still prefer the good ol' cowboy mount. Since it
involves momentarily standing on one pedal while swinging
the other leg over the saddle, standing on the first pedal
elevates the rider somewhat in relation to the bike.

If I have something tall in the rear rack's milk crate,
I've got to kick my right leg over the top tube, with
my left foot on the ground. At age 54 I still have no
problems doing that, as long as I lean the bike a little
away from me. Same if I have to start on a steepish incline.
I believe this is why so many off-road riders prefer shorter
frames/longer seatposts. Properly sized road bikes don't need
a lot of seatpost showing, as appears to be the recent trend.

> You
> first straddle the top tube, and then get into the saddle as you push
> off.
> See:
> http://sheldonbrown.com/starting.html
> http://sheldonbrown.com/beginners/index.html

Some folks worry about whether to commence pedalling
on the left or the right side, to avoid strain on
the drive train. I can't be bothered with such
triviality. I'd rather just go.

I think mounting a safety bicycle is much easier
than mounting an ordinary (penny-farthing.)
Controlled dismounting, even more so.


cheers,
Tom
--
Nothing is safe from me.
I'm really at:
tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

 

[Bob]

On Feb 24, 4:28 pm, Tom Sherman <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Pat the Clock wrote:
> >>> Where do I say you suggested a recumbent bike? You mentioned a
> >>> crankforward design and I mentioned recumbents, both of which can be
> >>> fairly described as "special" bikes. Stop being so damned touchy.
>
> >> Oh please. It was quite transparent who you were referring to and why (at
> >> least to anyone who is a "regular" on the group).
>
> >> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
>
> > That gave me my big laugh of the day! First, he says you are being too
> > touchy and then, to prove you're not, you go off on a snit!  Lol. He nailed
> > you, Tom!
>
> If you can not see what Mr. Hunt was referring to, you have not be
> around here long and/or paying attention. Sheesh.
>
> --
> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
> The weather is here, wish you were beautiful- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Tom-

Instead of accusing others of making assumptions or not paying
attention maybe you should take your own advice and *read what I
wrote*. The OP said that he's considering a road bike after doing a
lot of spinning. Note that last- he's been doing a lot of spinning. He
didn't complain of any pains- no backaches, no knee pain, no tender
muscles. His *only* concern was getting his leg over the the bike.
Your suggested solutions- flexibility exercises and/or purchasing an
pedalforward bike. I said he doesn't need to embark on an exercise
program or buy a "special" bike, that all he has to do is tilt the
darned bike. What would you suggest to someone that has a leaky faucet
in their kitchen? Should they apprentice themselves to become licensed
plumbers or just buy a new house?

Regards,
Bob Hunt

 

[landotter]

On Feb 24, 8:36 pm, Bob <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Feb 24, 4:28 pm, Tom Sherman <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>
>
> > Pat the Clock wrote:
> > >>> Where do I say you suggested a recumbent bike? You mentioned a
> > >>> crankforward design and I mentioned recumbents, both of which can be
> > >>> fairly described as "special" bikes. Stop being so damned touchy.
>
> > >> Oh please. It was quite transparent who you were referring to and why (at
> > >> least to anyone who is a "regular" on the group).
>
> > >> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
>
> > > That gave me my big laugh of the day! First, he says you are being too
> > > touchy and then, to prove you're not, you go off on a snit! Lol. He nailed
> > > you, Tom!
>
> > If you can not see what Mr. Hunt was referring to, you have not be
> > around here long and/or paying attention. Sheesh.
>
> > --
> > Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
> > The weather is here, wish you were beautiful- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> Tom-
>
> Instead of accusing others of making assumptions or not paying
> attention maybe you should take your own advice and *read what I
> wrote*. The OP said that he's considering a road bike after doing a
> lot of spinning. Note that last- he's been doing a lot of spinning. He
> didn't complain of any pains- no backaches, no knee pain, no tender
> muscles. His *only* concern was getting his leg over the the bike.
> Your suggested solutions- flexibility exercises and/or purchasing an
> pedalforward bike. I said he doesn't need to embark on an exercise
> program or buy a "special" bike, that all he has to do is tilt the
> darned bike. What would you suggest to someone that has a leaky faucet
> in their kitchen? Should they apprentice themselves to become licensed
> plumbers or just buy a new house?

