View Full Version : What kind of bike is best if you're carfree?
I know you guys, the utility bike warriors, will be willing to help me with good advice and suggestions.
I've been real happy with my old stripped down mountain bike, a nice little 1990's unsprung Specialized. But I'm going to move forward and buy a new (or possibly used) bike later this year. I have thought about cyclocross and touring bikes rather than a more utilitarian vehicle, but I'm open to other ideas. Budget is also pretty open. I'm a cheap sumbich, and my inclination is to spend as little as possible, but I'm willing to go up to $900 or so if it will get me the "perfect" bike.
So what do you think is the "perfect" bike--for me, for you, or for the typical carfree person?
hmm, aren't Trek 520's about 1,000?
tfahrner
02-26-06, 11:52 AM
So what do you think is the "perfect" bike--for me, for you, or for the typical carfree person?
i think you're allowed more than one. convert the old specialized into an xtracycle, and get a brompton folder. they'll blow your budget new, so wait for used. they complement each other wonderfully, the mother of all load-haulers and the pocket bike. or maybe hiawatha cyclery's 9-2-5 if you want most fun and some utility, cheap, on a regular bike: http://hiawathacyclery.com/blog/?p=14
Slow Train
02-26-06, 12:49 PM
The elusive search for the perfect bike :p
Some would argue that the best bike is a < $300 beater that can be ridden and left anywhere, in any weather, without inordinate concern of theft.
Others would mandate a stable of bikes - each with a dedicated task.
In between are people like me. I only want one bike as that means there is only one bike that I have to keep up. Since > 95% of my riding is from home to work where I lock up in a secure garage I'm not worried about theft. So why ride a beater when I can ride a niceeeee bike :) ?
My current ride is a 1992 Cannodale R900 racer. It is more than adequate for my commute but 5 miles of potholed DC streets followed by 5 miles of less-than-smooth bike paths day in and day out does wear on these old bones.
So next week the Cannondale is going to be retired and replaced by a 2006 Specialized Tricross! It is a cyclocross - a category of bike that I think makes for an excellent commuter. It retains the drop bar of a road racer so you can assume an aerodynamic position for longer rides. Frame geometry is a little slacker - between that of a road bike and a touring bike.
Many cyclocross bikes come with braze-ons for fenders & racks so they easily can do double duty as a light touring bike / all weather bike. The frame and fork are extra wide to provide clearance for huge tires - so they also can venture into MTB land!
In short - the cyclocross, with a change of tires can be:
A very decent road bike
A rough road city / all weather commuter
A touring bike
A mountain bike
So, Roody - your instincts are right - go with the cyclocross. Just post over in that forum and you will get plenty of specific recommendations.
i think you're allowed more than one. convert the old specialized into an xtracycle, and get a brompton folder. they'll blow your budget new, so wait for used. they complement each other wonderfully, the mother of all load-haulers and the pocket bike. or maybe hiawatha cyclery's 9-2-5 if you want most fun and some utility, cheap, on a regular bike: http://hiawathacyclery.com/blog/?p=14
Single speed? I don't know. . .
Although I do live in a flat city. Do you have a SS? I liked the Atlantis below it for $3000. :)
The elusive search for the perfect bike
. . . . .
So next week the Cannondale is going to be retired and replaced by a 2006 Specialized Tricross! It is a cyclocross - a category of bike that I think makes for an excellent commuter. It retains the drop bar of a road racer so you can assume an aerodynamic position for longer rides. Frame geometry is a little slacker - between that of a road bike and a touring bike.
Many cyclocross bikes come with braze-ons for fenders & racks so they easily can do double duty as a light touring bike / all weather bike. The frame and fork are extra wide to provide clearance for huge tires - so they also can venture into MTB land!
In short - the cyclocross, with a change of tires can be:
A very decent road bike
A rough road city / all weather commuter
A touring bike
A mountain bike
So, Roody - your instincts are right - go with the cyclocross. Just post over in that forum and you will get plenty of specific recommendations.
