Great Lakes - Loveland Trail

I was curious if there was anyone who regularly rides the Loveland trail around the Maineville area ? Im in the market for a road bike this week and was hoping maybe to catch up with someone on the trails here and there for some tips, conversation and just someone to work out with.

Also anyone that could tell me of a good LBS for the Cincinnati Area would be greatly appriciated. So far I've only been to the Trek Store.

We're on the trail quite a bit, usually ranging from Morrow to Loveland.

Here is a shop in Loveland.

http://cyclesport.net/

Lion,

Thanks, I went there on my lunch break and ended up speaking with Zack. Really nice guy. I'm starting to really lean towards a couple bikes now. So maybe by the weekend I'll have something picked out and ready to go.

Zmike - I too ride the trail from Loveland up to around RT 48. I was looking at the TREK store, but then decided on buying from Cycle Sport. Can't say enough good things about that shop. They really took care of us on a purchase of two new bikes recently. We ended up getting a 7.5FX for my wife and a 7.6FX for myself. Extremely knowledgable people. Dave, the GM and Shelly are certified fitters. They took a lot of time to make sure we had the right fit. Zack is great as well as are all of the personnel. A lot of the people were held over from the prior owners so you have a lot of experience to help you. The new owner is great to deal with as well. They also own Wheelies in Lebanon where they focus more on the high-end bikes, particularly, triatholon models.

At first, we had purchased a comfort hybrid for my wife. Our first bike ride revealed it was not the bike for her. Cycle Sport agreed to let us return it in exchange for the mens 7.5FX. Now she is elated.

I believe they have a club that rides every Wed night out of downtown Loveland. I saw about 8-10 riders last night with their yellow Cycle Sport jerseys. I know on Thursdays around 6:30 or so Shelley holds a women's clinic followed by a ride.

Can't go wrong with Cycle Sport.

I had the best experience with the Trek store when I was visiting Cinti a few weeks ago. They were so helpful. They didn't charge me for the work they did for me. I highly recommend them.

I've been to 3 places and so far all 3 have treated me very well

I've been to the Cincinnati Trek Store in West Chester

Cycle Sport

Montgomery Cyclery

Over all I really enjoyed Cycle Sport the best I think. Montgomery I had a 50/50 with. I had to give my license to test ride some bikes which was fine but I forgot my license and had to go back to the store that eve. The 2nd time there for the day I delt with someone else and was going back over bikes and they're offering me a really great deal on a new old stock Cannondale Caad 8. I'm really considering going to that one.

Hopefully after I gain some road time I can meet up with a person or 2. I'd really like to find someone to ride with once I feel I'm able to keep pace.

How'd your bike shopping go? Did you settle on an LBS or find a bike that is working well for you?

wb416 (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=126235) , I really liked a Cannondale CAAD 8 it was around 1200 in a LBS. I havent pulled the trigger quite yet. I found a couple on craigslist but they sell by the time I've called the people.

What size are you looking for?

I also ride between Loveland and Corwin - live in Maineville. Bought a Cannondale CAAD9-5 a few weeks ago.

I am very impressed with a few shops in the area including Jims Bike Shop and Reser Bicycle Outfitters.
Wells

I haven't visited those two shops yet. I need to check them out sometime.

If you get tired of the bike trail, the back roads near Loveland are great for bikes.

The Gears for Beers (http://www.gears4beers.org/) group has some spraypainted routes in the area near Loveland. Each turn is marked with a symbol on the road. For instance: the Single Blue Arrow (http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/oh/loveland/132911830379)route. I've seen the Three Blue Dots markers that head down to the covered bridge toward Milford, too. Of course, pavement repairs, etc, might erase a marker, so bring a map, just in case.

Group rides are great fun. You want to be riding at least 20 miles at an average above 13 mph before taking on most casual paced group rides; they tend to be 25-30 miles or more; but there are a few even easier than that. The ride leaders will be happy to let you know the speed and distance of the group.

For group rides, see the Cincinnati Cycle Club (http://www.cincinnaticycleclub.org/)'s calendar. It's showing a Monday 5:30pm ride from the Loveland CycleSport store. The Tuesday 6:30pm Pizza Ride has speed groups from beginner on up.

The best source for group ride notices is the Ride Line (http://groups.google.com/group/CycleCincinnati?lnk=srg)google group. You can browse the web page, or sign up and get emails as they occur.

WB416,

I'm looking for a 54cm if I can find one.

We rented some hybrids and went for a 7 mile ride yesterday and I pulled my daughter in a bike trailer. We had a great time

Bummer.... I'm getting pretty attached to my Surly LHT, so I'm thinking of selling my 58cm Cannondale Synapse 2.

We may have passed you on the trail at some point. We did a ride from Kings Mill to Newtown and back yesterday to test some changes/adjustments on our Truckers. Lot's of riders with trailers yesterday.

Yeah There were quite a few. It was a great day for a ride though yesterday. My wife and I were both wearing Ohio State gear. Everyone that went by was cracking up at my daughter. She was laying sideways in the bike trailer munching on some snacks. Man that's a bummer it's a 58cm if it was a 56 I'd come over and try it out.

Team Cycling and Fitness on Colerain is a great Shop to go to also. John (older, taller, mustache) is a great salesman.

Based on what I've heard in this thread, I drove over and visited Cycle Sport in Loveland for the first time. Chatted a bit with the owner and the "service mgr". ...seem like good people.

I happened to mention that I had a Surly LHT and they started chuckling. Apparently they just got back from "Interbike" and liked the Surly Pugsley so much they are going to get one to use as a "Shop bike".... guess Surly was riding them around the show at Interbike.

Anyway... if I lived a bit closer to them, I'd consider them as a viable "routine" shop (not suggesting that I'm unhappy using Montgomery Cyclery in West Chester for my "routine" stuff now). Did pick up a few odds-n-ends to support them a bit.

So many bike shops.... so little time... still need to get around to a couple of others that were mentioned in this thread. :)

the people at reser are incredibly friendly but their bike line is more on the higher end. i just moved out here and am in the same boat. reser is across the street from me so its convenient despite being above my budget. you all have me very tempted to go to cycle sport..also looking at campus cyclery in clifton.