:rolleyes: Hi folks,

Just a warning: This may get long and I apologize ahead of time...I like to provide all the facts so that I get the best advice possible! I also apologize ahead of time for being somewhat repetitive in the question i'm asking but it's mainly to avoid BUYERS REMORSE!

First I will give you a little history of me! I'm a 39 year old female living near the Jersey shore who has not owned a bicycle in at least ten years if not more! I am an asthmatic under doctors care and while i could stand to lose a few pounds ( who couldn't), I am not "heavy" by any stretch of the imagination. Due to asthma in general I tend to shy away from overly strenuous activity...in fact, my thumb probably gets the most activity on my television remote! Anyways, I bought a house near the Henry Hudson Trail in Monmouth County NJ and decided it's time to try riding a bike again to get some summer exercise. The last two bicycles I bought were 1st a beach cruiser in my early 20's and pushing that thing was damn near impossible! Then, some years later, I bought a Schwinn which if I recall, was a bit easier to ride but I wound up giving it to my kid sister for her birthday one year....i just wasn't using it. So...after commiting to the idea of trying to ride again, I wandered into my lbs. My intentions are to take leisurely rides on the trail for about an hour after work several times a week. Nothing fancy, nothing too crazy...and I would like to be able to take my dog, a 7lb maltese with me.

Now, for the record, I usually take a purchase like this seriously...like buying a car serious...I read, get opinions, reviews etc and then go find a great deal on my purchase the whole nine yards, but like I said, crazy came over me and I just got in the car this past Saturday and went to the nearest lbs. I took 1 look at a local sports store but decided a bike is a piece of mechanical equiptment that would get no service from a local sports store and therefore the lbs should get my biz. So I wandered in with the intention of 'test driving' if you will....I informed the salesman at the shop the same info i pretty much afforded here...I wanted a bike that would be "easy" enough for me to push that it wouldn't discourage me from riding. I wanted a bike that would be comfortable on my lungs and on my tushy! I wanted a bike I could ride leisurely with comfort that would take me out and back home without needing a trip to the hospital or at the very least someone to pick me up and take me home via automobile! I think you get the picture. With that all being said, the salesmen went right to the Specialized Crossroads Sport ( i know for sure) and the Specialized Expedition Sport (pretty sure about the name of this one) Basically, one model had fatter tires than the other. If there are other differences between the two, i'm not sure what they are. Since my beach cruiser days led me to learn that fat tires are the reason i had a hard time with this particular bike, i was very leery of the "fat tired model" as opposed to the "thinner tired" model. Half and hour later, I walked out with a yellow deposit ticket on a Crossroads Sport model to be ordered tomorrow!

I questioned the salesman on the other 'brands' of bikes in the shop, mainly Trek and he said getting a Trek in stock in my size (i'm 5.0' tall) would prove to be very difficult if not impossible at this time due to high demands...basically the sold out story. So, my question to all you pro's out there, since the bike will be ordered, i have time to change my mind. Should I buyer's remorse on this choice? Should I try out the bikes more. I liked both models well but steered towards the Crossroads due to the thinner tire, now i read it may not ride too comfortably...ie bumpy. I did schlep down to another larger lbs thats further from where I live and tried out the Raleigh's ( didn't like, seemed heavy) and I did ride a way too big Trek but have no idea what model it was. I don't feel like i was overly pressured at the 1st store but now i wonder if i should have ridden both models more. Basically I took each one around the building twice. I tried to ride on a variety of surfaces but it's hard to compare when you don't really know what to look for. The tryouts at the 2nd store got cut very short when I realized I'd lost the tire cover off the back of my truck in the local car wash..another story! ;) So now that you all know the sordid details, did I do good or bad, will i be regretting this purchase or reveling in my choice based on instincts. If you think I've messed up, what suggestions do you have?

Thanks again for listening and I promise not to be so long winded in the future.
Shooey :D

Shooey, welcome to the forums!

The crossroads sport is a GREAT hybrid bicycle! Yes, the skinnier tires may give you a harder ride, but the bike will be more efficient then a beach cruiser. If the ride is to harsh, you can always change out the tires for a minimal cost.

