General Cycling Discussion - Please suggest a fast bike

Hello all!

I need a faster bike. Right now I ride my commute bike (used to ride to high school, but school is now over), cheap $100 walmart bike. I rode this type of bikes for the last 4 years.
My current (http://megavovan.com/files/bike1.jpg)
Bike (http://megavovan.com/files/bike2.jpg)

I ride on asphalt along the bayou here in Houston. There is approximately 20 mile stretch of normal road (after that asphalt ends on both sides). I "smoke" everyone on this (cheap walmart) type of bike, and only people to pass me are on sport/road and recumbent bikes.
I'm 6ft tall and slim (145lb). Ride with huge headphones and banging tunes.
I feel like this bike is holding me back: in highest gear it's too easy (I want to spin slower but harder) and seat is too low - my leg is bent even in the lowest position.


What bike could you recommend that is fast and cheap? Don't want a recumbent. Someone suggested to get a hardtail bike, because full suspension (see pictures above) that I got in walmart loses the energy.
I don't have a budget, but I want to know what my options are. Buying used from craigslist is fine by me, my ex-teacher bought a $300 bike (several years old, new it was $1500) and it owned.

I am not looking to spend X dollars, I just want good price/performance ratio. I am tired of slow walmart bikes that also break often.

Thank you!

edit: budget is up to $600 and I do not ride off-road or on bad surfaces.

Without a price range, it is diffifult to suggest anything.

How about the ultimate suggestion for a starter road bike, the Trek 1000....or a myriad of others.

Visit your local bike shop and they can help you pick on out what will fit your needs and your body type.

Fred

My funds are not unlimited. Let's say the budget is $300-600. If I really like that, I'll sell it and buy a more expensive one :)

This (http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1499000&f=5) or this (http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1477000&f=1).

If you don't like Trek, this might do the trick (http://www.litespeed.com/bikes/new/saber.aspx).

These will allow you to own everyone even more than you are already doing :)

There isn't really such a thing as a 'fast' bike... there are just fast riders.

That said, it sounds like what you need is a decent quality road bike - that is, if i'm understanding you correctly and you only ride on the road, not off. If the roads you ride on are bad or you ride on gravel and other rougher surfaces (but not trails with boulders and roots etc), then you might consider a cyclocross bike or something with clearance for fatter tires.

If you do ride off-road a lot, then yes, a hardtail mountain bike might be a good bet. Full suspension is nice and all, but unless you spend at least about $1400, you're better off without it as the cheap ones suck.

As for what to buy... you kind of have to specify a budget, since there are too many choices. Usually if you buy new, you should expect to pay more than $500 for something good. Used, it depends on your luck...

lecterman (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=39135)http://www.bikeforums.net/star.gif (http://www.bikeforums.net/payments.php?) I want to visit the shop when I have at least some money saved :)
The guys at the shop rock - they did a tune-up for free for my walmart bike few months ago, and it hasn't broken down since! But on their displays they have pretty expensive bikes, $900 to couple grand!
The trek 1000 seems to be under $600 new? Hmmm :)

M_S (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=73887): These bikes will be mine when I become rich.

robo (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=29594)http://www.bikeforums.net/star.gif (http://www.bikeforums.net/payments.php?): I edited original post: budget =<$600, no offroad driving, only on smooth asphalt/concrete. Hardtail is good for normal road riding also, right?

Well, you can always look for a used road bike through Craigs List or Ebay.

Just a thought, but basically, you can get a great older Road bike for a lot less money!

Well, you can always look for a used road bike through Craigs List or Ebay.

Just a thought, but basically, you can get a great older Road bike for a lot less money!

What if it doesn't fit me? I.E. handlebars too close to seat? Then just don't buy?

What if it doesn't fit me? I.E. handlebars too close to seat? Then just don't buy?

Yes. Bikes will come in a large array of sizes for a given make and model, so if it doesn't fit, don't buy it. There are many things that can affect sizing and frame geometry such as flexibility, the length of your torso, your legs, and your arms, as well as the kind of riding you want to do. You may want to go to a bike shop and try out several sizes of bikes to see what works best for you since a couple of centimeters difference in frame size can make a big big difference in your comfort and power while riding. Frame geometry can also make affect sizing. A 56 cm from one brand may fit differently compared to a 56 from another brand. Substitute cm for inches if you're looking at mountain bikes. Just try as many bikes as you can and get the one that fits best and offers what you need.