I looked this one up too. I do a little mountain biking (very little, actually) so that makes the cross bikes even more interesting, plus I like the fat tires (studded) in the winter. But I don't know about the drop bars in cith traffic. Does visibility seem worse with drop bars? I ride a road bike when I'm up north in the summer, but I haven't ridden one in city traffic and that concerns me a bit. Also, I'll still have the mountain bike when I do got the urge to go offroad....
I am carless, and have a hybrid, and love it. I think it's perfect cause it's great on roads, great on trails, and can pull and bear a load nicely indeed. Mine's a Raleigh, by the way.
I am carless, and have a hybrid, and love it. I think it's perfect cause it's great on roads, great on trails, and can pull and bear a load nicely indeed. Mine's a Raleigh, by the way.
Funny--I was just looking at one of these in the window of the City Bike Shop in Traverse City, MI. You're making me want to go back tomorrow when they're open and take a closer look. What model is yours?
Slow Train
02-26-06, 03:10 PM
But I don't know about the drop bars in cith traffic. Does visibility seem worse with drop bars? I ride a road bike when I'm up north in the summer, but I haven't ridden one in city traffic and that concerns me a bit.
You wouldn't ride the drops in city traffic. Need to keep the head up. You would either ride with your hands on the brake hoods or, for an even more upright potsure, your hands on the top of the bar.
I use either of these hand positions now on my Cannondale when in city traffic. I like the more relaxed hands on top of bar position but - as it puts my hands away from the brakes - I'm asking for trouble!
That brings out anopther advantage for cyclocross - the Tricross has a second set of brake levers on top of the bar - just where you need them. So your head is nice and upright to see traffic but you still have the ability to instantly brake.
Plus - cyclocross uses cantilever brakes - not side pull. More effective.
MIne was sold as a Raleigh 'Aspen'. 700c wheels, Magura hydraulic brakes, fab stuff. Love Love Love it!
thelung
02-26-06, 04:16 PM
I think the best bike for being car free is whatever bike you love riding the most. It could be a roadbike, fixed gear, mtb, or something in between, but as long as it gets the job done, riding the bike that makes you happiest will make you want to ride more and keep you in a good mood.
2manybikes
02-26-06, 04:28 PM
If I had to have only one, I would get a good quality MTB. A good one is not very heavy. With thin high pressure tires and fenders you have a great commuter, and it will do everything a hybrid will do. Most hybrids are 700c so it's more difficult to put on big wide tires, or big studded tires for the winter. All you need to do with the MTB is change your tires.
IN other words an MTB with narrow tires will do great as a hybrid, but a hybrid will not do as well as a MTB off road or in the snow. Neither will a cyclocross bike. You can install road bars on an MTB if you want a little more speed. Road bars do not have to be low. With a high stem you can have the tops as high as you want, even higher than flat bars, but you still have the drops to get down out of the wind and to change hand positions.
Most (not all) real Cyclocross bikes don't come with a triple. If you use your granny gear much you might miss it. A touring bike will have one. If you don't use your granny gear, you can find a nice Cyclocross bike for that much.
If you put some good semi slicks on an MTB with not much tread in the middle, but some knobs on the side you have a handy set up too. Good rolling on the road and surprisingly good traction on soft stuff, even mud and sand.
What about a Surly longhaul trucker build or a Surly Crosscheck?
http://www.surlybikes.com/
If I had to have only one, I would get a good quality MTB. A good one is not very heavy. With thin high pressure tires and fenders you have a great commuter, and it will do everything a hybrid will do. Most hybrids are 700c so it's more difficult to put on big wide tires, or big studded tires for the winter. All you need to do with the MTB is change your tires.
IN other words an MTB with narrow tires will do great as a hybrid, but a hybrid will not do as well as a MTB off road or in the snow. Neither will a cyclocross bike. You can install road bars on an MTB if you want a little more speed. Road bars do not have to be low. With a high stem you can have the tops as high as you want, even higher than flat bars, but you still have the drops to get down out of the wind and to change hand positions.
If you put some good semi slicks on an MTB with not much tread in the middle, but some knobs on the side you have a handy set up too. Good rolling on the road and surprisingly good traction on soft stuff, even mud and sand.
