Help--I'm scared of my bike!

[Serval87]

Okay, I realize that that sounds truly pathetic, and I assure you, I wasn't always like this. When I was a child I practically lived on my bike. I thought it was the funnest thing ever! I went fast, wrecked, got hurt, then got back on it and rode again like nothing ever happened. I was so excited about getting my bike. I fantasized about riding in the early morning with my husband, and enjoying the scenery... maybe packing a couple snacks for a picnic.

But it's all ruined now, I fear.

First off, we're on a budget, so we got cheap bikes ($55), but they seem to be made well for the price, and they were temporary, because we thought if we really liked them then we would invest in better ones later (though, nothing over $200). I'm bad about buying things that I think I will like, then changing my mind later.

Secondly, even after adjusting the seat, the bike is still too tall for me. The seat reaches my waist when I stand beside it, and I have to tilt the bike to the side to get off of it, and hop up to mount it. Last night I even fell on the road trying to get off of it. *embarrassed* Also, when I'm on it, I can only touch the tip of one shoe to the ground (the other foot floating in the air). I have to wear my big walmart-brand of sketchers shape-ups for extra height, because I'm around four foot nine or ten.

I realize that I probably need a shorter bike, but that's not an option right now, because of our budget, and I'm not sure I can return a used bike (I still have the receipt and warranty). Does anyone have any other suggestions or should I just set it aside until I can get another one? I feel really stupid having such an irrational, immature fear. *rolls eyes*

[4xcharm]

I'm sorry I have no advice, but I understand your fear. You really do have to be able to get your feet on the ground in a split second. Otherwise you risk falling...as you already know. How cheap are children's bikes? Kids seem to be able to whiz around with no trouble. At least it seems their bikes are functional.

[QuilterInVA]

Why not put it on Craig's List to sell it or trade for a smaller one? It wouldn't be right to take it back to the store. Didn't you see it was too tall when you bought it?

[Aclai4067]

I'm totally scared of my bike too! I got it for my birthday in September and I still haven't taken it on real roads. I just go to a nearby park with a long, flat path. I've retired my bike for the winter (brrrrr) but I'm doing spin class to try and prep myself for getting back into it come spring. Waist high does sound pretty darn tall, but keep in mind you don't want to go too short when you can get a new one. I was really struggling to pedal mine at first and then when I raised the seat, it got so much easier! The seat of my bike probably comes up to the top of my hip. I do have to tilt it slightly to get on and off, and I can't put both feet on the ground at once.

As far as what to do with the too tall bike, I agree with the craigslist idea

[Serval87]

QuilterInVA, I thought the seat would lower more than it did. Also, I haven't had one for a long time, and didn't know my size.

Thanks for all of your advice.

[graycyn]

I just want to say, not pathetic AT ALL! I won a bike in a blog contest but it is a 19" frame, too big for me and I'm scared of it too! I can't touch ground at all and it has just sat in the garage. The contest sponsor only offered the one size and I didn't know the size until it arrived on my doorstep. Nice bike, but TOO BIG! The bike shop guy who checked my assembly for me said the same thing.

I'm over 50, live on a steep hill and terrified to even try to ride this thing!

I think I need to sell it and see if I can find something decent used for whatever it might bring.

[Serval87]

Well, a while back, my husband removed the reflector on the back of the seat, which allowed him to lower the seat an inch or so more. MUCH better, but still not perfect. I can at least get on it without having to move to certain parts of the road now. lol.