General Cycling Discussion - Looking for bike suggestions

Hello, I'm new to the forum and figured why not ask you guys before I go out and drop the money and buy a bike.

Over the past year I've been getting into biking. Over the summer I enjoy to bike to my grandmas which is a good 20 miles. I currently use my mom's old "racing" bike rather than one of my off road bikes due to the fact that I'm going greater distances.

For the summer I was looking to buy a nice bike for around $500. I realize that a lot of good bikes are well over $2,000 each. But for the meantime, I think a $500-$750 price range is a bit more practical.

Do you have any suggestions.

Thanks,

David

UPDATE:

I've narrowed my ideal bikes down to either a Trek (1000 or 1500), Giant (OCR 1, 2, 3), Schwinn (Fastback or LeTour) or a Felt.

Still too many to pick from. Most of these fall in my price range, the Trek 1500 is a bit higher than I would like to spend, but if I can get a lot of use out of it I don't mind paying the extra few hundred.

I still don't know what to decide on. Any suggestions on the bikes I've listed above on past experience or what you have heard? Or can you point me in a direction of another company.

I am going to be going to the LBS tomorrow to test some out and get their opinion, but I'd like to hear from you guys as well.

Thanks.

Hello, I'm new to the forum and figured why not ask you guys before I go out and drop the money and buy a bike.

Over the past year I've been getting into biking. Over the summer I enjoy to bike to my grandmas which is a good 20 miles. I currently use my mom's old "racing" bike rather than one of my off road bikes due to the fact that I'm going greater distances.

For the summer I was looking to buy a nice bike for around $500. I realize that a lot of good bikes are well over $2,000 each. But for the meantime, I think a $500-$750 price range is a bit more practical.

Do you have any suggestions.

Thanks,

David

Be more specific than "riding to grandmas." Where and how do you plan to ride?

Hi David. What are you going to do with your bike?

Just ride to Grandma's house 20 miles away?
Ride strictly on roads or paved trails?
Ride it on rock-laden dirt trails in the middle of the woods?
Race it? If so: On road? Cyclocross? MTB racing? Track/velodrome? Alleycats?
Pack it with camping gear and go on a 5-day tour far from home?
Set up ramps in the street and jump them while trying to do 360s in mid-air while drinking Mountain Dew?
Fold it into a suitcase and travel from France to China?
Just tool around town every so often at a leisurely pace, emphasis on comfort?
Grocery shop with it?
Commute to work, perhaps locking it up for 8 hours at a time?
Etcetera?

There are so many different bikes for different things, and so many of them are going to put you in a different position on the bike and have a different feel to the rides, some comfy and slow, some stiff and speedy, some in between.

You can find a decent bicycle in the $500-750 range, depending on what you want to do with it, but what do you want your bike to do? Lots of new riders who have no intention of ever racing or putting on the spandex get sucked into the idea that they should be buying the so-called "racing bike," but it's not the most practical bike for more pedestrian uses and abuses, nor for comfort. It's maybe good for the fitness freaks and people who place a premium on speed while riding on pavement, but outside of that, you might want something totally different - particularly if you don't feel personally slighted if someone dares pass you.

Then there are people who buy the mountain bike with suspension fork and never once take their bikes off the road. Good in the sense that it can take a beating, but if you're just going to gingerly ride it down the road, well.....

I've found that the most Goldilocks-style solution for my needs is a true touring bike. It can take punishment, it can be laden with bags and gear for picnicks, camping, or groceries, and it's pretty roadworthy yet not completely incapable of off-roading. It's not fast, but it's comfy and it's faster than most non-racing bikes. That's just me though.

The 20 mile ride is on a sidewalk for about half then asphalt bike paths. I'm not looking for a moutain bike or a trick bike etc, something like http://picasaweb.google.com/camnut/GiantOCRC2/photo#5067788647226190418 but maybe not so expensive. I am going to be biking a lot though on it for exercise and because I enjoy it.

The bike paths are usually always asphalt or cement.

Sorry for not being specific before.

A Giant OCR C2 for riding to Grandma's.

Well, I'm out of this discussion then - not my millieu, I'm afraid. Good luck finding a suitable bike for yourself. I'm sure someone here can help you out.

A Giant OCR C2 for riding to Grandma's. OK, so you want a racing bike.

Well, I'm out of this discussion then - not my millieu, I'm afraid. Good luck finding a suitable bike for yourself.It's not just riding to my grandmas lol. I'm just giving you an idea on the distance when I say that. 20 miles there, 20 back.

I usually go to a state park near by and ride around on the paved paths there as well.