If i remember correctly, the crossroads sport comes with a suspended comfort seat. Your tush should be fine if you keep your rides under 90 minutes in length. If you find yourself riding for longer, you may want a harder / skinnier seat. Comfort seats are great for short rides, but can become painful on long rides, due to the lack of support.

Sounds like you purchased a good bike for your level of riding. I'm also pleased you went to your LBS rather then a sports store.

The crossroads sport is definetly a great bike. I was at my LBS a few weeks ago just looking at it. Very smooth and definetly one thing I will be saving up for in the future.

Good Choice :)

Good choice, and welcome! I started to cycle last year when I was 39, male. It is the best thing that I have ever done for my health. My blood pressure has dropped tremendously, my weight is down 27 pounds, I want to lose at least 30 more this year, and I feel really good and energetic at work now. I too live near a trail, and I really enjoy the people that I get to meet almost every time that I ride. Also, if you didn't notice, this is the very best place to hang around and learn a lot about cycling. Best -

The Crossroads is a good bike. Really no difference between that and a Trek 7200. Trek is got the arua about the name because of Lance Armstrong rides them. The thinner tire isn't that big a deal, as the larger wheel, 700mm vs. 26", makes for a quicker bike. One hint to help with the sensitive backside: get a good pair of bike shorts. If you have a self image problem with wearing skintight lycra, just wear regular shorts over them.

Wow...what a great set of responses...thank you everyone...I guess i made a pretty good decision without having done any homework! Goes to show what an honest, reputable lbs can do for a naive customer! So as I understand the difference between the Expedition vs the Crossroads it's in the tires...700 is larger than 26" and therefore faster? Is there any "must-do" mods I should make before i take the bike out of the store or is stock satisfactory? Any must have accessories besides a pouch for phone, keys, money etc? Any rec's for best type of basket for the dog...was looking at basic wire removeable basket that i can line with a towel for him. Any helmet rec's? I don't want a hot sweaty head to discourage me from using it. Whats the difference between a 40 dollar helmet and a 140 dollar one? Should i buy the accessories at the lbs or look for better deals on basic stuff on the net...i don't need alot as i see it. A helmet, a little carry bag, a basket for the dog, a water bottle and maybe a lock. Geez...now that i type it all out, it looks like alot of stuff.
Thoughts? Recommends? Anyone?

Shooey and Waffles<-----my dog!

Nice purchase! Sounds like this bike will suit your needs very well. 700C tires have a larger diameter than the 26", thus give slightly higher gearing. You can also usually put more pressure in the 700C tires, thus lowering rolling resistance.

The only real difference between cheap and expensive helmets is the amount of ventilation. All helmets sold in the USA must pass the same safety standards. Try a few different brands on at the LBS and figure out what suits you better.

An under-seat bag is great for carrying keys, wallet, phone etc. Make sure you also buy a couple of spare tubes for the tires, as well as some tire levers, a patch kit, and a decent pump. Get someone at the LBS to show you how to change a tire so that you're able to do it yourself if/when you need to.

A water bottle and a bottle cage that mounts to the frame is a must have!

If you buy the accessories at the LBS, they'll probably help you mount them. It also doesn't hurt to ask for a 10-20% discount on these since you just bought a new bike from them.

The Specilaized is a good bike
At 5'0", make sure the bike is not too big. You need sufficient standover clearance, but also a bike short enough so the reach from saddle to bars is comfortable. One problem you sometimes get with smaller sized bikes is that when you are pedalling properly (with the ball of your foot on the pedal), your toe can overlap the front wheel during a slow speed turn. This shouldn't happen with a leisure bike. Don't accept the bike if you have "toe-clip overlap". There is a solution, to replace the crank with a shorter one.
$40 helmets are just as effective at top of the range ones. You just dont get fancy styling and the extra ventillation (ie extra thin air)
The tyres are 700cx38. These are plenty wide enough for riding on trails. For extended riding on the road, you may want to swap them for something lighter and faster (like a 28mm), but they will do for your style of riding, and the dog will appreciate the extra comfort.
For carrying a small dog, a front basket works OK. Sometimes, wicker baskets are lighter than metal ones. In Europe, you can get good wicker baskets, but they may be hard to find in the US.

