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I want to get a bike; ...suggestions?
Topic Started: Jan 1 2008, 12:19 PM (609 Views)
The 89th Key
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I haven't owned a bike in a while, but there are many (paved) paths here, so I guess I am looking for more of a speed or road bike than a mountain bike.

Any suggestions on where I should look, how much I should be expecting to pay, etc.

I'm probably looking at a 200-400 dollar purchase, nothing too professional, but something I can use to ride for 30 miles, or even in a local triathlon.

I was thinking of checking out what's available on Craigslist, since I think if I go to a bike store it might be really expensive. :leaving:
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ivorythumper
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I am so adjective that I verb nouns!
Be sure to get one with training wheels. A bell and streamers would be cool.
The dogma lives loudly within me.
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sue
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HOLY CARP!!!
ivorythumper
Jan 1 2008, 01:57 PM
Be sure to get one with training wheels.  A bell and streamers would be cool.

Ooh, and one of those groovy banana seats. Remember those?
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Frank_W
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Resident Misanthrope
Sue beat me to it!! :lol2:

Just make sure you can quickly touch the ground with your feet. Sliding off the seat and banging your nacho on the crossbar really f'cking hurts!! :angry:

Percussive Vasectomy! :angry:
Anatomy Prof: "The human body has about 20 sq. meters of skin."
Me: "Man, that's a lot of lampshades!"
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jon-nyc
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Cheers
Nacho? Mine's shaped more like a burrito.


(ps - 89, don't you love the great advice you're getting on this thread? ;) )
In my defense, I was left unsupervised.
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Frank_W
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Resident Misanthrope
:lol2: A burrito?? :unsure: Not sure I want to attempt to figure that one out. :hide: :lol2:
Anatomy Prof: "The human body has about 20 sq. meters of skin."
Me: "Man, that's a lot of lampshades!"
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John D'Oh
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MAMIL
A small piece of cardboard attached to the frame so that it vibrates against the spokes will make it sound almost exactly like a motorbike, which saves money, is good for the environment and won't ruin any slim chance you may have of pulling the girls whilst wearing skin-tight spandex.
What do you mean "we", have you got a mouse in your pocket?
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sue
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HOLY CARP!!!
John D'Oh
Jan 1 2008, 02:38 PM
whilst wearing skin-tight spandex.

and let's be clear, no pictures are required. :tongue:
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Optimistic
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HOLY CARP!!!
If you're looking to spend between $200 and $400, DEFINITELY avoid the bike stores. I don't think you can find a decent road bike for under $500 (and even that would be cutting it cheap!)

Craigslist has TONS of stuff. If you can, get fitted for a bike before searching; that might help narrow it down a bit. (I suggest going into REI or some specialty bike shop and act like you're looking to buy).

Depending on how well the bike was taken care of, you might want to take it in for a tune-up (the basic usually is about $100). Then there are the accessories: portable pump, tubes, maybe new tires (don't skimp on the tires- buy the puncture resistant kind! I've always had good results with Armadillos), a patch kit, and a bag to carry them in.
PHOTOS

I must have a prodigious quantity of mind; it takes me as much as a week, sometimes, to make it up.
- Mark Twain


We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
-T. S. Eliot
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ivorythumper
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I am so adjective that I verb nouns!
John D'Oh
Jan 1 2008, 02:38 PM
A small piece of cardboard attached to the frame so that it vibrates against the spokes will make it sound almost exactly like a motorbike, which saves money, is good for the environment and won't ruin any slim chance you may have of pulling the girls whilst wearing skin-tight spandex.

I was going to mention the trick of attaching a playing card to the frame with a clothes pin. As we used to say in 3rd grade -- "That's BOSS!"
The dogma lives loudly within me.
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John D'Oh
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MAMIL
I had one of these. They were total chick magnets. This one's been modified a bit so it isn't quite as cool, obviously.

Posted Image
What do you mean "we", have you got a mouse in your pocket?
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katie
Fulla-Carp
Optimistic
Jan 1 2008, 02:45 PM
If you're looking to spend between $200 and $400, DEFINITELY avoid the bike stores.  I don't think you can find a decent road bike for under $500 (and even that would be cutting it cheap!)

Craigslist has TONS of stuff.  If you can, get fitted for a bike before searching; that might help narrow it down a bit.  (I suggest going into REI or some specialty bike shop and act like you're looking to buy).

Depending on how well the bike was taken care of, you might want to take it in for a tune-up (the basic usually is about $100).  Then there are the accessories:  portable pump, tubes, maybe new tires (don't skimp on the tires- buy the puncture resistant kind!  I've always had good results with Armadillos), a patch kit, and a bag to carry them in.

You're getting good advice here 89th. Hubby bikes a fair bit, trains all year, does ~3 events each season. I what I'd suggest, is to scope out 2 bike stores: At Store #1, make like you're a buyer, get the right advice, definitely get fitted, then, at Store #2 tell them you're buying a used bike, inquire, arrange for them to tune up your purchase for you. You definitely need something that's in top shape if you'll be putting in that type of mileage training. There too exist stores that are bent toward tri-guys & gals. You might get good advice there.

I'd also like to try triathlon, perhaps one of these Try-A-Tri things first. The thing is, I haven't a clue how to change a bike tire or anything, so I'd be SOL, out of the race if anything happened bike wise during an event, but what the heck, eh? I understand there are courses that help people do their first triathlons. I'd need that for myself.

Happy New Year btw. :)

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jodi
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Fulla-Carp
Whatever you do, make sure the bike fits you - not only the length of your leg, but the length of your torso - it makes a HUGE difference in how comfortable and effortless the bike is to ride. I couldn't believe how enjoyable riding became once I bought a decent bike.