Road bikes tend to be more fickle about sizing and riding position than mountain bikes or hybrids.

Suggest a fast bike?

One with Lance on it.

Sounds like it's time to start hitting all of the bike shops you can find and riding all of the bikes you can ride.

There are no fast bikes. I've seen so very fast riders though. I ride twenty mile circuits on the bike trails along the Houston bayous on bikes that range from light road bikes on up to heavy (very heavy) beach cruisers. My times are about the same on each bike, because the same guy is turning the cranks.

Each of my bikes has been set up to provide a similar riding position that enables me to ride in a "semi" aero position with my back at a 45% angle to the top bar. (The much lower aero position that pros use is not comfortable for extended periods of time, nor is it safe to use on a bike path or road that is crowded with lots of traffic).

Air resistance is your biggest opponent at speeds above 15 mph, not the weight of the bike or the width of the tires. Therefore, your goal should be to get a bike that fits you perfectly, and that enables you to ride in efficient positions for extended periods of time.

I have no idea why anyone without a racing license cares about "speed". Unless you are getting a racing license, you ought to be more concerned with riding to get fit and to relax. Oddly, so-called "fast" fifteen pound bikes with ultra-light wheels and very narrow tires are the WORST bikes for getting fit and for relaxing.

"Racing" bikes don't provide a good workout for a fit person until you are riding more than 20 mph, which is too fast for a bike trail littered with moms pushing baby strollers, and elderly people on walkers. Their narrow tires transmit every bit of road shock, leaving you beat-up and tired at the end of the ride.

There are no fast bikes. I've seen so very fast riders though. I ride twenty mile circuits on the bike trails along the Houston bayous on bikes that range from light road bikes on up to heavy (very heavy) beach cruisers. My times are about the same on each bike, because the same guy is turning the cranks.

Each of my bikes has been set up to provide a similar riding position that enables mean to ride in a "semi" aero position with my back at a 45% angle to the top bar. Air resistance is your biggest opponent at speeds above 15 mph, not the weight of the bike or the width of the tires.

I have no idea why anyone without a racing license cares about "speed". Unless you are racing your bike, you ought to be more concerned with riding to get fit and to relax. Oddly, so-called "fast" fifteen pound bikes with ultra-light wheels and very narrow tires are the WORST bikes for getting fit and for relaxing. They don't provide a good workout for a fit person until you are riding more than 20 mph, too fast for a bike trail littered with moms pushing baby strollers, and elderly people on walkers. The narrow tires transmit every bit of road shock, leaving you beat-up and tired at the end of the ride.

Yeah, air resistance (especially wind) is a pain, and maybe you can suggest me nice roads around here? (Houston)

What bike would you suggest then, to get fit, if not light road bike?

Yeah, air resistance (especially wind) is a pain, and maybe you can suggest me nice roads around here? (Houston)

What bike would you suggest then, to get fit, if not light road bike?

I ride in the inner city, which has the problem of stop signs and stop lights every hundred yards or so. The neighborhoods around Kirby and West Gray (River Oaks area) do have the advantage of motorists who are polite and considerate. As you ride east toward downtown Houston, motorists become more hostile and aggressive.

The bike trail that runs from the University of Houston over to Hermann park is fun to ride, and has little traffic between 9 a.m. and noon. There are a small group of "regulars" (five or ten folks) who seem to ride that circuit every day, but often you will be the only bike around.

That same trail continues from Hermann park out west through Meyerland to Highway 59. As you go west, the trail fills up with moms pushing strollers, dads walking dogs, and old folks with walkers. To be safe, you need to pass them at THEIR speed, which is very, very slow. That slowing down, speeding up is actually good for getting fit though.

If I had only ONE bike, I'd want a tough mountain bike (not a complex, expensive mountain bike with rear suspension, etc.). Most mountain bikes from the best companies (Trek, Specialized, Giant, KHS) in the $400 price range are made to be very durable and reliable.

