Introductions - Some help for a New SoCal member!

Hello everyone!

I've scanned through your forum and am impressed with the volume of information present here! When I was a kid (before I got my license) I enjoyed cycling a great deal. Sadly, my cycle was stolen, and I never replaced it.

Now, I would very much like to get back into cycling. I plan to start commuting to USC from the San Fernando Valley (about 18 miles each way) a couple times a week (once I get my cycling legs back :p). However, I'd like to be able to ride with friends up in the hills/mountains from time to time.

Bike technology seems to have skyrocketed since the last bike I owned, and I find myself at a loss. Any guidance would be appreciated. It seems that tires are key -- slicks for the commute seem a must. Other than that, I don't know what to do frame-wise.

Thanks!
- Josh

Heya Josh...

I was in the same boat a couple years ago.. I rode a bit in High school... but hadn't really ridden much since then... some of the technology has changed, but overall, a bike is a bike...

you may want to get a Hardtail MTB... front suspension is nice, and will allow you to bomb some offroad with yer friends... and still commute fairly easily...

Slicks would be much easier to roll around on for sure... I forget who... but one company makes tires that are fairly slick in the middle, but have knobbies out towards the edge for those times you go offroad... check out the commuting section here... they are fulll of answers

jeff

Welcome Josh. It's too bad that you're from SoCal like me and don't have the weather to blame for not riding. :)

As Jeff mentioned, there's a lot of good info in the commuting section. Heck, there's al lot of good information in every section.

Here's my three cents about what bike to get: Since you're going to be commuting, get something that will take panniers and fenders. Maybe more of a touring style. On the other hand, you might want to look into a cyclocross style. They have more of a road bike frame but with bigger tires.

Jim

Hey Josh, You might want too look at a Recumbent or a Recumbent Trike as an option, alot more comfort and as easy to ride, and alot more fun. (I love my trike)

Ric