Bike suggestion

Greetings,

I am thinking of purchasing a bike. I like the hybrid type, more
comfortable
than a road bike and more efficient than a mountain one. I do not
need flashy features, and would rather have my money well spent on
quality and reliability.
For example, I do not really need 21 speeds. Could you suggest
makes/models in the $200-300 range? Do you think buying used is a
good idea?

have a good day.

-Josh

"Josh" wrote in message
om...

I am thinking of purchasing a bike. I like the hybrid type, more
comfortable
than a road bike and more efficient than a mountain one. I do not

Have you actually ridden a road bike? I keep hearing people say "I want
something more comfortable than a road bike". I am not sure what they
mean. A good road bike has multiple hand positions. It can be ridden
nearly uprate or, if riding into the wind, down in a crouch. Its faster
and more manuverible and easier to ride.

Or a touring bike, which can often accommodate wider tires, fenders and a frame
with a little more give.

Hey Josh,
One type of bike I never recommend to folks are hybrids. They're supposed to
be a cross between a mountain and road bike but don't do either very well.
If you're gonna do some miles strictly on pavement then go with the road
bike. For versatility I'd recommend a mountain bike. They're far more
versatile and durable than a hybrid. I commute daily on a mountain bike,
roughly 16 miles round trip. I've outfitted it with 26x2.0 slicks, nice bar
ends, fenders, and a Delta rack. I used to have a hybrid and hated it,
mostly because of the bike's limitations and lack of available options like
tire types and sizes.

As for the number of gears, most people rarely use all their available gears
but it's really nice to have them if you need them. I did a tour through
central Virginia (very hilly) a few years back and really wished I had a
triple ring setup on my road bike.

I have three bikes and they're all Giants, but I'm partial to them. Most
manufacturers make good bikes in all price ranges. It's a personal taste
thing. Buying a used bike is an excellent idea especially if you're not sure
exactly what you're looking for. I've bought many used. However, if you're
not an experienced rider I definately recommend going to a good bike shop.
They'll make sure you get one that fits you, even if it's used. That's very
important. I hope you find a bike you like and have a great time with it.
Take care -

Josh wrote in message
om...
Greetings,

I am thinking of purchasing a bike. I like the hybrid type, more
comfortable
than a road bike and more efficient than a mountain one. I do not
need flashy features, and would rather have my money well spent on
quality and reliability.
For example, I do not really need 21 speeds. Could you suggest
makes/models in the $200-300 range? Do you think buying used is a
good idea?

have a good day.

-Josh

"El Calaverada" wrote in message
om...
Hey Josh,
One type of bike I never recommend to folks are hybrids. They're supposed
to
be a cross between a mountain and road bike but don't do either very well.
If you're gonna do some miles strictly on pavement then go with the road
bike. For versatility I'd recommend a mountain bike. They're far more
versatile and durable than a hybrid. I commute daily on a mountain bike,
roughly 16 miles round trip. I've outfitted it with 26x2.0 slicks, nice
bar
ends, fenders, and a Delta rack. I used to have a hybrid and hated it,
mostly because of the bike's limitations and lack of available options
like
tire types and sizes.

As for the number of gears, most people rarely use all their available
gears
but it's really nice to have them if you need them. I did a tour through
central Virginia (very hilly) a few years back and really wished I had a
triple ring setup on my road bike.

I have three bikes and they're all Giants, but I'm partial to them. Most
manufacturers make good bikes in all price ranges. It's a personal taste
thing. Buying a used bike is an excellent idea especially if you're not
sure
exactly what you're looking for. I've bought many used. However, if you're
not an experienced rider I definately recommend going to a good bike shop.
They'll make sure you get one that fits you, even if it's used. That's
very
important. I hope you find a bike you like and have a great time with it.
Take care -

Josh wrote in message
om...
Greetings,

I am thinking of purchasing a bike. I like the hybrid type, more
comfortable
than a road bike and more efficient than a mountain one. I do not
need flashy features, and would rather have my money well spent on
quality and reliability.
For example, I do not really need 21 speeds. Could you suggest
makes/models in the $200-300 range? Do you think buying used is a
good idea?

have a good day.

-Josh

I have an hybrid. I have to agree that the lack of hand positions is a
problem.

I fixed it partially by adding "horn" type handles on the bar ends. It's
not as bad
but when I use those I do not have access to speed controls or brakes which
make their usefullness limited in town. I am planing a 3 days trip so I
might use them
more then.