The solution to everything is a recumbent! It is panacea! I hear they
come complete with professorial beards and repro Bell Bikers these
days.

 

[[email protected]]

On Feb 23, 4:18 pm, garagecapital <[email protected]> wrote:
> Been thinking of getting a road bike after doing a lot of spinning.
> But two things have lodged in the back of my head: 1) I notice getting
> on my spin bike is hard, lifting the leg way up and onto the seat; I
> often cheat by getting on with one leg through in front of the seat.
> Can I do that on a bike --or do I need to? Maybe spin bikes are
> taller? 2) and related to that, the clips I use, seems like they will
> be hard to pop into while riding. Do I do one while stationary? And
> what about stopping/falling? Locked into clips. Wow, that sounds like
> a potential hazard. Any other guys who haven;t been on a bike in 35
> yeas go through this?

You may be interested in the Frank & Fred articles at
http://www.bicyclinglife.com/SafetySkills/index.html

One deals a bit with clips. That's at http://www.bicyclinglife.com/SafetySkills/FrankNFred005.htm

- Frank Krygowski

 

[Tom Sherman]

"landotter" wrote:
> On Feb 24, 8:36 pm, Bob <[email protected]> wrote:
>> On Feb 24, 4:28 pm, Tom Sherman <[email protected]>
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>> Pat the Clock wrote:
>>>>>> Where do I say you suggested a recumbent bike? You mentioned a
>>>>>> crankforward design and I mentioned recumbents, both of which can be
>>>>>> fairly described as "special" bikes. Stop being so damned touchy.
>>>>> Oh please. It was quite transparent who you were referring to and why (at
>>>>> least to anyone who is a "regular" on the group).
>>>>> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
>>>> That gave me my big laugh of the day! First, he says you are being too
>>>> touchy and then, to prove you're not, you go off on a snit! Lol. He nailed
>>>> you, Tom!
>>> If you can not see what Mr. Hunt was referring to, you have not be
>>> around here long and/or paying attention. Sheesh.
>>> --
>>> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
>>> The weather is here, wish you were beautiful- Hide quoted text -
>>> - Show quoted text -
>> Tom-
>>
>> Instead of accusing others of making assumptions or not paying
>> attention maybe you should take your own advice and *read what I
>> wrote*. The OP said that he's considering a road bike after doing a
>> lot of spinning. Note that last- he's been doing a lot of spinning. He
>> didn't complain of any pains- no backaches, no knee pain, no tender
>> muscles. His *only* concern was getting his leg over the the bike.
>> Your suggested solutions- flexibility exercises and/or purchasing an
>> pedalforward bike. I said he doesn't need to embark on an exercise
>> program or buy a "special" bike, that all he has to do is tilt the
>> darned bike. What would you suggest to someone that has a leaky faucet
>> in their kitchen? Should they apprentice themselves to become licensed
>> plumbers or just buy a new house?
>
> The solution to everything is a recumbent! It is panacea! I hear they
> come complete with professorial beards and repro Bell Bikers these
> days.

You forgot the fake aerobelly.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

 

[Tom Sherman]

Bob Hunt wrote:
> On Feb 24, 4:28 pm, Tom Sherman <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>> Pat the Clock wrote:
>>>>> Where do I say you suggested a recumbent bike? You mentioned a
>>>>> crankforward design and I mentioned recumbents, both of which can be
>>>>> fairly described as "special" bikes. Stop being so damned touchy.
>>>> Oh please. It was quite transparent who you were referring to and why (at
>>>> least to anyone who is a "regular" on the group).
>>>> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
>>> That gave me my big laugh of the day! First, he says you are being too
>>> touchy and then, to prove you're not, you go off on a snit! Lol. He nailed
>>> you, Tom!
>> If you can not see what Mr. Hunt was referring to, you have not be
>> around here long and/or paying attention. Sheesh.
>>
>
> Tom-
>
> Instead of accusing others of making assumptions or not paying
> attention maybe you should take your own advice and *read what I
> wrote*. The OP said that he's considering a road bike after doing a
> lot of spinning. Note that last- he's been doing a lot of spinning. He
> didn't complain of any pains- no backaches, no knee pain, no tender
> muscles. His *only* concern was getting his leg over the the bike.