The key to effective riding is getting a good fit. Most folks ride bikes that are too small, which puts their hands lower than the saddle and causes neck pain, hand pain, and wrist pain. Spend time at three or four shops and get their advice about a good fit. But, make sure the bike will enable you to have your hands as high as the saddle after the saddle is raised to its best position.

Bike messengers in Houston like to run their mountain bikes with 1.5 inch wide slick tires. Most think that these tires are as tough as the 2 inch wide mountain tires, but get better traction on pavement (especially wet pavement).

Fast? I've seen bike messengers downtown cruising along at 20-25 mph on mountain bikes with slick tires. Of course, those guys are some of the fittest cyclists in town.

I ride in the inner city, which has the problem of stop signs and stop lights every hundred yards or so. The neighborhoods around Kirby and West Gray (River Oaks area) do have the advantage of motorists who are polite and considerate. As you ride east toward downtown Houston, motorists become more hostile and aggressive.

The bike trail that runs from the University of Houston over to Hermann park is fun to ride, and has little traffic between 9 a.m. and noon. There are a small group of "regulars" (five or ten folks) who seem to ride that circuit every day, but often you will be the only bike around.

That same trail continues from Hermann park out west through Meyerland to Highway 59. As you go west, the trail fills up with moms pushing strollers, dads walking dogs, and old folks with walkers. To be safe, you need to pass them at THEIR speed, which is very, very slow. That slowing down, speeding up is actually good for getting fit though.

If I had only ONE bike, I'd want a tough mountain bike (not a complex, expensive mountain bike with rear suspension, etc.). Most mountain bikes from the best companies (Trek, Specialized, Giant, KHS) in the $400 price range are made to be very durable and reliable.

The key to effective riding is getting a good fit. Most folks ride bikes that are too small, which puts their hands lower than the saddle and causes neck pain, hand pain, and wrist pain. Spend time at three or four shops and get their advice about a good fit. But, make sure the bike will enable you to have your hands as high as the saddle after the saddle is raised to its best position.

Bike messengers in Houston like to run their mountain bikes with 1.5 inch wide slick tires. Most think that these tires are as tough as the 2 inch wide mountain tires, but get better traction on pavement (especially wet pavement).

Fast? I've seen bike messengers downtown cruising along at 20-25 mph on mountain bikes with slick tires. Of course, those guys are some of the fittest cyclists in town.

Luckily for me, I do not have to drive to work or college by bike (don't have a job yet, and college is too far = drive a car).

The trail that runs from UH Central campus to Hermann park - is it by the bayou? There are rarely any people. Does it go along the bayou, past buffalo speedway (LOL @ 30mph limit on parts of it), then still along bayou past the golf links in Hermann park, then it dips under a highway (don't know what hwy it is), then you drive up to the Calhoun Rd and to the left of you there will be UH (which is on Calhoun Rd)?

Can you be more specific where this trail is? Got map? I just rode to the golf links (without a shirt, in 1 pm sun :) ), rode around the golf links but didn't find any bike trails, asked 2 people if they know bike trail that goes to UH other than the bayou one I described above, and they didn't know...It is getting boring to ride the bayou, same short (about 35 min round trip) road all the time.

Slowing down is mostly done by the brakes, not the rider ;) However, speeding up (rocketing away from the people I just passed) is fun! That tempts me to get a manual transmission car, lol.

$400 new mountain bike that fits me well, possibly with slicks sounds like a ticket! Do you mean a hard tail mtn bike with front suspension only? I wouldn't want a no-suspension bike around here, bayou roads are regularly flooded with our tropical rains, and therefore are not smooth, they have bumps and cracks and dips. And I always jump the curbs, and sometimes pass people on the unpaved portion of the road.

Also, I always wanted to try disc brakes, are they good?

As for shoulder/neck pain, I do not feel it unless I ride over one hour - I am also a swimmer, been swimming in competing teams since I was 7 - so my shoulder muscles are a bomb! :D . My bike is too small and therefore I don't like it...

Whew, that's a long post.

Hello all!

I ride on asphalt along the bayou here in Houston. There is approximately 20 mile stretch of normal road (after that asphalt ends on both sides).I "smoke" everyone on this
Damn!! You're fast!!:eek:

Thanks! :)
Everyone except dudes on road bikes.