You're pretty much describing the bike I have now. Maybe I don't even need a new one? But this one is getting to the point that components need to be replaced, in fact I already replaced the rear brake. It seems counterintuitive to spend more on new parts for an old bike than the bike itself cost, or is worth.
I don't believe they even make bikes like this anymore--light but very strong mountain bikes with no suspension. Maybe hybrids are the closest thing to it?
Most (not all) real Cyclocross bikes don't come with a triple. If you use your granny gear much you might miss it. A touring bike will have one. If you don't use your granny gear, you can find a nice Cyclocross bike for that much. I hardly use the granny gear, only in winter or when riding offroad, so I don't think I'd miss it much.
hmm, aren't Trek 520's about 1,000? Actually about $1240 list. It looks like a nice touring bike. Do you like it?
What about a Surly longhaul trucker build or a Surly Crosscheck?
http://www.surlybikes.com/ More possibilities. People who own Surlys seem to be real loyal to them. . . .
Artkansas
02-26-06, 09:05 PM
From what I hear, the cross bike might be a good one. You will still have the Hard Rock for any mtb action you need and for general short errands and dangerous parking situations. Don't replace, add on to your stable.
attercoppe
02-26-06, 09:36 PM
So what do you think is the "perfect" bike--for me, for you, or for the typical carfree person?
I guess the perfect bike for me is the only one I've ever really used while car-free - my 1989 Schwinn World. Basic old school road bike, but then I'm mostly on the road, sometimes gravel. It pulls my Wheele trailer just fine, to get groceries and such. I wouldn't go singletrack with it, but for trails I prefer hiking anyway. My commute is currently a five-minute walk (almost too short to ride, I rarely do), so I can't really comment on how it would be for real commuting.
I'd say if you enjoy your current setup, look for something similar. You might also find someone close by to temporarily trade bikes with, or just borrow theirs, to try a different type.
As far as putting more money into a bike than it's worth - I'd have to add it up for an exact total, but I know I haven't put even $100 into mine since I got it, but that's far more than I paid for it - it was free. But as far as what it's worth? I don't know how much I could sell it for, but it's worth more to me than what anyone else would pay to own it. It is my "car" - I run errands, pick up groceries, cruise around, go to the laundromat, ride to the trailhead, etc. It and my shoes are my primary means of transport; only occasionally do I ride in someone's car. Even in the small town I live in, where no one locks up their Treks, Xtracycles, etc, I lock up my old Schwinn because I don't want to lose it - even if it's not likely, I don't want to take the chance. It should be many years before I'll ever have put as much money into it as a new bike would cost. But of course, that's your decision - is it worth it to you to keep your current bike running over the next X months or years, or would you rather spend the money all at once on a new bike, that won't (hopefully) need much $maintenance$ for a while?
No need to throw away something that is still perfectly good. Don't buy a new bike when simply replacing the chain, cassette and brake pads will make your current bike good as new.
2manybikes
02-27-06, 04:00 AM
You're pretty much describing the bike I have now. Maybe I don't even need a new one?
I don't believe they even make bikes like this anymore--light but very strong mountain bikes with no suspension. Maybe hybrids are the closest thing to it?
I hardly use the granny gear, only in winter or when riding offroad, so I don't think I'd miss it much.
Actually about $1240 list. It looks like a nice touring bike. Do you like it?
More possibilities. People who own Surlys seem to be real loyal to them. . . .
Exactly....you have something that is perfect. You could just keep it going, if you wish. If you want a hybrid, just get some smaller faster tires, and you're done.
However if it's getting old and most of the parts are wearing out, take a look at these two. A friend, a forum member, has just bought the Point Reyes. Just what you are thinking about light but very strong mountain bikes with no suspension. Plus disc brakes for wet and snow riding.
http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2006/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_pt_reyes.html
http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2006/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_novato_9.html
Put narrow tires on it, and it is a stronger hybrid, put fat studded knobbies on it and go in the snow, or on the lake.
You'll never get tires that wide on a 700c hybrid.
If you wish to spend the money you can get a MTB that is lighter than a steel touring bike.
