The All Things Cycling Thread

#1,976
#1,976
So, didn't win that aforementioned frame because my phone screwed up and quit sending me emails... but it's been relisted and I've increased my maximum bid from last time. Here's to hoping that it stays at $50 and I get another uber cheap frame. It'll be turned into my offroad touring bike in the spring and used as my commuter this winter, instead of buying a Surly Ogre/Troll. I'm officially car-free for the foreseeable future, too, as my dad has my car and will be fixing all the crap over the winter.
 
#1,979
#1,979
tri_vol said:
what's your budget? Do you ever want to take your bike off road or do you want a bike that lets you ride upright?
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Less than a grand. I will mostly trail ride. It would be nice to ride upright at times. I know I gotta get a comfortable seat. I rode the Creeper Trail & my a$$ was sore for 2 days!!!
 
#1,980
#1,980
smashmouth98 said:
Less than a grand. I will mostly trail ride. It would be nice to ride upright at times. I know I gotta get a comfortable seat. I rode the Creeper Trail & my a$$ was sore for 2 days!!!
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It wasn't the seat that wore you out. A lack of riding and not having the proper gear. Get a some padded cycling shorts. After a few rides, your backside will adjust. If you don't want to wear spandex, they make padded baggy trail shorts.

Go with a 29er like Volatile said. Go to all of the bike shops in the area and test ride different bikes from the cheapest to the most expensive. This lets you learn the difference between a $1,000 bike and a $3,000 bike.

Find the model and style you like the best. Then you have a choice to buy from a shop or find one on Craigslist/Ebay. You will save 30-50% buying a used bike but there is a value to buying from a bike shop (advice, free maintenance for a limited time, etc) just like buying a used vs new car.

Like Volatile said some of the major bike manufacturers generally use cheaper components but you can always upgrade after you've decided you like the sport.

Here is a really good article with some great suggestions.

Bicycle Buying Guide: Cycling Gear & Bikes | Bicycling Magazine
 
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#1,981
#1,981
Buying from your local shop gets you a lot more than you think, especially if you become a regular customer. Also, at some shops prices are negotiable.
 
#1,982
#1,982
VOLatile said:
Buying from your local shop gets you a lot more than you think, especially if you become a regular customer. Also, at some shops prices are negotiable.
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very true. The good ones around here will always get within a few dollars of an online price once shipping is factored. If they are close, I support the local business. The key is finding a good shop.
 
#1,983
#1,983
tri_vol said:
very true. The good ones around here will always get within a few dollars of an online price once shipping is factored. If they are close, I support the local business. The key is finding a good shop.
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There are good shops all over the country, but there are some real crappy ones, too. Keep in mind, it's very hard for a LBS to match online bike prices. Margin on a bike is usually small, especially sub-$1000. Most of the margin is in parts and accessories. I normally won't match an online bike price, but I will match a lot of parts/accessories prices from reputable online stores. Many shops are willing to throw in accessories to sweeten a bike deal (water bottles, cages, different tires, different saddle, etc.). We also give 10% off of additional accessories purchased with the bikes, like helmets, car racks, fenders, clothing...

If you do end up buying a bike online, then you should definitely have a shop assemble it. The online store may claim "90% assembled, all you need is a wrench and screwdriver," that is not true at all. Often wheels are not true, gears are not aligned correctly, and everything should be torque spec'd. There are special tools for bikes that most home mechanics don't have.
 
#1,984
#1,984
VOLatile said:
There are good shops all over the country, but there are some real crappy ones, too. Keep in mind, it's very hard for a LBS to match online bike prices. Margin on a bike is usually small, especially sub-$1000. Most of the margin is in parts and accessories. I normally won't match an online bike price, but I will match a lot of parts/accessories prices from reputable online stores. Many shops are willing to throw in accessories to sweeten a bike deal (water bottles, cages, different tires, different saddle, etc.). We also give 10% off of additional accessories purchased with the bikes, like helmets, car racks, fenders, clothing...

If you do end up buying a bike online, then you should definitely have a shop assemble it. The online store may claim "90% assembled, all you need is a wrench and screwdriver," that is not true at all. Often wheels are not true, gears are not aligned correctly, and everything should be torque spec'd. There are special tools for bikes that most home mechanics don't have.
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I should have clarified that I was talking parts and not bikes. I would probably never buy a new bike online but the cost savings on one 3-4 years old vs. new is pretty significant especially if you find one that has only been ridden a few times and is collecting dust in someone's garage.
 
