What to do
05-09-08, 09:42 AM
#1
~Sand Sucks~
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What to do
Ive decided after a fer months of lurking to finally get serious about biking.
i seem to enjoy riding and tinkering with my bike, but it always sucks when i decide to actually do something.
i currently have a Wal-mart equivalent bike ( not in USA..), and it sucks.
Its a FS "Becidan" medium frame, SIS rear der' and SR front..
i already getting a front deore der' for it, but i am already considering buying something better.
I have looked at various bikes like the Hardrock comp, hrxc disc, Mongoose otero comp and the various treks..
However, i think that the frame is quite decent, and MAYBE i should slowly build it..
I think it has disk tabs on the back..
If i will use the existing frame i shall replace the front and rear shocks with something more "manly"( and air powered)..
I am 300# and about 190cm..
Another thing..
I have practiced doing bunny-hops on this thing, and seemingly, nothing broke on it.
however when i got home, my tire was flat..
what happened??
i seem to enjoy riding and tinkering with my bike, but it always sucks when i decide to actually do something.
i currently have a Wal-mart equivalent bike ( not in USA..), and it sucks.
Its a FS "Becidan" medium frame, SIS rear der' and SR front..
i already getting a front deore der' for it, but i am already considering buying something better.
I have looked at various bikes like the Hardrock comp, hrxc disc, Mongoose otero comp and the various treks..
However, i think that the frame is quite decent, and MAYBE i should slowly build it..
I think it has disk tabs on the back..
If i will use the existing frame i shall replace the front and rear shocks with something more "manly"( and air powered)..
I am 300# and about 190cm..
Another thing..
I have practiced doing bunny-hops on this thing, and seemingly, nothing broke on it.
however when i got home, my tire was flat..
what happened??
05-09-08, 10:04 AM
#2
Out fishing with Annie on his lap, a cigar in one hand and a ginger ale in the other, watching the sunset.
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OK, feedback......
You have this bike. Don't pump a lot of money into it. Instead, ride it as is and save for a better bike. The frame isn't all that good, and the suspension components aren't all that either.
What you'll wind up doing is having a really expensive and heavy inexpensive bike. Components aftermarket are bloody expensive as compared to when you buy them already attached to a new frame.
In the words of Henry Ford, many years ago: "I could GIVE everyone in the USA a new car, if I could only guarantee they'd buy all their parts from me after to repair it"-(1929- H. Ford)
As to the flat.....check your rim tape for proper coverage and placement and maybe switch it out for some Velox rim tape and while you're at it, make sure spoke tips aren't protruding in such a manner as to puncture the tube. Also, were your tires properly inflated? Underinflation can definitely cause pinch flats, particularly if you're curb hopping and such.
You have this bike. Don't pump a lot of money into it. Instead, ride it as is and save for a better bike. The frame isn't all that good, and the suspension components aren't all that either.
What you'll wind up doing is having a really expensive and heavy inexpensive bike. Components aftermarket are bloody expensive as compared to when you buy them already attached to a new frame.
In the words of Henry Ford, many years ago: "I could GIVE everyone in the USA a new car, if I could only guarantee they'd buy all their parts from me after to repair it"-(1929- H. Ford)
As to the flat.....check your rim tape for proper coverage and placement and maybe switch it out for some Velox rim tape and while you're at it, make sure spoke tips aren't protruding in such a manner as to puncture the tube. Also, were your tires properly inflated? Underinflation can definitely cause pinch flats, particularly if you're curb hopping and such.
__________________
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
05-09-08, 11:12 AM
#3
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I'm not sure what criteria you're using for 'nice frame' and I'd second the suggestion to ride it till it explodes and then buy a decent bike. Putting upgraded components would be one step beyond putting lipstick on a pig, probably as far as breast implants.
05-09-08, 11:23 AM
#4
Downtown Spanky Brown
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Are those 24in wheels? That bike looks awful tiny.
Anywho, slowly building up a bike is far more expensive than buying the most bike you can right up front. I would suggest getting the bicycle into riding condition then saving up for something from a reputable shop. The harddrock you spoke of would be a great choice.