I love my Jamis touring bike, it is the most comfortable for century rides, it is 28 lbs with racks and fenders. 26 lbs without. If you are not going off road it's great. Not as good as fat tires in the snow of course. But faster on the road than an MTB.
My Litespeed MTB with fenders, front suspension, and a suspension seatpost is 25 lbs. 23 lbs without fenders and the suspension seatpost. Around 22 lbs. without the suspension fork. That's with 26x1.95" semi slicks. It's faster, and lighter, than most hybrids.
You can get a rigid fork for a front suspension MTB for about $69 from Nashbar.
My feeling is that dragging around an extra 80 grams having a granny gear, is better than not having it when the snow is 5" deep (if you don't have another bike for the snow). If you keep the old bike for the snow, then it does not matter. I would keep the old bike.
Actually about $1240 list. It looks like a nice touring bike. Do you like it?
.
I donb't have one, but they are a popular, durable bike.
If you have a Specialized and it's not too beat up, it's probably worth getting new components for, depending on what model you have.
anything with a road frame converted to singlespeed or fixed..........thats been my long term solution-->low maintenance, works in bad weather, replacement parts are cheap, and dont have to worry about it getting stolen
anything with a road frame converted to singlespeed or fixed..........thats been my long term solution-->low maintenance, works in bad weather, replacement parts are cheap, and dont have to worry about it getting stolen
Oh, I think gears are pretty nice to have and reliable. I doubt if Roody is gonna go fixed.
He could think about a Rohloff internally geared hub.
Nightshade
02-27-06, 08:24 AM
For pure utility and toughness not many (none that I know of)
can match..........
www.worksman.com
These bikes , while heavy, will take all the abuse you can dish out
or think of. They ain't pretty but they will..."Git Er Done" :D :D
Post script.........
You also might consider "work" trikes from Worksman , Lightspeed and
others.
What kind of bike is best if you're carfree?
The bike you already have, with a high-capacity trailer you can attach when you have lots of stuff to carry.
My other thoughts, though, are that:
In my opinion, you can see just fine with drop bars. I rode for a long time in city traffic with drops (i use bullhorn bars now, which also allow me to get my head and shoulders down low) and I think that bars that allow you a narrower, lower position are better if you want speed. You may also find that your body acts as its own shock absorber if you ride with your shoulders far forward of your seat, because a jolt to the seat (when your bike goes over something in the road) doesn't force your shoulders/back upward like it would if you were bolt-upright.
I also think the perfect bike has fenders and a rear rack. And tuffy tire-liners for flat protection.
I think the most important characteristic of a bike is convenience. For me, that implies no changing clothing, minimal maintenance demands, and no batteries to charge. That means that a chainguard, dynamo front hub, and fenders are essential. I want to just hop on it and go. It has to be easier than driving, or I would just take one of my cars.
Therefore, I'd recommend a European commuter bike. However, most of them (including mine) are not available in the US. In fact, mine is a German Kettler upgraded with a Shimano Dynohub that I had to order from Great Britain.
Breezer makes one that looks reasonable:
http://www.breezerbikes.com/bike_details.cfm?bikeType=town&frame=d&bike=uptown
Very similar to my bike, but available though Shedon Brown's pals at Harris Cyclery:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/koga/index.html
Paul
i think you're allowed more than one.
I agree. In fact, I think having two bikes is a good idea for those who rely on their bicycles as transportation. It gives you a backup when one is out of commission for repair.
You've stumbled on to an unfortunate reality of the US bike market - general purpose road bikes are difficult to find.
Other have made some very good suggestions in my view. It really depends what you are looking for and if you only want one bike. Touring bikes are good option (Trek 520, Surly LH Trucker, etc), but they are designed to haul lots of equipment - consequently their geometry can be a little awkward, cumbersome for everyday riding.
Another good option (the one I chose) is a cyclocross bike. These are versatile, durable, nimble bikes, hence very good general purpose riding. Unfortunately, since most are built for racing in mind, their stock components are less than ideal for general use (double chain ring, high geared cassette, wheels that sacrifice some durability for less weight).
