Need some advice fr the bicyclists of B&B

[bryant]

I have been a runner for the last ten years. I enjoy the activity but my knees just do not like the pounding. I have considered biking before but never seriously. My doctor is suggesting that I give up running and give the bike a go.

Here's my problem...I have never owned a bike not purchased from a big box store for under $100. I do not want to jump in with a $1000+ purchase to start so I am asking the fine folks of B&B for advice. I want a commuter or possibly a hybrid (still learning here forgive my ignorance). I do not want a road racing machine nor do I want a mountain bike. I want to be comfortable yet have a capable bike to do 20 mile+ rides at some point if that is possible. I will use the bike to commute to work (only a three mile ride) and would love to spend $300-$400. I am 6'2" and 225lbs if that helps and have zero experience with bikes in the last 15 or so years. So what would you suggest?

 

[dsmdylan]

When you say you don't want a road racing machine, do you mean that you may entertain some light off-roading? I was in the same position and ended up with a cyclocross bike. For under $500, you'll probably need to get something used. There's not much that I've found that's really worth buying until $600-700 unless it's a single speed.

 

[Craig9802]

I bought my first mountain bike in about 1994, back in the days before disc brakes and suspension of any kind. It was a Raleigh M-40 or M-45, I forget which. It was about $300 then, and I think the same (or similar) model is still available lightly used for about the same price. In it's later years, I put a rack and slick tires on it, and it worked great as an errand-runner. Solid Cro-Moly frame, easy to maintain components. Most of the big names make something similar now, and many are available in your price range. If you stick with a rigid frame and cantilever or v-brakes and don't need the most modern drivetrain, you should have no problem finding something locally on CraigsList or eBay or even at a garage sale. I'd recommend either paying for a fitting at a bike store or at least trying as many different bikes as you can from friends or family to get a decent idea of what frame size you need. That one piece of information will give you the most value and enjoyment from cycling long-term.

Don't waste your money on a department store bike - you're far better off buying a good bike used. Don't be afraid of an older rigid mountain bike, hybrid, or commuter frame - as long as it has been taken care of it will still have a lot of miles left in it.. If you absolutely want to buy new, you may be able to find something in your price range from REI (I forget their store brand), that will serve you well until you tire of it. (No pun intended - well, maybe a little). Personally, I'd look for an older Specialized, Trek, Raleigh, Cannondale,Giant, etc. If you decide to upgrade to a better / different style of bike in a few years, you can probably get most of your money back from a quality older frame.

Good luck in your search. We'll look forward to seeing pic's on the "Show me your bicycle(s)" thread when you pick it up. http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/321374-Show-me-your-bicycle-%28s%29

 

[MrMurphy]

REI's store brand is Novara. I used to sell bikes for them.

A good hybrid, used, would likely do well for you to start. I have knee issues as well from the military, so this is something I've handled.

Sizing the bike, the basics are stand over the frame. In a hybrid, if you've got about 1.5-2" clearance between the top of the crossbar and 'the boys' with your feet on the ground straddling the bike (not on the seat) you're probably about right.

Cannondale, Specialized, Trek, etc all make solid bikes, as does Novara. If you can find a Giant, they're well made, just not as common in the US. For general riding, commuting, under-30-mile stuff, I like hybrids a lot.

I'm no Lance Armstrong and with my knees riding a road bike is literally almost impossible with the standard bars. I pretty much 'have' to have a straight handlebar. I'm currently bikeless but when i resume riding regularly, I'll probably snag a Cannondale Bad Boy.

 

[fast14riot]

Hybrids are a good way to go, but I often see them with shoddy components for the twice a year camping trip riders. First off, don't be scared by skinny tires, they are quite capable on many road surfaces, except loose stuff, and with knee issues (I've had 5 knee surgeries myself and have little cartiledge left, so I know what its like) your fit is going to be most important. Leg extension should be about 20* from straight. Bar style and height just affects how much pressure is on your spine. Upright means more pressure.

I think a hard-tail mountain bike with commute tires would be a good choice and able to grow with your abilities and distance. Older Specialized Hardrocks, Stumpjumpers, Cannondale F300, GT Zaskar, Iron Horse, Fuji all make excellent bikes. All should come in under $500 with good components.


