|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Buying a new bike for a newbie
Okay, the last time I bought a bike (Centurian 10-speed in 1982 @ 12 yrs
old) the choice was between the Centurian and either a Mongoose or Diamondback BMX bike (or a CFX I believe). Anyway, I just took my 4 year old son in to get his first bike (a simple Trek 16" Jet) and I was thinking about getting myself a bike, but I am lost as to what to get. I am hoping for some recommendations based on the following probable use characteristics: I live in Portland, OR and we do have hills.... I will be riding on the street/sidewalk/hard trail most likely 80-90% of the time, but may venture a little more off-road once in a while. I want something 'light' I would like to stay under $500. I think Disk brakes are cool, but do I need them???? I like to go fast, but comfort is also important.... Thats what I have thought about so far, any help? Thanks for your time. K |
Ads |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:56:29 -0800, "kramer" wrote:
Okay, the last time I bought a bike (Centurian 10-speed in 1982 @ 12 yrs old) the choice was between the Centurian and either a Mongoose or Diamondback BMX bike (or a CFX I believe). Anyway, I just took my 4 year old son in to get his first bike (a simple Trek 16" Jet) and I was thinking about getting myself a bike, but I am lost as to what to get. I am hoping for some recommendations based on the following probable use characteristics: I live in Portland, OR and we do have hills.... I will be riding on the street/sidewalk/hard trail most likely 80-90% of the time, but may venture a little more off-road once in a while. If you use wider tires, 32mm, or even 26mm you can ride virtually everything you like except mud and light loose gravel or sand. I want something 'light' Most MTB are not going to be light because of the shock absorbers. What do you consider 'light'? 24lbs is the lightest you're going to get in your price range. I would like to stay under $500. Go for a Trek 1000. $540, Tiagra components, carbon forks. I think Disk brakes are cool, but do I need them???? You do not need disk brakes. They add weight. I like to go fast, but comfort is also important.... What do you consider 'fast'? What are your comfort concerns? I'm a larger rider and I ride a Trek 1000, and I've never not been comfortable on that bike. I'm not sure I understand this over-concern for 'comfort'. Modern bikes are more than comfortable. If you start adding suspensions, and fat knobby tires and big heavy saddles believe me your 'lungs' are not going to be comfortable. ;-) If you are riding to get somewhere or for fitness, a 24lb road bike is perfect. Don't fall for the idea of 'get a heavy bike it will make you fitter', or conversely that a 'too light' bike will not let you train hard enough. A heavy bike (40-45lbs) might make you struggle more, but soon you'll be cussing at it because you can't get up the hill to town. Now if you mean 'comfort' in terms of overall position on the bike, just get your saddle set at the right height and raise your stem so that it's within in a half-inch, or even level with the saddle (you may need to get a longer stem - most LBS will swap one out for free if you buy your bike there). It may take a few weeks to get 'comfortable' with the position, but you have several hand positions and it's fairly easy to get comfortable. jj Thats what I have thought about so far, any help? Thanks for your time. K |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Thanks for the responses so far. I know $500 may not get much of a bike
in the eyes of an enthusiest, but it's no Huffy either I suppose I would like to get a good, solid bike and if I really get into riding, I will know exactly what I want before I drop considerably more cash. Another piece of the puzzle is that I am primarily looking at 2 neighborhood bike shops (one by my office and one by my house) and they carry mainly TREK, Gary Fisher, K2, Harro, Fuji, Cannondale and Klein, but the best selection seems to be either Trek or Harro, fwiw. Unless anyone has a specific dealer in Portland, OR they would recommend. I would even consider used. "Chris Zacho "The Wheelman"" wrote in message ... (kramer) Asked: snip I was thinking about getting myself a bike, but I am lost as to what to get. I am hoping for some recommendations based on the following probable use characteristics: This question is best answered by one of our members who sell bikes, as they are more knowledgeable about the various brands/models on the market. But as a general recommendation I would say an entry level touring bike or hybrid should fit the bill rather nicely. I live in Portland, OR and we do have hills.... Tourers and hybrids have triple cranks with wide ranges, which will give you low lows without sacrificing the high end. I will be riding on the street/sidewalk/hard trail most likely 80-90% of the time, but may venture a little more off-road once in a while. Tourers are built tougher than "road" (racing) bikes, and with the addition of wider (1-3/8") tires, can venture onto fire roads and smooth trails, although you can't do the nastier stuff. Hybrids are tougher still. A mountain bike may be more than you need, since most of the riding you wish to do doesn't seem to need all the bells and whistles. I want something 'light' Hybrids are not as light as a touring machine, but they are lighter than mountain bikes, at least within the same price range. I would like to stay under $500. Did I mention "entry level"? I think Disk brakes are cool, but do I need them???? No. Disks are good for muddy, wet conditions, as they stay out of the muck due to their position near the hub, and for carrying heavy loads (expedition touring (self contained) and tandems) as they provide more stopping power without the danger of overheating the rims, possibly causing the tires to blow out. But for regular, "dry", unladen biking, they are not necessary. I like to go fast, but comfort is also important.... Speed is mostly in the strength of the rider, however, touring bikes generally have less rolling resistance than hybrids, and hybrids less than MTN bikes due to their narrower, higher pressure tires, and the touring bike's drop bars offer more choices of handlebar positions, from upright and comfy to down and streamlined . Both have geometry which leans towards comfort, stability and smooth ride. That's what I have thought about so far, any help? Thanks for your time. K Hope the other's can be more specific, leading you towards a definite choice. As always, visit the LBS (Local Bike Shops) and check out what is available. