General Cycling Discussion - Need help getting into cycling

Hello

I have been looking to pick up a new outdoor hobby and cycling seems to be a great fit. I can work out while I have fun :D

I have a couple of questions

1. What type of bike should I get?

I want to be able to ride to the lake that is about 15 miles from my house and then be able to go on the dirt trails Do they make a cross between a mountain bike and a street bike. Also I would like to be able to commute with it.

I think I top out at about $500

2. What is the best security device to lock your bike up with?

I live in a college town where bikes get boosted all the time.

3. How hard is it to build a bike?

I am pretty good at turning a wrench

Is it better to build a bike and/or Cheaper?

Sorry about all the questions but I would rather ask people that love riding instead of someone trying to make a sale.


Thank you for your time.

Blazerx

1. What type of bike should I get?

I want to be able to ride to the lake that is about 15 miles from my house and then be able to go on the dirt trails Do they make a cross between a mountain bike and a street bike. Also I would like to be able to commute with it.

I think I top out at about $500
Riding 15 miles to the lake, then hitting trails and riding home is a long way for a beginner (you're talking 2 hours just for the return trip to the lake)... expect to work in to this. Your body will take some time to adjust to the new exercise.

A cyclocross bike probably fits your needs (street & light trail use + commuting), but it doesn't fit your budget. Entry level cross bikes are closer to $800-1000. A cyclocross bike looks a bit like a road bike, but can have knobby tires for better grip on dirt trails.

You could look at a hybrid bike, but IMHO these aren't the best solution. They're a bit like a mountain bike with road bike wheels, but some can accomodate wide, knobby tires. You may want to consider them.

At $500, I'd go for a mountain bike. You can always change the tires for ones with less agressive tread to give you more speed on the roads (look for semi-slick tires). However, if you're worried about theft, consider buying a second hand bike.


2. What is the best security device to lock your bike up with?

I live in a college town where bikes get boosted all the time.
Two different types of locks give the best security, as a thief would need two different tools to break them. A u-lock and a good chain/cable lock works well. Kryptonite and Onguard are two of the better brands. Old bikes are definitely less of a target than new bikes.


3. How hard is it to build a bike?

I am pretty good at turning a wrench

Is it better to build a bike and/or Cheaper?
Buy a pre built bike. It's typically more expensive to build it yourself unless you're willing to spend a lot of time scouring eBay for good deals (e.g. months!!!).

Go to a local bike shop and have a look at what they have. Test ride a few different types of bikes to see which feels best to you!

Hello

1. What type of bike should I get?
2. What is the best security device to lock your bike up with?
3. How hard is it to build a bike?
Is it better to build a bike and/or Cheaper?
Blazerx
1. I second Stubacca, for the price a MTn bike would fit. They make semi slick tires that would make riding pavement a lot better.
2. Masterlock is another option particulary the Street LInks 4 Chain.
3. Start with something already built up at purchase. DIY is cool, and more rewarding, but there are tools you'll probably gonna have to buy. As for the price point, depends on the components you pick out.

As for the time spent, don't worry about it, that is what the forum is for.

"Need help getting into cycling"



I hope "cycling's" significant other doesn't post here



sorry for being uncouth, but i like bad puns---even if they're not punny

i'd look at some mountain bikes. for your budget you could even get a pretty decent new bike and probably find some deals on used ones too. check out what your local bike shops have, look on craigslist, check out the classifieds, garage sales, etc.
after you ride a bit you'll figure out if it's really for you and what type of riding you want to do more of. read magazines and books, and talk to other cyclists. if there's a local riding club you might even see if they can help you out(also a good way to find a good deal on used bikes!).

I have a couple of questions

1. What type of bike should I get?

I want to be able to ride to the lake that is about 15 miles from my house and then be able to go on the dirt trails Do they make a cross between a mountain bike and a street bike. Also I would like to be able to commute with it.

I think I top out at about $500


Some bicycle makers have a category called "sports bike". It's basically cheaper version of road racing type bicycle for general purpose. They normally have less-tight geometry and many of them have eyelets for fenders and panniers, in case you want to use it for touring bike. The price range is normally up to around $600.- where the road racer price starts. You'll have no problem finding one in your budget. Sports bikes are usually heavier in weight which usually means heavier duty, so use on rough road won't be a big problem. You need to replace tires to thicker gauge somewhere between 28 to 35 for comfort on rough road.

For easy road riding combined with easy trails, it doesnt make a whole lot of difference which style of bike you use, hybrid, MTB, sports, touring, cyclo cross.
As long as you can fit good, medium width, general purpose tyres (which excludes race bikes), and the bike is as light and efficient as possible (which excludes extreme dual suspension MTBs).
In that price range, a mid-level MTB will do the job. Make sure that it has threaded eyelets for fitting a luggage rack and fenders, these will expand the use to commuting, shopping and touring.
You should be able to swap the knobbly tures for something more efficient at no extra cost. All brands make a similar range of bikes, so pick your bike shop first and see what they supply.
A good bike shop will help you chose the correct size (rather than the size they happen to have in stock), and to fit the accessories you need. Really good bike shops will check final assembly and tune the wheels to make them much stronger.

I say road bike. Here's why I went that route a few years back: ride ride out the driveway and I'm on my way. I knew if I went the MTB route, I'd never ride. Too lazy to load up and drive to a trail to get rides in. You can put slicks on a MTB, but...

Just an alternative opinion.

I'd start by going to 3 or 4 local bike shops, ask questions, lotsa questions and it'll also help ya find a shop and people you're comfortable with.

I say road bike. Here's why I went that route a few years back: ride ride out the driveway and I'm on my way. I knew if I went the MTB route, I'd never ride. Too lazy to load up and drive to a trail to get rides in. You can put slicks on a MTB, but...

Just an alternative opinion.

Test ride a dedicated road bike at your lbs--you may just end up going with gcasillo's advice. And anyway if you get into it, you'll probably end up with one for road and one for trails.

I wanted to thank everyone for their help. It's great to see such a helpful group of people.

I think I am going to shop around tommorrow and try both MTBs and road bikes.

I will tell everyone how it goes.

Is there a brand I should stay away from or look for?

Thanks

Blazerx

I was wondering if this a good bike

Bike (http://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/70901039.html)

Keep in mind I have no idea what to look for.

Ok after looking around I found a Hard rock for 350. Is this a good bike? Is 350 a good price?
I figure that I just can get an entry level bike and if the biking bugs really gets me I can just upgrade later.

Thanks

Ok after looking around I found a Hard rock for 350. Is this a good bike? Is 350 a good price?
I figure that I just can get an entry level bike and if the biking bugs really gets me I can just upgrade later.

Thanks

Yes, I think it's a good idea to get inexpensive bike for the first one. You'll find out what you like and what you don't like about it, the difference between facts and hype. It also helps you understand the advice you get from others better. Once you get the bike, go out and meet other cyclist, ask them about their components on their bike, what they like about the bike etc. When they look at your bike, they can give you much better advice.
I think the Cannondale you posted has pretty good set-up for the way you said you would use.