There are exceptions, though - Kona Jake the Snake, Surly Cross Check, Bianchi Axis. The first two retail for around $800, the Axis goes for around $1300. If you are patient and shop around on-line, you should be able to find them for at least 25% less than retail.
good suggestions in my view. It really depends what you are looking for and if you only want one bike. Touring bikes are good option (Trek 520, Surly LH Trucker, etc), but they are designed to haul lots of equipment - consequently their geometry can be a little awkward, cumbersome for everyday riding.
.
Would a Trek 520 really be that bad to ride around on ?
Would a Trek 520 really be that bad to ride around on ?
No, they it would be a fine general purpose rig. It's interesting - many loaded touring purists have gripes with it because the gearing is a little higher than most touring bikes (check other threads if UR curious), so it might be just the thing. I test rode one and it was fine, but I wanted something a little more zippy, but that was just my pref. A 520 is a fine choice.
I'm getting some great ideas here! Thanks everybody. I really respect your opinions a lot. I'm bookmarking all the web pages, and I know I'll be poring over them for the nex couple months.
From what I hear, the cross bike might be a good one. You will still have the Hard Rock for any mtb action you need and for general short errands and dangerous parking situations. Don't replace, add on to your stable.I am leaning a little bit to a cross bike. I like the Marin Pt. Reyes, especially the disc brakes, but it's a little over my budget (which is flexible, actually). The main drawback is that there's no dealer in my area, and I just couldn't buy a bike sight unseen (butt unfelt?) off the internet. Could I?
There are exceptions, though - Kona Jake the Snake, Surly Cross Check, Bianchi Axis. The first two retail for around $800, the Axis goes for around $1300. If you are patient and shop around on-line, you should be able to find them for at least 25% less than retail.Well you seem to think it's OK to buy online. I'll put the Kona and Bianchi on my list!
Oh, I think gears are pretty nice to have and reliable. I doubt if Roody is gonna go fixed.I think you're right about that, John. My knees are 50 years old and I do a lot of pedalling with them!
Touring bikes are good option (Trek 520, Surly LH Trucker, etc), but they are designed to haul lots of equipment - consequently their geometry can be a little awkward, cumbersome for everyday riding. I haven't ruled out a touring bike. I thought they were designed to be comfortable for long hours in the saddle? What makes them cumbersome?
But as far as what it's worth? I don't know how much I could sell it for, but it's worth more to me than what anyone else would pay to own it. It is my "car" - I run errands, pick up groceries, cruise around, go to the laundromat, ride to the trailhead, etc. It and my shoes are my primary means of transport I love the way you put this. I love my bike too. I won't ditch the HardRock like I would ditch a car! But it's exciting to look at brand new rides too. . . . .:)
I haven't ruled out a touring bike. I thought they were designed to be comfortable for long hours in the saddle? What makes them cumbersome?
It's pretty relative to what you are used to. Touring bikes tend to be longer and have a lower center of gravity. This makes them more stable, esp when loaded with equipment, but it also means they won't take sharp turns as quickly and with as little space as a cross or other bike.
Buying over the internet, there is some degree of uncertainty - that's one of the reasons it costs less. However if you measure yourself. There are numerous fit/size guides online, so you should be able to figure out which size is best. Here's one:
http://www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk/resource/size_charts.htm#bike_sizing
Would a Trek 520 really be that bad to ride around on ?
It may be a bit out of date, but I ride a 1984 Trek 520 as my summer commuter and it is perfectly comfortable. It's also light and fast for club racing, which I don't do. However, it has fairly thin tires and 27" wheels. With the beater mountain bike I use in the late fall and early spring, with >2" tires, and 26" wheels, I feel a lot more confident that it can handle potholes, road sand, occasional ice patches, wet road paint and manhole covers, rare parallel slotted storm drain grates and other hazards without much risk. I suppose I could put fatter tires on the Trek if that was my all-in-one utility bike. Also as others have said, it's not geared for really steep hills, even though it has a triple: 28 front teeth, 26 rear. The lowest gear is a bit better in the current model: 30 - 32.
2manybikes
02-28-06, 08:21 AM
I haven't ruled out a touring bike. I thought they were designed to be comfortable for long hours in the saddle? What makes them cumbersome?
