Hi,
I am new to cycling: I recently learned to ride a bike at 50+
However, I really am not confident on bikes with big wheels: they seem very large and I dont feel in control. I want to go really slow and that makes me unstable and I also think I am going to mow down people and dogs. I think the issue is that I feel I dont have sufficient control. the size of a standard bike makes this feeling magnified.
I am thinking that a folding bike, with a lower center of gravity, would work for me.
However, I need to bike to practice on. I will be using on flat ground, cycle lanes and paths and not roads.
I have been looking on-line at new and second hand bikes. But I cannot decide what to do.
Yesterday I almost bought a new bike from my local bike shop. I went in wanting to buy the Tern A7 but looked also at Dawes Kingpin. I prefer the Tern but the Dawes has got a bit more for the money: better tyres, mudguards etc. I like the idea of puncture resistant tyres but I can just buy them and fit them onto any bike, cant I, so it seems silly to be swayed by that.
However, since then I have read about the issues with the Tern falling apart and am a bit put off Tern now.
Also, I am thinking its a bit silly to spend £500 on a bike before I know I will be able to even ride the damn thing. I am thinking that if I buy a cheap second hand bike to see how I get on then I can buy an upgrade when I am ready and then I will have a better idea of what to buy. I may even be able to buy a standard hybrid bike at that stage but just for now, I dont want this.
So please: what make and type of bike should I look out for second hand to start out and build up confidence?
Thank you so much!
Jez.
I am new to cycling: I recently learned to ride a bike at 50+
However, I really am not confident on bikes with big wheels: they seem very large and I dont feel in control. I want to go really slow and that makes me unstable and I also think I am going to mow down people and dogs. I think the issue is that I feel I dont have sufficient control. the size of a standard bike makes this feeling magnified.
I am thinking that a folding bike, with a lower center of gravity, would work for me.
However, I need to bike to practice on. I will be using on flat ground, cycle lanes and paths and not roads.
I have been looking on-line at new and second hand bikes. But I cannot decide what to do.
Yesterday I almost bought a new bike from my local bike shop. I went in wanting to buy the Tern A7 but looked also at Dawes Kingpin. I prefer the Tern but the Dawes has got a bit more for the money: better tyres, mudguards etc. I like the idea of puncture resistant tyres but I can just buy them and fit them onto any bike, cant I, so it seems silly to be swayed by that.
However, since then I have read about the issues with the Tern falling apart and am a bit put off Tern now.
Also, I am thinking its a bit silly to spend £500 on a bike before I know I will be able to even ride the damn thing. I am thinking that if I buy a cheap second hand bike to see how I get on then I can buy an upgrade when I am ready and then I will have a better idea of what to buy. I may even be able to buy a standard hybrid bike at that stage but just for now, I dont want this.
So please: what make and type of bike should I look out for second hand to start out and build up confidence?
Thank you so much!
Jez.