:) Jodi
:) Jodi
my artlog ~ todayatmydesk.weebly.com
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Optimistic
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HOLY CARP!!!
katie
Jan 1 2008, 05:22 PM
I think what I'd add, is scope out 2 bike stores:  At Store #1, make like you're a buyer, get the right advice, definitely get fitted, then, at Store #2 tell them you're buying a used bike, inquire, arrange for them to tune up your purchase for you. 


Ooh- good thinking ahead, Katie. I like that idea. :thumb:

I'd also love to try a triathlon, but I don't think the swimming portion would work out for me. I have great endurance in the water, but never learned the correct technique. I don't put my face in the water for freestyle. I'd probably look very silly in a race. ^_^

I did do a light, local duathlon on two separate occasions, though. Run 2.1 mi, bike 15, run 2.1 again. It was lots of fun (it was Halloween themed), but my legs felt like pure LEAD going into that last run! It can be hard switching back and forth between activities like that, but ultimately I would think maybe it's less exhausting on specific muscles than, say, would be a marathon, since each activity stresses different muscles.
PHOTOS

I must have a prodigious quantity of mind; it takes me as much as a week, sometimes, to make it up.
- Mark Twain


We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
-T. S. Eliot
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Klaus
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HOLY CARP!!!
This is my bike:

Posted Image

This is a traditional Dutch-style bike. It is the most convenient one I have ever used.
Trifonov Fleisher Klaus Sokolov Zimmerman
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ivorythumper
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I am so adjective that I verb nouns!
Klaus
Jan 1 2008, 03:34 PM
This is my bike:

Posted Image

This is a traditional Dutch-style bike. It is the most convenient one I have ever used.

That's a classic design! :thumb:
The dogma lives loudly within me.
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sue
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HOLY CARP!!!
That is one classy set of wheels. That looks like a bike designed for commuters who live in places where biking to work is the norm. :thumb:
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The 89th Key
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Thanks for the advice Opt, Katie, and Jodi. :thumb:

Growing up, a bike was a bike, so I didn't think much about getting fitted for the correct size. Now I will go into a store and start the process to make sure I'm not going to be unnecessarily hurting myself...something I'm sure I'll do anyway if I decide on doing the local triathlon. :P

Happy new years to you all as well. :)
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DivaDeb
HOLY CARP!!!
All of the above...do go get "fit"...and spend a ton of time poking around in those bike shops, even if you don't want to buy there. You need to get on a bunch of bikes and pay attention to how your body feels on different models. Different style headsets, saddles, and the frame length make an enormous difference in your riding position...and listen up...pay attention to your weight distribution when you're seated and have your hands on the headset. If you're pitched too far forward and you ride very much, it's hard on your wrists/carpal tunnels. You play piano. Be careful about that.

When I was your age, I rode a Bianchi racer. I now ride a Trek touring bike because I'm OLD and I would rather ride longer than faster.

Also...if you can get a frame that fits you well and is in good shape, you're a smart guy...pick up a Bike magazine and order some better components for it if there is something you don't like. In other words...if you're looking at used bikes, don't buy one because it has the most comfortable seat...that's easy and relatively inexpensive to change out. Ditto pedals and clips, even headsets. Get the frame you want, and if you think you might be riding a fair amount, spring for a nice one. If you're on the road much, you are going to have to learn how to work on your bike anyway. If somethings screws up and you're out in the middle of nowhere, you have to fix it. And it's fun.
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The 89th Key
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Cool - thanks Deb. :thumb:
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Free Rider
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Fulla-Carp
The 89th Key
Jan 1 2008, 12:19 PM
\

I'm probably looking at a 200-400 dollar purchase, nothing too professional, but something I can use to ride for 30 miles, or even in a local triathlon.

89th

For new bikes take a look at the Specialized serius (sp?) or the Jamis Coda.

For used, find a lightweight old hardtail mnt. bike, put slicks on it and upgrade the handlebars for more rise and sweep for comfort.

You'll be uder $500 either way.
Incluse $$ for a decent pair of shorts...or they make underwear with a padded chamois you can wear regular shorts or sweatpants. I would also get gloves and a helmet of course...

The little extras like lights, bell, speedometer are nice, but you can get away without.

I would seriously look at clipless pedals that are surrounded by a platform that works with street shoes. You will pedal like Lance Armstrong with clipless.
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The 89th Key
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FR - great ideas. There are apparently quite a few things I haven't thought about, but this is very helpful indeed, it really is!
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katie
Fulla-Carp
Free Rider
Jan 1 2008, 06:00 PM
89th ..
For used, find a lightweight old hardtail mnt. bike, put slicks on it and upgrade the handlebars for more rise and sweep for comfort. ...

I've seen people do this for their first events. I might be inclined to do it too for a short distance triathlon. [I'm real shaky, scared still with a road bike.]

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Frank_W
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Resident Misanthrope
89th, please don't go and waste the first shop's time getting a bike fitting, and then walk out without buying a bike, because you can get one cheaper, someplace else. That's extraordinarily rude, and it's a crappy way to treat people. There are people who go into dive shops and do the same thing, trying on gear and wasting the sales associates' time, and then walk out and buy the same item on the internet. We all expect places of business to deal with us in an honest and forthright manner. As such, we should also behave the same way as customers.

Just my opinion....
Anatomy Prof: "The human body has about 20 sq. meters of skin."
Me: "Man, that's a lot of lampshades!"
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The 89th Key
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Oh I know Frank...I'm an honest guy and would let them know that I'm not sure if I'm getting a used or new bike so they know up front that I might not be interested in a sale from them. But associates will often still give helpful advice because it can lead to future sales or references, etc.
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