If you are used to riding an MTB on the road with MTB tires, a touring bike will seem fast and nimble.
If you are used to riding a fast road bike, especially one designed for racing, a touring bike will seem slow and cumbersome.
It's in between the two.
With skinny tires it will seem closer to the fast road bike, with 40mm tires it will feel closer to the MTB. With 32mm smooth road tires on mine it is about 1.5 mph slower than my racing bike, but about 2-3 mph faster than my MTB with knobbies on it.
They are comfortable for long hours in the saddle. They also are stiff and strong so they handle well with a big load on it. Mine has 8500 miles on it, now it has front pannier racks. Notice how high the handlebars are compared to the saddle. Road bars don't have to be low.
If you are used to riding an MTB on the road with MTB tires, a touring bike will seem fast and nimble.
If you are used to riding a fast road bike, especially one designed for racing, a touring bike will seem slow and cumbersome.
It's in between the two.
With skinny tires it will seem closer to the fast road bike, with 40mm tires it will feel closer to the MTB. With 32mm smooth road tires on mine it is about 1.5 mph slower than my racing bike, but about 2-3 mph faster than my MTB with knobbies on it.
They are comfortable for long hours in the saddle. They also are stiff and strong so they handle well with a big load on it. Mine has 8500 miles on it, now it has front pannier racks. Notice how high the handlebars are compared to the saddle. Road bars don't have to be low.
OK, can you or anybody recommend a touring bike for me? Like under $1,000?
So 2many--let's say you had to cut your bike stable :eek: down to one. Which bike would you keep and why? What would you change your user name to? :)
2manybikes
02-28-06, 11:24 AM
OK, can you or anybody recommend a touring bike for me? Like under $1,000?
So 2many--let's say you had to cut your bike stable :eek: down to one. Which bike would you keep and why? What would you change your user name to? :)
My Jamis Touring bike is great, and so are the Fuji touring bikes. The Fuji's are about $800 I think? The Jamis may be less..I paid $499 in 1998 for mine. I have friends with some older, and two new Fuji touring bikes. It looks as if the Jamis and the Fuji frames are identical except the Fuji has a spare spoke holder on the chain stay. My Jamis has 8500 miles on the original RSX group including the chain and cogs. I replaced the rims, that's it. I clean my drive train more than any sane person, but you can get a lot of miles out of one, especially if you have fenders and a long mud flap, most of the dirt on the chain comes from the front wheel.
If I had to have only one, I would be just about where I think you might be right now...on the edge
between a touring bike or a good quality MTB.
I would have to go with the MTB (a good one that has LX or XT on it.) I have ridden my touring bike off road with 40 mm tires. It certainly can be done, but it's nothing like a good mtb with clearance for huge tires. I have ridden My XT equipped MTB on the road with narrow high pressure tires.
The touring bike is great on the road, not so hot off road.
The MTB is a better road bike than the touring bike is an off road bike.
The mtb is more versatile, by changing the tires you change the whole personality of the bike. You can put any kind of racks and panniers on it you want. You can put road handlebars on it if you want to do some long distance touring.
This would have to be it. Just the way it is it's faster than most hybrids with 65 psi in the tires, but it goes through mud almost up to the BB with 25 psi............but don't make me choose just one !! Please !! I don't want to be 2fewbikes !! :)
OK, can you or anybody recommend a touring bike for me? Like under $1,000?
I like the Randonee from REI co-op as an all rounder. A friend has one. We've done some fun unsupported tours. But, its better to get one in the fall when the prices drop. Personally I like my recumbent for long tours and a Euro style for around town within 10-15 miles of home but you're asking about one bike for everything.
Poguemahone
02-28-06, 08:16 PM
"OK, can you or anybody recommend a touring bike for me? Like under $1,000?"
Go used.
Miyata 1000, 610, 210 (in descending order of preference)
Trek 720 (Be carefull, there's an MTB with the same designation)
Specialized Expedition
Shogun 600
The Miyata 1000, Trek 720, and Specialized are all excellent, top of the line stuff.
