Southern California - Help me support a local bike shop

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and am a soon to be new bike owner. My dilemma is this, what to buy?

I've been doing my research on different types of bikes for what I want. I'm mostly biking (hope to be anyway) to and from work which I'm fortunate to be able to say is only 1.4 miles. Additionally, I hope to begin riding here and there for quick store trips or just for weekend easy rides.

So, I need:
Hybrid
Can put rack and panniers on
Budget: Can't really spend more than $300,especially if I have to buy the rack, lights, etc separate.
I haven't ridden a bike in years

So, the best deal I've found so far is (forgive me) on BikesDirect.com However, I can't test ride those and of course I would prefer to support a local shop. OH YEAH, I'm in the Los Feliz area but can drive anywhere in the city to a good shop with good prices.

All ideas are appreciated! And any suggestions to new Urban riders are welcome.

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and am a soon to be new bike owner. My dilemma is this, what to buy?

I've been doing my research on different types of bikes for what I want. I'm mostly biking (hope to be anyway) to and from work which I'm fortunate to be able to say is only 1.4 miles. Additionally, I hope to begin riding here and there for quick store trips or just for weekend easy rides.

So, I need:
Hybrid
Can put rack and panniers on
Budget: Can't really spend more than $300,especially if I have to buy the rack, lights, etc separate.
I haven't ridden a bike in years

So, the best deal I've found so far is (forgive me) on BikesDirect.com However, I can't test ride those and of course I would prefer to support a local shop. OH YEAH, I'm in the Los Feliz area but can drive anywhere in the city to a good shop with good prices.

All ideas are appreciated! And any suggestions to new Urban riders are welcome.

Thanks in advance!

Check out Budget Pro Bikes...Colorado and the 2 frwy (right in front of the Eagle Rock Mall)
Thye have good prices and great service....
Tell them I sent you!!

I haven't dealt with BikesDirect, but I know that they have good prices. The one drawback to mail order is that you have to put some of the bike together yourself. So hopefully you got the mechanical skills and tools.
Just something to think about. Oh, if I had to find something in your price range, I would probably go to Performance Bike shop or REI. I would call and ask if they had last years models, 2008,2007 in the appropriate frame size. They should be dying to get rid of them.

Welcome back to cycling!

Hi guys!

Herbm: I know that shop. Funny thing is I get my oil change at the place across the street from there. I definitely will check it out. I'll be going Sunday with husband to a few shops, I'll see if they will be open. I'll tell you sent me!

Allroy: I agree that the mail thing sucks. I haven't tried Performance Bike Shop, but will add that to my Sunday bike shopping list. REI has nothing under 500 usually. We go out there fairly regularly. However, maybe I should ask if they have some old stock like you're suggesting.

Here's my NEW question, what brand at that price range should I avoid?

Hi guys!

Herbm: I know that shop. Funny thing is I get my oil change at the place across the street from there. I definitely will check it out. I'll be going Sunday with husband to a few shops, I'll see if they will be open. I'll tell you sent me!

Allroy: I agree that the mail thing sucks. I haven't tried Performance Bike Shop, but will add that to my Sunday bike shopping list. REI has nothing under 500 usually. We go out there fairly regularly. However, maybe I should ask if they have some old stock like you're suggesting.

Here's my NEW question, what brand at that price range should I avoid?

Unfortunately, I dont think they are open Sundays...

I don't know where Los Feliz is exactly.... but my buddy owns a shop in San Marino, CA. It's called Jones Bicycles II (http://43829460.usdirectory.com/default.htm?wr=1&afid=1517&tbid=1&gclid=CLeTgeCY8poCFRk_awodADSpeA)

If you exit the 210 fwy at Sierra Madre and head south, hang a left on Huntington.

Tell Benson 'Cornflake' sent ya. :thumb:

They have Titus (http://www.titusti.com/titus09/home.php), Independent Fabrication (http://www.ifbikes.com/), Giant (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/), Bianchi (http://www.bianchiusa.com/), Reighly (http://www.raleighusa.com/), Electra (http://www.electrabike.com/) and a couple of other brands.