OK folks..Shooey here again with another update...went back to the store and took the showroom bike out for another spin...although it's not my size, the salesmen assures me the one he's ordered for me will fit me like a glove and be super easy and comfy for me to ride...i took the store bike out for more of ride...along sidewalks and streets...trying to get the kind of ride i would on the bike path near my home...smooth pavement very comfy, bumpy pavement is felt a little more but hey, it's a bike right? Like you have said, i can always put the 26' wheels/tires on for a more cushy tire experience. I bought a basket...black wire and lined it with cardboard and towels for my dog..he already knows it's his basket! I liked the Breeze Velo basket but it only secured to the bike up by the handlebars so i thought it might be too much extra movement for the dog...plus, i had a hard time justifying 70 bucks for a basket for the dog when i wasn't planning to spend that much money on a helmet for my darn head! I figure 50 bucks for helmet should be fine yes? So, I do feel much more confident about my purchase since I rode it a second time today. It should be built for me and ready to pick up on Saturday. I look forward to riding again with ease!

Michael W...I'm not exactly sure what toe clip overlap is...how can my toe overlap the front wheel? Could you please explain further? Thanks

Shooey and Waffles!

Hold up!

Nobody said you could change over to the 26" wheels and tires... the frame is designed for 700C wheels, so trying to change it to allow a smaller wheel would require modification to the brake mounting points. 700C or 26" is a decision you should make now, not after you've bought the bike. I'd highly recommend the 700C... you can change the tires to something a bit wider that runs at a lower pressure, but if the bike already has 700x38 tires, you probably can't really go much wider!

OOOh...ok...i misunderstood! I guess I meant to say just the tires...no i'm sticking with my 700c decision! I'm pretty happy with it and if it comes down to being unhappy later on, then I'll make the appropriate purchases at that time. I'm sure I should see how 'far' i get this summer...that is...how much time i spend riding!
Shooey

As for the helmet, a $40 Specialized Air Wave helmet is a good choice. I wore one out over two years that included two hot and humid South Carolina Lowcountry summers. It really did help cool my head.

If you want to try a 26" wheel bike, test the Expidition. 26" wheels have one advantage over 700mm in avalibilty. You can find a 26" x 1.5"-2.0" tube in just about any X-Mart, toy barn, or hardware store, where as a 700mm is usually only in LBSes.

It's not easy to switch between 700mm and 26", especially the Crossroads, as the fork and rear frame section are fabracated for 700mm wheels and are too narrow for a 26" wheel to fit.

I've got a Crossroads that's 12 years old and I love it. It's my spare bike, as it can do light trails and road ride comfortably. It's even fully rigid, meaning no suspension at all.

Michael W...I'm not exactly sure what toe clip overlap is...how can my toe overlap the front wheel? Could you please explain further? Thanks

Shooey and Waffles!


Im pretty sure toe clip overlap is when turn the wheel pretty far to the side and your toes will clip the wheel.

When you are manouvering at very low speed (ie at a junction), you turn the bars a lot for balance. If the wheel hits your toe, you can loose balance. Once you are riding fast, you can't turn the bars that far, even on corners.
Toe clip overlap is a problem when you try to build a small bike with big wheels and big cranks (the long bits that the pedals screw into), there isnt enough room in the frame. Its acceptable in a racing bike, but is somthing to avoid for normal riding. To check, put your pedals at the 3:00 position, with your foot in the correct position, and rotate the bars from side to side.
If you want to use fenders, then you need to allow an extra 1cm of space (or thinner tyres).

Shooey, get the bike you ordered and ride it. Forget the 26" wheelset. You are going to enjoy the larger wheels and not notice any major difference at this level. You can always add WIDER tires on that wheel for a "cushier" ride, but ride the tires it comes with-they will serve you just fine until they wear out, and that will be a while off yet.

Helmets? A Bell Aquila is a nice choice. You don't have to pay an arm-and-a-leg for a helmet. Much of it is "hype". I live a visor on my helmet to keep the sun out of my eyes. I need that, others think it is "geeky". Ignore others and do what YOU like.