This is why I want to get a bike that fits me - so I can smoke the hell out of road bike riders too!!

There isn't really such a thing as a 'fast' bike... there are just fast riders.
:)

But their bikes fit them! And mine doesn't, my seat is too low!

Thanks! :)
Everyone except dudes on road bikes.

This is why I want to get a bike that fits me - so I can smoke the hell out of road bike riders too!!
Well not bragging in the least whatsoever but since you brought it up....
I "smoke" alot of people on road bikes( Calfees,Litespeeds Lemonds & whatnot) with my HT mtb.
*keeping it at a 25 to 30 mph speed on flat ground that is*

But their bikes fit them! my seat is too low!
Raise it.

Can't, it's the tallest position, and if I buy another seat (or stick it's on), the seat will be much higher than handlebars.
Look at the pics in 1st post - seat is already on level or a tad higher than handlebars.
And won't the stick seat is on just break if I jack it up even higher?

Can't, it's the tallest position, and if I buy another seat (or stick it's on), the seat will be much higher than handlebars.
Look at the pics in 1st post - seat is already on level or a tad higher than handlebars.
And won't the stick seat is on just break if I jack it up even higher?
the "stick" you are referring to i presume is the seat post? If so, no it wont break if you get a longer post. Dont however go more than the max line on the post. Some people run the seat way above the bar (couple inches or more), more aerodynamics & weight on the front to keep it planted on the ground for climbing.

For $600 you can get a good flat bar road bike or an entry level traditional road bike. Here's a couple leads that I think would be good for what you're describing. Of course, there's always Craigslist, but it's hit or miss for whether or not you find anything, and buying from a shop gives you easier access to some valuable knowledge and service (size recommendations, 30 day tune-up, frame warranty, etc). Worth it unless you find a killer deal elsewhere. In no particular order:

Giant OCR 3 (http://giantbicycles.com/en-US/bikes/road/2/)
Novara Buzz (http://www.rei.com/product/744800)
Marin Fairfax (http://www.rei.com/product/747543)
K2 Mach 1 (http://www.rei.com/product/745707)
Specialized Sirrus (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22264)
Specialized Allez (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21893)
Trek 1000 (http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1413000&f=3)

You may have to enter a country and language on the trek and specialized sites before they take you to the bikes...

Some of the above stretch your budget a little bit, and it's far from an exhaustive list of comparable bikes, but I think they'll be good for the kind of riding you describe: commuting and bike path. You'll be able to go faster, farther, and much much more comfortable than on your current rig. If you take reasonable care of whatever you get, it will last you for years or until the itch to buy a really nice ride strikes you.

BTW, the "stick" portion of the post i think you are refering to is the seatpost mast.

Is it just me, or is this guy's arrogance really annoying?

"I smoke everyone"

"Then I can smoke the roadies too"

Kid (and I say that being 18 myself) I think you care a little too much about how you ride in relation to other people. Ride whatever you want, and if it's a lightweight road bike, go for it. They are a lot of fun. But let it be because you enjoy it for its own sake, and not out of some misguided desire to beat everyone in a velo version of street racing, whether your "opponents" know they're racing you or not.

Is it just me, or is this guy's arrogance really annoying?

"I smoke everyone"

"Then I can smoke the roadies too"

Kid (and I say that being 18 myself) I think you care a little too much about how you ride in relation to other people. Ride whatever you want, and if it's a lightweight road bike, go for it. They are a lot of fun. But let it be because you enjoy it for its own sake, and not out of some misguided desire to beat everyone in a velo version of street racing, whether your "opponents" know they're racing you or not.
well sometime it is great fun for me :)
Especially if i am cruising along on the road about 20 or so & some roadie on his bike zips by me real close while looking at me with a smirk.... race is on!! :mad:

Alternately, I'm inclined to beleive this is all some sort of silly prank by a disgruntled BF member. Let's break it down:

Hello all!

I need a faster bike. Right now I ride my commute bike (used to ride to high school, but school is now over), cheap $100 walmart bike. I rode this type of bikes for the last 4 years.
My current (http://megavovan.com/files/bike1.jpg)
Bike (http://megavovan.com/files/bike2.jpg)
Okay, wallmart bike. That immediately gets on a lot of people's nerves. But he's polite, and apparently knows his way around basic sentence structure and image linking, which is a plus.


