re: Does anybody on the OB ride bicycles?

How tall are you & what's your inseam? Give this a try. LINK

I'm sure there are better in BR, but Bike Connection in Gonzales is a great shop. These guys are great to deal with and their prices are always competitive.

The Bike Connection
Bike Shop
Address

108 E Ascension St
Gonzales, LA 70737-2908

Phone (225) 647-9352

Make sure you get a sperm helmet to help with the aerodynamics

Last fall I decided to get a bike to get in better shape and drop some weight. I first bought a cheap bike from Walmart to make sure it was something I'd commit to before dropping some coin on a decent bike. Before long I had practically worn the Walmart Schwinn out and started looking to upgrade. I ended up finding a Raleigh Misceo on craigslist from a fat guy who bought it to lose weight and gave up, bike had less than a mile on it. Saved a good bit of money and actually love the frick out of this bike. Started riding it again with the time change and probably average 3-4 rides a week, 5-6 miles minimum and it's great. Super light and great on the road and can handle light offroad capabilities.


ETA: It should be noted that when I first bought this bike I too was wanting something with atleast front suspension and looking back now I'm glad I didn't. The weight savings is nice. I've ridden it several times for 10-12 mile rides and plan on seeing if I can do a 20 mile ride on it soon. So don't let not having front suspension hinder your decision.

Then you have a bad fit on the bike. Running is far worse on your knees, back, hips.
I bet your seat is too low. Or, you're riding a huge gear which will hurt your knees....

get the bike you want. i'm 300+ and rode over 3000 miles last year on a trek 29er with front suspension. i'm not concerned with weight of the bike, as lone as it comfortable. love it, and very addictive. longest ride was 41miles. don't be scared, wear a helmet,and have lights. you'll notice all the people talking on the cell that don't see you.

This is very sound advice.
You are on the money sir.....

Cracker, Inseam is a long 30" or a short 31". Hard to measure it myself. I did not do the rest of the measurements, I can later.

BayouB, Thanks for the advice. I will check them out. I know that there are lots of places here but they are corporate stores and I would rather buy online than buy from them. Actually, I should go get measured by one of them then go online. However, I will give the local stores some love too.

Quiet, not a bad looking bike. I have not ruled out Cannondale, but like I said, their website sucks so I will have to compare their bikes in person.

Trident, Already got two of those. No need for a third.

Yourad, that is pretty much what I am doing. I used to bike to class but had my old cheap bike stolen. I used to love it 4-5 years ago and am ready for something nicer. I am using new bikes to compare with but am not above buying used. I linked a good used Trek and am hoping that Canyon can tell me if itll be too big or not.

OleY, I am not saying that this is not true, in your case. However, I have heard the exact opposite from everybody. It does sound like you may have a bad fit too.

Canyon, that is the corporate company that I mentioned earlier. I figured they were too big to be any good now. I will give them a shot on your rec though. I have mentioned a bunch of stuff regarding you in others reply's, if you have a chance, please read them too.

Chalice, Two knee surgeries. One has nothing in it and the other has a bunch of aftermarket junk in it. Got into a bad auto wreck between the surgeries and now have a bad back too. Need to get active to lose the weight and help my back. No helping my knees.

Infidel, thanks for the heads up. I have some friends that ride trails but I could no way keep up with them. I want to get a road bike to get back in shape and get better at riding. Once I can hang with my friends, I will spend the money on a decent trail bike. I just dont want to get a bike thats too heavy or not what I really need, an exercise bike.

Sorry for responding like this but lots gave good advice and I wanted to address everybody.

The disks just work better if it gets wet even the cable actuated ones. A good shop will fit you properly ask about all the sizes make them order the proper size they can make most bikes fit but a reputable shop will get the proper size.