Mirror? If you are riding where there are cars, skaters, other bikes coming up behind you. Many choices.

Bell? If you are riding where there are people walking on a path.

Underseat bag: big enough to hold your keys, wallet, etc. Also add: spare innertube, patch kit, tire levers, mini-pump, mini-tool. Learn to change a flat tire. Most of us just switch out the innertube on the trail. Patch kit is for if you have a second flat and don't want to carry two tubes. LBS can show you the basics on this or get a good beginning cycling book. Topeak Alien is a good mini-tool...once you become familiar with the bike, you may learn to do some basic emergency repairs on the road...broken chain, slipped derailleur, broken spoke, etc. It can happen...learn some basic repairs and have a good mini-tool with you. Your doggie will appreciate it too!

Clothing? This can get elaborate, depending on your riding style and goals. I'd start with a pair of padded lycra shorts (baggy or the other type). Maybe cycling gloves if your hands get numb or you like the extra padding. Good to have if you take a spill and your hands hit the pavement first. If you're not going the route of cycling shoes, be sure to tuck in your shoe laces so that they don't flop about while pedaling...can easily get caught up in the crankset/chain and cause big trouble!

You made a good choice on a nice bike! Enjoy! The best is yet to come.....

Hi folks!

Well...today was the big day! Despite some drizzly weather, I went and picked up my new bicycle today! I did wind up with the Specialized Crossroads Sport and a Trek Vapor helmet! LBS fit me today, gave me a lesson in removing the front tire for loading into my truck and I was off! Unfortunately, foul weather today really prevented me from taking her out for a good spin and tomorrow doesn't look much better however, I did manage to get a quick little ride down my street! Easy to peddle and pretty comfy too! Now for the ironic aspect of my whole bicycle purchase....yesterday, I picked up my mail to find the latest issue of Consumer Reports amongst my reading material and lo and behold what did I find to be reviewed in depth....bicycles and bicycle helmets. I was pleased to see that the Specialized Crossroads Elite made the grade in the hybrid category! For all you folks shopping for a bicycle...check out this months issue...i use CR pretty reliably for many different types of purchases from cars to appliances and believe it or not, they haven't steered me wrong yet...in fact...a little off topic here...i bought a weed wacker when i bought my house 2 years ago, electric...and hated it! Exchanged it for a gas one that I could not get started for the life of me! As I dragged that wacker back to Lowes, I stopped at my mailbox on the way to find CR and would you believe they had reviews of weed wackers in there....exchanged my (turned out to be defective) wacker for the Toro that starts easily recommended by CR and it has started on the 1st pull of the cord every time since! So for what it's worth, I would hope their evaluations of the bikes they've done holds some merit for some! In any case, it's a good reference if nothing else! Thanks for all your help folks and I'll check in after my true maiden voyage!

Shooey & Waffles!

If you haven't made your purchase yet, the latest issue of Consumer Reports has a good section on selecting the right bike. It also has an interesting comparison between department store bike buying versus buying from a bike shop. The article also makes their recommendations for good value and performance in four different bike categories.

If you haven't made your purchase yet, the latest issue of Consumer Reports has a good section on selecting the right bike. It also has an interesting comparison between department store bike buying versus buying from a bike shop. The article also makes their recommendations for good value and performance in four different bike categories.


No offence Don but did you read the thread before you posted? Not only did I indicate that I had made my purchase and picked it up, but mentioned CR in my last post? Was there something I missed that compelled you to post this reply? Just wondering.

Shooey

Hi Folks!

Tonight I took a short 20 minute maiden voyage on my new bike tonight! Everything was great! My pup really enjoyed the ride! He was beside himself with excitement when he saw me put his basket on the bike! I do have a question though...On the left side in Gear 2, on the right side Gear 4 was where I started and it sounded like no matter what gear i shifted into on the right side, it sounded like it wasn't in gear...their was like clicking sounds that sounded like it wasn't in gear. When I moved the left gear shift into 1st, and then selected a gear on the right it sounded much better. Should it sound like anything in different gears? Also, my left hand kept feeling like it was falling asleep? I only went ten minutes in 1 direction and then turned around and came back...I didn't want to overdo it but I had to keep shaking my left hand to 'wake' it up! Any ideas what thats all about? Pavement was smooth blacktop! Thanks!

