Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.Tarzanman
07-06-10, 11:34 PM
I last cycled regularly about 12 years ago on an old steel Bridgestone, lever-shifting, 12-speed road bike.
Today, I bought a 2000 Specialized Hardrock. 21". 3 cogs at the crank, 7 in the back. Bone stock. 26"Ø wheels, knobby tires, straight handlebars, grip shifters, shimano acera front derailleur, shimano alivio rear derailleur. No shocks anywhere.
I decided to go with a mountain bike so that I wouldn't kill myself riding over grass/curbs/squirrels. Also, I figured an older, used, hardtail mountain bike would have the same tech as a modern hybrid.
Anyways, my riding will be 95% street/road. I live on a street with frequent bike-traffic. I put 5 relatively hilly miles on the bike today and almost blew a gasket on a rather long hill climb. I don't think I like the straight handlebars much.
These are my questions:
1. Am I setting myself up for eventual failure with my current (non-road bike) set-up? I purchased some road tires today, but I don't plan to mount them until I get a spare set of wheels.
2. Will I like a non-straight handle-bar better?
3. I plan to ride with my roommate (also new to cycling), who purchased a used $800 Giant roadbike.
4. Will you guys promise to come kick my @55 if I ever start wearing tight spandex?
The prospect of paddle shifters on a road bike did seem appealing, but I decided that I didn't want to spend more than $200 on a bicycle.
Comments and critique are welcome.
Today, I bought a 2000 Specialized Hardrock. 21". 3 cogs at the crank, 7 in the back. Bone stock. 26"Ø wheels, knobby tires, straight handlebars, grip shifters, shimano acera front derailleur, shimano alivio rear derailleur. No shocks anywhere.
I decided to go with a mountain bike so that I wouldn't kill myself riding over grass/curbs/squirrels. Also, I figured an older, used, hardtail mountain bike would have the same tech as a modern hybrid.
Anyways, my riding will be 95% street/road. I live on a street with frequent bike-traffic. I put 5 relatively hilly miles on the bike today and almost blew a gasket on a rather long hill climb. I don't think I like the straight handlebars much.
These are my questions:
1. Am I setting myself up for eventual failure with my current (non-road bike) set-up? I purchased some road tires today, but I don't plan to mount them until I get a spare set of wheels.
2. Will I like a non-straight handle-bar better?
3. I plan to ride with my roommate (also new to cycling), who purchased a used $800 Giant roadbike.
4. Will you guys promise to come kick my @55 if I ever start wearing tight spandex?
The prospect of paddle shifters on a road bike did seem appealing, but I decided that I didn't want to spend more than $200 on a bicycle.
Comments and critique are welcome.