In this thread we will talk about bicycles

Alright I know we've got atleast a couple bike guys on here, I'm looking for some good advice and tips.

I'm considering getting a bike to ride to work a couple times a week and possibly ride some trails.

Approximate commute map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...77162&t=p&z=14

I'd like to spend under $500 on a used bike that I find on CL or the local bike forum (not sure of the Austin one) to see if the habit/routine will stick. I might also try riding some of the locals trails as well.

What kind of bike(s) should I be looking at?
What are the important issues with fitment and comfort when test riding?

Info and advice from bike commuters?
Anything else, let's hear it.

Chris

You should find an OK used bike for $500 on your local Mountain bike forum there in Austin. http://www.bikemojo.com/speak/forumdisplay.php?f=130 They have a lots of riders down there. Sometimes bike stores have some good deals. The one I use had smoking deals on used bikes.

About bikes. I'd keep your choices limited to hardtails (suspension only in the front). Cheap full suspension bikes have such a low quality drivetrain and forks/shocks that you soon outgrow or wear them out. Don't get one more 3-4 years old as the components are out dated.

You most likely need a large or a XL. Drop by a LBS (local Bike Store) and try a few bikes for sizing. They should give you an idea of what size you need. They are gauged by the center tube. 17" is usually an medium. 19" is a large and 21" is XL. But every brand fits differently. For reference I ride a medium, speed and stumpy ride large frames. Justin rides a large but its more of a big medium.

Good brands that are usually for sale used are Specialized, Gary Fischer, Marin, Trek, Kona, Haro. Keep away from department store brands like Wally world carries (Mongoose, etc.).

A new trend now is taller riders prefer riding the 29" wheel set rather than the 26" so you might want to try one of those out. But I'd think there are not many available in your price range.

If you are going to commute you might want to get tires with smaller tread blocks, Stumpy rides on some Continentals that get him good road mileage. Big knobbies will wear out quick and at $30+/- per tire they're not cheap to replace.

If you find something used post the link and we can give you our thoughts.

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Originally Posted by Miatamaniac92

What kind of bike(s) should I be looking at?
What are the important issues with fitment and comfort when test riding?

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If you want to ride in the dirt, get a decent hard-tail mountain bike. Preferably aluminum framed with Shimano components.

IMHO, stand over height is key on MTB fitment. Most everything else is adjustable. Stand flat footed and be sure you can lift the bike straight up at least 2-3" before the top tube hits your crotch.

You didn't say if "trails" meant "off road trails" or "paved bike path trails." If it's the former, the advice above is spot on. Either way, a visit (or several) to your LBS is a very good idea to understand more about what works and what doesn't. If "trails" meant the latter, personally I'd recommend against a MTB. I'd recommend a road bike or at least a hybrid with skinny tires. If your commute is far at all, you might appreciate the speed and easy cruise of skinny, high-pressure tires. The wider the tire (and lower air pressure), the more rolling resistance (and the more ability for traction and cushion off-road). A hybrid will give you a more upright posture and may therefore be more comfortable for you, too.

Since you're in Austin, go by Mellow Johnny's too. It's not a discount house, but it is Lance's house. Also, there are TONS of fantastic scenic and challenging rides around Austin on rural roads, which is another reason to consider a road bike.

Whatever you do, let us know what you decide so we can enjoy your purchase vicariously.

+1 to what Mike said. If Bo still has a 29er SS, see if he'll let you ride it. I was thinking something like a Redline Monocog would be a good ride for what you are describing. OTOH, you've got some elevation and might want gears.

There are a surprising number of bikes out there waiting to be sold. Post a WTB on the bikemojo classifieds with your height, intended use, and price range, and see what pops up.

Check out Paul Dorn's cycle commuting tips.

Wear your helmet.

