Does everyone in your family have a bicycle which is ready to roll?

[Angela Shelley]

Poll question: Does everyone in your family have a bicycle which is ready to roll?

Does everyone in your family have a bicycle, fully functioning and ready to roll?

Just curious.

:-)

[Shoelace]

1. we are trying to find a used Vespa for hubby's commute to work

which is about 4 miles per day. We have a mountain bike but I can't ride bicycles because of knee problems. Anybody have ideas? Electric bikes perhaps?

[Angela Shelley]

3. Be careful ... once he starts riding a Vespa,

he´ll want to get a job which is much further away :-)

Riding a Vespa can become an addictive behavior.

We saw the Segway ("stand up riding" electric things) in Washington DC, used for tourist groups, which looked practical and easy to handle.

Happy Travels!

[Shoelace]

14. we had a Vespa way back in the '60s

and it was in Los Angeles too! Hell, I'd love to get my old VW bug back too.
Both of us are Seniors and live in Oregon so we have to consider what would be good in the winter too since we get so much rain and cold weather.
Somebody needs to invent a bike for Seniors with a rain cover of some sort that can make it uphill. Our city has lots of hilly areas.
Other than that, our lives are pretty green. Lots of composting, buying veggies local, growing our own, recycling, little auto travel, etc.

[taterguy]

4. Four miles would be very doable on a bike for your husband's commute

It might seem like a long distance now but it doesn't take long to get in good cycling condition.

Don't know what you could do about your knee problems though.

[AndyTiedye]

42. Might Be a Bit More Work if It's Like This 4 Miles

Took me a couple of years to work up to that.

[Angela Shelley]

52. Congratulations, Andy!

[Warpy]

Sure, there are quite a few alternatives

My own is at http://www.egovehicles.com I ride it wherever I'd ride a bicycle. It's got collapsible wire panniers on the back for light shopping trips. I'm really happy with it and I think it's probably paid for itself in the past 5 years through the gas and car repairs I haven't had to buy.

Ebay is a good place to cruise for used scooters. The Chinese and Indian knockoffs of the old Vespas are an economical alternative and adequately durable. You can find them all over the place, this is one: http://www.neoscooters.com/

A selection of e-bikes and scooters is at http://www.electric-bikes.com/ They range from Vespa like scooters to pedal assist electric bikes.

Five years ago, there were few alternatives beyond 50cc. scooters from the 60s and 70s that had been restored and full size motorcycles. Now there are amazing alternatives out there for people who want to get to work economically but not bathed in sweat.

I still prefer my eGO, though, because of how I use it.

[Shoelace]

18. thanks! I bookmarked the sites

and will thoroughly check them out. We are a bit financially challenged for now so hope they aren't expensive. Things like health care, dental care are atop the list right now.

[me b zola]

58. At the neoscooters link

you can find an electric bike for just over $700. It has the same basic distance/battery life as the more expensive model at the ego link. I can't speak to how well the cheaper model will hold up over time, we've had ours less than six months---and I'm loving it (I too have mobility problems).

[taterguy]

2. You think these lazy-ass couch potatoes would ride a bike?

Keep dreamin'

[Angela Shelley]

5. Well, maybe not all 3 of them at the same time,

but individually, it would probably work.

What about a bike with a side-car (for the dude)?

[taterguy]

The two dogs can walk to their place of employment

The black dog does recreation therapy at a children's hospital less than a mile from our house.



The other dog doesn't really work, he just abides

[ieoeja]

34. Have you never heard of a spit dog?

They used to put dogs into a wheel (think: hamster) attached to the cooking spit to keep it turning so they meat would cook evenly.

So you attach wheels to either side of the couch large enough for a dog to walk inside the wheel. The man can sit on his couch while the dogs propel him where he needs to go.

[Angela Shelley]

36. Thanks for the clever thoughts.

Taterguy could be put into the wheel to propel his diligent and beautiful dog to work.

:-)

[taterguy]

54. Har de har har

[Blue Belle]

6. I'm looking on Craig's List now for a bike.

I can't afford gas anymore.