How does any of the above relate to flexibility?

> Your suggested solutions- flexibility exercises and/or purchasing an
> pedalforward bike. I said he doesn't need to embark on an exercise
> program or buy a "special" bike, that all he has to do is tilt the
> darned bike. What would you suggest to someone that has a leaky faucet
> in their kitchen? Should they apprentice themselves to become licensed
> plumbers or just buy a new house?
>
What if tilting the bicycle is not sufficient. While tilting the bicycle
lowers the top tube distance from the ground, it also requires placing
one's foot farther away, which could also be a concern for an inflexible
person.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

 

[Bruce Gilbert]

"Tom Sherman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Bob Hunt wrote:
> > On Feb 24, 4:28 pm, Tom Sherman <[email protected]>
> > wrote:
> >> Pat the Clock wrote:
> >>>>> Where do I say you suggested a recumbent bike? You mentioned a
> >>>>> crankforward design and I mentioned recumbents, both of which can be
> >>>>> fairly described as "special" bikes. Stop being so damned touchy.
> >>>> Oh please. It was quite transparent who you were referring to and why
(at
> >>>> least to anyone who is a "regular" on the group).
> >>>> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
> >>> That gave me my big laugh of the day! First, he says you are being too
> >>> touchy and then, to prove you're not, you go off on a snit! Lol. He
nailed
> >>> you, Tom!
> >> If you can not see what Mr. Hunt was referring to, you have not be
> >> around here long and/or paying attention. Sheesh.
> >>
> >
> > Tom-
> >
> > Instead of accusing others of making assumptions or not paying
> > attention maybe you should take your own advice and *read what I
> > wrote*. The OP said that he's considering a road bike after doing a
> > lot of spinning. Note that last- he's been doing a lot of spinning. He
> > didn't complain of any pains- no backaches, no knee pain, no tender
> > muscles. His *only* concern was getting his leg over the the bike.
>
> How does any of the above relate to flexibility?
>
> > Your suggested solutions- flexibility exercises and/or purchasing an
> > pedalforward bike. I said he doesn't need to embark on an exercise
> > program or buy a "special" bike, that all he has to do is tilt the
> > darned bike. What would you suggest to someone that has a leaky faucet
> > in their kitchen? Should they apprentice themselves to become licensed
> > plumbers or just buy a new house?
> >
> What if tilting the bicycle is not sufficient. While tilting the bicycle
> lowers the top tube distance from the ground, it also requires placing
> one's foot farther away, which could also be a concern for an inflexible
> person.
>
> --
> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
> The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

Wouldn't a compact geometry frame go a long way to helping that situation?

Bruce

 

[Art Harris]

Tom Keats wrote:
> I think mounting a safety bicycle is much easier
> than mounting an ordinary (penny-farthing.)
> Controlled dismounting, even more so.
>

Mark Twain thought so too!

Art Harris

 

[Tom Sherman]