I ride on asphalt along the bayou here in Houston. There is approximately 20 mile stretch of normal road (after that asphalt ends on both sides). I "smoke" everyone on this (cheap walmart) type of bike, and only people to pass me are on sport/road and recumbent bikes.
This is where the arrogance comes in. But it's almost too perfect, isn't it? Most people riding casually on huffys don't even really know the what sport/road or recumbents are. Before I started seriously getting into biking, I sure didn't.

I'm 6ft tall and slim (145lb). Ride with huge headphones and banging tunes.
Another way to really get the goat of a lot of BF members. "Huge headphones?" Why even mention that? It's not relevant to the rest of the post.

I feel like this bike is holding me back: in highest gear it's too easy (I want to spin slower but harder) and seat is too low - my leg is bent even in the lowest position.

They know about spinning. That's not really an everyday term, though I suppose it could be a lucky guess.

What bike could you recommend that is fast and cheap? Don't want a recumbent. Someone suggested to get a hardtail bike, because full suspension (see pictures above) that I got in walmart loses the energy.
I don't have a budget, but I want to know what my options are. Buying used from craigslist is fine by me, my ex-teacher bought a $300 bike (several years old, new it was $1500) and it owned.
Not much to say here, except the "it owned" part. That's just funny.


I am not looking to spend X dollars, I just want good price/performance ratio. I am tired of slow walmart bikes that also break often.

It's like he's repeating everyone's mantra about wallmart bikes. But I dunno.


I could be way off, but something tells me to be suspicious.

^ so what's the big deal? If the person is having fun , so be it.

Is it just me, or is this guy's arrogance really annoying?

"I smoke everyone"

"Then I can smoke the roadies too"

Kid (and I say that being 18 myself) I think you care a little too much about how you ride in relation to other people. Ride whatever you want, and if it's a lightweight road bike, go for it. They are a lot of fun. But let it be because you enjoy it for its own sake, and not out of some misguided desire to beat everyone in a velo version of street racing, whether your "opponents" know they're racing you or not.

It's the aggressive attitude, one I like (or am I just being a e-thug? I don't know).
Yes, I care how I ride in relation to others, desire to smoke them makes me go practice and practice and practice, get better stronger faster. Basically it's fun.
Most annoying thing for me is that I know I am riding below my potential (low-end bike that doesn't fit), and these roadies blow past me thinking they are much better.
I do same thing for swimming, if I didn't care how much I smoke (or get smoked by) other swimmers, I would just do laps in same lane as grandmas in the heated indoor pool.
BTW, I am 19 in 3 weeks.
I said "owned" because I am also a Counter-Strike player.
Introduce me to the "mantra about Walmart bikes". This is my last Walmart bike because I bought 3 bikes from them before current one, and they completely broke down in a year (1 bike per year). I learned to change tubes, adjust brakes, do small stuff like that though. Or maybe bikes broke down because I rode them on busted pavement, jumped curbs, didn't wash dirt off, and they were rusting in the rain in my school bike racks.
M_S: I am sorry I annoy you :( That is just the way I am.


^ so what's the big deal? If the person is having fun , so be it.
Right on. :beer:

Alternately, I'm inclined to beleive this is all some sort of silly prank by a disgruntled BF member.
Even if your suspicions are correct why does a person have to be labeled "disgruntled" ?
BTW, you spelled "believe" wrong :rolleyes:

Even if your suspicions are correct why does a person have to be labeled "disgruntled" ?
BTW, you spelled "believe" wrong :rolleyes: And you put your question mark on the outside of your quotations. Let's not get into that, OK?

Regardless, I think I'm done with this thread.

Actually, it is not a prank, nor have I been a BF member before. I was sent here from AnandTech Off-Topic forum.
Original thread on ATOT (http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=38&threadid=2049260&forumid=1)

edit: Thanks for telling me few ways to annoy the hell of BF members, I have never been exposed to that sort of information so soon after joining a forum! Now I got some tools at my convience :)

And you put your question mark on the outside of your quotations. Let's not get into that, OK?

