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Bikes, how do I do it?
Jaded
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
My grandfather offered to toss me 150$ towards the purchase of a bike this spring. Since I am looking at biking the 8.2K to work everyday I want to put this towards something that will be comfortable for me.
How does one go about sizing tires, frame, etc?
I stand 5'9", 28" legs (don't laugh!) and weigh 223.
Any help is appreciated.
I know I am not going to get anything special for 150$ but I wouldn't mind tossing it towards something that might last more then a summer or two.
How does one go about sizing tires, frame, etc?
I stand 5'9", 28" legs (don't laugh!) and weigh 223.
Any help is appreciated.
I know I am not going to get anything special for 150$ but I wouldn't mind tossing it towards something that might last more then a summer or two.
I can't think of anything clever.
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I Want To Ride My Bicycle
Best thing to do is go to a local bike shop and try out a few. You can probably get one for $150 (or less) from WalMart, but please don't. I'd spend around $400 or even $300 and get a decent one.
Basement at home every day and I am sure I can bring my bike into the warehouse here during the day, or leave it right outside chained to the fence. We are in a secured compound (shipping and transportation industry).
But the above is a good idea, local bike shops are your best bet. Plus they usually have really good service. You may find a craigslist ad for a cheap bike too, so keep your eye out on there.
Helmets are good.
I'd be worried about CL's if it's a first-time bike for everyday riding. I know there's great deals out there, but you haver to really know if the bike is going to fit you.
For $150, there are no other options. Walmart won't last more than a few weeks (if that). You can get decent bikes from the 80's and 90's fairly cheap.
Go to a bike shop to figure out how to size things, take a maintenance class if you can.
$150 is not enough money to buy a bike that you plan to ride 16k every day. Just not gonna work.
I think Dick's carries Diamondback which is a good middle of the road company. you just have to be careful of how it was put together. I know at sports authority they hired somebody to come in an build bikes, paid by the bike. He had no incentive to do a good job on the tuning/etc.
If you can afford to spend another couple of hundred over the span of the next few months replacing and upgrading (since it is literally impossible to buy replacement parts as poor quality as those that come fitted to supermarket bikes) then you'll be ok with one.
Getting something decent second hand is more hassle, and potentially more expense, up front but easier to live with long term.
This is like putting makeup on a pig.
If you can, look online at REI, see what they have, and make the commute. You'll save yourself A LOT of heartache and grief. They can probably size you for the bike there and I know they'll let you ride it around outside the store to see if it's comfy for you. It's best to wait till you have the cash and buy then rather than buy some piece of shit now because you're impatient.
Oh, and how in shape are you? Because an 8.2 mile commute for someone who hasn't biked in a while? Ouch.
I'm sorry your LBS stinks. We have a great LBS here that focuses on the commuter end, and another that focuses on the performance end (mountain and road).
Our LBS actually sells the Fuji Crosstown (which is quite a nice hybrid) for about 300, depending on stock, etc. You have to think about cost vs use--16 kilometer commute for a year means the bike is going to cost you 8 cents per kilometer in the first year. In one year, on a good commuter bike, I'd expect to drop no more than 60 dollars in maintenance--less if you learn how to change innertubes on your own.
Do you have any other local bike shops? If not, I'd look at buying the fuji crosstown from PerformanceBike:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1077653_-1_20000__400307 for TWO FIFTY! that is a really low price.
bear in mind, you'll have to have it put together unless you own a lot of hex wrenches and are knowledgeable, but that shouldn't cost too much, especially if the LBS turned up their nose at your request for a commuter bike.
I'd go back to the LBS, let them know you are thinking about ordering a fuji crosstown, and ask them if they could give you a price and time estimate on putting it together. Ask them about maintenance classes too while you are there, and buy a helmet and a front & back light.
Or got a shitty person. Either way, sorry you're off to a bad start, but don't despair!
As said above, see what REI has in stock on-line, and/or give the store a call to get an idea how their selection is.
Here's some info from my LBS on bike shopping.
That is true, but as a bike enthusiast (I'm even on a training schedule!) I think nothing beats a decent hybrid for around-town/short commutes. The Fuji Crosstowns are really decent for that at 250--most of my friends who ride centuries/etc keep a fuji crosstown or similar beater bike for short trips/commute trips.
Don't get me wrong--road bikes are pretty sweet, I managed over 300 outdoor miles in a very snowy January this year, not to mention 60 - 90 minute interval sessions on my trainer indoor 3-5 times a week all winter--but, for short trips for someone unaccustomed to biking, I can't recommend a decent 300$ hybrid enough.
It is still a money pit--because as you come to enjoy bike commuting, Schuss is right, you'll want more. You'll want a road or mountain bike (or both), you'll want fenders to keep you dry on wet days (30-40 bucks), you'll need lights to keep you safe at night (another 20 bucks), you'll need a helmet (30 gets you a less comfortable one--I always spend around 90-100 on a helmet, because if it is comfortable, I know I'll wear it every time), you'll want a rack to put things on, then you'll want biking specific clothing (vented rain jackets, slip-on rain pants, etc).
Biking costs more than walking, but a lot less than driving--and most of the costs can be defrayed over time/gear acquired over time.
I'd really urge anyone reading this who wants to do short commuting to buy a decent $300 commuting bike, and start from there. Don't get the upgrades--shocks, etc--I guarantee you do not need that nonsense. It will make the bike heavier and more costly to maintain, while giving you no noticeable benefit.
The other nice thing about a commuter bike is hauling stuff. Baskets, racks, etc, are very easy to install and use, and let you turn your commuter bike into your grocery bike.