I have two bikes from Benson and I buy all of my gear at his shop too :D

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/cornflakep3/Road%20Bike%20Pics/6-8-08SART2.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/cornflakep3/MTB%20Pics/IMG_3802RS.jpg

Edit: I think the Giant and Electra lines will have something in your price range. The other brands aren't really in your range. :o

Have you looked at getting a used bike?

I was thinking about mentioning getting a used bike, too. Unfortunately, you have to trust the seller. Used bikes aren't worth getting, especially if you don't know much about bikes or tuning them up.

Summoner:

Thanks for the suggestion. I added that shop to my list of stores I may check out tomorrow. Los Feliz is near Griffith Observatory. San Marino isn't so far. As a matter of fact, most of the (what seem like more popular) bike shops are in the Pasadena area which is great, only 15 or so minutes. Easier than shlepping around L.A. :)

Within a few miles in Pasadena, there is Perfomance Bike, Velo Pasadena, In cycle, Pasadena Cyclery, Open road, Jones Bicycle a few minutes away from the other stores. They are all open Sundays but short hours though.

Within a few miles in Pasadena, there is Perfomance Bike, Velo Pasadena, In cycle, Pasadena Cyclery, Open road, Jones Bicycle a few minutes away from the other stores. They are all open Sundays but short hours though.

Yeah, Jones is only open 1-5 I think... :o But the Toni's pizza on the corner there is REALLY good if ya get there early, you can grab something to eat....:D

I must be doing good research because I've mapped the stores I plan on going to, well some anyway. And all but one you listed are on my list I believe :)

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=116565516672470440022.00046bb3a2dad2aaf9d0a&z=13

Yeah, Jones is only open 1-5 I think... :o But the Toni's pizza on the corner there is REALLY good if ya get there early, you can grab something to eat....:D

Toni's Pizza is great local place for all the highschoolers. I live 5 minutes from Jones, they have very friendly service there. Their price may not be the lowest since they are in San Marino, I boought my son's bike there & take my other bikes there for service. Probably you get better price since you're buddy with Benson:D

I must be doing good research because I've mapped the stores I plan on going to, well some anyway. And all but one you listed are on my list I believe :)

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=116565516672470440022.00046bb3a2dad2aaf9d0a&z=13

Have fun visiting them, they have all very different characters, I see Velo Pasadena is not on your list, they have lots of Colnagos, even though they are not in your nor my price range, they are nice to look at:)

Back from Bike Shop Hopping. We hit Performance, Pasadena Cyclery, Incycle, and Bike Oven/FlyingPigeon (which I wasn't planning on doing).

Performance: The guy helping me sounded very high. Dude, uhhh, you know what I mean? He was nice though and I rode two bikes there. I rode one of their line: Performance Ladies Comfort Bike. This is on sale for $199. It rode very comfy. I also rode an '09 Schwinn GS. This bike was SUPER comfy. Nice giant cushy seat. Front shocks, seat shocks. It was on sale for about 349. I liked both bikes there. Both are obviously lower end. On one hand the Schwinn was nicer, nicer components, etc. BUT, the $150 price difference is sort of big unless someone can tell me that the Schwinn is a far better bike. It did seem better. One benefit here is lifetime service or some sort of warranty that the other shops didn't have.
SCHWINN http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1073458_-1_24500_20000_28506
PERFORMANCE http://www.performancebike.com/images/performance/products/large/30-2007-WHI-ANGLE.JPG

Incycle: Most of their bikes were out of a newbie's range. I did ride a nice very orange hybrid. It was comfy. It was quiet and smooth. But, for over $400, it wasn't a big enough difference from the other two. Oh, and that was only a 3 speed.

Pasadena Cyclery: I didn't ride a bike there but they do carry one that I think is the one I will like the best. They ordered it for me to try out. I'll go back later this week. It's a Trek 7000 WSD. It's only $329 and aesthetically the best of the three. This one doesn't have front suspension but really I don't think I need it. http://www.trekbikes.com/women/wsd_products/bikes/bike_path/7000wsd/ (http://pasadenacyclery.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=6426)

ANY SUGGESTIONS? INPUT? THOUGHTS on these? Please let me know.