I think a recumbent makes a good commuting bike. You can ride it in street cloths and it is comfortable with a lot of room for racks and such.
You can ride (a recumbent) in street cloths
I ride an upright bike... always in street clothes.
I ride an upright bike... always in street clothes.
I drove my upright to a meeting with the fancy headquarters folks and back to my field office wearing a nice suit and tie today. I've never dressed so nicely while driving my recumbent. Since I use the recumbent for longer sweatier rides you'll catch me in nicer clothes while on the regular bike. I'm more often in changeable clothes when I take the recumbent somewhere.
I just recently turned an old Hardrock into a commuter, myself. It's from right around the last ones they made w/o suspension, I believe. So, aluminum, w/o suspension.
Anyway, here's some (ugly) photos:
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/8671/bike3tf.th.jpg (http://img43.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bike3tf.jpg) http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/4250/drivetrain1nh.th.jpg (http://img82.imageshack.us/my.php?image=drivetrain1nh.jpg) http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/2820/front1mj.th.jpg (http://img82.imageshack.us/my.php?image=front1mj.jpg) http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/7448/cockpit5iz.th.jpg (http://img82.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cockpit5iz.jpg) http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/5606/rear6uc.th.jpg (http://img82.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rear6uc.jpg)
It's a little different now (rack, lights), but I've been riding it a couple months as my one and only bike (for the time being, I actually own about 6 bikes right now), and I'd say it's pretty darn close to what I'd have if I really only did have 1 bike. If I knew I could only have this particular bike and no car forever and ever, I’d put a nexus hub on it. As an everyday bike you may have to lock up and leave somewhere, an older Hardrock is a good choice. It’s strong and of a good quality, but it’s not a precious baby you have to worry about all the time.
Any new bike you buy is probably going to have a very similar frame in terms of quality/weight, etc. (this is assuming you’ve got a Hardrock from around the same time as mine). Looking at the issue practically, what you’d really be getting with a new bike is new parts and a new paintjob. Unless of course you go with a whole different style of bike.
Anyway, having used this as my only bike for a while now, and trying to drive as little as possible, my real dream, one-and-only bike would be something like the Rivendell Quickbeam [something made up like the Quickbeam, not the QB itself because it’s way too much $$]. It’s a SS with a flip/flop hub that takes 2 freewheels on either side, has 2 chainrings up front, and then the track ends are such that you don’t have to readjust the brakes when you switch gearing. So, although you can’t shift it, you have access to 4 gears on the bike. As simple and foolproof as you can get and still have 4 gears. If I could only have 1 bike, I’d want it to not be as simple as possible.
But in actuality I plan on having a main commuter bike, a fixed gear, a mountain bike, and maybe keep the old schwinn 3 speed for going to the market, so… Anyway, you have $800 to spend. If I was you I’d think of my most favorite type of biking (mountain, putzing-around, racing, etc.) and spend the $$ pursuing the best bike you can get to do that sort of biking.
For example, I commute by bike and try to not drive as much as possible, so I use my commuter a lot. But if I had my hardrock and $800 for a new bike, I’d buy a new (or good used) mountain bike, because I love mountain biking and it’s more important for me to have a brand new mountain bike than a new commuter.
And so ends my overly long message.
OK, can you or anybody recommend a touring bike for me? Like under $1,000?
So 2many--let's say you had to cut your bike stable :eek: down to one. Which bike would you keep and why? What would you change your user name to? :)
I'd like for a Trek 520 on the web. The new retail price for a 520 is about $1200 I think, which means you could find a new one on-line for around $800-900. I think there are only 4 sizes to choose from, so it should be pretty easy to figure out your size.
frost_from_hell
03-01-06, 10:02 PM
A bike like this http://www.bianchi.it/it/products/productsDetail.aspx?category=sport&idmaster=18756 (http://http://www.bianchi.it/it/products/productsDetail.aspx?category=sport&idmaster=18756) might be worth considering, I have one of these bikes (an earlier model though) and I love it!
It's very practical, you can wear whatever clothing you want without a care, handles a load pretty well and will pull a trailer too. It's fun to ride too, it's a lot faster than it looks!
