Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - MY visit to the not so local bike shop

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jleiwig
02-20-11, 08:41 AM
Yesterday I had the chance to visit Mongomery Cyclery down near Cincinnati, OH. I spoke to one of the guys there for probably close to an hour. I tried out a specialized and GT. I am apparently a medium frame, but I think I would be ok on a large as well as it was close on the medium. I also found out what many have said, that suspension on a bike are useless for an Uber clyde. Just sitting on the bike, and the seat post compressed all the way even when "pre-loaded" all the way. Also the front suspension on the Specialized didn't have a lock out, so just a tiny lean forward and it compressed.

The GT won the day, it was black with a chrom moly frame, and I can change out the seat post easy enough to a solid mount. Since no one is responding to any of their Craigslist ads, I guess I'll just have to save my pennies and buy that GT.

1nterceptor
02-20-11, 09:40 AM
For used bikes; you can also try bike coops(Ohio City Bike Coop, etc),
thrift shops(Salvation Army,etc), garage sales, swap meets, flea markets
and pawn shops.
Neil_B
02-20-11, 12:24 PM
I second the recommendation for Ohio City Bike Co-op.

exile
02-20-11, 01:16 PM
The most important thing is to get a bike that fits and you enjoy riding.

If you buy from a LBS expect service beyond the point of sale. That may include free tuneups, discount on accessories, ability to swap parts within a certain amount of time, or a lifetime of friendly advice.

If you buy from Craigslist, pawn shops, auctions, garage sale, and co-ops, you might get a cheaper bike, but not better long term service.
jleiwig
02-20-11, 01:41 PM
That bike co op sounds like a cool place, but Cleveland is a little far to drive. I'm still waiting on Craigslist because it hasn't let me down yet. Montgomery Cyclery is just the back up if I don't find something locally on Craigslist. I may hit pawn shops tomorrow.
skilsaw
02-20-11, 02:57 PM
Check with your local police on how and when they dispose of stolen bikes.

Once a month the police here take 20 to 30 stolen bikes that haven't been claimed to the auction.
I've done really well over the years, knowing what friends want, and looking for good value.

My best buy was a 46 cm (18") Miyata 1000 touring bike for $80. It was perfect for a Chinese friend who is only 5' 4". I don't think there was any interest in it because it was so small.

I check out the bikes every month but only attend the auction if there is a bike I want to buy.