New Clyde
11-08-08, 08:09 PM
#1
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New Clyde
Brand new to this whole thing so I have some basic questions. First I am 6'2" 265. I am in decent shape for that size and work out regularly. Need to drop 20 more to be in solid though. I have been running and biking (Stationary) and would like to get out on the road. My son is learning to ride too so it will be good to get out with him as he gets older.
So like I said I have not had a bike since high school and I am 38 now. I have been looking at Hybrids as I don't see myself doing very long rides probably 15 to 20 miles tops and probably shorter than that to start. Where I live can be fairly hilly nothing major though.
I saw a Specialized crosstail sport for $539 new online. Is that the kind of bike I should be looking at? I will say that is the price range I am looking at right now. Any suggestions for a bike in that range and also any comments as to road vs hybrid would be greatly appreciated. I belong to a number of forums for other things and I truely enjoy the feedback you can get one knowlegable people get together to help and share what they have learned. these types of sites are so valuable to a new consumer and much appreciated.
Thanks!
So like I said I have not had a bike since high school and I am 38 now. I have been looking at Hybrids as I don't see myself doing very long rides probably 15 to 20 miles tops and probably shorter than that to start. Where I live can be fairly hilly nothing major though.
I saw a Specialized crosstail sport for $539 new online. Is that the kind of bike I should be looking at? I will say that is the price range I am looking at right now. Any suggestions for a bike in that range and also any comments as to road vs hybrid would be greatly appreciated. I belong to a number of forums for other things and I truely enjoy the feedback you can get one knowlegable people get together to help and share what they have learned. these types of sites are so valuable to a new consumer and much appreciated.
Thanks!
11-08-08, 08:16 PM
#2
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Welcome,
I suggest avoiding shock absorbers. You don't really need them if you aren't
banging around in the dirt, and they eat up a lot of your energy.
I would also suggest getting the bike at a bike shop. After a couple weeks, it will need minor work, tightening cables and perhaps spokes on the wheels.
If they sold it to you this is done free. If they didnt. they will charge you, and your online savings will fly out the window.
You can also try the bike first at a bike shop, and they should make sure it fits. Clydes have to be careful about wheels. I typically swap the wheels out at the time of purchase. But make sure you ask the shop if the wheels are tough.
Don't forget the helmet, and don't be surprised when you find you need bike shorts.
I suggest avoiding shock absorbers. You don't really need them if you aren't
banging around in the dirt, and they eat up a lot of your energy.
I would also suggest getting the bike at a bike shop. After a couple weeks, it will need minor work, tightening cables and perhaps spokes on the wheels.
If they sold it to you this is done free. If they didnt. they will charge you, and your online savings will fly out the window.
You can also try the bike first at a bike shop, and they should make sure it fits. Clydes have to be careful about wheels. I typically swap the wheels out at the time of purchase. But make sure you ask the shop if the wheels are tough.
Don't forget the helmet, and don't be surprised when you find you need bike shorts.
11-08-08, 09:06 PM
#3
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I second all of late's advice. You might also want to be sure to get a triple crankset, given your somewhat hilly location. And welcome!
11-08-08, 09:31 PM
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Welcome to the club!
+1 for statements above!
Stay within your price range, and plan to add a few ancellary items like a extra tube or two, tire levers, pump, and maybe a seat bag to stuff it all in, maybe a couple of water bottles and cages (see if they will throw these in on the bike deal). Some shops offer a discount at the time of your bike purchase, ask about that while shopping and keep it in mind if there are other things you may be interested in.
Good Luck!
+1 for statements above!
Stay within your price range, and plan to add a few ancellary items like a extra tube or two, tire levers, pump, and maybe a seat bag to stuff it all in, maybe a couple of water bottles and cages (see if they will throw these in on the bike deal). Some shops offer a discount at the time of your bike purchase, ask about that while shopping and keep it in mind if there are other things you may be interested in.
Good Luck!
11-08-08, 09:50 PM
#5
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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Welcome to the herd!
__________________
. “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
11-09-08, 05:31 AM
#6
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Welcome,
I suggest avoiding shock absorbers. You don't really need them if you aren't
banging around in the dirt, and they eat up a lot of your energy.