It's not just riding to my grandmas lol. I'm just giving you an idea on the distance when I say that. 20 miles there, 20 back.

I usually go to a state park near by and ride around on the paved paths there as well.

That's fine. Again though, I'm the last person you want to talk to when it comes to the 'racier' lines, carbon/aluminum mixes, and wheels with only 16 spokes or whatever. I have literally no interest in them, though I do love old Italian and English steel racing frames. I could probably help you choose any kind of bike but what you posted or a BMX. Again, there will be plenty of people in this forum who can help you choose something suitable. Probably Felt is a good choice; I know they make low-end road/racing frames that people seem to like.

What about your Mom's bike..can you "inherit" it prematurely? What's she got?

What about your Mom's bike..can you "inherit" it prematurely? What's she got?
Her bike is over 15 years old...there is too much work that needs to be done to it

A lot of people on BF love vintage bikes. What kind is it?

What about your Mom's bike..can you "inherit" it prematurely? What's she got?

YES an excellant point of reference; is it big or small for you. What DO or Don't you like about it. Color IS a legit reason by the way, let it rip !

Actually I was wrong, I just talked to her, the bike is 35 years old hahaha...

Check out the Jamis Coda line of bikes. There are several to choose from in your price range, and they are a fine bike for the money.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/07_bikes/coda.html

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/07_bikes/images/07enlarged/07_CODA_BK.jpg

Touring or cyclocross bikes have race style handlebars but have the versatility of using either narrow race tires or something slightly fatter for more comfort on rougher roads. They can also be used for useful riding since baggage racks can be fitted.

Be patient & shop around. There are many slightly used bikes out there & for your price range, you can get a really classic ride. I agree that a Touring bike would be great for the type of riding you describe but touring bikes are more likely to have been ridden a lot. Replacing worn out parts can get expensive. A seldom ridden, mid level or above, Japanese bike from the 80s or 90s will give you the most bang for your buck, try to find a Miyata Seven Ten or 1000 for $200-$300, for $500-$750 you could go Italian! Don

Check out the Jamis Coda line of bikes. There are several to choose from in your price range, and they are a fine bike for the money.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/07_bikes/coda.html



If you want a racier bike for the price, look at the Jamis Venturas. They are more road bike then cross or hybrid. Rather light for a $500 bike too.

The 20 mile ride is on a sidewalk for about half then asphalt bike paths. I'm not looking for a moutain bike or a trick bike etc, something like http://picasaweb.google.com/camnut/GiantOCRC2/photo#5067788647226190418 but maybe not so expensive. I am going to be biking a lot though on it for exercise and because I enjoy it.

The bike paths are usually always asphalt or cement.

Sorry for not being specific before.

Ten miles on a sidewalk? Seriously, sidewalks are not a good or safe place to ride. I suggest that you go to some bike shops and ride and talk to the sales people. You can always go from there.

Actually I was wrong, I just talked to her, the bike is 35 years old hahaha...
Even better. C'mon no teasing..what kind is it?

Even better. C'mon no teasing..what kind is it?
I have no idea, I'll look at it tomorrow and take some pics.

I've narrowed my ideal bikes down to either a Trek (1000 or 1500), Giant (OCR 1, 2, 3), Schwinn (Fastback or LeTour) or a Felt.

Still too many to pick from. Most of these fall in my price range, the Trek 1500 is a bit higher than I would like to spend, but if I can get a lot of use out of it I don't mind paying the extra few hundred.

I still don't know what to decide on. Any suggestions on the bikes I've listed above on past experience or what you have heard? Or can you point me in a direction of another company.

I am going to be going to the LBS tomorrow to test some out and get their opinion, but I'd like to hear from you guys as well.

Thanks.

Any suggestions based on my last post?

Trek model will be more racing oriented and the Giant more comfort oriented. The Schwinn Fastback gets great reviews and Felt is good also. Go to roadbikereview.com and read comments on all these brands by model. This should give you a lot of information and food for thought.

Hi,
I suggest looking at bikes that will take a medium size tire. They will ride a little nicer over sidewalks and bumpy paths and be less skittish offroad.

As an example of the breed, take a look at the Specialized Seqouia. A lot of bike companies make something like that now, but it is one of the best of it's type. It has drop bars, and can go pretty fast. But it will take a nice large tire and has other features that make it much comfier on a long ride than the performance bikes you have been looking at. One thing I don't care for about that bike is the tires, they have kinda a hard ride, but you can have the dealer put something different on if you like it.

Consider a Downtube folding bike($350), or Xooter Swift ($800). Storage and transportation are very important and overlooked considerations. Also consider a BMX.