ReptilesBlade
03-01-06, 10:51 PM
I am not car free but I am trying to be car lite. I recommend a hybrid as well, in my case the Trek 7500 works perfectly. I do not feel like going into it a great deal right now because it would be too long of a story. If you want a better idea why I recommend this bike try my intro topic here.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=177616
Hey reptilesblade- welcome to bikeforums... and nice bike. looks like a good choice for transportation purposes.
ReptilesBlade
03-02-06, 10:01 AM
Thank you Cerewa, I am glad to be a member here and the 7500 really fits the bill nicely for me at least.
I'm happy that the good ideas keep coming! I guess that if this were an election, the Trek 520 would have the most votes so far. I'm leaning more and more to a cyclocross, but there aren't many at the LBSs to look at. I guess they haven't caught on much around here yet. Timj, I agree that the Hardrock is a great all-round urban bike. Mine's probably an earlier model than yours, since it's a steel frame. I bought it as a never-ridden used bike in a pawn shop for $100. I've put about 15,000 miles on it so far, so it dosn't look new any more!
mtnroads
03-04-06, 10:29 PM
I love my Trek 520 - it is 10 yrs old (not hard miles) and still rides like new. The nice steel frame and slightly longer wheelbase/chainstays are what give the 520 such a comfortable ride. Since it is a touring bike, it also has beefy wheels and components, and the bottom bracket is lower than a cyclocross, which allows a more comfortable seating position. Lastly, there are plenty of braze-ons front and rear for mounting racks, and the 520 will take a fairly large tire with clearance for fenders also. Really a hard to beat, all around great bike, more like bikes used to be before they became so specialized and single-focused.
How about one of these:
http://www.thecyclery.ca/Documents/Krike_brochure_lorez.pdf
Only available in Ottawa though. :( Don't think they ship them, though you could always drop them a line.
Powdercoated frame, internal gear shift, chain protector, dynamo front hub, 1.5" slicks, flat pedals.
-Greg
worker4youth
03-05-06, 10:55 AM
Have you looked at the Bianchi San Jose? If you're into that singlespeed lifestyle :)
jcwitte
03-10-06, 12:52 AM
I have a Trek 520 and love it, however, you can get one of REI's touring/cyclocross models (Randonee , Safari, or Element) for much less and brand new. Right now, if you are an REI member, they are offering 20% off one full price item. Someone said in another thread that that does include their bikes. Go to REI.com they'll have a code for their 20% off coupon on their homepage, then check out their touring models (http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?noalias=1&inc=novara_t.jsi&cm_re=toc*3*touring&langId=-1&query=715882%2C715883%2C715884%2C730478%2C730480%2C731044&link=1&catlabels=false&orig=novara_t&noheader=1&storeId=8000) and their cyclocross models (http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?noalias=1&inc=novara_cc.jsi&cm_re=toc*13*cyclocross&langId=-1&query=715884%2C715885%2C719996%2C730479%2C731044&link=1&catlabels=false&orig=novara_cc&noheader=1&storeId=8000&vcat=searchcat%3AC) . If you happen to ride a 52cm road bike, they have their 2005 tourer reduced down to $719.93. Good luck.
Sounds like what you have is pretty good....
The best of the "city/commuter" bikes that I've owned, ridden or seen were often conversions of mountain, touring, 'cross or cruiser bikes, but there seem to be more of the city-bike type available now without converting.
Burley makes a pretty neat city bike (26" wheels, I think..), as does Rivendell & Kogswell.
We use early '80's 700c touring/sport-touring bikes as all-rounders (local & touring), as well as Swift Folders (which are excellent quality 20"-wheeled folding bikes). Check out the Swift Folders at BikeForums folding bike threads, at www.swiftfolders.com & at Xooters website - they may be the ticket for your needs. They ride/handle great on pavement & dirt, fold small & quick enough, carry & pull loads & look as good as small-wheeled bikes can look (it took us a little while to get past the weird look of folders, but it's been worth it)!
As you obviously know, it's way more about the rider than the bike.... you'll find lots out there that you'll like. Like I mentioned, what you have sounds pretty good..!
Happy hunting!
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