General Cycling Discussion - I need help in buying a new bike!!

I use my bike all the time to move around the city, just like a car and from time to time i like to do some off road biking but not anything too rough....
I have no idea what would be a good bike for my case...The maximum I would want to spend is 1000 canadian..anyone have any suggestions?

I saw a site that specialized in making bikes for couriers...might be worth a google search.

Take a look at hybrids or cross bikes.If you are not sure what a hybrid is, an example : http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2002/city_bike/7500.html

hehe yah i know what a hybrid is and that bike is not quite my style....i'd like something that I can get around in the city and at the same time i could do some mountain/trail biking like this; http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2002/mountain/6500.html
but they're so many brands and specs out there that I dont know where to start...i mean is it better to buy piece by piece?

You want the coolest hybrid out there? This is one baad mambajamba!
Big Buzz
http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1h/gallery.rei.com/largeimages/679534.jpg

They have a 26" wheel version too called the Buzz.

Go to your LBS, and have a Bikefit and tell them what kind of riding will be into, and your budget, ou will be able to get a good bike

A mid-range MTB with no rear suspension sounds about right. Look for one with threaded eyelets for luggage rack. A non suspension front fork will be more reliable in the long run, and lighter than the kind of sus fork you find on most of these bikes. same goes for suspension seatposts.

Fit the bike with slick tyres, rack, lights and fenders and you have an all-weather transportation capable of carrying your weeks shopping load.

Most mid-range MTBs are pretty similar. Its better to seal with a bike shop you like, and pick from their range. Just make sure it fits well in length as well as height.

I didn't mean the old style comfort hybrid.I just thought if you want to move fast in town,haul crap,and move on on light trails these new bred 'hybrids'(they shouldn't be called this anymore) kick tail. Better yet get a cyclocross.

Another vote for cyclocross. These are, IMO, the ultimate all-around bikes. If course, I'm partial to drop handlebar, but still...

What is this lovely bit of machinery :confused:? Like it ... like it a lot!
:beer:


Originally posted by RacerX
http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1h/gallery.rei.com/largeimages/679534.jpg

oops, sorry about that. It is a Novara Big Buzz. You can buy it through REI.COM.
If it wasn't for the cable routing, you could even use it for cyclocross-with some drops, of course.
Yes, you have to see it in real life! Flat black and baaadarssssse! It looks so trick with the discs and super clean.
Plus, for riding in the wet, you can't beat the braking power! Once wet, you all know how useless rim brakes can be at the most inoportune time.

Just so you know, REI is great because you can buy it through mail order and if you don't like it, you just return it to any local store and get a full refund. No fuss with shipping it back. This is great for stuff like shoes(you are not sure of the size)--I buy 2 pairs and return the size that doesn't fit. You could even do that with the bike!

Anyway, I haven't seen anything this cool in a long time! Superlightweight too.