Northeast - Type of bike for NYC

I live in Queens, and want to purchase my first bike. My friend bought a Specialized Rockhopper about 2 months ago, I've messed around with his bike and I like it. He says get the mountain bike, because its more versatile. However he even said to me that all his riding been done on paved roads. When I look around there are far more mountain bikes than road bikes, but if I'm going only on paved roads, wouldn't road bike make more sense?

NYC? Fixie with a messenger bag

NYC roads can be like mountain trails what with how many potholes we get. The answer totally depends on what kind of riding you want to do. Want to be able to run over almost any crack, pothole, or death cookie? MTB's your thing. Want speed and maneuverability? Go for a road bike. Try out a bunch of different bikes at your LBS (including city hybrids and whatnot), and see what you like. If you end up catching the bug, you'll be getting more than one bike eventually anyway...

Yeah.I have 3 bikes.MTB for the winter and errand.Believe me road bikes are unridable in winters likwe the last one.My commuter is an old Trek 760 racing bike.Wonderful machine that is a pleasure to ride and I also have a high end Titanium(Litespeed) for my long journeys up north 50-100miles.

I use a mountain bike for commuting with skinnier tires. It works out OK for that. For real riding though I use my road bikes. There are bikes like the Sirrus which are more upright than a regular road bike but are still light and agile.

Hey Mike, I'm from Queens also, Flushing to be exact. How about you?

I have had my mountain bike for a few years and usually just rode on pavement, with occasional trail riding.

I just picked up a fixie last week though. I enjoy it alot more than my mountain bike. Riding the fixie on pavement versus riding a mountain bike on pavement is night and day.

I think you would be better of getting a road bike if you are going to be riding strictly on pavement.

Yeah.I have 3 bikes.MTB for the winter and errand.Believe me road bikes are unridable in winters likwe the last one.............

I only use one bike, a FUJI Newest 1.0 roadbike. I can't ride while it's snowing but
for the last 2 winters I've been using it on my 100 mile per week commutes. Usually
the roads are cleared in a day or two after the snow stops. Here's me riding 1 or 2
days after one of the worst snowstorm we had this winter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PakudjThzDI&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Hey Mike, I'm from Queens also, Flushing to be exact. How about you?

I have had my mountain bike for a few years and usually just rode on pavement, with occasional trail riding.

I just picked up a fixie last week though. I enjoy it alot more than my mountain bike. Riding the fixie on pavement versus riding a mountain bike on pavement is night and day.

I think you would be better of getting a road bike if you are going to be riding strictly on pavement.

I live in Middle Village, I'm leaning towards a mountain bike so I have a capability of hitting trails, I will also use it to ride to work and gym. Hopefully if I have a day off next I'll get one.

I'm in Kew Gardens and most of my riding is in Forest Park nowadays. Once in a while, I'll ride out around eastern Queens, or do some laps around Prospect or Central Park. All paved, so I started on a hybrid and then bought a road bike. There are some awesome trails in Cunningham, I hear. So if you go for the mountain bike, you can really use it. And the bike beefiness will go a long way on the roads out here. You can't go wrong with a MTB unless you start wanting to do, like centuries.

I'll have to side with reducedfatoreo here. All different types of bikes have their pros and cons, so don't listen to what anyone here tells you you should buy -- just find a local bike shop and demo a whole bunch of different bikes under the exact conditions you want to ride, and pick what feels best. (And I agree you will probably end up getting more than one bike eventually, so don't feel like you're making a compromise -- just that you're picking what works best for you right now and you'll get more later!)

I live in Queens, and want to purchase my first bike. My friend bought a Specialized Rockhopper about 2 months ago, I've messed around with his bike and I like it. He says get the mountain bike, because its more versatile. However he even said to me that all his riding been done on paved roads. When I look around there are far more mountain bikes than road bikes, but if I'm going only on paved roads, wouldn't road bike make more sense?

a road bike is built more for speed than comfort and they aren't really good at hitting potholes. "paved" road isn't a good description of NYC roads, are roads are pretty messed up. this is your first bike, i recommend you get something that is built for both road and off-road. also, you're going to want to test ride a few bikes before buying one.

what is your price range?

NYC?

Fixie :)

NYC? Fixie with a messenger bag


NYC?

Fixie :)

i never understood why someone would want a fixed gear in NYC.

NYC?

Fixie :)

No, that's Portland, OR.

Mountain bikes are great for city riding.