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it, would you? Also, a good LBS will fit you to the bike, like a good tailor. and will often offer free tune ups for a period. Usually 90 days. - - "May you have the winds at your back, And a really low gear for the hills!" Chris Zacho ~ "Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman" Chris'Z Corner http://www.geocities.com/czcorner |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
kramer wrote:
Thanks for the responses so far. I know $500 may not get much of a bike in the eyes of an enthusiest, but it's no Huffy either I suppose I would like to get a good, solid bike and if I really get into riding, I will know exactly what I want before I drop considerably more cash. Another piece of the puzzle is that I am primarily looking at 2 neighborhood bike shops (one by my office and one by my house) and they carry mainly TREK, Gary Fisher, K2, Harro, Fuji, Cannondale and Klein, but the best selection seems to be either Trek or Harro, fwiw. Unless anyone has a specific dealer in Portland, OR they would recommend. I would even consider used. If you are open to getting used, you can often get some pretty good deals. Many shops will take tradeins of brands that they sell. If you do your homework and are not in a big hurry, you can sometimes find a good used model. Trek for example offers several different models new, assuming your shops carry most of them. You can check out the MSRP on line to make sure the price you are being quoted is reasonable. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 11:23:48 -0800, "kramer" wrote:
Thanks for the responses so far. I know $500 may not get much of a bike in the eyes of an enthusiest, but it's no Huffy either I suppose I would like to get a good, solid bike and if I really get into riding, I will know exactly what I want before I drop considerably more cash. Another piece of the puzzle is that I am primarily looking at 2 neighborhood bike shops (one by my office and one by my house) and they carry mainly TREK, Gary Fisher, K2, Harro, Fuji, Cannondale and Klein, but the best selection seems to be either Trek or Harro, fwiw. Unless anyone has a specific dealer in Portland, OR they would recommend. I would even consider used. Trek is a good buy, though they may be slightly higher prices due to the Armstrong hype. Gary Fisher is OK, but they mainly focus on MTB, iirc. Cannondale and Klein are great bikes. You'll pay more for a Klein for the fine workmanship. The important thing is to go test ride several bikes. Next most important is your sense of the bike shop. If they seem helpful and stay with you, and promote test riding all is well. If they seem elitist or standoffish or don't really seem to want to let you test ride more than two or three bikes you might do better elsewhere. jj |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
I was impressed with the Trek line as mentioned in an earlier post. Marin's
wre also worth a look. I bought a Kona Dew, and I am very happy with it, I can't imagine riding anything else. I own a used mountain bike, and street bike also, used is a good value way to buy. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
kramer wrote: I was thinking about getting myself a bike, but I am lost as to what to get. I am hoping for some recommendations based on the following probable use characteristics: I live in Portland, OR and we do have hills.... I will be riding on the street/sidewalk/hard trail most likely 80-90% of the time, but may venture a little more off-road once in a while. I want something 'light' I would like to stay under $500. I think Disk brakes are cool, but do I need them???? I like to go fast, but comfort is also important.... You're going to have to decide between a mountain bike, a hybrid or a road bike variant. In your price range (remember to budget for accessories), I don't think there's much in road bikes. Off-road can be so diffent from road riding, if you get into true single track. A mountain bike (even entry level) can be used there and on the street. A hybrid is the ultimate compromise bike, adequate at most things, not great at any. It's hard to know when you're just starting out what kind of riding you'll do, or even whether you'll stick with it. If I could only have one bike (I have 5), I'd go with a mountain bike, because it's the only bike that can do all the things I like to do. You don't need disk brakes. |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
A couple of Trek bikes have caught my eye. Anyone have an opinion about the
4300, 7200 or 7300??? Or similar bikes? |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
kramer wrote:
A couple of Trek bikes have caught my eye. Anyone have an opinion about the 4300, 7200 or 7300??? Or similar bikes? My first bike after starting up again was a used 4300. I've been happy with it and still ride it some weekly, though my main ride is a road bike now. The 4300 has decent equipment and has been very reliable. About the only thing I have done is swap out the knobby tires for some low priced Continental street tires since I ride mostly on the pavement. |
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
buying a bike (newbie) | Kitty | UK | 125 | January 14th 05 09:47 PM |
Still Looking for a bike | [email protected] | UK | 19 | September 5th 04 10:25 AM |
Some questions etc.. | Douglas Harrington | General | 10 | August 17th 04 02:42 AM |
aus.bicycle FAQ (Monthly(ish) Posting) | kingsley | Australia | 3 | February 24th 04 09:44 PM |
newbie bike question - how to tell if bike chain is worn too much | Stephen | Australia | 7 | November 28th 03 02:14 AM |