Hybrid Bicycles - Newbie, commuting, cost vs. benefit

Ok - lets start off, I'm a clydesdale newbie (250 lbs @ 5'11") who hasn't ridden since I was 10-ish (20-ish years ago now). I rode once or twice about 10 years ago, but it was on a borrowed sprawl-mart bike. It hurt my legs, I didn't do it again. :-)

I've got an 8 mile, all backroads commute to work and would like to (ultimately) start commuting by bike.

I've been looking at bikes online and found I can catch a deal on Scott bikes. I'm specifically looking at the "Sub" line. Between the Sub 20 and Sub 40, I can actually get them with only about a $150 difference. My real question - is it worth it? Will my newbie lard a$$ be able to tell the difference between these bikes? OR, is it close enough and I should use the money saved on gear + stuff.

Thoughts? Opinions? Witty commentary? I love me some witty commentary. :lol:

I'll also try and pre-empt the LBS suggestion - I'm definitely going to go test ride these if I can find them locally. BUT, for a variety of unexplainable reasons, I will almost definitely not buy from the LBS - so I don't want to waste much of their time.

It is too bad that you can't buy from the LBS---I have found that they have helped me immensely through advice, fitting, service, etc. That being said, you will be able to tell the difference---on shifting, braking, and the amount of service needed to keep the bike moving. The better the bike the better the components. You will also find yourxself enjoying the rides more---hence, you will probably be going on more rides, and longer rides. I would spend the money and buy the Sub 20---but I would also ride both of them and see which one you really like. Which one "fits" you? How does it feel while you ride it? There are intrinsic and subtle differences in each bkie, and you need to buy the one that you like.

I have some witty commentary, BUT, for a variety of unexplainable reasons, I will almost definitely not share them with this thread - so I don't want to waste much of your time.

Cost vs. benefits? Well, you will save on gas, get in better shape, enjoy sunrises (at least I do on my commute to school), and I use the time for myself---I feel more refreshed when I commute on my bike.

I drive a Ford F-150 4X4, as we heat our home with a woodburning stove, so I definitely try to keep that sucker parked as often as I can. Not only do I save money, but my physical and mental health are better because of my commute.

Tim C.

I have some witty commentary, BUT, for a variety of unexplainable reasons, I will almost definitely not share them with this thread - so I don't want to waste much of your time.

That is a good thing, as your rapier-like wit has skewered many a poster...:D

I do not work for a LBS, but during my 20's did. As the board knows, I'm a big fan of
Schwinn, not Trek. ( SORRY )..and this is a very friendly board, for both bikes, :rolleyes:
Regardless of what people post, you do not need super high tech components to
commute to work, or any kind of bike riding. Unless your a professional racer, road,
mountain biking, bmx, etc...It really has to do with proper fit for you, and adjusted
correctly, ( the working components of the bike ) Brakes, shifters, trued rims, gears,
etc..I challenge anyone to call me a on this, when adjusted properly, you can not tell
a 100.00 dollar bike, from a 2000.00 bike, unless you are comparing weight, gearing,
and components. Not the ride it's self, ( besides maybe the seat :lol: )..The problem
with not consulting a LBS is, your might get a bike that does not fit you. And is not
adjusted correctly. With all that being said, do a lot of research on bike fit, adjusting
yourself. And you will have tons of money to spend on extras. :) I have spent as
much on the extras as the bike. And it is an awesome bike..Video..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF4lslhYt0o&feature=related

Just trying to keep it real. :D ( Go Schwinn ) opps...

I have some witty commentary, BUT, for a variety of unexplainable reasons, I will almost definitely not share them with this thread - so I don't want to waste much of your time.

Why ? Richard

We love bike riding, none of us has a super dollar bike, :lol:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DO8g54YKMQ take your sea sick
pills,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ligyZVbzbiI...:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS9mnHgAkIk, and just plain
having fun....:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY-pDI3zCTA...:lol:
Guess those bearings need to be greased !:) Richard :thumb:

I was going to say something like "go ride them both and then tell us if you can tell the difference." But then I decided to take the time to actually look up those models (tip: post links- you'll get more feedback). But if you got the coin, I say go for the 20 (http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/9105/45247/215656).

You stated that you are riding the "back roads"- is that in reference to low traffic count or less than ideal road surface (gravel, dirt)? But the 20 has disc brakes which (mentally) will slow/stop your Clyde arse a bit sooner than v-brakes. Not by much, but still.

I do not work for a LBS, but during my 20's did. As the board knows, I'm a big fan of
Schwinn, not Trek. ( SORRY )....

There is a heretic in our midst! Rack him! Bring him to his senses! Make him confess his errors!:lol:

Links - Scott Sub 20 (http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/9105/45247/215656) vs. Scott Sub 40 (http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/9105/45416/215660)


I have some witty commentary, BUT, for a variety of unexplainable reasons, I will almost definitely not share them with this thread - so I don't want to waste much of your time.

I'll admit, I LOL'd at that one.

Thanks for the input. It is the disc brakes and 1 lb. less weight that's swaying me towards the Sub 20.

That said, "back roads" refers to the size of road + amount of traffic. They're black top/paved and in OK condition. No gravel, no dirt, etc. That stuff would come in during recreational rides - rail trails, etc.

Haven't looked at the videos yet - I'll do that soon.

Thanks for the input and chuckles - more is welcome.

Thanks for the input. It is the disc brakes and 1 lb. less weight that's swaying me towards the Sub 20.


Your total vehicle weight is YOUR WEIGHT plus that of the bike. Worrying about 1 lb of weight on the bike is not a good idea!

As a clyde you should have two main concerns -

- Can the bike take 38mm tyres? Narrower will work for you, but +38s are what you need for comfort and to provide good braking grip (disc brakes are pointless if all they do is skid a narrow tyre) and to protect the rim. This is especially true if you have pot holes to worry about. Plus you'll need rubber at least that wide for going off road.

- How well are the wheels made? This is mostly a matter of assembly rather than components, but go for at least a 32 spoke wheel. Ask if your bike store custom builds wheels and how much they cost, then ask around to find out if they are any good - good hand built wheels are much better than the best machine made ones.

If you don't get discs then make sure the LBS fits Kool Stop Salmon braking pads - braking will be almost as good. (Or order and fit them yourself if you buy by mail.)

There is a heretic in our midst! Rack him! Bring him to his senses! Make him confess his errors!:lol:

08-20-10 09:07 PM #4
xoxoxoxoLive
Senior Member
Join Date
May 2010
Posts
305
Avoid all the advertising hype !
Being a student on a budget, you said the bike will be used for commuting, ( Mostly) ..
You could buy just about any bike you wanted, as long as it fits you..
Now if you do not know how to work on bikes and need the LBS to keep it tuned up.
Then buy there! But if not, you can take a Walmart mens RoadMaster special for less
than a 100.00 dollars, tear it down, grease everything correctly, adjust all the working
parts, crank, derailluers, brakes, true the rims, reassemble and keep up the maintenance
on it. And besides the tires and chain, it would probably out last you..
Now I know that a lot of people with disagree with me, but if you were looking to
do 50 miles a day, ( fitness ), you might want to go with lighter components, then you actually
are getting an easier work out. Here is a decent bike to start out with, keep your proof
of purchase and you can return it with in 90 days ( No ) questions asked. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-Me...d-Bike/8399247
I Ride a bike very close to this model, Schwinn Trailways,. Do not be afraid to step outside the box. Richard :p