I have a bike built on an early 90's Specialized Stumpjumper frame. It's great with rough roads and potholes, I wouldn't hesitate to ride it in the city. I'm still dialing in the fit, but I built it for shorter rides - no more than 10 miles - to be nimble and fun. But you can make a MTB more comfortable for longer rides by getting stuff like barends and a better saddle, and you can make them faster by putting on slick or semi-slick tires. Flat bars (as opposed to riser bars) will let you put more on the handlebars in the way of lights and computers and so on, but they're not as adjustable as riser bars.

Personally, I prefer hardtail frames, but you might want to get something with a front suspension fork. Just try to find one where you can lock out the suspension. Rear suspension in particular is overkill unless you're on rocks and singletrack. (Good suspension frames are also pretty expensive, see this page (http://bicycles.stackexchange.com/q/3534/8) for more info about that.)

As neilfein stated, don't get a bike with rear suspension unless you're using it as an off road bike. Rear suspensions add weight, cost and suck up pedaling power.

NYC?

Fixie :)
+1

I was intrigued by fixies but I tried climbing a hill by house and realized it's not for me lol. I'm getting a Specialized Rockhopper 29er, my friend got a 26er.

There is one and only one bike that is THE most versatile bike for NYC. A folder. It opens up a world of possibilities. No other bike can you take on the subways than a folder.

There is one and only one bike that is THE most versatile bike for NYC. A folder. It opens up a world of possibilities. No other bike can you take on the subways than a folder.

IMO, a fold up bike only has one advantage, saving space, they are at disadvantage in every other category. If your primary goal isn't space saving stay away from fold up bikes. also, if I'm not mistaken all bike can be taken on the NYC subway.

IMO, a fold up bike only has one advantage, saving space, they are at disadvantage in every other category. If your primary goal isn't space saving stay away from fold up bikes. also, if I'm not mistaken all bike can be taken on the NYC subway.


Good luck trying to get a road bike or mtn bike on the subway during any time of the day with lots of people onboard, which is anytime the trains are running.

A folder IS the most versatile bike a NYC commuter can have.

Good luck trying to get a road bike or mtn bike on the subway during any time of the day with lots of people onboard, which is anytime the trains are running.

A folder IS the most versatile bike a NYC commuter can have.

we're getting off topic now, let's steer the ship back on course.

here is what we know about the OP:
1. he lives in Queens NY
2. he is a beginner and this is his first bike
3. he road a "mountain" bike and liked it

we need to know his price range.

it seems to me that the OP is mistaken the term "mountain" bike.

I live in Queens, and want to purchase my first bike. My friend bought a Specialized Rockhopper about 2 months ago, I've messed around with his bike and I like it. He says get the mountain bike, because its more versatile. However he even said to me that all his riding been done on paved roads. When I look around there are far more mountain bikes than road bikes, but if I'm going only on paved roads, wouldn't road bike make more sense?

most of what you see, that you call a mountain bike isn't built for mountain riding, it's just a name that most people associate with certain looking bikes. most of those bikes are dual purpose(road/light off road). road bikes are built for smooth paved roads and they are designed for speed. in my opinion, get a decent bike that you feel comfortable on, with a front suspension, tires that aren't too knobby and have fun.

what is your price range?

If I was in NYC and needed a bike for around town I'd go as cheap as possible. Around here I can get mid-range 1990s full rigid MTBs for $50 or less and I love putting some 1.5" slicks and some BMX pedals on 'em for rollin' around town.

This kinda thing:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/5914316743_4daf53be1e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/5914316743/)
DSCN2024 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/5914316743/) by Lester Of Puppets (http://www.flickr.com/people/lesterofpuppets/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5681158364_2b9a10acd6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/5681158364/)
DSCN1785 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/5681158364/) by Lester Of Puppets (http://www.flickr.com/people/lesterofpuppets/), on Flickr

Scored this one for $7.50 + tax at Salvation Army. It's almost too pretty for NYC streets IMO, though.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5625375163_6479a8a252_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/5625375163/)
1991 GT Outpost. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/5625375163/) by Lester Of Puppets (http://www.flickr.com/people/lesterofpuppets/), on Flickr

I'd like to +1 everybody who recommended a hard-tail-mountain bike, similar to your friends rock-hopper.

They aren't very heavy, compared to the older bikes people like to commute on.

The gears "compact" are really good for stop & go red-light traffic.

They take a beating well, and hold a tune-up for a long time.

They are highly customizable (start with slicker skinnier tires, maybe). Lots of room for racks, a million kinds of fenders, and other goodies.

