Bicycle Question

[jronald]

Once upon a time, I ran or biked just about everyday. After loosing the battle of the budge for a number of years, I need to lose a minimum of 25 lbs, so my knees will not take the running anymore, Im going to purchase a bike.

My question concerns the up tube. Im over 6 foot so a "21" inch up tube is "suggested". Nothing off the shelf seems to have the correct up tube, or perhaps Im measuring it wrong. Why would you not measure the up tube from the center line of the crank, to the bottom of the seat? As the seat is adjustable, could I not gain the extra there?

Ron

[Neil]

I have no idea...but maybe this will help: http://sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html

Last time I rode a bike was probably 35 years ago, and I knew nothing about sizing and such even then.

[thatgothbehindyou]

Might I suggest a brown rice and raw vegetable diet with fresh fish? Substitute the rest with vitamin supplements. I lost more than 60 pounds in one year on this diet, and I didn't have to change my lifestyle one bit.
Food for thought.
The rice gets old quickly, but stick with it. Mix it up with different raw vegetables so it's not so boring.

[jronald]

I have changed the diet, and I hate it. That said, I dont get enough exercise and the metabolism really is not what it used to be either.

Ron

[RealBlackStuff]

I'm sure any decent bicycle shop can tell you what size you need.
And once you have your bike, go to work on it every day, unless the distance is more than 10 miles one way.
Look at the Dutch: all of them can ride a bike, a lot of them actually do, and in general the Dutch are a heck of a lot 'slimmer'
(and definitely more pleasant to look at) than all these overweight, fat, obese people that live in this country.

[loyukfai]

Maybe off-topic... Heard the other day that biking is as bad on the knees as running/jogging... Swimming perhaps...?

Cheers.

[thatgothbehindyou]

I have changed the diet, and I hate it. That said, I dont get enough exercise and the metabolism really is not what it used to be either.

Ron

That's perfectly ok. Not many people like a healthy lifestyle.

[underclocker]

It really depends upon the type of bike, i.e., hybrid, mountain, road, etc., but a 21" seat tube (bikes are usually measured and sold by the seat tube length) is a very big bike. I'm 6' 2" and my largest mountain bike is a 19.5". (Road bikes are typically measure in CM.)

As mentioned above, any bike shop will provide a basic bike fit for free - whether you buy a bike there or not.

BTW, if you're thinking about just starting out, a hybrid is probably best. Also, Craigslist has very good deals. Wear a helmet and enjoy.

[ArtShapiro]

How far "over 6 feet" are you? If just about that height, for a real (road) bike you'd probably take a 59 or 60 cm. frame if you have normal proportions. If you're purchasing new, and visiting a real bike shop, they'll fit you appropriately. That includes not only the frame size but the stem extension, crank arm length, and even the frame geometry - the latter differs across brands.

If you're buying a used machine, then I'd start with folks selling 60 cm. frames and at least see if you're in the ballpark with them.

Art

[jronald]

My home is located down a 1 mile long gravel rd, so a road bike is out. Was planning on a hybrid/mtn bike, as gentle rolling wooded hills (and gravel rds) are plentiful around me. As far as height, 6'3" with a 36 inch in seam.

I really wanted to keep it around $100.00, but realistically under $200.00 is probably a better choice. Im NOT looking for the $9000.00 bike listed as being on sale at a local bike shop ($9 grand, really!). I dont need extra shocks, spings or fancy doodads. Im looking for functional right now.

Ron

[ansible212]

Maybe off-topic... Heard the other day that biking is as bad on the knees as running/jogging... Swimming perhaps...?

Cheers.

Cycling is non-load bearing so a properly set up bike shouldn't damage the knees (swimming is also non-load bearing).

[underclocker]

If just about that height, for a real (road) bike you'd probably take a 59 or 60 cm. frame if you have normal proportions.

Nice! There are too many other forums to discuss what constitutes a real bike! Either way, I'm covered with 1) a hardtail, 2) a full suspension bike and 3) a road bike.

To OP, 6'3", you might need a 20-21" hybrid! Also, definitely go with Craigslist. Used Trek 7100, 7200 or 7300 hybrids are good models to try out.

[ZaZ]

I really wanted to keep it around $100.00, but realistically under $200.00 is probably a better choice.

Why not just head to Wal-Mark or the like and pick up an inexpensive bike? At least there you could try them out to see if you like them and I'm guessing you can get one under $100.

[jronald]

WallyWorlds are too short.
Besides I would rather French Kiss a road kill wood chuck than purchase anything from waldos.

Note;
The substitution of armadillo, possum, or nutria is perfectly acceptable for wood chuck...depending on where you are from.


Ron

[jdhurst]

There is, of course, nothing wrong with cycling. I don't do much now, but I did a few years back train for an annual two-day bike run from Mississauga to Waterloo (about 70 or 80 Km one way). Out one day, back the next.

Cycling built up my overall strength and ability to be active. But I did not lose any weight.

I tend now to hoof around on public transit (especially in the winter) and I find that kind of walking plus good moderation in diet loses weight more quickly. My overall weight is fine, but if I am idle and overeat, I can pick up 10 pounds (holiday eating). I then stop eating so much and do lots of walking. The 10 pounds comes off again.

... JDH