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Newbie asks model recommendation - and hybrid vs. road for commute and rec.
Newbie question:
Am about to embark on a bike commute to work. Route is appx 6 mi. one way, 80% paved, 20% gravel, mud, tree roots, sand. One monster hill for about 1.5 miles at the end. I plan on starting at about 2-3 days per week. Safety trumps speed for me. I, yes, geek that I am, I will be using some sidewalks to start/build confidence. Bike will also be used for light errand runs and recreational use on about 80% paved paths. I need an upright position and comfy seat. Prefer ladies frame, 21" or more, but not a dealbreaker. Am looking at Giant Cypress line or Sedona line. · Not sure which model to get within each series. Questions a · what's the cutoff for road vs. hybrid? My gut says get the hybrid..but wanted opinions. · do panniers cut at ankles? · do single panniers throw off balance? · Jandd seems like a good brand. Any experiences? · how long do brakes generally last? · does the shifter in the cypress vary from the Sedona? · is kryptonite still the best lock? thanks for your time and specific model recommendations. |
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Newbie asks model recommendation - and hybrid vs. road for commuteand rec.
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Newbie asks model recommendation - and hybrid vs. road for commuteand rec.
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Newbie asks model recommendation - and hybrid vs. road for commuteand rec.
Steve wrote:
rack mounts are behind the brake calipers i had to mount the upper part of the rack to the quick release for the seatpost I had to mount a rack to a Cypress that my relative bought. I got a long piece of aluminum flat bar from Home Depot, and with gentle bends, did a center support from the center of the rack to the hole in the frame for fenders or for whatever it's there for (brake bolt hole, though it's not used for the brakes). I've done rack installations on several bikes this way. Many racks are drilled for either two side supports or one center support. |
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Newbie asks model recommendation - and hybrid vs. road for commute and rec.
Hybrid, for sure, though it doesn't have to be too upright...drop bars, or
at least a little more stretched out position, are very comfortable for longer rides. Too upright puts the pounding on your bum. Better front/rear distribution makes for a more comfortable ride once you get in shape, also makes the bike handle better (more equal weight distribution front and rear) and if you're sitting upright, you block more wind, therefore slow yourself down. If you're not an experienced rider you will probably blow that off and go for upright, though. If you have long legs/short torso for your height, a "ladies" model might fit you well, but the chances are it's a more upright position and a ladies frame (unless you're wearing a dress while you're riding) is not optimum for frame geometry for handling or for positioning of the rear brakes. Often the rear brakes on women's models are not as good because they have to make them "fit" the frame configuration. They don't perform as well and they need adjusting more often. Different if they are disk brakes, though, in the case of the Cypress SX. If you buy a frame that fits you properly (with enough clearance to avoid injuring yourself on the top tube if you have to dismount on uneven terrain) a ladies frame is not necessary, unless you have a physical disability that prevents you from throwing your leg over to get on. FWIW, I'm a woman ( I used to work in a shop) and I have very short legs so have trouble getting enough clearance over the top tube and I STILL would never buy a woman's frame. Fat tires are better in deep sand, but otherwise, unless you're a real clutz and have poor handling skills, you'd probably be better off with the 700c wheels of the Cypress. Comfy seat does not necessarily mean bigger seat. All seats hurt until you get into shape. Once you're in shape, smaller is better, less to chafe you and bruise you. Also, the wheelbase on the Cypress is likely longer (with longer chainstays) than the Sedona, so less chance of hitting the panniers with your heals. Big wheels are also more efficient on the road. Brakes can vary, if you keep them clean they will last longer. I don't know about discs, sorry have never owned them. If ladies frame, standard brakes will be less reliable and probably wear faster. Pads are not hard to change and adjust--have someone teach you or take a class on bike maintenance. It's cheaper to do your own, plus if you know how to do stuff, you can make repairs if you break down on your way to or from work. Invaluable. Most locks only slow thieves down. Some don't even do that. See if you can find a place to take it into work. I used to remove the front wheel and put it under the desk in my cube. Beg your employer for safe parking inside. If you can't, spray paint your bike so it looks like crap and that might deter some thieves. Rear Panniers and rack trunk are probably all you need. You probably don't need front panniers, unless you're going to carry lots of stuff to work or start touring. Buy your bike and accessories from a good full-service local bike shop. They have the experience to help you do it right. You'll never regret better information and buying better products. It's much cheaper than buying the wrong stuff that's poorly made--you lose money trading up later. Be sure you have lots of lights all over you and your bike. A helmet mounted headlight is great. You can see better (and light the way where you want to go, not just where the handlebars are pointed) and you can stare down car drivers with your beam so they can't say they didn't see you. I'd pick the Cypress SX out of the lot of Giant models. Three most important purchase after the bike itself: 1. Helmet 2. Gloves 3. Spare tube and frame pump (and a multi-tool) to keep on the bike for breakdowns. 4. Proper bike shorts Good luck! -- ie ride fast, take chances. wrote in message ups.com... Newbie question: Am about to embark on a bike commute to work. Route is appx 6 mi. one way, 80% paved, 20% gravel, mud, tree roots, sand. One monster hill for about 1.5 miles at the end. I plan on starting at about 2-3 days per week. Safety trumps speed for me. I, yes, geek that I am, I will be using some sidewalks to start/build confidence. Bike will also be used for light errand runs and recreational use on about 80% paved paths. I need an upright position and comfy seat. Prefer ladies frame, 21" or more, but not a dealbreaker. Am looking at Giant Cypress line or Sedona line. · Not sure which model to get within each series. Questions a · what's the cutoff for road vs. hybrid? My gut says get the hybrid..but wanted opinions. · do panniers cut at ankles? · do single panniers throw off balance? · Jandd seems like a good brand. Any experiences? · how long do brakes generally last? · does the shifter in the cypress vary from the Sedona? · is kryptonite still the best lock? thanks for your time and specific model recommendations. |
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Newbie asks model recommendation - and hybrid vs. road for commute and rec.
