I know very little about bikes, but a bike expert might ask you why you have a foldable bike rather than one that fits you? I do know that a proper fitting bicycle is extremely important for your safety and efficiency, and especially so if you have balance problems.

Have you tried just getting on the bike and riding? They say that once you learn, you never forget. Your fears may be all in your mind.

Don’t bother with lessons. Trust me. Just practice in your driveway. Start out small and keep going. Look at other bikes in Toys R’ Us or local town bike shops. Everyone working will help you out in figuring out a good bike for you. I’m 6’” too and I ride a bike perfectly. I can even ride without using my hands to steer. Like all things, you just have to practice and get your brain to learn something new.

If you’re scared of falling, try going to a grassy playing field. You can often find them near schools and at parks. Then, get on the bike and start pedaling. If you fall, you’ll fall onto grass and it won’t hurt as much as it would as if you were falling onto concrete. Just keep trying until you figure things out. If you need a new bike, make sure that you can sit on the seat with your toes touching the ground without having the seat over the handlebars.

Thanks, I was told that a hybrid bike would be best. There’s grass near where I live. The thing is there is a price range. I was looking at bikes that are between $150 and $250, but my grandmother was like don’t waste money if you have a bike here, because her son tried it with the saddle and could sit on it, and ride it. My dad who’s taller than me, and I tried it, and there was no way we could ride it. We adjusted the saddle and everything, and he said it’s more like a child’s bike. I tried doing it on my own, and I need training wheels. Unfortunately I was never taught a lot of things, and her son screamed his bloody head off at me, humiliating me to the point, where I never got it, and no one took an interest in me at all. I have bad memories of it, but there’s a few things I’m working on now, and willing to put time into.

Yeah, forget what Grandma said. A kid’s bike isn’t going to work for you, not if you’re serious.

The thing with bikes is get quality components (shifters, brakes, etc.). Quality components are super important, and could save your life. Try to get as light a frame as possible. Go to a bike shop, tell them to put you on a list for the right used bike for you (they’ll measure you and everything). They will help you find a used one up in your price range.

I had trouble learning to ride a bike. A friend of mine had a very small bike. When I tried his bike, I found it easy to learn. The bike was small enough that I could reach the ground with my feet. When I thought I was going to fall, I just took my foot off the pedals and touched the ground. Since you are tall, it should be easy to rent a bike that is too small for you. It should not take more than a day to get the feel of it.

Thanks, but I think I will be going to Sports Authority because I saw a hybrid bike on sale. I went to a bike shop and there are no used bikes, only ones that go up to $3,000. It’s freakin tough.

Go to another bicycle shop then. When people come in to buy a new bike, they often turn the old one in on trade. It’s just like selling cars.

Thank you. I guess there are some good suggestions here. She just does not understand that just because you already have a bike does not mean it will fit you, if your tall. I swear to goodness, when she gets her son involved it ruins everything. She was trying to get me to talk to the abuser and I just put my foot down. No way, never again. I’m going to talk to my dad about looking for a bike, and learning to ride. Maybe my neighbor can help me. I’m willing to put in the time.

And while you’re at it, look at reviews for bicycle shops in your area. You don’t want to end up with another bad deal. If you can find someone who knows bicycles, you would be well served to have them go with you.

I was told I could get a very nice used bicycle for $250 at a bicycle shop. Maybe you could find one for less on Craig’s list, and have a bike shop fit it to your needs. If so, definitely take your expert to look at the bike with you! Let us know how it goes.

I guess so. I shall see, but a lot of these used bikes are near Boston.