[Angela Shelley]

9. It´s clever to make the "bike choice" now,

because in the near future, the price of bikes will dramatically increase.

Happy Travels!

[kestrel91316]

19. The price will increase temporarily. Until Ford or GM wakes up and

smells the coffee and retools one of their SUV factories......

Can you inagine how many bikes a day they could crank out if they really wanted to??

[Romulox]

56. Almost all bicycles sold in the US are made in Asia these days...

US manufacturers can't compete with the low wages, especially w/r/t to the processing of the raw materials (steel and aluminum).

[Blue Belle]

44. I've been wanting to make the "bike choice" for awhile...

The problem is that my work shifts were mostly at night, and to get there I have to travel through some sketchy neighborhoods. Traveling by car was safer in that instance, but my schedule has shifted to mostly days. I can buy a bike with what I'd spend on a tank of gas and I'd get in a little more exercise too.

[raouldukelives]

7. Nope

But I have four of em so I can loan em out as needed.

[Angela Shelley]

10. Good Luck getting them back again ...

because when the price of gas increases, it will be difficult to keep track of bicycles.

[supernova]

8. Don't have a bike

haven't had a bike since before I was 10 years old.

I might be interested in getting another one for short trips to the store nearest me. But I need to find one that is the right size for me. I'm 5' ft even and most bikes are too tall, which makes sitting on them far from comfortable for long periods, if you get my drift.

[Angela Shelley]

12. When gas prices increase, people will even ride

on uncomfortable bicycles.

Happy Travels!

[supernova]

15. No, I won't

Happy Travels to you.

[AndyTiedye]

21. It is Not Just Uncomfortable, It is Dangerous to Ride a Bike that is Way Too Big

You tend to crash a lot more.

[woodsprite]

16. I'm 5'1" and having the same problem.

They keep telling me I need a 26" bike. Even with the seat lowered all the way, I still am barely on my tiptoes (only if I lean the bike) when I put my foot down. I'm 45yo and I'm much to balance-challenged to not have that comfort of knowing I can put my foot down if I need to. I would prefer a 24" (or better yet - a 25" :) but the cycling store near us says I'm too heavy for the 24" frames.

Not sure what to do. I like cycling, and they did encourage it for my knees if I did it on flat or only slightly hilly roads. Our development is a 'coast down / walk up' development. Were talking hills that are steep like some areas of San Fran. That being said, our friend (who is 75yo) rides her bike 2x daily, rain or shine, around our development - both up and down all the hills.

We have 4 bikes, although my son is just learning how to ride without training wheels. Maybe he'll let me use them next ;)

[supernova]

22. You understand what I'm

talking about! :D

Yes, it can get painful after a while on a bike that is taller than I need.

I've actually toyed with the idea of looking at girls' bikes to see if there's one there that fits, and doesn't look too "little girlie" since 1) I'm a middle-aged woman and 2) I'm a tomboy. :P

[AndyTiedye]

35. You Could Get a Trike, Those Are Really Low, and NO Balance Issues

They make trikes for adults. One of those might be ideal for you.

Even if you are climbing at 1 or 2 mph, you won't fall down on a trike.
Just get really really low gearing.


This site may be useful:
http://www.bentrideronline.com/

[Swamp Rat]

55. It seems that you have indicated the wheel size, not the frame size.

Without knowing your inseam, you would likely want to try a 14" or 15" inch frame (mountain bike/cruiser sizes are in English measurements - road racing bikes are measured in metric units).

Also, if you were not satisfied with the service, try another bicycle shop for a second or third opinion.

On the other hand, you might find a large kids bike at a garage sale that fits you well. Just make sure the seat height is adjusted properly when you try it out.