Shooey and Waffles

My bike makes a mechanical type noise when i'm on my center chainring and the 4th gear of my rear cassette. It's pretty much normal for that setup on a 21 speed layout to be somewhat noisy...if it's just chain noise, that's fine..but if it's making a hard sound where it sounds like it's stuck between gears, get off the bike and watch the back wheel as you turn the crank. If you see the chain move like it's trying to shift, take it back to the lbs and have them adjsut it a bit. Usually it's just normal chain noise.

If your hand is falling asleep, look at your grips...if they are thick foam, that's usually not good...if they are thicker in the middle than the outside, that is definately not good. In either case, go get a straighter profile grip. You can get a well cushioned rubber grip for about $10. The reason foam and "large-middle" grips do that is there are a bunch of nerves in that area of hte hand, and having a grip that puts pressure there will pinch that nerve and you'll go numb. It very well might be a matter of handlebar angle as well, so it might be worth talking to your lbs about adjusting the handlebars a bit (that is if they are the type that can be easily adjusted).

Hi Folks!

Tonight I took a short 20 minute maiden voyage on my new bike tonight! Everything was great! My pup really enjoyed the ride! He was beside himself with excitement when he saw me put his basket on the bike! I do have a question though...On the left side in Gear 2, on the right side Gear 4 was where I started and it sounded like no matter what gear i shifted into on the right side, it sounded like it wasn't in gear...their was like clicking sounds that sounded like it wasn't in gear. When I moved the left gear shift into 1st, and then selected a gear on the right it sounded much better. Should it sound like anything in different gears? Also, my left hand kept feeling like it was falling asleep? I only went ten minutes in 1 direction and then turned around and came back...I didn't want to overdo it but I had to keep shaking my left hand to 'wake' it up! Any ideas what thats all about? Pavement was smooth blacktop! Thanks!

Shooey and Waffles

Hey, Shooey, do you think maybe you were "over gripping" because you were a little nervous on your maiden voyage? It can happen. Just relax, try to keep your hands relaxed and wrists straight. As for shifting, keep pedaling while you shift. To learn, keep your L shifter on 2 and just get comfortable going through the cycle of gears on your right shifter. See how it feels in each rear cog...always remember, "Big Cog, Easy Pedal"...I remember this with "The Big Easy" (New Orleans). If the cog is big in the back, it will be easier to pedal.

Also, when you are ready to shift some on the left side, remember, the opposite is true. The larger front chainring will be harder to pedal, but will propel you further per push. Smallest chainring, or "granny gear" is for hill climbing. When you shift the chain in the front chainring, best to have the rear cog be one of the middle-ish ones. You don't want an extreme angle between front and rear chain placement. Example: small chainring in the front, small in the back. This stresses the chain and can cause it to jump off in the front. NOT GOOD!

Work a while on the shifting on the right and then slowling graduate to shifting the left.

Your hand problem may go away after you get used to riding. You can adjust the position of your handlebars a little...that may help. I'd change grips only if it got very uncomfortable. Part of it is getting used to it. I think you also have an adjustable stem on your bike, don't you? If so, set it up so that you are not reaching to far forward, but just sitting up comfortably steering the bike.

Might be something to look for a beginning cycling book. Lots of good tips there. Local book store should have some or check out Bicycling Magazine's website...they put out some very good books. I like this one: New Cyclist Handbook by Ed Pavelka.

How did Waffles like it? :D

Hi all!

Thanks for the tips about my grips! The grips I have are whatever came standard on the Specialized Crossroads model. I guess they are kind of thick or fat! They are comfy but I noticed my hand kept falling asleep which I thought was kind of odd. I do have adjustable handlebars and the lbs adjusted them for me before I left with the bike but maybe another adjustment is in order. I'm supposed to bring the bike back to the store before the end of the month!