You may also want to get a smaller saddle if you intend to start riding for exercise. The thinner saddles are surprisingly comfortable once you get used to them.
Once you've checked the rim tape and have the tire off run your fingers through the inside of the tire. If you feel anything poking in remove it. Tiny bits of wire are easy miss. Other than that, make sure your tires are up to pressure, its possible while you were bunny hopping that you got a pinch flat.
Anywho, slowly building up a bike is far more expensive than buying the most bike you can right up front. I would suggest getting the bicycle into riding condition then saving up for something from a reputable shop. The harddrock you spoke of would be a great choice.
You may also want to get a smaller saddle if you intend to start riding for exercise. The thinner saddles are surprisingly comfortable once you get used to them.
Once you've checked the rim tape and have the tire off run your fingers through the inside of the tire. If you feel anything poking in remove it. Tiny bits of wire are easy miss. Other than that, make sure your tires are up to pressure, its possible while you were bunny hopping that you got a pinch flat.
05-09-08, 12:56 PM
#5
~Sand Sucks~
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funny thing:
today, while comuting on it, my lock got caught in the rear wheel, breaking 5 spokes and leaving me stranded a few miles from home..
lucky for me my dad has a car( Foci 5d), which the bike fits barely..
after inspecting the damage, i noticed that the rear hub is pretty shot.
-------------------------
So, what you say is that basically, i need to buy a better bike period.
-------------------------
The wheels are 26inch..
-------------------------
about the flats..
my tires were rock solid ( 5psi more than recommended), so pinch flats are unlikely..
i did think that they blew, but after the practice, i rode home (20min), and i didnt notice anything
weird..
-------------------------
Another question:
What do you think about the Otero Comp ( mongoose ) ??
-------------------------
My main use for a bike is road use, thus slick skinny tires are a must
i have 2 1.5 inchers coming, and i was thinking
isnt the hardrock frame a little too hardcore for that( HRXC better match??)
i am willing to try some singletrack, so that is the only reason why i dont want a roadie( and that 700c wheels are fragile..)
what would you recommend?
today, while comuting on it, my lock got caught in the rear wheel, breaking 5 spokes and leaving me stranded a few miles from home..
lucky for me my dad has a car( Foci 5d), which the bike fits barely..
after inspecting the damage, i noticed that the rear hub is pretty shot.
-------------------------
So, what you say is that basically, i need to buy a better bike period.
-------------------------
The wheels are 26inch..
-------------------------
about the flats..
my tires were rock solid ( 5psi more than recommended), so pinch flats are unlikely..
i did think that they blew, but after the practice, i rode home (20min), and i didnt notice anything
weird..
-------------------------
Another question:
What do you think about the Otero Comp ( mongoose ) ??
-------------------------
My main use for a bike is road use, thus slick skinny tires are a must
i have 2 1.5 inchers coming, and i was thinking
isnt the hardrock frame a little too hardcore for that( HRXC better match??)
i am willing to try some singletrack, so that is the only reason why i dont want a roadie( and that 700c wheels are fragile..)
what would you recommend?
05-09-08, 10:09 PM
#6
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The Otereo Super is often suggested as the full-suspension bike to get if you absolutely, positively have to buy a full suspension for under $1k, but a lot of people would still say to avoid it. The Otero Comp is $200 less, so I imagine you would be making some pretty big sacrifices in quality.
If your main use is on the road, you don't need full suspension. At 300 lbs. you're going to max out the suspension travel anyway. There are plenty of hardtail MTB's and road bikes that would be suitable for you. I weigh 40 lbs. more than you and I am on a bike with the factory 700c wheels, I haven't broken 'em yet...
If your main use is on the road, you don't need full suspension. At 300 lbs. you're going to max out the suspension travel anyway. There are plenty of hardtail MTB's and road bikes that would be suitable for you. I weigh 40 lbs. more than you and I am on a bike with the factory 700c wheels, I haven't broken 'em yet...
