Introductions - New Guy from MI

hey guys!

Im Mike, 19 years old, from Metro Detroit MI.

I've been into biking my whole life, for a long time I was into BMX, but now Im looking into mountian and cylocross, I havent bought either of the new bikes yet, but Im looking at Schwinn for both. My last 4 bikes were Schwinn, and I havent had any problems yet.

Also, does anyone know of any big bike rides in MI, I am looking for one in MI that would be like the Iowa Great Ride.

thanks,
Mike

Yes. The DALMAC ride. The Dick Allen Lansing to MACinaw bridge ride put on by a bike club in Lansing. Options of up to 100 miles on each of the four days and you get to pedal over the bridge. A touring/cyclocross bike could do more for you than a pure mountain bike. Change the tires and you have an entirely different bike. REI(Novara) and Surly are frequently mentioned.

Hey Mike,

I live somewhat near you, and I am coincidentaly also 19. Anyway, the Michigander, the ride my username is named after is a mountain bike ride, that is, we cover all sorts of terrain and go from one side of the state to another. The DALMAC is all pavement. I can't say I've ever gone on the DALMAC, but I go on the Michigander every year and reccomend it highly.

On the subject of what bike to get, I have a double suspension Giant with downhilling tires weighing in at 24 pounds, and I ride it faster on the pavement than a lot of people in their 20's on the Michigander riding touring bikes. Thats proof enough that mountain bikes are all you need for general use. unless you want to do cyclocross racing of course. Besides, MTB's are far more stable and good in sand, mud, and dirt than something with skinny tires. On the subject of Schwinn. As I bet you already know, new Schwinns are actually Pacific's and are pieces of trash, so I hope and expect you are talking about getting an older one. In any case, the bottom line is, buy what you like.

Michigander, I did not know that about the Schwinns, thank you!! I'll probably have to look into Trek then..

If you want to get a new Trek, you would do well to go to American Cycle and Fitness in Royal Oak. I used to work there, and I can assure you that they won't jerk you around or talk to you like your an idiot like Continental or Jerry's. They have a good selection of Trek's at the cheapest shop prices anywhere. They also have Gary Fisher's and other brands owned by the Trek Company.

One more FWI type of thing, D&D Bicycles of Berkley is a very honest shop who sells primarily Cannondale's and Giants. I have gone there for parts for my Giant, and they have a very good shop.

I'm glad you told me this, I was all set on the both models I was going to buy from Schwinn. Now that I know about Schwinn, I wont make that mistake.

I have heard good things about Cannondale, so I most likely will check them out... and where is American Cycle and Fitness? is that on Woodward? I think I ahve heard of it before.

Right now, I'm looking at the Trek Hardtail Alpha Aluminum 4300 Disc... any input?


Thanks,


Mike

Cycle and fitness is currently located at 1109 south washington, which is just north of I-696 and just south of OCC, but they are moving to woodward and 12 mile in the spring.

I won't make any reccomendations about which specific bike to get. I haven't worked at a shop in 5 years, nor have I read many bike magazines. My suggestion is to go to a shop, and also post questions in the appropriate forums, where BF members will be very happy to guide you along. About Cannondale, they are the BMW of bikes. They are great, but you would spend less money for a similar product on a Trek, Gary Fisher, Giant, Klien or most anything else.

If you want to get into some of the urban cycling culture in Detroit, check out www.criticalmassdetroit.org and http://www.detroitsynergy.org/projects/detroitbikes/

Hello...weather was real nice today! Did you guys/gals get a chance to enjoy? I think someone mentioned snow in the forecast for next week :-(

Silverexpress,

I did a little over 30 miles yesterday. Today sucks. You can't do construction when theres Tstorms, and sadly, you can't ride bikes either :(

Edit- Looks like it might be clearing up. Maybe I'll sneak in 20 miles.

I'm glad you told me this, I was all set on the both models I was going to buy from Schwinn. Now that I know about Schwinn, I wont make that mistake.

I have heard good things about Cannondale, so I most likely will check them out... and where is American Cycle and Fitness? is that on Woodward? I think I ahve heard of it before.

Right now, I'm looking at the Trek Hardtail Alpha Aluminum 4300 Disc... any input?

I have the Trek 4300 but without the disc brakes. IMO, its a great bike for the price. I have had mine for about 2 years and it has held up very well. My only complaint has been the saddle which I am replacing this week actually.