There are brazillions of links in the Internet about bicycle sizing and adjustments, fit, etc. ;)

[peace13]

62. I am 5'2'' and just got a new bike.

In the past I had a road bike with drop handlebars but after coming in contact with a car I no longer am comfortable down on the drops. Like you, I want to have a little more control. Look at a bike made by Specialized. It is the 'Crossroads Sport'. The women's bike is dipped very low for ease of getting on and off. I purchased the mens version because I wanted more of a bar so that I could transport on a bike rack. Even so, I have comfortable clearance. The tires are fat but not the fattest. The rider sits up straight and it is very comfortable. I am enjoying cycling again. I spent $360 dollars and hope that I live long enough to wear this bike out. www.specialized.com Peace, Kim PS It sounds like I sell the things but I don't, I'm just excited that I finally found a bike that I enjoy.

[LeftyMom]

67. There are bikes to fit. If the shop says otherwise, go to another.

Worst case scenario, they may need to order you something.

I'm 5'2" with short legs, and have no problems with my Giant hybrid. For that matter, don't assume you need 24" wheels. Mine's on 26"s, but the frame isn't very tall.

[AndyTiedye]

20. Terry makes bicycles that are optimized for women

This includes smaller sizes than most manufacturers.

I'm not a woman and I've never ridden one, but I have heard only good things about them.

[supernova]

23. Thanks!

I'll check them out.

I really want a different seat too, rather than the pommel style. It's too uncomfortable for me. And before anyone asks, YES! I REALLY AM THAT SENSITIVE! x( :P :-)

[AndyTiedye]

29. Terry Does Their Own Brand of Seats Too

http://www.terrybicycles.com/saddles/product.html?t=w

[RedEarth]

11. We have a few old Big Wheels our kids used to play on

[Angela Shelley]

13. Please send pictures of your family trip to the grocery store!

:-)

[peace13]

17. Have bikes and are using them.

Please...always wear a helmet when you ride. I was hit by the pizza delivery guy in 2000 and the EMT said that it would have been a life flight without the helmet. As it was it took about six months for my head to stop spinning. Ride safe. Peace, Kim

[Blue_In_AK]

24. I don't "do" bicycles

ever since I fell off my first bike when I was 11 and got a brain concussion and black eyes that laid me up for three weeks, I have a fear of bikes. I don't feel guilty, though. We hardly ever leave the house, and when I want exercise, I walk.

[Angela Shelley]

25. With all that Alaskan fresh air ...

Happy Walking!

[Blue_In_AK]

38. The walking is great.

We try to walk four miles on the Coastal Trail five nights a week unless we're doing a lot of physical work around the house that makes us too tired. We start in April and go until there's too much snow, usually toward the end of October.

I have a real advantage working at home, and my husband is retired, so we keep our gasoline use fairly under control.

[stillcool]

26. I need air in my tires..

[Sheets of Easter]

27. Someone in my neighborhood threw a mountain bike out the other day.

My spouse quickly snatched it up. It's a cheapo Magna Excitor, and it's rusty as anything, but I'm still going to try and fix it up a bit. Free is good. :)

[AndyTiedye]

28. This One Rolls Best

[Angela Shelley]

30. What´s the best? ... the bike or the shirt?

Thanks for the photo!

[Blue Diadem]

41. There was an electric one like that going down our street

a week or so ago. My daughter pointed it out to me. The electric version would be nice for us out of shape people who might get somewhere and be too exhausted to pedal back.

[Angela Shelley]

43. mmmmm ... bikes are also good

for us out of shape people, that is, if we would ride them. :-)

[Blue Diadem]

45. Last time I rode one, I ended up in the hospital for 3 days

with chest pain and all the tests. Not fun.

edited to add:

Now I just use the stationary exercise bike for short periods of time.

[AndyTiedye]

47. The Electric Was Probably an Easy Racer With a Bionx Electric Assist

My bike is a Calfee Stiletto, but these are lightweight carbon fiber bikes, and I don't think any of them have had electric assist added.

What you saw probably an http://www.easyracers.com/">Easy Racer with a Bionx drive. I think you can order them set up that way now. They also sell an electric moped.

The fairing on my bike is also from Easy Racers.