As far as Waffles goes, he seemed to have a blast! I bought the basket before the bike came home, lined it with cardboard and towels and told him it was his basket! He hopped right in and sat there looking at me expectantly as if to say " OK now what!? I left the basket by his bed all week and he knew it was his! Then yesterday, I put the basket on the bicycle and he went nuts! Barking and jumping! Oy...so...I harnessed him up, secured him in and off we went...I think I was more nervous then he was! He kept trying to sit up, put his paws on the edge of the basket and I had to keep telling him no, sit and he did...not that he could go anwhere being harnessed in but I may shorten the lead on the harness so he can't even stand up in the basket! I'm afraid he'll get so confident that he'll try to jump out! Overall tho, he did fabulously on the ride itself and seemed to enjoy the whole experience as tho he's been doing it forever! He's a brave little fellow about most things and this was no exception! Tonight I think I will dress him up in a bandana and maybe his little baseball cap! I'll have to try to get a pic! Thanks for askin Chili!

Shooey and Waffles!

Check the angle of your saddle too. Numb hands can be caused by a saddle with the nose pointing down. Your elbows and shoulders may be sore as well.

I have a dog I'd love to take along...but she is too big for a basket and too small to trot alongside...I am considering a Burley kid trailer or something for her!

Sounds like a blast! WOOF! :D

Hi,

Aha! The numb hands syndrome. I've ridden for quite a few years on road bikes without problems. It first started in the longer rides. It gradually got worse to the point where the wrists would ge numb after only 15 minutes. NOTHING HELPED. I switched to a recumbent for that reason and no more sore or numb anything. Actually easier to ride than my road bike. I really have to work to even start breathing hard. And you get a nice view! You might want to research it and try one. I'm also short, only 5'4" and I had no problems getting a good fit. Got a Rans Tailwind. LOVE IT! In fact I've just started limited commuting to work, something I haven't done in years.

'bent Brian

She just bought a new bike...she is very happy with it, it sounds like...

She just bought a new bike...she is very happy with it, it sounds like...Yup, I

Certainly hope she can fix her numb hand problem. Unfortunately NOTHING worked for me on the road bike. May she and her pet have many happy miles. Can't take my pet with me. She weighs somewhere around 250 pounds and whinnies. HMM now that would be something, a bent pulling a miniature horse trailer!

'bent Brian

Fair warning: You're thinking about this a lot more than I'm going to in giving an answer. But here you go:
The most important thing to look at is fit. If the bike is too big or too small for you, you're never going to be comfortable on it no matter what you change. A GOOD bike shop is the place to get fixed up there (a bad one will try to sell you what's in stock--I'm at the other end of the size range, 6 feet 4, and I've had many, many salespeople tell me I'll be "just fine" on a 62cm bike. No way: I ride a 64 or 65). I think you're right in going to a bike shop rather than a general sporting goods store, although some places (REI is one) often have good bicycle people.
Tires are changeable, so that's not a major issue. Assuming you're in, oh, let's say the 120-150 pound range, something like a 26x1.5 should work for most riding. Tread pattern matters a little but not a lot, in most riding. For pavement, you might want to inflate the tires to 65-85 psi (but not over the maximum on the sidewall). Offroad, try 40-50. Tell the dealer (assuming you're at a bike shop) where you're going to ride and ask for a recommendation. If you'll be mostly or entirely on pavement, you don't need--and don't want--knobby tires, which are noisy and slow. Ask them to change them at the time of purchase. They may give you a little credit for the old ones, but you can't expect them to swap over for free.
Seat preference varies enormously and is very individual, so no one can advise you there. I love my Brooks B-17s, but they're all leather, require some maintenance and cost almost $100 apiece. You can find comfortable saddles for $20-$30, and some bike shops will let you try them for a ride or two before you commit. Seat setup is also important, especially the fore-and-aft tilt. Work with the bike shop on that if you need to.
Finally, once you get the bike and it's adjusted properly and it fits you, take the time to learn to ride it. Not just to balance, but to shift at the proper time and into the proper gear. My sister, who's about your age, spent a ton of money on a bike a few years ago and has ridden it a lot, and she NEVER shifts off the small chainring-small rear cog combination. That's a gear you're not supposed to use at all, and she's been in it since 1999. She might as well have bought a clunker at the Salvation Army.
Finally: Get, learn to use and always carry a patch kit and pump. You WILL have flat tires.


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