Are you OK without a chainguard?

If your commute is flat, I'd try to find internal hub gearing or single speed. Nexus 8-speed is probably out of your price range but you might be able to find a 3-speed. The lower end derailleurs seem to break or go out of adjustment frequently, at least the ones I've owned.

Are you OK without a chainguard?

If your commute is flat, I'd try to find internal hub gearing or single speed. Nexus 8-speed is probably out of your price range but you might be able to find a 3-speed. The lower end derailleurs seem to break or go out of adjustment frequently, at least the ones I've owned.

Hi Frank,

My commute is short and mostly flat. Just slight grades, no hills. BUT, I hope to ride it more than just my commute as my commute is only 1.4 miles and being a teacher, well, I'll be getting used to riding over the summer. I live near the foothills of Hollywood Hills which means I won't be mountain biking it but grades and hills do get me (asthma). I tried a 3 speed and when the sales guy said I'd be doing some more "work" with it, I was turned off. The 3 speed did have the internal but it was also $450 so for a new rider like me, I'm not sure I'm prepared to pay that for a bike plus the extras I want (pannier, kickstand, basket, blah blah :) )

Sounds like you found a style of bike that fits and fits your price range. I might go for the $199 Perf. Bike (save a little money here, before you get the biking bug and want a road bike to catch some speed!!). That's almost the price of a bike at Target, but at a bike shop!!

Man you guys are making me more confused :)

Any thoughts on 7 speed vs. 21? Just realized that the Trek which looks so nice might be just a 7 speed. I thought the guy told me 21 but on their site it says 7.

Is there much difference from 3 speed to 7? etc

And again, you all rock. I'm thankful to this forum!

The Trek has 21, a 7-speed cassette or freewheel on the rear wheel and 3 front chainrings. So there's 21 possible combinations.

The Trek has 21, a 7-speed cassette or freewheel on the rear wheel and 3 front chainrings. So there's 21 possible combinations.

:crash: LOL I got that part. I actually learned that today from my hubby. BUT, if the spread ( I think that's what it's called) is large enough in a 7 speed, and being I know **** about bikes, will it make a difference?

:crash: LOL I got that part. I actually learned that today from my hubby. BUT, if the spread ( I think that's what it's called) is large enough in a 7 speed, and being I know **** about bikes, will it make a difference?
I doubt if the 7-speed has a lower gear than the Trek. The Trek has a low gear of 28/34 which is very, very low. That's touring bike low.

You might want to start a thread on the Commuting Forum. They might have experience with these particular models.

I doubt if the 7-speed has a lower gear than the Trek. The Trek has a low gear of 28/34 which is very, very low. That's touring bike low.

You might want to start a thread on the Commuting Forum. They might have experience with these particular models.

Thanks ! The Trek is the one with 7 gears. The Schwinn has 21.

Thanks ! The Trek is the one with 7 gears. The Schwinn has 21.
I think I'm reading the specs right.

The Trek has 21. Click on the link in your post then scroll down and click on View Specifications for this Item. The list of specs says "Chainwheel 48/38/28, Rear Cogs SunRace, 7-speed: 13-34". That means 3 front chainrings and 7-speed cassette. 3*7=21.

On the Schwinn link, the text says 21 speeds but the specs read "CASSETTE: DNP 7-speed 13-34T, CRANKSET: Schwinn Approved cold forged Alloy by Prowheel, 40T Ring w/ dual guard".

There's a mistake on the Schwinn spec since it's listing only one 40 tooth front chainring. Either the bike is a 7 speed (7*1=7) or they left out the tooth counts on the other 2 front rings.

If the Schwinn has a single 40 tooth front ring, there is a huge difference in the gearing of the two bikes. The lowest gear on the Trek is 28/34 while the Schwinn is a 40/34. Whether you need the lower gearing is up to your abilities, what you're carrying and the terrain.

I think I'm reading the specs right.