Regardless, I think I'm done with this thread.
So what? I never made any insinuations, nor do i think i am perfect. You evidently are trying to make yourself seem like some kind of El Supremo on this board.
*internet image is nothing , mista M_S.

edit: Thanks for telling me few ways to annoy the hell of BF members, I have never been exposed to that sort of information so soon after joining a forum! Now I got some tools at my convience :)
lol

Let's break it down:

They know about spinning. That's not really an everyday term, though I suppose it could be a lucky guess.

Eh? "They"? < that pretty much sums up what you are.)

You could get a new road bike for around $600 or you could build up a fixed gear from a nice 80's road bike for $200. I have both and prefer riding the cheapie fixie. I'm actually faster on it. Less junk, more funk. Sell your bike while you're at it to finance your new ride.

You could get a new road bike for around $600 or you could build up a fixed gear from a nice 80's road bike for $200. I have both and prefer riding the cheapie fixie. I'm actually faster on it. Less junk, more funk. Sell your bike while you're at it to finance your new ride.

It is probably slow to accelerate - the cheapie fixie...w/ single gear. I have to stop all the time or at least slow down for people, traffic, curbs, etc. I am yet to find the, and I mean THE bike trail around here...
I will keep my other bike because I cannot imagine selling it for over $30 or so. Will keep because 1) I store it outside and 2) sometimes I go to park with my friend(s) where we ride dirt trails.

BTW my grand dad has 80s or even 70s bike made in USSR. Single gear, foot brake (spin pedals backwards to brake). I rode it alot, even when I was reeeeally small kid. It still works fine, too bad it is not on the same continent as I am.

I ride in the inner city, which has the problem of stop signs and stop lights every hundred yards or so. The neighborhoods around Kirby and West Gray (River Oaks area) do have the advantage of motorists who are polite and considerate. As you ride east toward downtown Houston, motorists become more hostile and aggressive.

The bike trail that runs from the University of Houston over to Hermann park is fun to ride, and has little traffic between 9 a.m. and noon. There are a small group of "regulars" (five or ten folks) who seem to ride that circuit every day, but often you will be the only bike around.

That same trail continues from Hermann park out west through Meyerland to Highway 59. As you go west, the trail fills up with moms pushing strollers, dads walking dogs, and old folks with walkers. To be safe, you need to pass them at THEIR speed, which is very, very slow. That slowing down, speeding up is actually good for getting fit though.

If I had only ONE bike, I'd want a tough mountain bike (not a complex, expensive mountain bike with rear suspension, etc.). Most mountain bikes from the best companies (Trek, Specialized, Giant, KHS) in the $400 price range are made to be very durable and reliable.

The key to effective riding is getting a good fit. Most folks ride bikes that are too small, which puts their hands lower than the saddle and causes neck pain, hand pain, and wrist pain. Spend time at three or four shops and get their advice about a good fit. But, make sure the bike will enable you to have your hands as high as the saddle after the saddle is raised to its best position.

Bike messengers in Houston like to run their mountain bikes with 1.5 inch wide slick tires. Most think that these tires are as tough as the 2 inch wide mountain tires, but get better traction on pavement (especially wet pavement).

Fast? I've seen bike messengers downtown cruising along at 20-25 mph on mountain bikes with slick tires. Of course, those guys are some of the fittest cyclists in town.

+1 This is great advice IMO. I use my MTB all the time on the road. I put 1.5 smooth tires on and I'm comfy and it's great excersize. When we go out in the country and ride, we only average maybe 14-16 mph, but we get to sight- see...very enjoyable. When I did my first 50 miler, I did it on my 29 lb. full susp. Cannondale, and yes, I did beat some roadies(but it wasn't exactly a race for me, it was for charity), so it is possible, and a great bicycling compromise. I ride on rough sidewalks and potted-holed streets alot, so it helps my body with full suspension. When the streets ar billiard board smoth, I lock out the shocks for max effeciency. Oh, I prefer disc brakes because they stop "RIGHT NOW" when that car wants to come out of his driveway or street. Plus, I'm a hight tech geek :p. However, they are slight heavier and more $$ than rim brakes. Personally, I'd save $600-700 and find a good condition used MTB on craigslist, ebay, yardsale, classifeds, etc. That's your best bang-for-buck:)

Great advice too, Quick_Torch_C5!