Bruce Gilbert wrote:
> "Tom Sherman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Bob Hunt wrote:
>>> On Feb 24, 4:28 pm, Tom Sherman <[email protected]>
>>> wrote:
>>>> Pat the Clock wrote:
>>>>>>> Where do I say you suggested a recumbent bike? You mentioned a
>>>>>>> crankforward design and I mentioned recumbents, both of which can be
>>>>>>> fairly described as "special" bikes. Stop being so damned touchy.
>>>>>> Oh please. It was quite transparent who you were referring to and why
> (at
>>>>>> least to anyone who is a "regular" on the group).
>>>>>> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
>>>>> That gave me my big laugh of the day! First, he says you are being too
>>>>> touchy and then, to prove you're not, you go off on a snit! Lol. He
> nailed
>>>>> you, Tom!
>>>> If you can not see what Mr. Hunt was referring to, you have not be
>>>> around here long and/or paying attention. Sheesh.
>>>>
>>> Tom-
>>>
>>> Instead of accusing others of making assumptions or not paying
>>> attention maybe you should take your own advice and *read what I
>>> wrote*. The OP said that he's considering a road bike after doing a
>>> lot of spinning. Note that last- he's been doing a lot of spinning. He
>>> didn't complain of any pains- no backaches, no knee pain, no tender
>>> muscles. His *only* concern was getting his leg over the the bike.
>> How does any of the above relate to flexibility?
>>
>>> Your suggested solutions- flexibility exercises and/or purchasing an
>>> pedalforward bike. I said he doesn't need to embark on an exercise
>>> program or buy a "special" bike, that all he has to do is tilt the
>>> darned bike. What would you suggest to someone that has a leaky faucet
>>> in their kitchen? Should they apprentice themselves to become licensed
>>> plumbers or just buy a new house?
>>>
>> What if tilting the bicycle is not sufficient. While tilting the bicycle
>> lowers the top tube distance from the ground, it also requires placing
>> one's foot farther away, which could also be a concern for an inflexible
>> person.
>
> Wouldn't a compact geometry frame go a long way to helping that situation?
>
Yes, since you do not have to look at the frame while riding.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

 

[Bob]

On Feb 25, 9:44 pm, Tom Sherman <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Bob Hunt wrote:
> > On Feb 24, 4:28 pm, Tom Sherman <[email protected]>
> > wrote:
> >> Pat the Clock wrote:
> >>>>> Where do I say you suggested a recumbent bike? You mentioned a
> >>>>> crankforward design and I mentioned recumbents, both of which can be
> >>>>> fairly described as "special" bikes. Stop being so damned touchy.
> >>>> Oh please. It was quite transparent who you were referring to and why(at
> >>>> least to anyone who is a "regular" on the group).
> >>>> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
> >>> That gave me my big laugh of the day! First, he says you are being too
> >>> touchy and then, to prove you're not, you go off on a snit!  Lol. Henailed
> >>> you, Tom!
> >> If you can not see what Mr. Hunt was referring to, you have not be
> >> around here long and/or paying attention. Sheesh.
>
> > Tom-
>
> > Instead of accusing others of making assumptions or not paying
> > attention maybe you should take your own advice and *read what I
> > wrote*. The OP said that he's considering a road bike after doing a
> > lot of spinning. Note that last- he's been doing a lot of spinning. He
> > didn't complain of any pains- no backaches, no knee pain, no tender
> > muscles. His *only* concern was getting his leg over the the bike.
>
> How does any of the above relate to flexibility?

Did the OP complain of being generally inflexible? Nope. Did he have
other physical complaints? Nope. He just said he had a difficult time
raising his leg high enough to mount a spin bike. Without even
bothering to consider the height of that spin bike, you turned that
one complaint into one of a general lack of flexibility. I can barely
place my knuckles flat on the floor while standing with my knees
locked. Are you going to prescribe flexibility exercises to me as
well?

>
> > Your suggested solutions- flexibility exercises and/or purchasing an
> > pedalforward bike. I said he doesn't need to embark on an exercise
> > program or buy a "special" bike, that all he has to do is tilt the
> > darned bike. What would you suggest to someone that has a leaky faucet
> > in their kitchen? Should they apprentice themselves to become licensed
> > plumbers or just buy a new house?
>
> What if tilting the bicycle is not sufficient. While tilting the bicycle
> lowers the top tube distance from the ground, it also requires placing
> one's foot farther away, which could also be a concern for an inflexible
> person.

Since you are the only person here that has, without knowing the OP
personally, described him as "inflexible" what you describe as a
possible concern for an inflexible person is irrelevant. It is obvious
to me that you are one of those unfortunates that interpret any
differing opinion as a personal attack on you. Either that or you
simply want to argue. In either case, you'll have to find someone else
to indulge you.

Regards,
Bob Hunt

 

[Tom Keats]

In article <[email protected]>,
Art Harris <[email protected]> writes:
> Tom Keats wrote:
>> I think mounting a safety bicycle is much easier
>> than mounting an ordinary (penny-farthing.)
>> Controlled dismounting, even more so.
>>
>
> Mark Twain thought so too!