The Trek has 21. Click on the link in your post then scroll down and click on View Specifications for this Item. The list of specs says "Chainwheel 48/38/28, Rear Cogs SunRace, 7-speed: 13-34". That means 3 front chainrings and 7-speed cassette. 3*7=21.

On the Schwinn link, the text says 21 speeds but the specs read "CASSETTE: DNP 7-speed 13-34T, CRANKSET: Schwinn Approved cold forged Alloy by Prowheel, 40T Ring w/ dual guard".

There's a mistake on the Schwinn spec since it's listing only one 40 tooth front chainring. Either the bike is a 7 speed (7*1=7) or they left out the tooth counts on the other 2 front rings.

If the Schwinn has a single 40 tooth front ring, there is a huge difference in the gearing of the two bikes. The lowest gear on the Trek is 28/34 while the Schwinn is a 40/34. Whether you need the lower gearing is up to your abilities, what you're carrying and the terrain.

Hi Frank,

WOW! So much to learn.

I rode the Schwinn and I'm 99% sure it was a 21 speed. Husband was with me and he would have pointed out if it were only 7 speeds. I need to do some research and teach myself about gears. I think i'll be doing one of the local classes held by C.I.C.L.E. on bike basics. Not how to ride but how to utilize gears and tricks of urban riding. :)

Thanks again

Dear new friends :)

I've done it. I supported my local bike shop and I am now the owner of a new bike! Fitting the bike was tricky. First, no bike is going to really feel comfy to me at this point since I'm both out of shape, overweight, and I don't have a bike butt...yet. I ended up getting a 16" which is a tad high for me, but, I can tippy toe it with flats on which means sneakers will be fine.

I purchased the bike from Budget Pro Bicycles in Eagle Rock (thanks for the reccommendation HerbM). With the bike I also added a bike rack on the back for when I get some panniers for commuting. I also had them mount a U-Lock, drink cage, and a small under seat pouch with a spare tube, tool to remove tire, and mini pump. Oh, and I got a bell and a strap to hold my pants in http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif .

http://tamaraeden.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/image6.png

Thanks to all of you for your help and suggestions!
http://tamaraeden.wordpress.com

Congratulations! It's groovy! :)

Aww. Congrats on the new ride!!

you get better price since you're buddy with Benson:D

maaaaaaaayybeeee :innocent:

Dear new friends :)

I've done it. I supported my local bike shop and I am now the owner of a new bike! Fitting the bike was tricky. First, no bike is going to really feel comfy to me at this point since I'm both out of shape, overweight, and I don't have a bike butt...yet. I ended up getting a 16" which is a tad high for me, but, I can tippy toe it with flats on which means sneakers will be fine.

I purchased the bike from Budget Pro Bicycles in Eagle Rock (thanks for the reccommendation HerbM). With the bike I also added a bike rack on the back for when I get some panniers for commuting. I also had them mount a U-Lock, drink cage, and a small under seat pouch with a spare tube, tool to remove tire, and mini pump. Oh, and I got a bell and a strap to hold my pants in http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif .

http://tamaraeden.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/image6.png

Thanks to all of you for your help and suggestions!
http://tamaraeden.wordpress.com


Excellent!!! Nice bike....I know you will be very happy...:thumb:
Hope to see you out riding it sometime!!!

best of luck with the new bike

Congrats! Don't forget the helmet:)

Rule #1: Get a bike you fit on! Yes, I'm a total dork. I shopped and shopped. Asked questions here. Asked questions at bike shops. I felt like the 14" Trek 7000 WSD was too small (what do I know, I'm a total newbie). I tried it with different seat heights, handlebar angles. I then tried the 16" (wish they had made it in a 15 :) ). The 16 I had to have the seat all the way down. And even then, I barely could touch with my tippy tippy toes. The bike guy, who was really really great , said that that is the ideal.

So today, 2 days after bike purchase I finally go to ride it and what happens? I carry it down stairs, get on, and fall off into a bush and scratch my foot! LOL. I was frustrated and laughing. My neighbor comes out and asks, "Are you ok?". I reply, "Oh, yeah, not a problem, the bike got caught in the bush". I try to look cool walking the bike to the sidewalk. I fumble getting on and start riding down my street. The gears aren't set right so I try switching (yes, still need to learn the proper settings) and I switch the chain off the teeth!