-Xander

 

[state]

All of the advice above is sound, and the only bit that I would add is that it is better to wait another month (or whatever) and save your money until you can spend ~$800. A fine cycle is definitely an investment, and one in which it is better to spend as much as possible on the front end. Upgrades are expensive; you will have the most value in a new bike from a reputable specialty shop than from buying a cheaper bike and upgrading as you improve in your ability. I would not recommend a used bike for a novice, simply because it is very hard to determine what the frame has endured even for an expert (unless you buy from a shop where they hopefully will be honest).You will also significantly increase your options with a slightly higher price point. In cycling, you pay for what you do not get--less weight is more enjoyable, and, more money.

Ensure that you have a bike with a good fit. I would also recommend 'skinny' tyres (but you could still have a large wheel diameter to secure comfort), or at least 'slick' mountain bike tyres.

Good Luck!

 

[f86sabjf]

Once you get a good idea what size frame you take buy your bike used and get a whole lot more bike for your money. They take a huge hit in price used

 

[fast14riot]

Once you get a good idea what size frame you take buy your bike used and get a whole lot more bike for your money. They take a huge hit in price used

Not bad for those of us who know bikes and what we're looking at, but the OP knows only that bikes hve two wheels and pedals. Id hate for him to be discouraged from riding by poor equipment.

Watch the sales, its back to school season now, go to several shops and test lots of bikes. Get different opinions on fit and learn th hierarchy of components within brands. Shifting styles, frame types and such. Educate yourself and look for the older sales people in a shop. Not being biased, but I am. I managed shops for a number of years and my younguns were great at helping the younger crowd but didn't understand aches and pains or often how to even talk to adults! Its just th natue of the game in the bike biz.


-X

 

[rxonmymind]

Instead of peppering you with bike specs and such let me instead suggest this.
My first and foremost importance is to find a store other bikers go to. Here in California I live in a cycling town UC Davis, Sacramento state, great bike trails etc and as such I'm in the vicinity of some shops that are owned by enthusiasts. One is collage cyclery. Walk in the floor is well worn of that old wood and you can smell chain oil and walk in anytime you'll likely find most of the guys trueing tires, gears etc. This is where you want to buy a bike. I bought a mint all steel Univega from them awhile back and was surprised to see such a bike in that condition. Well they threw on some fatter tires as I expressed my displeasure of constant flats and dialed me in with proper handlebar height, seat, and so on. Find a RIGHT establishment first then buy a bike.

Your hunt for a hybrid is right on track. Buy a steel bike as it soaks up more road. Gearing depending on the terrain you live in 12-18 gears should be enough. Options are good
Good luck.

 

[deoxy4]

Lots of good advice here from people with great experience but the pool is somewhat limited here. I would suggest you ask your questions on a bike forum. Tons of friendly people wiiling to help and a great place to educate yourself. The Bike Forum has rooms dedicated to commuting, hybrid bikes, vintage bikes, new bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes all kinds of cycling topics. Many visitors are first time cyclist who were former runners similar to you asking questions. Great site, similar in size or larger than B&B but dedicated to cycling not shaving. Occasionally I see shaving questions on the Bike Forum. I direct those people here.

http://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php

 

[jhamlin38]

Road bike for sure. The kind with drop handlebars. These days the head tube is taller for a more upright riding position. The drop bars allow u to use all the positions of the bar which is critical for comfort on longer rides. The skinny tires aid in efficiency, and make u go faster, which is FUN! Addicting!
Visit a local bike shop and not a dept store. The quality is worth it. If you were a regular runner, 4 days per week, or more, I'd Highly recommend an 800-1000 dollar bike.
You get what you pay for.
At a dept store, you'll get a bike that rides, and fits.
At a local bike shop (lbs) you'll get a bike that is fun. To me, the difference is about 300 to 400 dollars for this fun.
For a 20 mile ride, you're on the saddle for 1.5 to 2 hours. At this length of time, proper padded cycling shorts are important. This cannot be understated. Gloves are also important too.
Lastly, when all is said and done and you're on the road, make sure to ease into it. Don't go out for too long at first. You need to "condition" your muscle group that supports riding (your ***) and you will feel it at first.
Lastly, roadbikereview is a good forum to visit with some beginners forums.

 

[Neffarious]

I disagree about Buying a used one. You can procure a used one from craig's list or the like for a fraction of the cost. If you don't like it you can re-sell with little to no loss. I have a Specialized Sirrus Comp i picked up for $250 or so in like new condition from craig's list. Its $1100 new. You just need to educate yourself on what to look for in advance and don't be afraid to ask for help on selecting a bike and what to look out for as potential flaws. Bent wheels, bent frames, cracks and all that can be detected if you know what to look for.

 

[Graybeard57]

Go to a bike shop with your needs and price range. You can get a very enjoyable ride for your price range. Trek makes fine bicycles that will fit your budget. Enjoy, and let us know what you pick!