Cunningham Park, right there in Queens, is great fun on a mountain bike.

26" tires make sense in a city where pot-holes and cars chew up wheels (like if you want to bring your bike to Cunningham Park on a rear-car rack. Grrr)

They have good stopping power.

They are less vain than a fixie, less fragile than a road bike.

You can power-skid across Houston & parell to the middle island to escape me if I'm Cat-6'ing you. I wouldn't recommend this sort of trick, but its effectively awesome to watch.

Most importantly, unless you have a dentist in the family, it only takes one bad pothole with strong shocks to sell most riders on front suspension.

Used or new, you can find ample selections for any given price range.

They aren't very heavy, compared to the older bikes people like to commute on.

Base Rockhopper tips the scales at 30 lbs. That's pretty damn portly, IMO.

My Mongoose in the pic above weighs 24 lbs. It weighs 23.25 pounds with skinnier 1.25" slicks on both wheels.

I'd be kinda scared to leave $700 worth of Rockhopper on the street. Maybe some used RH I could see, perhaps.

I don't think being a weight - watcher to that extent is especially important to a new rider on a 26" wheeled bike, and no bike *worth riding* is ever "safe" being locked outside in NYC - including all three of yours, in my mind. Its a small part of the reason why I moved.

A couple years ago, I picked up a Cannodale equivalent of the Rockhopper from Sid's for under $500, 27 pounds, V not disk brakes - I know prices jump, but these bikes can still be had for very cost-effective prices if you poke around the local shops.

I think I have the same pannier's on my hybrid as you have on your KHS. Nice choice.

I have no knowledge of bike mechanics, so I think a used bike is out of question. My limit is $1000. I will not get suspension bike.

NYC?

Fixie


I would NEVER recommend a fixie as a first bike for anyone.



There is one and only one bike that is THE most versatile bike for NYC. A folder. It opens up a world of possibilities. No other bike can you take on the subways than a folder.

Never had a problem taking my Sirrus on the subway. Just use a car towards the rear and try to avoid rush hours. Folders are nice commuters because you can stow them under a desk at work, bring them into shops, and even ride AMTRAK but they certainly aren't the only bike you can bring on the subway.

I do not plan taking the bike on the subway

Selection of LBS is a very important thing too. I highly recommend Peak Mountain & Road Bike in Douglaston. I haven't purchased a bike from them, but have heard they do a great job of matching you to a bike that fits your particular needs, instead of just trying to sell you what they want to sell. I have used them for service and they are top notch.

Mike, I live in Queens also, near the Flushing, Whitestone border. I got my first bike in May since riding BMXs back in high school and love the freedom they provide. What are you planning to use the bike for, i.e. commuting, errands, or just leisure riding? My first bike was a folding bike because I wanted to start intermodal commuting. It was very liberating to be able to go anywhere and just fold up the bike without worrying about locking it up. But then it wasn't very good at running errands, so I brought a long-tail cargo bike and now that is my regular bike because I would do almost everything on it accept go fast, lol. I was surprised how well it took to trails. So it all comes down to what type of riding you are interested in, but it might develop into something more because after you start riding you might find other uses for the bike like running errands, commuting, etc. I found out that it was faster for me to ride the long-tail down to BJs pickup some juice, paper towel, bread, etc. and be out of there without wasting time waiting for parking. So my recommendation is pretty much in line with most, get a MTB for the versatility and when you really get serious and want to do a century then get a road bike.

Btw, I found this site to be very insightful, the bikes are kind of pricey, but then they are really high quality and they sell very practical stuff. Rivbike.com or google Rivendell bikes

Buster, what type of bikes do they usually deal with? I'm getting a cargo bike and need to find a local shop that can help me build it into a complete bike.


Selection of LBS is a very important thing too. I highly recommend Peak Mountain & Road Bike in Douglaston. I haven't purchased a bike from them, but have heard they do a great job of matching you to a bike that fits your particular needs, instead of just trying to sell you what they want to sell. I have used them for service and they are top notch.

I have no knowledge of bike mechanics, so I think a used bike is out of question. My limit is $1000. I will not get suspension bike.

Oh, one thing, I would recommend a Surly bike. They are no BS bikes, not the lightest but versatile as a swiss army knife. Very well thought out designs. They have ample clearance to take a variety of tire sizes and also you can fit fenders which is a huge plus if you are going to use the bike alot, who knows you might get caught in a rain storm one day. Can be setup as a touring, commuter, errand, depending on the frame and the components you use, but the stock build is very good too. Check out their Cross-check model, it is their Cyclocross model, but then again very versatile. I have a Big Dummy and my next bike (road/commuter) will be a Cross-check.