A lot of information about recumbents can be found on http://www.bentrideronline.com

[Blue Diadem]

53. Thanks for the information.

With those upright seats, they look like they would take a lot of stress off the back and upper body.

[jimshoes]

31. I have been anticipating this and have

9 working - 3,5, and 10 speeds. I will start selling them pretty soon. I am not going to make a lot of money on them but $20 or $30 per bike if I don't have to put tires or tubes on them, would give me a few extra bucks. I just grab them off people's tree lawns on garbage day and clean them up a bit.

[Angela Shelley]

32. Good for you!

Extremely clever and capable jimshoes strikes again!

[jimshoes]

69. Blush

:blush: :hi:

[Overseas]

33. No car either. Just public transit. /nt

[Angela Shelley]

39. Good for you, overseas.

I hope you are enjoying the good life.

[davekriss]

37. I have an ancient TREK 2300 with Ultegra component set

Bought it in 1992. Very nice bike. I used to ride around 3000+ miles a year. (My best century time is 5.5 hours.) Not exactly the best commuter bike, though; don't think my workplace will fancy my cleated cycling shoes. ("Used to ride" -- I got off the bike about 10 years ago and totally lost my fitness, which used to be very high. I haven't found the motivation to start over again. However every year I say "this is the year...".)

[Angela Shelley]

40. This is the year dave, this is the year.

Happy biking!

[Heathen57]

46. Wish we could

Wife and I both have work-related injuries that keep us off bicycles. I used to ride all over the little town I grew up in. It was all built on the foothills.

[pnwmom]

48. New question. Does everyone in your family

have knees which are ready to pedal?

[Angela Shelley]

49. Good question. Looking at the answers in this thread,

it seems that many people are suffering from knee problems.

Have you seen the Segway?

[Bluebear]

50. If the Segway could get me 50 miles to work in a NH blizzard I would get one :(

[Angela Shelley]

51. It all depends on the direction you are travelling during the storm

and also if you are using chains or spikes :-)

[pitohui]

57. my husband's colleague commuted to work by bike, my husband's colleague is dead

and the vehicle that hit him has never been found

i'm not giving up life and limb to save a few dollars on gas, if that's your question

[taterguy]

59. How many people have been killed in car accidents?

Why leave your house at all?

It's dangerous out there.

[Swamp Rat]

60. According to the NHTSA, 6x as many pedestrians were killed than riding a bicycle (raw numbers)

50x more drivers... and I bet sitting on the couch watching TV and eating junk food is much more dangerous than riding a bike. :D

Of course, there are more pedestrians, but they are not 'in traffic' the way cyclists are.

http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Main/index.aspx

edit: "The Bicycle Institute of America has claimed that 4.9 million ride bikes to work and The Environmental Benefits of Cycling and Walking estimates 2.8 million bike commuters."

http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/survey/commuter.htm

[kineneb]

61. one person, 3 bicycles

-mountain/comfort bike with European panniers, the "grocery shopping special"
-criterium racing/touring bike
-folding bike

I think I have my transportation issues covered.

[LWolf]

63. 3/4s.

Bicycles are in good working order. 2/4 have helmets. Nobody has any lights, reflectors, etc., for night time riding, or a basket or other way to carry stuff to and from work or store.

[ThomWV]

64. We have 2 motorcycles for 2 people.

[JerseygirlCT]

65. I keep thinking I'd really like one

but I haven't bought a bicycle for myself since high school. Don't even know where I'd start. And I don't want to spend big money to find I don't have time to ride, either.

[InkAddict]

66. I have a bike w/baskets, an aging 3-speed with regular brakes,

but nowhere to ride due to the crews ripping up the right-of-way for street widening; it's just too dangerous. A dump drunk hit the school crosing guard earlier this summer only a block away. When it's all finished, it'll really be a raceway.

[LeftyMom]

68. Sure do.

A older Giant hybrid for me, and a Trek mountain bike for the kid. Both lovingly rehabed by me, since I'd rather buy quality used equipment and get it better-than-new than pay more for some shoddy discount store crap.