But, how would I know if the mtn bike on craigslist is any good? Probably will have to find someone local to help me with it, or learn a lot more about mtn bikes and their prices :)

edit: Should I try to find a USED bike for $600-700 that fits me, or buy a new one for that $?

dude, I ride that same trail quite often and the allen parkway trail all the time, love it!! I went with a cyclocross and have 2nd set of slicks for pure road riding. I love my motobecane fatom cross and it was the cheapest deal ($850) I could find in houston for a cyclocross. I got mine from cycle spectrum (ask for Ike) on shepherd near west alabama. My buddy has a Specialized tricross comp from bike barn that he loves and it's bad a** looking bike($1800) I do get bike envy occasionally. But I work at a copy shop so I have a budget. We have even taken ours on the MTB trails in memorial park. Maybe I will see you on the trail sometime with whatever new bike you choose.

Nice to hear of locals!
As for my new bike, it won't be too soon cuz I haven't saved money yet.
Incidentally, me and my friend are leaving to memorial park today - there is 50% chance rain but we don't care :D

What speeds you go at?

OMG I forgot to mention my favorite bike shop in houston, HBC (houston bicycle company on westhiemer and and taft) I don't know how many times they have done and adjustment on the fly while I wait. Those guys really rock definetly check them out.

Yesterday my buddy and I did 55 miles an avg speed of 16 mph pretty rough raods recentlly tore up asphalt in bellville, glad I had the cross tires on. I am no super speed demon, but love the sport.

OMG I forgot to mention my favorite bike shop in houston, HBC (houston bicycle company on westhiemer and and taft) I don't know how many times they have done and adjustment on the fly while I wait. Those guys really rock definetly check them out.
will do :)

Although they are 10 miles away from me and I don't know if bike trail goes there (Don't have bike mount on my car)

eh, 16mph is not really "tearing up the asphalt", I want at least 25. average.

Well, I am leving to head over to buddy's place to tune brakes on out walmart bikes.

It is probably slow to accelerate - the cheapie fixie...w/ single gear. I have to stop all the time or at least slow down for people, traffic, curbs, etc.

You should try it. I accelerate a lot faster on a fixed gear. They feel a lot better in high traffic areas because of the seamless transitions between fast and slow (and trackstanding means no stopping ;) ).

You should try it. I accelerate a lot faster on a fixed gear. They feel a lot better in high traffic areas because of the seamless transitions between fast and slow (and trackstanding means no stopping ;) ).

Do you mean it has fast gear (hard to pedal) and slow gear (easy to pedal)?

Yes and no. And both or neither.

A fixed gear bike has a single gear ratio. And no freewheel, so if the wheel is turning, then the pedals are turining. To go fast, pedal harder. To go slow, pedal easier.

or learn a lot more about mtn bikes and their prices :)



You said it all there! I would add get to know the components too! Once you know what high end components are (example:Shimano XT, XTR, or SRAM X9, X0), then you can find a nice used bike that will probably not fail you, even though used. However, even the best components can fail. Buying used may always be a risky gamble, but it's the best bang-for-buck(just like a used car). I bought a Cannondale Jekyll for $600, and it came with great components that made it worth maybe twice as much. I also contacted the guy and interrogated him about the bike and how he used it. I also asked WHY he was selling it (is he getting rid of it because it's a bad bike or does he just need the $$). Of course detailed pictures obviously helps in the decision making. You just have to use every resource available to you, along with good timing, some luck, and you will find that great bike for you and your budget!

eh, 16mph is not really "tearing up the asphalt", I want at least 25. average.

If you can average 25 mph over a 55 mile ride just from spinning a few times a week, you should forget about passing roadies on the bike paths and start training for the Tour de France.


The 2005 Tour de France was the 92nd Tour de France, taking place from July 2 to July 24, 2005. It comprised 21 stages over 3607 km, ridden at an average speed of 41.654 km/h.

^ that's about 26 mph and includes the time trials.

16 mph is a fine pace for a long ride, and a downright good pace when you factor in stops (bathroom breaks, plus intersections, hills, etc). Just sustaining 20 mph on flat ground a person is setting a competent pace.

One of the first things I noticed when I got a cyclo-computer: the calculated average goes down a lot easier than it goes up.