General Cycling Discussion - need advice on new bike (tours+everyday+cross-country)

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margust
07-25-04, 06:28 PM
Hi! I'm visiting US (D.C) for couple of months and would like to buy a bike here (in my country bikes more expensive).

I'd be using my bike for everyday activity - riding to school, work, some recreational park-riding, but also to go to long-distance tours (planning mongolia/china/SE asia) & more. I'm on a tight budget, so I've planned to spend ~$500.

If anyone could give me advice on
* where to buy this bike (any last season models discount sales?)
* what type of bike is best (looked at TREK 4300)
* brakes (disc/no disc)
...


I'm not a native english speaker, so I'd apriciate articulated language use :o

pdxcyclist
07-25-04, 08:34 PM
Couple of shops to consider:

City Bikes in Adams Morgan (http://citybikes.com/site/intro.cfm)

College Park Bicycles (http://www.bike123.com/)

College Park is more high end, but could still give good advice and has more brands than City Bikes. City Bikes is a strong co-op, honest and fun to work with. I've bought bikes from both and was pleased.

In Georgetown, there used to be three additional shops (including a Performance) that used to be worth a look. One was near the towpath (Big Wheel Bikes), and the others were near the Key Bridge (Bicycle Pro Shop and the Performance.

I remember "almost" buying a pair of mtbs at Big Wheel Bikes because they had such a good mark down. Bicycle Pro Shop is more high end.

Have fun in DC-- I found it to be a very good city for cycling. Good club, and lots of paths to get you started (Hains Point, waterfront, Rock Creek Park, C&O, W&OD, etc.)
DieselDan
07-26-04, 09:47 AM
I can't recommend a LBS in your area, but I do suggest buying a touring bike. It fits the type of riding you're describing. Make sure it has braze ons for racks, fenders, and panniers. Disc brakes aren't really nessacary, and are would be more of a maintence headache then a help. All good touring bikes have cantilever or linear pull brakes, 36 spoke wheels, 32mm or wider tires, and an upright postion. I recommend the secondary brake levers on the tops of your handlebar.