NY Capital District area ladies? Bikers in general?

[marcyiam]

First of all - hi!  I've been lurking for a while and posting periodically, but have never started an actual post over here so am going to jump right in.  ;-)  I feel like there are quite a few people in the Cap District area?

I've been thinking a lot lately about getting more into biking and potentially doing a race sometime.  The crazy part is I only ride a stationary exercise bike since I don't have an actual bike, but I really enjoy it.  I've been thinking about getting a real bike and I have a few questions I was hoping you may be able to help with?  I'm sorry if this gets long.  ;-)

1) I have an old Schwinn bike up at my parents' house in an old barn that I haven't used since the late 90's.  Not sure what shape it's in, but is it worth just getting that fixed up, do you think, if the frame is still decent?

2) I know I still have a lot to learn before I do an actual race, but is there a bike shop you would recommend I look into for getting a bike?  Nothing really expensive, but one that is decent.  Maybe a used bike?  
--- I have heard mixed reviews on Plaines and Son in Schenectady so looking for some personal references if you have any on shops.

3) Do they typically get more used bikes a certain time of year?

4) This is going to sound stupid, but do places rent bikes to try out to see if you really do like riding an actual bike, etc...?  lol

5) I've started looking at some local bike clubs as well.  The MHCC one seems like they have a lot of rides - of varying levels.  Anyone know anything about that club?

6) I know riding a real bike will of course be different than riding a stationary bike and it's all subjective.  But, generally, how do you find the transition from stationary to real bike - ability level, endurance, etc...?

OK, yeah, that was a lot - I apologize.  If you made it this far, THANK YOU!

[sadlebred]

See my bio below for lots of bike buying advice.

1) I have an old Schwinn bike up at my parents' house in an old barn that I haven't used since the late 90's. Not sure what shape it's in, but is it worth just getting that fixed up, do you think, if the frame is still decent? No, don't bother if you want to race. If you want something to toodle around on go for it. Today's bikes are lighter, less expensive, have integrated shifters and brakes, and much better technology.

2) I know I still have a lot to learn before I do an actual race, but is there a bike shop you would recommend I look into for getting a bike? Nothing really expensive, but one that is decent. Maybe a used bike? See my bio for bike buying advice. I'm not local, so I cannot advise on specific shop.

3) Do they typically get more used bikes a certain time of year? Most shops deal in only new bikes. What is your budget? Race worthy bikes start at $1500-1700 and go up from there (IMO, they really start around $2000, but there are plenty of people that race bikes in the $1500 range). Entry level road bikes start at about $800 for something half way decent that you will not want to replace next week. 

4) This is going to sound stupid, but do places rent bikes to try out to see if you really do like riding an actual bike, etc...? Maybe someone local can chime in. I know of several LBS (local bike shops) here in Atlanta that rent high end road bikes by the day for $35-50.

5) I've started looking at some local bike clubs as well. The MHCC one seems like they have a lot of rides - of varying levels. Anyone know anything about that club?

6) I know riding a real bike will of course be different than riding a stationary bike and it's all subjective. But, generally, how do you find the transition from stationary to real bike - ability level, endurance, etc...? At your level, just ride. You might want to check with any local clubs to see if they offer race clinics, riding clinics, or safe cycling courses.

[Susie]

Hi!

1) It sounds - if you are interested in checking out MHCC - like you will want a road bike. Is the old Schwinn a road bike? If not, you will be at too much of a mechanical disadvantage for group rides which will probably be no fun. One of my triathlete friends rode an old school steel frame Trek road bike for her first tri season or two, but I'm guessing you'll want a new bike right away if you get into it. It may or may not be worth the $ to fix up the old bike, depending on condition.

2) The guys at CK Cycles (they sell Felt, Cannondale, & Scott I think) on Central Ave in Albany are very nice and very knowledgeable. I have not bought there, but I have shopped there. Downtube on Madison Ave in Albany (Trek dealer among others) are also very good, and lots of people like them. We have gone there. My bike came from Steiner's (Specialized, Trek) in Glenmont, and that is where I usually (although not exclusively) go. One of my friends also likes Elevate Cycles, which I think has stores in Clifton Park and maybe Saratoga? Her bike is a Giant, not sure what else they sell. Saville Road is a brand new shop in the area, but very high end from what I understand.

3) I am not sure when they see the biggest influx of used bikes; probably spring. Around now is when the 2014s are coming out, so there would potentially be 2013s in stock that could be had for a steal. Steiner's is having a big season-end sale this weekend, today through Sunday. You might check that out.

4) Not sure but you can ride before you buy.

5) MHCC is the most popular. I am not a member but know people who are.

6) Hmm. So hard to compare. But you will be fine.

[trigal]

If you are in the Saratoga area, check out Blue Sky Bicycles. Great shop with a beginner ride on Monday and a women's ride on Wednesday. The shop is owned by a woman and is very female-friendly!

[libbygrl109]

Hi! I know almost nothing about cycling - running's more my thing - but you know me from another local board :-) . Welcome to this one! Everyone here is so great!

[marcyiam]

Thank you, ladies! I really appreciate the advice and am looking forward to getting out there!

[marcyiam]

Aug 23, 2013 16:54:33 GMT -5 libbygrl109 said:

Hi! I know almost nothing about cycling - running's more my thing - but you know me from another local board :-) . Welcome to this one! Everyone here is so great!

Hi there!  if you biked, I'd say let's go for a ride.  ;-)

[libbygrl109]

Aug 23, 2013 19:38:07 GMT -5 marcyiam said:

Aug 23, 2013 16:54:33 GMT -5 libbygrl109 said:

Hi! I know almost nothing about cycling - running's more my thing - but you know me from another local board :-) . Welcome to this one! Everyone here is so great!

Hi there!  if you biked, I'd say let's go for a ride.  ;-)

I do have one - been very lax about getting out on it. Would love to get together! 

[marcyiam]

Aug 23, 2013 21:37:10 GMT -5 libbygrl109 said:

Aug 23, 2013 19:38:07 GMT -5 marcyiam said:

Hi there!  if you biked, I'd say let's go for a ride.  ;-)

I do have one - been very lax about getting out on it. Would love to get together! 

YGPM!