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Getting a Good Bike (bicycles)
Fristle
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I need some advice on bike brands, models, pricing, etc.
So whenever I go out biking with friends I have to rent or borrow something, and would like to finally bite the bullet and buy one of my own. I like to take a bike out onto unpaved trails mostly, but realistically speaking I would probably be on pavement often enough, but probably never roads. I want the best bike I can get that is sort of all-around capable. Based on my limited experience, all I know is I want to have at least front suspension, an aluminum frame, straight handlebars, trigger shifters, platform pedals, and I've been told I want a 21" frame because I am 6'2" and have long legs.
I have tried talking to some bike enthusiasts -- rather than learning anything, it just left me feeling like a complete ignorant n00b. There is a scary amount of tools and specs and stuff to know, for something that has like three moving pieces.
I went through previous threads on bikes I could find:
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=10390
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=8910
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=21942
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=19754
Someone said good brands are: "Motobecane, Bianchi, Fuji, the previously mentioned Cannondale or Trek"
What about Gary Fisher; Marin; Schwinn; Ironhorse? I rented an Ironhorse once, it was probably the best ride I've had. Sadly they are hella expensive.
I guess I'd like my budget to be around $600 or less. I have been riding for a while so I already have some accessories: u-lock, gloves, helmet. I don't have any maintenance items though so if anyone has recommendations for what to throw in a backpack while I am out riding in the woods that would be great too. Hell, if anyone can recommend a biking backpack they really like I am interested in that.
So whenever I go out biking with friends I have to rent or borrow something, and would like to finally bite the bullet and buy one of my own. I like to take a bike out onto unpaved trails mostly, but realistically speaking I would probably be on pavement often enough, but probably never roads. I want the best bike I can get that is sort of all-around capable. Based on my limited experience, all I know is I want to have at least front suspension, an aluminum frame, straight handlebars, trigger shifters, platform pedals, and I've been told I want a 21" frame because I am 6'2" and have long legs.
I have tried talking to some bike enthusiasts -- rather than learning anything, it just left me feeling like a complete ignorant n00b. There is a scary amount of tools and specs and stuff to know, for something that has like three moving pieces.
I went through previous threads on bikes I could find:
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=10390
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=8910
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=21942
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=19754
Someone said good brands are: "Motobecane, Bianchi, Fuji, the previously mentioned Cannondale or Trek"
What about Gary Fisher; Marin; Schwinn; Ironhorse? I rented an Ironhorse once, it was probably the best ride I've had. Sadly they are hella expensive.
I guess I'd like my budget to be around $600 or less. I have been riding for a while so I already have some accessories: u-lock, gloves, helmet. I don't have any maintenance items though so if anyone has recommendations for what to throw in a backpack while I am out riding in the woods that would be great too. Hell, if anyone can recommend a biking backpack they really like I am interested in that.
Fristle on
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Posts
The best bet is to find a decent bike shop and ask there. They'll be able to show you a few models and talk through what you want.
As for backpack stuff, I usually carry a multitool, a set of allen keys, a couple of spare inner tubes, a pump, tyre levers, duct tape and a snap together chain link. Anything you can't fix with that lot is liable to be something that will have badly injured you in the process. A couple of Energy bars and a small bottle of water (on top of whatever fluids you normally take) are good too.
One last thing, you can't always calculate the frame size you'll need based on your height, don't buy anything without sitting on it and making sure you can get a comfortable riding position.