Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Quest for a bike

So, I started out here asking about a cruiser (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=321410) for my Mega-Clyde body, and then got talked into looking for a hybrid instead. Since I'm no longer really looking at cruisers, and still looking for a bike, I thought I'd start a new thread (hey, they're free ;)).

After work yesterday, I stopped by the nearest branch of my LBS. I was really liking the Trek 7.3 FX Disc, and wanted to talk about frame sizes and also check out the Kona Dew Deluxe. It turns out they were sold out of the Dew and Dew Deluxe a month after they came out, and everyone's out of them until next year. Not the end of the world, as I'd nearly settled on the 7.3 Disc anyway.

We talked about frame sizes, and figured that I'm right between a 20-in and 22.5-in, and could probably go either way. So I rode a 21.5-in Fisher MTB to get an idea whether a 22.5-in 7.3 would be too large or not (they didn't have a 22.5 there), and felt pretty comfortable on it. The 21.5-in Fisher has a longer top tube than the 22.5-in 7.3, so I figured that the 22.5 would be right for me.

Well, let's do it! Order me a 22.5-in 7.3 Disc!

Hmm. None left. Anywhere. 7.3 Disc or non-Disc. No 20-in Discs either. Grr. Wait until next year's models come out?

I left discouraged, my visions of hitting the road hard with my new ride temporarily crushed. So, I went home, looked at my '99 GT Ricochet (FS MTB), took it for a short ride, and thought about my options. I could take a drive to a less-remote area and hit the shops, but I'd prefer to get one through my LBS (free saddle, tire, stem, bar swaps; free initial tune-ups). As I rode, I realized that I didn't really hate my MTB on the road as much as I thought I did. The stem is wrong, the tires suck, and the front suspension is heavy and inadequate for my Mega-Clyde heft. But the frame geometry isn't too far from the 7.3 I was ready to buy. And I can fix the other things...

So the current plan is to haul it into my LBS today, and talk to them about a (suspension-compensating) rigid fork, 1.5-in or 1.25-in slicks, a shorter stem with some decent rise, and probably a tune-up. It won't be free, but it'll be cheaper than a 7.3 Disc that I can't buy anyway, and in the end I might end up with a nice hybrid/commuter. Wish me luck.

Good luck! It sounds like a plan to me!

Damn all that still sounds Greek to me I have alot to learn hehe.

Have you shopped for a used bike? If you're near a large city the local craigslist.org will be full of great bikes that people bought and never used. Daily I ready adds about 2 year old bikes with less that 50 miles because the people never used them. That might be an option too.

Have you shopped for a used bike? If you're near a large city the local craigslist.org will be full of great bikes that people bought and never used.
I'm keeping my eyes open, but I live in the sticks, and the pickings are slim (and the local Craigslist is mostly spam). Good idea, though; I'll check classifieds and postings.

A 99 Ricochet huh...That's the Aluminum version if my memory serves?

One thing you may want to do is swap out the Fork for a Carbon Fiber Fork like the one Nashbar sells. I have it on my Clyde Bike with an Avid BB5 Disc Brake and it works fine for me both on and off road.

Take a look at my thread here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=308196

Chris

P.S. By the way, we just got a few 2008 Trek 7.2 FX's so the rest should be coming shortly.

I'm keeping my eyes open, but I live in the sticks, and the pickings are slim (and the local Craigslist is mostly spam). Good idea, though; I'll check classifieds and postings.

Do you have big city within a couple hours drive? That's what I did and paid 42% less than I would have at a LBS for a brand new bike that was advertised on Craigslist. I like supporting my LBS, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I'll buy all my acc. from the LBS.

A 99 Ricochet huh...That's the Aluminum version if my memory serves?
Yup. I do like the frame, and it's got Deore LX stuff, so I don't think it's the worst bike to "convert". (Just found the specs (http://www.epinions.com/bike-Bicycles-All-89396-GT_Ricochet__1999).)


One thing you may want to do is swap out the Fork for a Carbon Fiber Fork like the one Nashbar sells. I have it on my Clyde Bike with an Avid BB5 Disc Brake and it works fine for me both on and off road.
I'll probably stick with steel or aluminum, to save money. I'm not a light guy, so a carbon fork makes me a little nervous right now.


Take a look at my thread here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=308196
Thanks for that. Good information and inspiration there.


P.S. By the way, we just got a few 2008 Trek 7.2 FX's so the rest should be coming shortly.
Ah, inside info. Good news. Thanks!

Do you have big city within a couple hours drive? That's what I did and paid 42% less than I would have at a LBS for a brand new bike that was advertised on Craigslist.
More than a couple of hours; four or five, depending on where I'm going. I'm not opposed to the idea, but for less money than the gas for that trip, I can probably make the changes to my MTB so I have something to ride until a good deal shows up locally.

I guess you are in the sticks.:D Where in the UP do you live?

I replaced the flat handlebar with a 5" rise and WOW! It's like a whole different bike. No more pain in the palms and my back and backside both feel much better.
.http://i14.tinypic.com/6ew4dio.jpghttp://i19.tinypic.com/6h2j41d.jpg
.http://i11.tinypic.com/61n4a5u.jpg

Just got back from "lunch" at the LBS. I hauled in my GT, told them my idea, asked if I was crazy, and then went ahead with it. They recommended a Surly fork to replace my suspension fork (I think it's an Instigator (http://www.surlybikes.com/forks/Instigator_pop.html), since I don't see any other suspension-corrected forks on their site), so I went ahead and had them order it. They've got loads of stems and tires that should work, so I'll be taking it back in next week (when the fork shows up) for the "upgrade" and a tune-up.

I guess you are in the sticks.:D Where in the UP do you live?
North of da lift bridge, eh. ;)


I replaced the flat handlebar with a 5" rise and WOW! It's like a whole different bike. No more pain in the palms and my back and backside both feel much better.
Thanks for posting the pics. Looks much more comfortable. I'm going to try getting the position I want out of a stem swap, and keep the stock bar. Failing that, I'll try a bar that's something like yours, maybe with a little less rise.

I have a friend that made similar adjustments to his GT mountain bike and he loves it. The added comfort and road considerations make it a very useful commuter, especially for a larger guy. I think you'll be very happy with it. Post some pictures once it's done!

You know sometimes Karma is a wonderful thing. Maybe it's someones way of saying wait, not now, buy something later. Happened to me and then I happened on my Specialized in Craig's List for about a 3rd of what I was going to pay for a new bike and it functions just the same, only it 3 yrs older. I figure saving 1500 was worth it.

Ya gotta love Craiglist. That is where I got the Hardrock in the pics above for FREE. It may be a antique but it rides great.:D