It's a lot easier to get away with stoppies, wheelies, and hopping on/off the sidewalk with a bicycle than a motorcycle, if that sort of thing appeals to you. :D

Lots of good information in this thread, although I'll disagree with one of the comments that 2K Miata made. I currently ride a '99 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR-XC full suspension bike, and I'll put my ten-year old bike up against any new sub $1.5k mountain bike. :wink: I've ridden high end full suspension rentals in several different places, plus several friends' mid priced hardtails, and I've always come away preferring my old Stumpjumper.

The only really huge technological leap forward that mountain bikes have made in the last decade are in going to disc brakes, and unless you spend a lot of time riding in the wet, good old-fashioned V brakes work just as well. That's not to say that there haven't been small refinements over the years, but most of the differences from year-to-year are marketing, not technological improvements.

In short, don't discount a nice higher end used bike just because it's 3+ years old. Just like buying cars, you can get a lot more for your money if you're smart about shopping used.

Also, try it before you buy it! many LBSs have rental fleets, or will let you rent a prospective purchase before buying. Like Mike said, every brand fits a little differently, and you really need to put a few miles on the saddle to know if a bike is right for you. If you're buying new, a good LBS will take the time to actually fit you to a prospective bike.

What they said.

My new mountain bike came with Kenda Small Block 8's. They roll pretty darn nicely on pavement. No idea what they cost.

Definitely take Bo's 29er for a ride.

Soft-tails are fun, but you'll find you either like them or don't - at least for your application. If I lived in Colorado, I'd probably love having a 22 pound full suspension bike....

And I'll reiterate. Wear your helmet. And replace it once it's been used.

My wife's 22-year-old(!!) Mongoose shifts better than my six-year-old Haro, but that's nothing to do with age and everything to do with the differences in usage (mileage) and care (maintenance).

I'll risk a lengthy public smackdown and suggest Iain's affinity for Ye Olde Specialized is attributable to extended acclimatization and not technical equivalency. Even in a given size, bikes have different geometry (steering head angle, etc.) and will handle differently. Furthermore, demos, loaners, and rentals may not have the fit "dialed in". (Which brings us back to the importance of a good fit.)

Thanks for all the great advice so far guys, keep it coming.

Is this the Harris Hill Bo everyone is referring to?

Chris

Boisking. He and his new bride recently moved to Austin.

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Originally Posted by tailchaser

What they said.
And I'll reiterate. Wear your helmet. And replace it once it's been used.

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+1 on this.

I've busted one helmet going over the bars and I was going under 5 mph. Even riding over to the mailbox I'll wear my helmet. The ground comes up pretty quick and will whack you hard before you'll know it.

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Originally Posted by redmenace

Furthermore, demos, loaners, and rentals may not have the fit "dialed in"...

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Yeah, Chris is the "King" of demos so he knows a lot about that topic :)

I'm glad/lucky I never got hurt as a kid riding bikes, never wore a helmet back then.

I've seen the light and equate it to the importance of wearing a helmet on a motorcycle as well.

Chris

I commuted to and from work solely by bicycle during five of the seven years I was in Japan. All paved, so I dropped some serious money on a road bike, and unfortunately, replacement helmets.

If I had to do it again, I'd look at getting an appropriately sized road bike (56cm for me), probably with Shimano Ultegra components, and tire tools and allen wrenches to carry in an underseat bag or backpack. I'd also get a good battery operated (possibly rechargeable) light, flashing tail light, and the Shimano mountain bike clipless pedal system that lets you walk in the clipless shoes. (I think it is called SPD). Performancebike used to have some real warm gloves, those came in handy for those rainy winter commutes. I'd also get a men's saddle - there was an article in Bicycling years ago about the pressure that saddles can put on the wrong place causing damage that even Viagra can't fix.

As far as trail riding, I'm clueless.

Hope this helps.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by redmenace

I'll risk a lengthy public smackdown and suggest Iain's affinity for Ye Olde Specialized is attributable to extended acclimatization and not technical equivalency. Even in a given size, bikes have different geometry (steering head angle, etc.) and will handle differently. Furthermore, demos, loaners, and rentals may not have the fit "dialed in". (Which brings us back to the importance of a good fit.)