For the rest, not much to say. I don't know how I lived without a
suspension
I have one on the fork and one on the saddle and I love them both. Wheels
are
not as tough as mountain bikes but I have given them a little abuse with
holes I could
not avoid and to my surprise no damage on them.

You are probably right that road bikes are better if you want to do
travelling and
mountain bikes if you need it in town but I can't really complain about my
bike.

200-300$ seems a bit low for good quality tough... used you could probably
find
something decent.

Thanks for the replies.

I saw the Giant Sedona ST, Gary Fisher Advance, Capitola, Tarpon for sale
between $200 and $300. Do you think their build quality is good enough?

I did not ride road bikes before. I just assume the riding position is
not compfortable.

Josh

"Daniel Crispin" wrote in message ...
"El Calaverada" wrote in message
om...
Hey Josh,
One type of bike I never recommend to folks are hybrids. They're supposed
to
be a cross between a mountain and road bike but don't do either very well.
If you're gonna do some miles strictly on pavement then go with the road
bike. For versatility I'd recommend a mountain bike. They're far more
versatile and durable than a hybrid. I commute daily on a mountain bike,
roughly 16 miles round trip. I've outfitted it with 26x2.0 slicks, nice
bar
ends, fenders, and a Delta rack. I used to have a hybrid and hated it,
mostly because of the bike's limitations and lack of available options
like
tire types and sizes.

As for the number of gears, most people rarely use all their available
gears
but it's really nice to have them if you need them. I did a tour through
central Virginia (very hilly) a few years back and really wished I had a
triple ring setup on my road bike.

I have three bikes and they're all Giants, but I'm partial to them. Most
manufacturers make good bikes in all price ranges. It's a personal taste
thing. Buying a used bike is an excellent idea especially if you're not
sure
exactly what you're looking for. I've bought many used. However, if you're
not an experienced rider I definately recommend going to a good bike shop.
They'll make sure you get one that fits you, even if it's used. That's
very
important. I hope you find a bike you like and have a great time with it.
Take care -

Josh wrote in message
om...
Greetings,

I am thinking of purchasing a bike. I like the hybrid type, more
comfortable
than a road bike and more efficient than a mountain one. I do not
need flashy features, and would rather have my money well spent on
quality and reliability.
For example, I do not really need 21 speeds. Could you suggest
makes/models in the $200-300 range? Do you think buying used is a
good idea?

have a good day.

-Josh

I have an hybrid. I have to agree that the lack of hand positions is a
problem.

I fixed it partially by adding "horn" type handles on the bar ends. It's
not as bad
but when I use those I do not have access to speed controls or brakes which
make their usefullness limited in town. I am planing a 3 days trip so I
might use them
more then.

For the rest, not much to say. I don't know how I lived without a
suspension
I have one on the fork and one on the saddle and I love them both. Wheels
are
not as tough as mountain bikes but I have given them a little abuse with
holes I could
not avoid and to my surprise no damage on them.

You are probably right that road bikes are better if you want to do
travelling and
mountain bikes if you need it in town but I can't really complain about my
bike.

200-300$ seems a bit low for good quality tough... used you could probably
find
something decent.

In article ,
says...
Greetings,
I am thinking of purchasing a bike. I like the hybrid type, more
comfortable
than a road bike and more efficient than a mountain one. I do not
need flashy features, and would rather have my money well spent on
quality and reliability.
For example, I do not really need 21 speeds. Could you suggest
makes/models in the $200-300 range? Do you think buying used is a
good idea?

Used is a good idea if you get a good bike at a good price. You need to be
able to identify a bike that has a worn drivetrain or has other problems
that will require lots of money to fix. A work drive train could easily
set you back $100 for new chainrings, chain and cassette. Find a reputable
bike shop and see what they have in your price range. A friend of mine
recently bought a Specialized Crossroads for $280. They are very happy
with the bike so far. In their price range this was the best bike of the
bunch.
--------------
Alex

Raleigh also gives a lot for the money.
I'm happy with my Schwinn Voyageur with SRAM dualdrive. A great commuter
bike and for short rides. The dualdrive lets you shift while standing
still, simplifies the shifting, less mechanism to jam or jump. Costs a
little more for that.
Ed

"Josh" wrote in message
om...
Thanks for the replies.

I saw the Giant Sedona ST, Gary Fisher Advance, Capitola, Tarpon for sale
between $200 and $300. Do you think their build quality is good enough?

I did not ride road bikes before. I just assume the riding position is
not compfortable.

Josh

"Daniel Crispin" wrote in message
...
"El Calaverada" wrote in message
om...
Hey Josh,
One type of bike I never recommend to folks are hybrids. They're
supposed
to
be a cross between a mountain and road bike but don't do either very
well.
If you're gonna do some miles strictly on pavement then go with the
road
bike. For versatility I'd recommend a mountain bike. They're far more
versatile and durable than a hybrid. I commute daily on a mountain
bike,
roughly 16 miles round trip. I've outfitted it with 26x2.0 slicks,
nice
bar
ends, fenders, and a Delta rack. I used to have a hybrid and hated it,
mostly because of the bike's limitations and lack of available options
like
tire types and sizes.

As for the number of gears, most people rarely use all their available
gears
but it's really nice to have them if you need them. I did a tour
through
central Virginia (very hilly) a few years back and really wished I had
a
triple ring setup on my road bike.

I have three bikes and they're all Giants, but I'm partial to them.
Most
manufacturers make good bikes in all price ranges. It's a personal
taste
thing. Buying a used bike is an excellent idea especially if you're
not
sure
exactly what you're looking for. I've bought many used. However, if
you're
not an experienced rider I definately recommend going to a good bike
shop.
They'll make sure you get one that fits you, even if it's used. That's
very
important. I hope you find a bike you like and have a great time with
it.
Take care -

Josh wrote in message
om...
Greetings,

I am thinking of purchasing a bike. I like the hybrid type, more
comfortable
than a road bike and more efficient than a mountain one. I do not
need flashy features, and would rather have my money well spent on
quality and reliability.
For example, I do not really need 21 speeds. Could you suggest
makes/models in the $200-300 range? Do you think buying used is a
good idea?

have a good day.

-Josh

I have an hybrid. I have to agree that the lack of hand positions is a
problem.

I fixed it partially by adding "horn" type handles on the bar ends.
It's
not as bad
but when I use those I do not have access to speed controls or brakes
which
make their usefullness limited in town. I am planing a 3 days trip so I
might use them
more then.

For the rest, not much to say. I don't know how I lived without a
suspension
I have one on the fork and one on the saddle and I love them both.
Wheels
are
not as tough as mountain bikes but I have given them a little abuse with
holes I could
not avoid and to my surprise no damage on them.

You are probably right that road bikes are better if you want to do
travelling and
mountain bikes if you need it in town but I can't really complain about
my
bike.

200-300$ seems a bit low for good quality tough... used you could
probably
find
something decent.

Subject: Bike suggestion
From: "El Calaverada"
Date: 7/12/2004 9:35 PM US Eastern Standard Time
Message-id:

Hey Josh,
One type of bike I never recommend to folks are hybrids. They're supposed to
be a cross between a mountain and road bike but don't do either very well.
If you're gonna do some miles strictly on pavement then go with the road
bike. For versatility I'd recommend a mountain bike. They're far more
versatile and durable than a hybrid. I commute daily on a mountain bike,
roughly 16 miles round trip. I've outfitted it with 26x2.0 slicks, nice bar
ends, fenders, and a Delta rack. I used to have a hybrid and hated it,
mostly because of the bike's limitations and lack of available options like
tire types and sizes.

As for the number of gears, most people rarely use all their available gears
but it's really nice to have them if you need them. I did a tour through
central Virginia (very hilly) a few years back and really wished I had a
triple ring setup on my road bike.

I have three bikes and they're all Giants, but I'm partial to them. Most
manufacturers make good bikes in all price ranges. It's a personal taste
thing. Buying a used bike is an excellent idea especially if you're not sure
exactly what you're looking for. I've bought many used. However, if you're
not an experienced rider I definately recommend going to a good bike shop.
They'll make sure you get one that fits you, even if it's used. That's very
important. I hope you find a bike you like and have a great time with it.
Take care -


What kind of bike would be recommended for riding a lot of dirt roads?
I was thinking about getting a hybrid to ride them..?

"Josh" wrote in message
om...
Thanks for the replies.

I saw the Giant Sedona ST, Gary Fisher Advance, Capitola, Tarpon for sale
between $200 and $300. Do you think their build quality is good enough?

I did not ride road bikes before. I just assume the riding position is
not compfortable.

My daughter (17) got a Sedona last year and likes it. It seems well made.
Other manufacturers will have similar models.

On my daughter's bike, we swapped out the standard tires in favor of slicks,
because the bike is ridden almost entirely on pavement (and the rest is
crushed limestone). This is a common practice and you should expect only to
pay the difference in the price of the tires.