#1,985
#1,985
tri_vol said:
I should have clarified that I was talking parts and not bikes. I would probably never buy a new bike online but the cost savings on one 3-4 years old vs. new is pretty significant especially if you find one that has only been ridden a few times and is collecting dust in someone's garage.
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Very true. Only issue with going used is that you never truly know what's happened to it. I always recommend buying a carbon bike new, because then you get a guarantee. The smallest of cracks in carbon will lead to a major failure. Aluminum can dent and you'll have no problems. I've only ever bought a used steel road bike (that I just sold for 12x more) and the seat stays were bent. I straightened them and the frame held my fat ass.

Used parts are always a gamble, too. The initial cost savings is extremely tempting.

With that said, I'm eyeing a used VooDoo frame with White Brothers fork on eBay right now. If I get it for ~$150 I'll be extremely happy. Steal frame, not sure if the fork is good or not. I'm sure I couldn't get replacement seals for the fork, either. I'll have my Rock Shox Recon Silver I could put on it, though. I really should finish all of my projects, first.

Back to what I was saying... Some shops even have used parts lying around that you can get for dirt cheap. We have a few. I usually end up selling a lot of used stuff people leave behind, the old manager would always throw that stuff away. I'be also been stocking up on broken parts to sell on eBay because some people will pay good money for parts. Have a few X9 rear derailleurs, a ST Swiss hub, etc.
 
#1,986
#1,986
These are the drivers I share the roads with. <facepalm>

SUV runs into Fountain City Duck Pond » Knoxville News Sentinel

2012-11-04_09-05-48_281_t607.jpg
 
#1,987
#1,987
Finally got out on my road bike again last night. 25 fast miles with the fastest triathlete in the city. Only dropped twice and won the final sprint.
 
#1,989
#1,989
12 miles on my mountain bike, just to the mountain bike club meeting and home. Pretty sure the lockout on my fork has gone bad. I wish the 650b one I'm going to buy would get in stock already.
 
#1,992
#1,992
Forty miles yesterday. 25 on the road bike and 15 on the mtb. My new Rocky Mountain frame arrived yesterday, too, and I finished swapping parts today. It fits sooooo much better than the last one.
 
#1,993
#1,993
The problem I've been having is finding enough hours of daylight.....what do you guys do over the winter to keep your fitness level up? My daughter is rehabbing a torn ACL and I just bought her a recumbent.....I guess I'll be riding it while watching football and other tv.....
 
#1,994
#1,994
Carl Pickens said:
The problem I've been having is finding enough hours of daylight.....what do you guys do over the winter to keep your fitness level up? My daughter is rehabbing a torn ACL and I just bought her a recumbent.....I guess I'll be riding it while watching football and other tv.....
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A recumbent stationary?

I ride through the winter. Last year I did the stationary at the gym while lifting, but I rode outside as well. Today it is about 20* and windy and I've already been out on my single speed.

I ride at night, too, now that it's dark when I get off of work. Invest in good headlight and taillight. I really like NightRider series lights.
 
#1,995
#1,995
VOLatile said:
A recumbent stationary?

I ride through the winter. Last year I did the stationary at the gym while lifting, but I rode outside as well. Today it is about 20* and windy and I've already been out on my single speed.

I ride at night, too, now that it's dark when I get off of work. Invest in good headlight and taillight. I really like NightRider series lights.
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yeah it's a stationary....I bought it for her to rehab the knee, but figured I could at least use it for stamina purposes. Do you tend to ride your single speed more in the winter and at night? I live out in a rural area with lots of hills and etc. and riding at night would be a challenge even with a really good light.
 
#1,996
#1,996
Carl Pickens said:
The problem I've been having is finding enough hours of daylight.....what do you guys do over the winter to keep your fitness level up? My daughter is rehabbing a torn ACL and I just bought her a recumbent.....I guess I'll be riding it while watching football and other tv.....
Click to expand...

If it's under 50 I don't road ride. Mountain bike if it's over 40. Colder than that I run or spin class at the gym.

Friends of mine ride a trainer in winter
 
#1,997
#1,997
Carl Pickens said:
yeah it's a stationary....I bought it for her to rehab the knee, but figured I could at least use it for stamina purposes. Do you tend to ride your single speed more in the winter and at night? I live out in a rural area with lots of hills and etc. and riding at night would be a challenge even with a really good light.
Click to expand...

My single speed is just like my commuter bike or one I can trash in the winter and not cry while replacing parts. I have another 1x9 frankenbike in the works for times I'll need gears.
 
#1,998
#1,998
Going up to Iowa City to watch the elite men's race in the Jingle Cross Rock. Should be a great time. Perfect weather for watching a cyclocross race and drinking some beers.
 
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