Are you laughing at me? I am. Success! I'm able to get it back on and not make a mess of myself in the process. At this point I'm realizing, "****LUK! This bike is too big!". I can't comfortably stop and balance because my leg is FULLY extended and barely hitting the tippy toe. So, I ride to the video store, only to find out it's out of business. LOL, yes, I'm serious. I turn around and head home and am now positive I got the wrong size bike.

I lug it upstairs, get right on the computer to get the phone number of BudgetPro Bikes. I call, David answers and says exchanging shouldn't be an issue but they would have to inspect the bike. I lug the damned thing back down, take the wheel off, stuff it in my back seat and bring it on in. They say all is good and David is great helping me. He says that, yes-a 16 is actually too big for me at only 5'3". They have my same bike in the next size down but it needs to be built. I try another bike with the same frame and he agrees it's the correct size.

And so, if you're not laughing at this newbie, you should! It's all sort of funny and I felt like an arse. BUT, at least I'm getting a bike that I can adjust the seat more. I think I'll have it about half an inch lower than it should be so I can feel comfort with my feet on the ground, not my feet, my toes. Riding in a parking lot is VERY different then when you're out there in the real city with bumps, cracks, curbs, cars, people, dogs, etc. :)

You're smart to get the fit issue taken care of right away.

Glad you got it worked out! now you'll have to join some people on some rides :D

You're smart to get the fit issue taken care of right away.

Thanks! I was so frustrated I knew I had to call. I figured I should take it back right away to the guy I spoke with on the phone, otherwise, they might think I have been riding.

Good to hear that the shop is going to let you get the right size. I don't know why they sold you the wrong size in the first place.

Good to hear that the shop is going to let you get the right size. I don't know why they sold you the wrong size in the first place.

Well. The sales guy told me the smaller one was good, but it felt/seemed small to me. On the larger one, The size felt better minus the little detail of my feet (I'd say it was equal parts my fault and his for not insisting that he really does know best). However, I can appreciate a non-pushy sales person. Also, if you are a hard core cyclist, you are likely far more fit than I am (I def. need to lose some weight). Also, being more fit and comfy on a bike, mounting from when you're standing over the frame isn't an issue (when you scoot back onto the seat). I'm not there yet :)'

I don't blame the shop at all. And they've been great. I did like the guy who helped me today though. Felt confident leaving.

Ok, I know this thread has become like my own space to share (oops).

Went for my first little city ride today, with my husband who just bought a bike too! We rode to my work which ended up being so darn easy and only about 10 or 12 minutes. That was 1.4 miles in city on sidewalks actually. From there we went to the video store and market for a quick run, then home. It total we did about 3 miles. Not bad since I haven't rode in forever, like many many years.

Ok, I know this thread has become like my own space to share (oops).

Went for my first little city ride today, with my husband who just bought a bike too! We rode to my work which ended up being so darn easy and only about 10 or 12 minutes. That was 1.4 miles in city on sidewalks actually. From there we went to the video store and market for a quick run, then home. It total we did about 3 miles. Not bad since I haven't rode in forever, like many many years.

Excellent....:thumb:

Excellent....:thumb:

Herb, you're such a good cheerleader, even if I'm the girl!

$300? go on craigslist and buy used. I dont think you can buy any decent hybrid for that price...

$300? go on craigslist and buy used. I dont think you can buy any decent hybrid for that price...

The bike was already purchased a couple weeks ago. It's 339 and a perfect Hybrid for my current needs and a first bike.

Used sounds great except if you're a TOTAL newbie, not into fixing, and not sure what to look for, I feel more comfy with my LBS that was suggested to me via BF :)

Woo hoo! I have a 1 mile commute to my school too. You'll never use your car to get to work again!

You sound like you're set up with all the stuff (e.g. tube, tools, etc).

Make sure you learn how to use them now. In case you get the inevitable flat tire on your way to work!

Good luck!