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I’ll definitely agree that I’m very comfortable with my bike, but that’s only part of it. I’ve ridden several high-end rental bikes (the kind where I bring my own pedals and the shop adjusts the spring rate, stem length, and bar angle, etc. based on rider size and preferences) in places like Winter Park and Sedona, and I’ve yet to ride one that made me think about spending money on a new bike. That’s not to say I don’t ogle the new bikes every time I walk into the local bike shop, but I’d have to spend a bunch of money to buy one that was lighter and spec’ed better than my current bike, even though mine probably isn’t worth much at all on the used market.

I’m just suggesting that Chris might be better off buying a 5-year old $1500 bike for $500 than a new $500 bike. Just like a car, you can get way more for your money buying used, if you find the right bike.

+2 on the helmet – I don’t ride anywhere without one. Also keep in mind that the foam that makes up a bike helmet breaks down over time with UV exposure. A good rule of thumb is to replace your helmet every 2-3 years, or if it takes a blow in a crash.

No one's gonna share pics of their current rides?? Thought you bunch would wanna show off..:D

Gonna try and hit a few stores tommorow afternoon. In the meantime, thoughts on this one:

http://austin.craigslist.org/bik/1313003553.html

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Trek ZX 7000 Mens Mountain Bike - $325 (Round Rock)

Date: 2009-08-08, 4:25PM CDT
Reply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]

Trek ZX 7000 mens mountain bike.
All aluminum 53 cm (21") frame. appropriate for rider over 6 feet tall. Very light weight.
Judy Rockshox front suspension, hard tail.
Shimano Deore XT components. 21 gears.
Avid brakes.
Icon handle bar and crank set.
Bontrage rims with knobby tires in good condition.

This is a beautiful bike in great condition. An older friend bought it new and road it twice. Then he stored it for several years before I purchased it from him. I've had it for about 2 years and have only riden on hike and bike trails. So the bike is probably 7 years old but has been gently used and looks nearly new. The components are awesome, very smooth. Shimano shifters are thumb trigger style and are very accurate. This is a excellent bike for a good price. Trek makes a fine product.

Why am I selling it? It doesn't really fit me as I am 5'-10" and this frame is for someone over 6'. I always knew this but have enjoyed the bike so much I didn't want to get rid of it. But riding an oversized bike can be a dangerous proposition so I will purchase something that better fits me.

Cash only - $325.

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Chris

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Miatamaniac92

Gonna try and hit a few stores tommorow afternoon. In the meantime, thoughts on this one:
http://austin.craigslist.org/bik/1313003553.html

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Looks like it could be a deal....keep us posted.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sammm

Looks like it could be a deal....keep us posted.

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Goods or bads?

So good price for the age and components?

Chris

Decent price but not great price. Also, a 21" is a big frame size.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Miatamaniac92

No one's gonna share pics of their current rides?? Thought you bunch would wanna show off..:D

Gonna try and hit a few stores tommorow afternoon. In the meantime, thoughts on this one:

http://austin.craigslist.org/bik/1313003553.html
Chris

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This posting has been deleted. Did you get it?

Have you checked out a Performance Bicycle store near you?

He sold it. I'm still looking around.

Chris

How 'bout half off a new 29er with decent starter components, from a retailer that offers lifetime adjustments?

Access XCL 9.5 | reg. $900 at Performance Bike.

Thanks but my work commute has changed and school is too far for cycling to be practical right now.

Chris

I just found this thread.

You are definately welcome to try out my GT Peace 9r whenever. It ain't no speed demon on roads, but It'll get you through a nasty trail just fine. I commute on an old road bike (most of the time) from Kyle to S. Austin (20 miles) for work, and from Kyle to San Marcos (11 miles) for school. I reccommend replacing your drive with a ride.

MTB will get you around the city just fine, albiet slower and with more effort. The right tires for a fast commute will NOT be any good for trails. Good MTB tires will wear out quickly on pavement.