Bike guys

[black2002ls]

I mentioned in the other bike thread that my dad cycled for a lot of years. He rode a lot of 50K's around Dallas and the area 15-20 years ago. I've gotten the urge to get into cycling as part of my fitness regimen. My current problem is that I had back surgery about 4 weeks ago. L3/L4, had a couple of bulging sections of disc removed. Have any of you been through this, or know anyone who has and can still enjoy cycling? My dad recommended to start on a cross trainer type cycle that will keep me upright, as the aero positions could take their toll on my back. I will be riding in town/paved roads, so no need for a MTB type cycle. My budget is going to be about $300 for the cycle. Any good input on:

1. My situation
2. Cycle recommendations and what to look for

[kingjason]

Not for that price but look into recumbents. I go back and forth between what I prefer to be honest. The recumbents are pretty fast also and give uprights a run for their money.

[TeeShock]

recumbants =

[kingjason]

Bachetta and Rans recumbents won RAAM 4 man open the last two years in a row. I ride everything and they are a great change of pace. I believe Lance is even going to ride one in an event soon. I have a really nice hybrid, mountain bike, recumbent and I am probably going to build a Colnago next year to go with them. They are also fantastic for people that have very specific injuries that would keep them from getting any exercise.

[black2002ls]

I'm not really restricted in my range of motion. The amount of pain gets better every day. I went to Rockwall Cycling today and found a Specialized Hybrid I really liked. $500 was a bit more than I was looking to spend, but for a quality bike and a years worth of maintenance, I'll stomach the jump in price. My goal is to be able to ride some 50K's in a couple of years.

[no4njnk]

I'm not really restricted in my range of motion. The amount of pain gets better every day. I went to Rockwall Cycling today and found a Specialized Hybrid I really liked. $500 was a bit more than I was looking to spend, but for a quality bike and a years worth of maintenance, I'll stomach the jump in price. My goal is to be able to ride some 50K's in a couple of years.

Rockwall Cycling sucks (customer service sucks and they don't listen to you), and if you tell them you want to do a 50k by no means get a hybrid. Get a used Trek or Specialized type of road bike and you will be much happier. I got a used 2006 Trek 1500 for $400 in March of last year. A lot of people will start upgrading their bikes here shortly, keep an eye on Craigslist. We found my wife an even better deal on Craigslist.

[black2002ls]

The guy I talked with was quite helpful. The reason for the hybrid is to get me in the saddle and riding. I need to stay away from a layed down aero position if a full on road bike. I am 1 month post op from back surgery, with a long road ahead.

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[ThreeFingerPete]

Hybrids are gay. Get a touring bike or a road bike if you plan on riding on the street.

[no4njnk]

The guy I talked with was quite helpful. The reason for the hybrid is to get me in the saddle and riding. I need to stay away from a layed down aero position if a full on road bike. I am 1 month post op from back surgery, with a long road ahead.

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If by aero position they mean grabbing the lower part of the handles that makes since but honestly on my longer rides on my road bike I hardly ever do that. A standard road bike will put you in a safe position and as long as the bike fits you then you will not have any health problems. You start running into health problems if you get a bike that does not fit.

[Beej]

Don't waste your money on hybrids or flat bar road bikes. I standard drop bar will give you way more hand positions then a flat bar bike. If you continue to ride will not be pigeon holed by a flat bar too. There are many geometries out there for road bikes. maybe you need something a little more relaxed with a longer steer tube and shorter top tube. These will usually give you a more upright riding position and with a higher spacer stack. They can be taken more aggressive if you want or you can trade up to a more race oriented fit later.


Most important though is bike fit. If the bike is the right size and fit right you should have no pain issues with your back, neck or knees.

[black2002ls]

I'm not concerned with the bike causing additional health problems. I fully understand the importance of a properly sized bike. My concern is leaning too far forward and putting additional strain on my lower back. I had the disc between L3/L4 "repaired" My concern is the strain a forward leaning position is going to put on that region of my back. It will be another month or two before I make my purchase and I am doing PT core strengthening exercises every other day.
As for hybrids being gay, I'm sure I looked pretty funny walking around like I had a board strapped to my back for 2 weeks while I was still pretty sore from surgery.

In addition, I don't expect my first bike to be a long term bike, I fully expect to be ready to upgrade after my first season.

[black2002ls]

Is Richardson Bike Mart still one of the better bike shops in the area? I know that is the shop my dad always used when he was riding. Not sure if there were multiple locations then like there are now. We always went to the Richardson location

[kingjason]

Is Richardson Bike Mart still one of the better bike shops in the area? I know that is the shop my dad always used when he was riding. Not sure if there were multiple locations then like there are now. We always went to the Richardson location

Yes they have actually expanded and have more floor space now. Plano Cycling has some decent inventory also.

[black2002ls]

I plan to make it further into Dallas on Tuesday. RBM will be my first stop. I am out here in Greenville, so I have to set aside a day to go look around

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[black2002ls]

Does anyone know if Woody still works at RBM?