I gave up my car about 8 years ago, now, with no real experience biking. I wouldn't call my lifestyle extreme or difficult. I am able to shop with a trailer attached to my bike easily. The few times I've needed to use a car, I've rented one inexpensively, or used a friend's car. (My girlfriend has a car, which we use for long trips, but again, not necessarily needed--but being a two person household with one car is a lot easier than being a two person household with two cars)
Bike commuting is really quite easy, very good for your health, and a common-place way of life in many places. Spend a little extra money and enjoy it.
P.S.: This is another commuter bike I've ridden and enjoyed. http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/commuter/11_commuter1.html
MSRP is 400, but it can be found cheaper for sure. This is really the type of thing you want to get started out on. Will you probably want a more expensive, higher-end bike later? Sure. However, this bike won't become useless, as you'll still use it for small grocery trips and around town riding.
I agree with streever on bike type for a commuter. Unless you are putting down huge mileage a road bike is not an ideal commuter especially if you are carrying more than a water bottle.
Yea--I mean, you could get a touring road bike, but that is really something for a very specific type of rider--as is a racing-style road bike--but that is why I recommend the hybrid first. It gives you a taste of the world of biking for about 300, which is chump change if you meter that out over time spent on the bike/distance traveled.
An initial investment of $300 means it costs 5 cents per day to go to work and back. Really, not a bad price, compared to gas or public transit costs. That cost just drops as time goes on, too--it does not increase or even hold steady, it will go down.
If you ride a hybrid for awhile, you'll get an idea of what you enjoy about the bike. If you really think the idea of doing slow, very long rides, carrying gear, is appealing, you'll get a nice touring bike. If you want to ride with the fast group riders on Sunday and try out a criterium, you'll get a race style road bike. If you want to explore the off-road trails nearby, you'll get a mountain bike.
If you buy a 100 dollar Wal-mart bike, you'll have to buy a new one next year, and when you snap your cheap plastic derailleur off and have to walk the remaining 3 miles to work, you probably won't realize how awesome riding a bike is.
Just my personal thoughts on it--let us know what you do, OP!
I can carry my lunch in a backpack, might need a bigger one if I am carrying a change of clothes and a towel too though.
I'll probbaly end up banking the cash and throwing down the rest.
If anyone happens to know a decent bike shop in Winnipeg, Manitoba (perferably in St. James) it would be greatly appreciated!
I'll update (with a pic) when I score a bike.
However given you budget I would suggest craigslist and then a tune-up at a shop.
The main aspect to consider is components, you will want decent shifters, derailleurs and a v-break set up.
These also can be added on to the bike after you purchase so I suggest you just make sure a bike is rust free and structurally sound. In addition wheels should be semi true (lets be honest a true wheel is not going to be found on any used bike).
I might suggest altering you budget and upping the amount you want to pay.
Also I might check out places like pinkbike.com and nsmb.com for their buy and sell, nsmb is a bit more bc based but you might find something.
Good luck in your search.
http://www.gords.com/index.html
they are moving in 8 days and have big discounts. Not sure what type of commuter they carry, but probably worth checking out.
http://www.goochs.ca/ looks ok, and this place http://www.woodcockcycle.com/ is probably the best in terms of expertise, but may be a little pricey for your dollar.
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a lot of middle-aged guys make ominous comments about bike seats and erectile dysfunction, but I suspect some of them are just "at that age" ;-)
Studies show that sitting in a saddle does reduce blood flow to the area, but standing almost immediately returns blood flow.
Make sure that you do not buy a "Gel" saddle. Buy a more rigid saddle, after measuring your seatbones, and get one that fits you.
This is a good general article by Sheldon Brown:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html
This is some good specific advice on measuring:
http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-100595.html
Just wanted to say that I was silently following this thread, and this is exactly the justification I needed to upgrade my own bike gear. Thanks for thinking of it!
3clipse: The key to any successful marriage is a good mid-game transition.
No problem--it is the same thinking that I use to convince myself to spend a little extra here and there, much to the consternation of my girlfriend and the delight of my local bike shop
Dr. Frenchenstein:
padding is a big part of the problem. Padding is good for very short trips. After that, the increased pressure against your sensitive bits and nerves is going to start aching. Also, it chafes and rubs against you. I have a really inexpensive, non-padded seat (35 dollars): it is rigid, hard, and perfectly fits my sit bones, so when I set on it, it is like sitting on a chair--my sit bones hold my weight. Wearing spandex, a 65-100 mile ride does not result in pain from the saddle, which is pretty awesome.
Overall bike fit is important too. Your weight should be distributed between feet/sit bones/minor amounts on hands (and your bike position should ensure that the real load on your hands is born by muscles near the chest/parts of the arm muscles you don't use a lot).
With a good position & fit, a rigid fitted saddle, and something other than cotton briefs, you should be very comfortable sitting on the bike. You should still stand occasionally, just to fix position/remove some weight, but sitting shouldn't hurt. Chafing is a big part of pain, and it is almost always caused by: thick seams against sensitive flesh or cotton clothes that absorb sweat and start rubbing.
One big tip if any of you wear spandex and do long-distance riding--no undies beneath it. You can get inexpensive spandex underwear specific for biking--wear that. Don't wear normal underwear underneath if you must wear something, but bike shorts are designed to be worn without normal underwear. You are eliminating a lot of the benefit of bike shorts if you wear cotton briefs or underwear.
Oooooh! Gords is on the way home from my wifes work... this may be some kind of sign! Heres hoping I can shell out the cash from my credit card and then just put the money from gramps against some of the balance.
Going to check them out tomorrow on the way home, thanks a million Streever!
Anyone have thoughts?
Hydration! Plus plan for a shower+change when you get to the office. If it's only 20 minutes, you probably won't get in a danger zone around hydration or heat exhaustion.