General Cycling Discussion - Wife and Schwinn Impact? and bike for me?

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Johnb_az
09-07-03, 02:34 PM
Hi,

I am new to this forum. I currenty aquired a Shwinn Impact. It will not fit me, but will fit my wife. I was wondering what type of bike this is. It has 18 gears i believe and straight handle bars. Is this hydrid or MTB? Me and my wife want to get into riding. I think a hydrid is what I want. I will be doing 80 percent road and 20 percent trails. I dont' know what type of trails are around here in Phoenix Arizona so still not sure on a bike for me. I don't care for any real rocky hard trails, but would like to try them to some degree. I have heard about Estrella Park trails, don't know how hard they are, but thats close to my house, so that might be an option.l I have been reading up on the Trek 7200 here posted on the boards. I think this might be a good choice for me or maybe a MTB that can roll well also on the street? Any model reommendations for either a hybrid or MTB would be appreciated. At this stage I think I would rather sit more up right than down on the handle bars. I want to keep my purchase price around 400 450. Both me and my wife are overweight and looking to use biking as a form of exercise. I am about 220 she is about 260 -280. Will the Schwinn Impact be safe for her for her weight? The bike came from her brother who passed away and he was about 280. Any adivce you could give us would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all,
John B
Phx, AZ

PS Can anyone recommend a good bike shop in Phoenix?

mindbogger
09-07-03, 04:54 PM
I think you shuld stick wiht a mtb if your gonna be trying out some rocky trails/ root trails. Hybrid in my opinion has too thin tires to keep you safe on the trails. Why not try a mtb and have some semi slicks on it so you can go both on the road and trails. Good bikes in your price range could be the trek 4300, specialized hardrock, giant(forget hte model) but look around and make sure hte bike fits you b4 you buy.
Ohio Trekker
09-07-03, 05:24 PM
mindbogger is right, stick with the MTB, I ride a hybrid and it SUCKS on rocks/gravel. Most of trails are either paved or crushed limestone which are fine, but if I hit the Ballast or Gravel trails, the tires are just too narrow for a comfortable, let alone safe ride! It's a little slower on the road than my touring bike, BUT it's still just fine. Could put wider tires on for gravel but prefer to just stay off the rocks!!