On Apr 24, 12:51 pm, wrote:
Newbie question: Am about to embark on a bike commute to work. Route is appx 6 mi. one way, 80% paved, 20% gravel, mud, tree roots, sand. One monster hill for about 1.5 miles at the end. I plan on starting at about 2-3 days per week. Safety trumps speed for me. I, yes, geek that I am, I will be using some sidewalks to start/build confidence. Bike will also be used for light errand runs and recreational use on about 80% paved paths. I need an upright position and comfy seat. Prefer ladies frame, 21" or more, but not a dealbreaker. Am looking at Giant Cypress line or Sedona line. · Not sure which model to get within each series. Questions a · what's the cutoff for road vs. hybrid? My gut says get the hybrid..but wanted opinions. For that gavel and the hill go hybrid. · do panniers cut at ankles? No but it is always a good idea to check heel clearance. · do single panniers throw off balance? Not particularly. I have regularly ridden with 22 lb (10kg) of flour in my single pannier with no problem. · Jandd seems like a good brand. Any experiences? no. · how long do brakes generally last? Depends on the quality and softness of the rubber, where you ride etc. There is no single answer. · does the shifter in the cypress vary from the Sedona? · is kryptonite still the best lock? Don't know but they still are good. thanks for your time and specific model recommendations. |
#7
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Newbie asks model recommendation - and hybrid vs. road for commute and rec.
On 2007-04-25, oldhickory wrote:
Hybrid, for sure, though it doesn't have to be too upright...drop bars, or at least a little more stretched out position, are very comfortable for longer rides. Too upright puts the pounding on your bum. Better front/rear distribution makes for a more comfortable ride once you get in shape, also makes the bike handle better (more equal weight distribution front and rear) and if you're sitting upright, you block more wind, therefore slow yourself down. If you're not an experienced rider you will probably blow that off and go for upright, though. If you have long legs/short torso for your height, a "ladies" model might fit you well, but the chances are it's a more upright position and a ladies frame (unless you're wearing a dress while you're riding) is not optimum for frame geometry for handling or for positioning of the rear brakes. Often the rear brakes on women's models are not as good because they have to make them "fit" the frame configuration. They don't perform as well and they need adjusting more often. Different if they are disk brakes, though, in the case of the Cypress SX. If you buy a frame that fits you properly (with enough clearance to avoid injuring yourself on the top tube if you have to dismount on uneven terrain) a ladies frame is not necessary, unless you have a physical disability that prevents you from throwing your leg over to get on. FWIW, I'm a woman ( I used to work in a shop) and I have very short legs so have trouble getting enough clearance over the top tube and I STILL would never buy a woman's frame. Fat tires are better in deep sand, but otherwise, unless you're a real clutz and have poor handling skills, you'd probably be better off with the 700c wheels of the Cypress. Comfy seat does not necessarily mean bigger seat. All seats hurt until you get into shape. Once you're in shape, smaller is better, less to chafe you and bruise you. Also, the wheelbase on the Cypress is likely longer (with longer chainstays) than the Sedona, so less chance of hitting the panniers with your heals. Big wheels are also more efficient on the road. Brakes can vary, if you keep them clean they will last longer. I don't know about discs, sorry have never owned them. If ladies frame, standard brakes will be less reliable and probably wear faster. Pads are not hard to change and adjust--have someone teach you or take a class on bike maintenance. It's cheaper to do your own, plus if you know how to do stuff, you can make repairs if you break down on your way to or from work. Invaluable. Most locks only slow thieves down. Some don't even do that. See if you can find a place to take it into work. I used to remove the front wheel and put it under the desk in my cube. Beg your employer for safe parking inside. If you can't, spray paint your bike so it looks like crap and that might deter some thieves. Rear Panniers and rack trunk are probably all you need. You probably don't need front panniers, unless you're going to carry lots of stuff to work or start touring. Buy your bike and accessories from a good full-service local bike shop. They have the experience to help you do it right. You'll never regret better information and buying better products. It's much cheaper than buying the wrong stuff that's poorly made--you lose money trading up later. Be sure you have lots of lights all over you and your bike. A helmet mounted headlight is great. You can see better (and light the way where you want to go, not just where the handlebars are pointed) and you can stare down car drivers with your beam so they can't say they didn't see you. I'd pick the Cypress SX out of the lot of Giant models. I've put a few miles on one of these. I'd say it's a nice bike for the money. I'll list the problems that weren't my fault. 4000 miles, brake failure. I think the spring on the V-brake wore out. No matter how clean they were they didn't always open all the way. ~7000 miles, hub failure. No matter who adjusts/repacks, cones loosen up within 200 miles. Bought new wheelset and problems are gone. I went to 27mm rims and usually run 700x42c tires now. 15,000 miles, broke crankarm. It wasn't crash related, but I'm lucky I didn't crash because of it. LBS said they'd send it back to let the manufacturer know about it. Three most important purchase after the bike itself: 1. Helmet 2. Gloves 3. Spare tube and frame pump (and a multi-tool) to keep on the bike for breakdowns. 4. Proper bike shorts Good luck! I'd probably consider pedal/shoes over gloves, but I only wear gloves on the hottest days (summer riding). I also consider fenders a must have item. One wouldn't believe how much dirt fenders keep from flying, and they're okay for rain too. A proper saddle would be a must have item too. |
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