which bike?

[Dennis]

Hi folks, I'm awaiting a heart bypass, afterwards I'm told I need to excercise (damn) so which
bike? A racer is prob no good, I'd prob kill myself by coming off it with those narrow tyres. A
bmx/off road tyre is prob no good, I don't wanna expend all that energy just to get the rubber
moving but I DO fancy riding the canals. PLUS, my last experience of biking is about 40 years ago,
i.e, frames etc found in the local cut, 3 speed sturmey archer etc etc Any suggestions much
appreciated. Den.

 

[Pete Biggs]

Dennis wrote:
> Hi folks, I'm awaiting a heart bypass, afterwards I'm told I need to excercise (damn) so which
> bike? A racer is prob no good, I'd prob kill myself by coming off it with those narrow tyres

You'd be fine with them on-road actually, but yes, probably not the kind of bike for you altogether,
right now at least.

> . A bmx/off road tyre is prob no good, I don't wanna expend all that energy just to get the rubber
> moving but I DO fancy riding the canals.

No, a mountain bike could be very good. Tyres could be changed for more senible ones, and if you've
got the cash then a relatively lightweight one would help (although would not be necessary on flat
canal paths). Mountain bikes are good value for money simply because they're so popular, and their
toughness provides peace of mind.

A "hybrid" would be another option as well - maybe the best option. I'll leave further explaination
of them and model recommendations to others.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the cycling a lot and good luck with the op.

~PB

 

[Tony W]

"Dennis" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi folks, I'm awaiting a heart bypass, afterwards I'm told I need to excercise (damn) so which
> bike? A racer is prob no good, I'd prob kill myself by coming off it with those narrow tyres. A
> bmx/off road tyre is prob no good, I don't wanna expend all that energy just to get the rubber
moving
> but I DO fancy riding the canals. PLUS, my last experience of biking is about 40 years ago, i.e,
> frames etc found in the local cut, 3 speed sturmey archer etc etc Any suggestions much
> appreciated. Den.

To be Delphic -- you need a bike that you will be comfortable on and will enjoy riding.

A 'hybrid' would be fine for canal paths, cycle paths and country lanes. It would have enough gears
to allow you to start low & slow and build up as your fitness improves. In many ways these are the
successors to the general purpose bikes you rode 40 years ago.

Ridgeback seem to be a good, well priced brand (I don't have one so this is not a 'recommendation').

Alternatively, you could go for a mountain bike (probably just with front suspension), put on some
general purpose tyres and, hey presto, you have a hybrid with bounce!! (But it would be heavier --
not really a problem if you just want to ride in the countryside).

Make sure the saddle is comfortable and correctly adjusted. Comfortable does not necessarily mean
soft and squidgy -- in fact often just the opposite.

Get some padded shorts (bibshorts if you are a more corpulent build -- just ignore the threats from
'the slab fairy' (NG in joke -- she's nice really). If you're self conscious about the concept of
wearing lycra then wear a pain of ordinary shorts over them.

Start gently and by the end of the summer you will be amazed at the distances you cover and at how
fit you feel.

T

 

[Tony W]

"Tony W" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> To be Delphic -- you need a bike that you will be comfortable on and will enjoy riding.

Sorry, forgot to say -- your best bet is to get yourself to a good, friendly and knowledgeable LBS
and get them to advise you.

This group can probably tell you were is good and who to avoid like the plague in your area.

T

 

[W K]

"Tony W"

> Alternatively, you could go for a mountain bike (probably just with front suspension), put on some
> general purpose tyres and, hey presto, you have a hybrid with bounce!! (But it would be heavier --
> not really a problem if you just want to ride in the countryside).

Almost obligatory plug. There are hardly any decent no-suss MTBs left, but they will be very much
like a hybrid with smaller wheels, and probably not weigh any more than similar hybrids. [e.g.
Specialised hardrock]

 

[Dennis]

Thanks for all the input folks, I'll look into your suggestions. Den

 

[Steve Watkin]

What about a recumbent trike? Have a look at http://www.ice.hpv.co.uk and similar

SW

"Dennis" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi folks, I'm awaiting a heart bypass, afterwards I'm told I need to excercise (damn) so which
> bike? A racer is prob no good, I'd prob kill myself by coming off it with those narrow tyres. A
> bmx/off road tyre is prob no good, I don't wanna expend all that energy just to get the rubber
moving
> but I DO fancy riding the canals. PLUS, my last experience of biking is about 40 years ago, i.e,
> frames etc found in the local cut, 3 speed sturmey archer etc etc Any suggestions much
> appreciated. Den.

 

[Andrew Sweetman]

Steve Watkin <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> What about a recumbent trike? Have a look at http://www.ice.hpv.co.uk and similar
>

On a canal towpath? How do you cope with the ones that are long grass with a 6-inch wide
track through?

Andrew