 

[strop]

This is the issue.

You just need to educate yourself on what to look for in advance

This would be way too time consuming for me. No matter how much "research" I did when i bought my first bike, I still didn't really know what I was looking for, and subtle details would have slipped right past me.

If you can do it, great. I wouldn't be able to, and the bike shop did a great job of it for me.

 

[Neffarious]

This is the issue.


This would be way too time consuming for me. No matter how much "research" I did when i bought my first bike, I still didn't really know what I was looking for, and subtle details would have slipped right past me.

If you can do it, great. I wouldn't be able to, and the bike shop did a great job of it for me.

See my experience was the exact opposite with my first "real" bike. I got sole something that was too small, but the guy sounded like he knew what he was talking about so I believed him. I hated that bike. It hurt my knees to pedal, and it was just too small overall. That's when I decided to educate myself and know as much as the guy who was selling em the thing (at least about fitment and basics) so I would be able to make an intelligent decision. After all their end goal is to sell you something. I have found a new bike shop, however, and these guys I trust but its nice to have a conversation with them on a more even ground.

 

[novitiate]

I want a commuter or possibly a hybrid (still learning here forgive my ignorance). I do not want a road racing machine nor do I want a mountain bike. I want to be comfortable yet have a capable bike to do 20 mile+ rides at some point if that is possible. I will use the bike to commute to work (only a three mile ride) and would love to spend $300-$400. I am 6'2" and 225lbs if that helps and have zero experience with bikes in the last 15 or so years. So what would you suggest?

I was not experienced with bikes at all and bought an MTB (Giant Rincon SE) because I thought that was what I needed, it wasn't. Over the years as I rode it, I turned it into a better fit for me by changing the tires to fat road tires and adjusting the handlebars so I could ride more upright. That's when it hit me I should have gotten a hybrid to begin with. My son took my Giant to school last year and loves it for getting around campus.

I've not had a bike since then but keep looking for one. I found it Saturday, a Cannondale Silk Road 500 at a yard sale. It was cheap and it rides like a dream. It has a 7-speed Shimano Nexus hub and is very quiet to ride. Upright position, adjustable front shock from off to soft, pretty much everything I needed. Don't discount the used market, it is the time of year when people dump bikes. RIght now coincides with house sales and when people move, they dump their stuff. That was the case on the Cannondale. Check your local craigslist and save a bundle.

 

[WesternModern]

I disagree about Buying a used one. You can procure a used one from craig's list or the like for a fraction of the cost. If you don't like it you can re-sell with little to no loss. I have a Specialized Sirrus Comp i picked up for $250 or so in like new condition from craig's list. Its $1100 new. You just need to educate yourself on what to look for in advance and don't be afraid to ask for help on selecting a bike and what to look out for as potential flaws. Bent wheels, bent frames, cracks and all that can be detected if you know what to look for.

+1 on this.
Got both my bikes ( '81 Schwinn World Tourist and a '78 Schwinn Suburban ) on Craigslist for about $100 each. It took a little looking though, but I found what I wanted.
I put on new tires and tubes, and got them each a tune-up; they ride great. I would consider them great commuter bikes. When I lived on Chicago's north side in the late '80's I had a Schwinn Suburban (in "Sierra Brown"!) that took a few lumps but was always a good rider.

Anyway. I'm happy

 

[Prof. Moriarty]

I have a hybrid bike for cycling to uni and gym. At 20 I have had two knee surgeries and am now missing 2/3rds of my cartilage, so yea biking is the preferred method of travel for me. Although I plan on doing the Tough Mudder next year
But anyways I would go with a decent hybrid bike for sub $1000.

 

[Klopstick]

I recently got a Montague folding bike, and it's great because you can put it in the trunk of the (compact) car and have it with you, or head out to better riding areas if your home stomping grounds don't lend themselves to good riding opportunities. Don't let the fact that it's a folder throw you, it's a full sized bike and solid as a rock. Some might argue over the hardware they put on, but there's always room for improvement. A number of models to choose from, and the Swissbike 50 or 70 are popular. I got the Paratrooper and put some Kenda K847 Kross tires on it for smooth road, but are OK if I want to take it on a moderate trail. (and I still have the knobbies if I want to really go trail riding, but my situation is much more road based)

Just another idea for you to mull. The in-trunk carry is very convenient and beats a bike rack all hollow! It unfolds and is ready to go in under a minute. ( Will resist the temptation to say "Push-pull, click-click", for fear of making it sound like an injector )