Road Cycling - New Rider - Seeking Advice

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View Full Version : New Rider - Seeking Advice


WSsixone
03-21-02, 09:43 PM
I'm really interested in beginning as a bicycle rider. I am in the military and in pretty good shape. I am stationed in Hawaii and enjoy being outdoors and want to get started in bicycling to get out and enjoy Hawaii while I am here.
I have read some articles about bikes but want advice from experienced riders concerning what to buy. Being new, I am not looking to spend a lot of money and would consider buying a used bike if I found a good deal.
Here are my interests:
- I plan to ride mostly on the road and maybe a little on well worn bike paths.
- I plan to ride a few evenings during the week and quite a bit on the weekends.
- The terrain here is often hilly.
- I would enjoy a little competition (For fun, not to win against the world's best) once I feel comfortable.

I really have little knowledge about bikes and don't want to make a mistake buying the wrong things. I would appreciate any advice you could offer.
Your input is greatly appreciated.


VegasCyclist
03-21-02, 10:55 PM
well if you are going on trails... as in off road, you pretty much cannot take a road bike. however as for something that will stay on the streets your first priority should be fit. get a bike that fits you well. second is budget, how much do you have to spend on a bike? third is used bike or new, you can pick up awesome used bikes for 1/3 of the price of a new one. anyhow take your time and find a bike you like. ;)

Richard D
03-22-02, 02:48 AM
I don't have the experience to offer recommendation on pure road bikes, but if you're wanting to go off-road even on easy trails you don't want a true roadbike and need to look at Hybrids, Mountain Bikes or possibly Tourers.

Richard


stewartp
03-22-02, 04:22 AM
get 2 bikes - a MTB for the odd bit of trail and a road bike for all them hills.

MTBs suck when going a long way, on tarmac, up hills.

Roadbikes suck when going over any kind of soft, non tarmac/concrete surface.

Stew

MichaelW
03-22-02, 05:52 AM
Touring bikes work well on the road, and work OK on trails. They have low gears for the steep hils, and more comfortable on long day rides than hybrid bikes. You can ride on well prepared bike trails without any problem at all. I do it every day.

You can get lighter weight touring bikes for day rides, or expedition grade bikes for carrying heavier loads. The Trek 520 is an expedition worthy frame, but set up for day rides.

jah
03-22-02, 06:05 AM
How about looking for a cross frame? You could maintain two sets of rims and tires - one set for road and one set for off road. A good cross bike is light and yet has sufficient clearance for wide tires. I purchased a cross frame when I found my road frame was not adaptable to much other than solid, dry pavement. The cross frame has excellet ride characteristics and is a go anywhere do anything frame.