Yeah, I read that "How to Tame a Bicycle" article
on Sheldon's site. It's still good for a hoot.

What a recumbentist's nightmare those things
must be!

Bicycle polo on ordinaries would be really
interesting -- no dabbing at all. Maybe the
mallets would need longer handles. I dunno
how swinging a mallet, CoG and load-centre
would work together from such a high perch.

Maybe it would all work together rather well?


cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
I'm really at:
tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

 

[Tom Sherman]

Tom Keats wrote:
> In article <[email protected]>,
> Art Harris <[email protected]> writes:
>> Tom Keats wrote:
>>> I think mounting a safety bicycle is much easier
>>> than mounting an ordinary (penny-farthing.)
>>> Controlled dismounting, even more so.
>>>
>> Mark Twain thought so too!
>
> Yeah, I read that "How to Tame a Bicycle" article
> on Sheldon's site. It's still good for a hoot.
>
> What a recumbentist's nightmare those things
> must be!
>
Ordinaries should not be ridden unless the rider is wearing a parachute.

Note that that devil prefers large wheels and a high seat:
<http://www.bicimilano.it/images/diavolodeltour.jpg>.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

 

[Tom Sherman]

Bob Hunt wrote:
> On Feb 25, 9:44 pm, Tom Sherman <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>> Bob Hunt wrote:
>>> On Feb 24, 4:28 pm, Tom Sherman <[email protected]>
>>> wrote:
>>>> Pat the Clock wrote:
>>>>>>> Where do I say you suggested a recumbent bike? You mentioned a
>>>>>>> crankforward design and I mentioned recumbents, both of which can be
>>>>>>> fairly described as "special" bikes. Stop being so damned touchy.
>>>>>> Oh please. It was quite transparent who you were referring to and why (at
>>>>>> least to anyone who is a "regular" on the group).
>>>>>> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
>>>>> That gave me my big laugh of the day! First, he says you are being too
>>>>> touchy and then, to prove you're not, you go off on a snit! Lol. He nailed
>>>>> you, Tom!
>>>> If you can not see what Mr. Hunt was referring to, you have not be
>>>> around here long and/or paying attention. Sheesh.
>>> Tom-
>>> Instead of accusing others of making assumptions or not paying
>>> attention maybe you should take your own advice and *read what I
>>> wrote*. The OP said that he's considering a road bike after doing a
>>> lot of spinning. Note that last- he's been doing a lot of spinning. He
>>> didn't complain of any pains- no backaches, no knee pain, no tender
>>> muscles. His *only* concern was getting his leg over the the bike.
>> How does any of the above relate to flexibility?
>
> Did the OP complain of being generally inflexible? Nope. Did he have
> other physical complaints? Nope. He just said he had a difficult time
> raising his leg high enough to mount a spin bike. Without even
> bothering to consider the height of that spin bike, you turned that
> one complaint into one of a general lack of flexibility. I can barely
> place my knuckles flat on the floor while standing with my knees
> locked. Are you going to prescribe flexibility exercises to me as
> well?
>
What else would not being able to raise one's leg but be otherwise able
to cycle be related to, if not inflexibility?

>>> Your suggested solutions- flexibility exercises and/or purchasing an
>>> pedalforward bike. I said he doesn't need to embark on an exercise
>>> program or buy a "special" bike, that all he has to do is tilt the
>>> darned bike. What would you suggest to someone that has a leaky faucet
>>> in their kitchen? Should they apprentice themselves to become licensed
>>> plumbers or just buy a new house?
>> What if tilting the bicycle is not sufficient. While tilting the bicycle
>> lowers the top tube distance from the ground, it also requires placing
>> one's foot farther away, which could also be a concern for an inflexible
>> person.
>
> Since you are the only person here that has, without knowing the OP
> personally, described him as "inflexible" what you describe as a
> possible concern for an inflexible person is irrelevant. It is obvious
> to me that you are one of those unfortunates that interpret any
> differing opinion as a personal attack on you. Either that or you
> simply want to argue. In either case, you'll have to find someone else
> to indulge you.
>
I was hoping to drag this out to at least a couple of hundred posts.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful