 bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
|
OP
Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
This is a very diverse group on here and I know Fish is into BMX and Moe seems to do some pedaling as well. Maybe there are others that will chime in... Im in the market for a bicycle. I don't want a used bike and will be buying new. Im looking at Mountain and (what I have gathered is) a new category refereed to as Hybrid or Urban depending on who you talk to. After the sticker shock wore off (which in all actuality was not bad considering the last bike I bought cost me $500 and that was well over 20 years ago and had half the technology built into it that new bikes today have) I know I will be in the price range of 500-700. Seems like after 700 the prices jump to the 1000+ range and I can not justify spending that if Im not sure this will stick with me. Ok... to the point... Type of riding: Ill be riding mostly paved trails but I do have a mix of some gravel in teh area and to my surprise there is a MTB course only a couple miles form the home. I might give that a try one day, who knows. Personal info: Im 6-1, 330#, bad back but not horrible. Bikes on the short list: Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 29 Specialized - Crosstrail Sport Disc This one goes slightly over teh budget but is basically there for comparison. Giant - Roam 2 Giant - Talon 27.5 4 So... any opinions?
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
I BMX raced, 24" open cruiser class, from 30-47 yrs of age. My LAST year I broke my collar bone twice, and had a concussion and ten stitches INSIDE my mouth along with the second collar bone break.
I can tell you two things.
1.) There comes a time (age) when a man has to admit he IS going to go down in the dirt, and NOT get back up, and suffer job related consequences.
2.) many 16-20 year old experts will be on 20" bikes that they have $800 in, while many (including mine) 5-9 year old rookies will be on $3,000 Juniors, cause DADDY has the cash!
I'm planning to get rid of the Yamaha's this next year, cause at 57, I'm just tired of hitting the trees, and/or dirt, EVERY DAMN DAY I RIDE. (yes, I'm good, but NO PRO).
I mean, THINK ABOUT IT, your riding in the DIRT. And common sense leaves when the male ego comes.
Stick with a road bike, and ride the paved trails.
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,465 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,465 Likes: 2 |
1. Review; http://www.nsmb.com/2. Spend thousands of dollars 3. Select an orthopedic specialist - in advance that accepts your insurance. 4. Line up an alternate source of pain relievers (your doctor will limit your supply). 5. Hopefully, your fingers will survive so you can tell us how it goes. 6. Remember, chicks don't always dig scars. I started riding again about 8 months ago. I'm still using the $400 7-speed Hybrid I bought a few years ago and haven't even considered bringing my old roadbike down from the garage wall. When I look at the magazines and see the technology that's out there now, I get  If I had it to do over, I'd probably go with a steel frame instead of aluminum. It has a little more "give". I run 70 PSI, so I'd also rather have a frame with some simple suspension. Disc brakes have improved enough that they're pretty much standard, but if you get in cruddy conditions, you may have problems. You're not cool unless you wear a helmet. I'm not cool! Have fun! I also invested in a Cloud 9 saddle (I'm 230#) and if you've never tried a pair of chamois lined riding shorts - you should. Not Spandex, just regular shorts, with no center seam. Only other riders will even know you've got them on. How common is that 27.5 on the Giant? I've seen a lot of 29's lately, but I've never noticed that size. I'll shut up now... 
Last edited by Hermit; 08/08/2013 7:59 PM.
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
I used to race MTB's off road (of course). Now I ride occasionally for fun.
I have the following:
1995 Pro-Flex Animal dual-suspension with a 1997 Manitou ti fork, Magura hydraulic brakes, & lots of expensive Ti components & various other upgrades. It now primarily lives on the wall.
1994 Cannondale R500 triple ring road bike, with MTB running gear & 700c wheels, & various other upgrades. It lives in the basement, on an indoor trainer I no longer use.
1991 Trek 7000 MTB with specialized suspension fork & various upgrades. This is my former race bike. I crashed it really hard in September 1994 & have not raced since. It has 26" wheel road tires, & this is the one I normally ride when I ride a bike.
I also have a couple of folding bikes; one is road oriented with full fenders & the other is a dual suspension MTB style. The MTB folder sometimes serves as alternate transportation if one of the SUV's needs to be dropped off for service.
If what you want is a runabout/excercise/general bike, then think hybrid or city bike.
Bicycles are stupid-cheap now compared to what they were two decades ago, & you get so much more now for your money.
Z, any of the bikes you linked to should do just fine. Just make sure you get the correct size frame.
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Steel frames are way more forgiving than aluminum. Your butt will thank you.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
Quote:
I BMX raced, 24" open cruiser class, from 30-47 yrs of age. My LAST year I broke my collar bone twice, and had a concussion and ten stitches INSIDE my mouth along with the second collar bone break.
I can tell you two things.
1.) There comes a time (age) when a man has to admit he IS going to go down in the dirt, and NOT get back up, and suffer job related consequences.
2.) many 16-20 year old experts will be on 20" bikes that they have $800 in, while many (including mine) 5-9 year old rookies will be on $3,000 Juniors, cause DADDY has the cash!
I'm planning to get rid of the Yamaha's this next year, cause at 57, I'm just tired of hitting the trees, and/or dirt, EVERY DAMN DAY I RIDE. (yes, I'm good, but NO PRO).
I mean, THINK ABOUT IT, your riding in the DIRT. And common sense leaves when the male ego comes.
Stick with a road bike, and ride the paved trails.
While I freely admit to busting my ass many, many times on a mountain bike, with surgery and scars to prove it, the people I know who have truly and earnestly gotten so @#cked up that they either died or had their body mangled in such a way that their lives were never quite right again, each and every one of them, were riding road bikes.
I'll taking gravity over a collision with a speeding motor vehicle every single time unless you live in an area with a boundless supply of paved trails.
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
|
|
OP
Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Ill be primarily on paved trails. This is to get my fat arse off the couch and active again BUT I am a heft dude and I need a bike that will handle the abuse a bigger framed individual will provide... that the reason mountain bikes are an option. One of my biggest concerns was the front suspension. BTW... most everything out there now that falls into the MTB, HYB category has front suspension. Suntour makes the front ends for 85%, or more, of the bikes out there... and reviews are ok but always critical. I really didn't want to spend the money on a nike and realize I need a better front end only to sink another 500 into it. Funny... no issues sinking $$$$ into the Triumph  ANYWAY... I was introduced to and rode a very nice bike today... Specialized Crave Comp 29. Rock Shox with adjustable air dampener and remote lock out (this means you can lock or unlock with the flick of a switch). Shimano XTR derailer, with Shimano Deore brakes and such... NICE! Deore was on the high end of components that I expected but that XTR was nice and smooth. The bad part is that is has essentially doubled my original budget and Im having a hard time with that.  Oh... after pedaling for a couple blocks I was beat. Man Im outta shape!
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 129
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 129 |
XTR is the highest level that Shimano makes for MTBs, while Deore is mid-range. Remote lockout is sweet, but if you're mainly doing paved trails and not a lot of climbing, it's not really necessary. Remote lockout comes in handy when you're climbing hard and you're out of the saddle. It keeps the front end from rebounding and wasting energy.
FYI.
And check your PM box.
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
I was pricing tires for my bike the other day,I could get one tire for a little less than a tire for my motorcycle,I dont think the bike was that much new.It is a Sekine 10 speed,I have three of them and love riding them all. 
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291 |
I'm a little shorter and a little lighter (not much in either case) and come from a background of riding road bikes (so even my MTB is fitted with narrow city tires). But for the sort of riding you are describing I use a Trek Waubesa. Stock, it takes my weight without an issue (whereas I have to have the wheels of my road bikes especially built with heavy gauge spokes). It has the 8 speed Nexus internal gear hub (so you get the gear range needed for paved trailers but not the hassle/risk of derailleurs). They stopped the model this year but you should be able to find one in a stockist.
Caspian Blue '03 BA, Union Jack/Stars and Stripes paint, BUBs, Progressive 812s, and lots of chrome
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
My serious bikes are a mix of old-school XTR/XT components. No complaints.
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
...I'll taking gravity over a collision with a speeding motor vehicle every single time unless you live in an area with a boundless supply of paved trails.
+1
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 291 |
I use the XTR/XT components on my MTB and touring bike, but would still take the Nexus hub over them for everyday hacking with minimum maintenance....bit like my BAs, both ride great, but one I have to clean with a toothbrush, each time I use it, whilst the other I clean with a hose, and only when it needs it.
Last edited by Martin62; 08/09/2013 2:11 PM.
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
I use the XTR/XT components on my MTB and touring bike, but would still take the Nexus hub over them for everyday hacking with minimum maintenance....bit like my BAs, both ride great, but one I have to clean with a toothbrush, each time I was it, whilst the other I clean with a hose, and only when it needs it.
The cleanup goes much easier when one stops lubing the chain 
Ian,...Ian,...Ian,...anyone....
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
While I freely admit to busting my ass many, many times on a mountain bike, with surgery and scars to prove it, the people I know who have truly and earnestly gotten so @#cked up that they either died or had their body mangled in such a way that their lives were never quite right again, each and every one of them, were riding road bikes.
I'll taking gravity over a collision with a speeding motor vehicle every single time unless you live in an area with a boundless supply of paved trails.
Read it again. 
But to reiterate, "and ride the paved trails. "
"...unless you live in an area with a boundless supply of paved trails. "
Yes, HERE in "paradise", WE DO! 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988 |
I ride a 1996 or 97 Trek 7000 hardtail with front suspension and I love the bike. It has always worked well even riding some pretty intense trails and taking abuse. It sat for a while, when I got too busy to ride, then I decided to get back into it and went out and bought a new Gary Fisher HI-FI Deluxe full suspension. I had some upgrades installed before I took it home and went riding a couple times and after spending about $1500.00, I found that I prefer the old Trek over the new full suspension bike. It has lock outs and all the bells and whistles. It is a $2500.00 bike but I got a great deal on it as it was a leftover and I know the guy at the bike shop pretty well after buying about 8-10 bikes for either me or my kids. All I can tell you is ride a couple different bikes and see which one you feel most comfortable on and buy it and don't look back. And if you were a prior rider you will find that after riding your butt will be sore as he11 but you just gotta keep riding your muscles will get used to it and you will be able to ride long distances before long. Good luck and enjoy! 
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,254
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,254 |
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
here ya go mate
  
+1! 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
|
|
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
All valve stems are perfectly aligned. What are the chances?! 
Live to love, love to live.
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
All valve stems are perfectly aligned. What are the chances?!
How anal!
But I'M that anal too. 
I do that shizt anytime the auto's are up on a jack. Like it's gonna stay that way after two turns. 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,202 Likes: 11
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,202 Likes: 11 |
I can see we are right on track here! Well, Let's put it this way, I bought a nice bike that lasted about 25 years (a nice Bianchi road bike). It cost more than a bike bought at Walmart, but I think in the end, I got my money's worth. So, Z, whatever you end up getting, make sure you buy some quality stuff, try it first so you know how it will fit you well, tweak it for yourself, and just like your Triumph, get the good stuff. The cheapest quality wise will be going with the big brands, like Giant, Trek, ... But don't count out the little guys. There are some custom brands out there that are very close in terms of pricing, yet give you something much more personalised and close to what you really want... and it will last you many, many years.
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,483 Likes: 6
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,483 Likes: 6 |
'04' Black America
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,465 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,465 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
http://compare.ebay.com/like/190872695174?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
Here you go, if you want to make some spare coin while pedaling.
I see a guy around here pulling a small trailer with a 3'x6' (?) advertising sign on it. He sticks to the main roads and my guess he's working for one of the "sign spinning" companies. One day when I can safely stop and talk to him, I want to find out.
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
|
|
OP
Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
You guys are funny... We rode a total of 10 bikes between Fri and Sun. Karen got a Trek 4300 Disc and I got a Trek Mamba. Both were more than we wanted to spend but we got the LBS (local bike shop) to match the lower prices from another place (better service from the local small joint vs crappy service but better priced one). Both are mountain bikes and both are getting more street able tires put on (Karens is done, mine are on order). Both had seats upgraded (more cushion needed) to gel saddles. Were now searching for helmets. The issue is me... Im being very critical with how the lid feels on the noggen. Also looking for a rack. Damn... bike racks are extensive... even the cheaper ones.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,465 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,465 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Also looking for a rack. Damn... bike racks are extensive... even the cheaper ones.
Believe it or not, Wal-Mart has a pretty good selection of racks too. It's where I got mine < $25. Good LED lights are also really cheap now. I picked up a good sized bag at K-Mart for $15. I'm no snob, I can live with the Bell brand.
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302 |
I noticed the brakes on Z's short list bikes were a new style disc brake? not the typical pinch the rim brake. Cool!
2006 neon blue speedmaster
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
... bike racks are extensive...
Not if you know what you want & aren't in a hurry; nice racks turn up pretty cheap on Ebay from time to time.
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,202 Likes: 11
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,202 Likes: 11 |
As for a helmet, I got a Giro Atmos, the lightest and most comfortable helmet ever... Wind goes through like it wasn't even there.
|
|
|
Re: bicycle advice....
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
|
|
OP
Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
I noticed the brakes on Z's short list bikes were a new style disc brake? not the typical pinch the rim brake. Cool!
They make them cable or hydraulic, single or dual piston and variations that use DOT4 or mineral oil.
Hydraulic disc brakes was not an option... too many hills here and when you get 300+# of my fat arse moving it takes a bit to stop
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
|
|
|
|
|