Surlybikes.com

I live in Queens also, near the Flushing, Whitestone border.

I live on the Flushing/Whitestone border too!

Maybe we can ride together one day.

I have no knowledge of bike mechanics, so I think a used bike is out of question. My limit is $1000. I will not get suspension bike.

there's no need to look for a used bike when you have a $1000 budget.

you said that you won't get a suspension bike, are you taking about full suspension or a bike with any shocks? i recommend a bike with a front shock for riding on the street.

what's your height and weight?

Buster, what type of bikes do they usually deal with? I'm getting a cargo bike and need to find a local shop that can help me build it into a complete bike.

Shop is known for mountain bikes and those guys are mountain bikers, but obviously not limited to mountain bikes. I've used them for service because all of my previous rides were MTBs. Anyway, I really like the attention they give to their customers and *listening* to what people want, and I'm sure they can help you with whatever project you might think up. Its the type of shop where they don't seem to mind if you hang about and just shoot the poopy with them.

Their store website (sort of limited) is http://www.peakmtnbike.com/

There is one and only one bike that is THE most versatile bike for NYC. A folder. It opens up a world of possibilities. No other bike can you take on the subways than a folder.

Folders ride somewhat differently than full-sized bikes. My experience is with the two 16"-wheeled folders I own and love. (It's possible 20" folders handle a little differently, but I think it's likely that they also share some of the squrreliness of 16" folders.)

As much as I think folding bikes are awesome, I still wouldn't recommend a folder as first bike - particularly if you're learning to ride on this bike. There are also additional mechanical issues to be dealt with (read: frame latches that need to be kept on top of) that don't crop up on full-frame bikes - particularly on any any folder that's under US$700 or so.

I do not plan taking the bike on the subway

You haven't been caught in a torrential downpour yet!

RobF353, yeah sure. Where do you usually ride? Have you done any of the events around the city? I'm still kind of new at this, but I want to do one before the year ends.

Buster, thanks for the info, I'll check them out.

Mike, u are welcome to try out my folder. It'll will you an idea of what is available. It's a Bike Friday Tikit and rides pretty good.

flat bar road bike like a giant rapid can take larger tires so you will be comfortable like a mtb but not as heavy. also look into cyclocross bikes or touring bikes, they also can take larger tires and fenders if desired.

RobF353, yeah sure. Where do you usually ride? Have you done any of the events around the city? I'm still kind of new at this, but I want to do one before the year ends.
I'm new to this too. I have only really gone riding along the Cross Island Pkwy. I would also like to do an event soon.

Rob, I see people ride along the Pkwy all the time, great view man. Always wanted to ride it. What type of a bike do you have? Not that it matters, just want to know who will be in front of me that's all, lol. I have a Surly Big Dummy and will be getting a CETMA soon. I haven't really gotten a bike just for leisure riding yet, but the Big Dummy is kind of fun.

Rob, I see people ride along the Pkwy all the time, great view man. Always wanted to ride it. What type of a bike do you have? Not that it matters, just want to know who will be in front of me that's all, lol. I have a Surly Big Dummy and will be getting a CETMA soon. I haven't really gotten a bike just for leisure riding yet, but the Big Dummy is kind of fun.
Yea, its a nice ride. You get a nice cool breeze from the water. I ride from my house, down Utopia Pkwy and then along the Cross Island Pkwy. There and back to my house is 10mi. My next ride, I want to do the same, but then at the end of the Cross Island, I want to go down Northern Blvd and ride through Douglaston Manor, seems like another nice and it will give me a few extra miles and different terrain. There is also a shop over there that I want to check out.

I ride a flat black Specialized Langster.

I think I am going to do that new route tomorrow actually!

Ordered 2011 Rockhopper with disc brakes. If I ride a lot, I'll buy a real road bike down the road. Thanks for your responses.

Ordered 2011 Rockhopper with disc brakes. If I ride a lot, I'll buy a real road bike down the road. Thanks for your responses.

Good choice. Enjoy your new bike.

If you ride a lot and mostly on pavement, you might want to eventually switch to a semi-slick tire.

Enjoy your new bike!

Ordered 2011 Rockhopper with disc brakes. If I ride a lot, I'll buy a real road bike down the road. Thanks for your responses.
Nice choice!

Maybe we can ride one day!