I would also suggest getting the bike at a bike shop. After a couple weeks, it will need minor work, tightening cables and perhaps spokes on the wheels.
If they sold it to you this is done free. If they didnt. they will charge you, and your online savings will fly out the window.
You can also try the bike first at a bike shop, and they should make sure it fits. Clydes have to be careful about wheels. I typically swap the wheels out at the time of purchase. But make sure you ask the shop if the wheels are tough.
Don't forget the helmet, and don't be surprised when you find you need bike shorts.
I suggest avoiding shock absorbers. You don't really need them if you aren't
banging around in the dirt, and they eat up a lot of your energy.
I would also suggest getting the bike at a bike shop. After a couple weeks, it will need minor work, tightening cables and perhaps spokes on the wheels.
If they sold it to you this is done free. If they didnt. they will charge you, and your online savings will fly out the window.
You can also try the bike first at a bike shop, and they should make sure it fits. Clydes have to be careful about wheels. I typically swap the wheels out at the time of purchase. But make sure you ask the shop if the wheels are tough.
Don't forget the helmet, and don't be surprised when you find you need bike shorts.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
11-09-08, 08:10 AM
#8
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I don't see myself doing very long rides probably 15 to 20 miles tops and probably shorter than that to start. Where I live can be fairly hilly nothing major though.
I saw a Specialized crosstail sport for $539 new online. Is that the kind of bike I should be looking at? I will say that is the price range I am looking at right now. \
I would consider used for several reasons. You can get higher quality components for less. You will have money for upgrades, like new wheels, racks, computer, etc. You can also get your money back if you want to upgrade. I didn't see myself riding centuries when I started, and I just did 3 last month.
If you get hooked, your goals and "limitations" can quickly go out the window.
Type of bike... Rear suspension is useful for very aggressive off-road riding. Front suspension is a bit more comfy for some people, and nice for mild to serious off-road riding. It will eat up a little energy and add a little weight, but not nearly as bad as the rear. If you only ride nice paved roads, you don't need or want suspension.
Assuming a decent frame (not a Wal-Mart bike), I would judge a bike on: drivertrain, wheels, brakes. Research a bit to know what's better between different brands and models based on year. Some solid mid-level Shimano components might be any of these(not in rank order): 105, 600, Deore XT, LX, Ultegra, Tiagra. Somewhat lower end: Acera, Alivo, Sora, Exage, Altus. Doubt you could go wrong with Mavic rims.
One more suggestion. Find 3 bikes with different components on Craigslist, and make a post with links in here. Get a good component list for each, and ask which bike is best. You will get a hailstorm of opinion and info, most of which will be helpful/educational. Good luck.
I saw a Specialized crosstail sport for $539 new online. Is that the kind of bike I should be looking at? I will say that is the price range I am looking at right now. \
I would consider used for several reasons. You can get higher quality components for less. You will have money for upgrades, like new wheels, racks, computer, etc. You can also get your money back if you want to upgrade. I didn't see myself riding centuries when I started, and I just did 3 last month.
If you get hooked, your goals and "limitations" can quickly go out the window. Type of bike... Rear suspension is useful for very aggressive off-road riding. Front suspension is a bit more comfy for some people, and nice for mild to serious off-road riding. It will eat up a little energy and add a little weight, but not nearly as bad as the rear. If you only ride nice paved roads, you don't need or want suspension.
Assuming a decent frame (not a Wal-Mart bike), I would judge a bike on: drivertrain, wheels, brakes. Research a bit to know what's better between different brands and models based on year. Some solid mid-level Shimano components might be any of these(not in rank order): 105, 600, Deore XT, LX, Ultegra, Tiagra. Somewhat lower end: Acera, Alivo, Sora, Exage, Altus. Doubt you could go wrong with Mavic rims.
One more suggestion. Find 3 bikes with different components on Craigslist, and make a post with links in here. Get a good component list for each, and ask which bike is best. You will get a hailstorm of opinion and info, most of which will be helpful/educational. Good luck.
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Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
11-09-08, 08:15 AM
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I am new too
HI,
take it slow don't trust cars or traffic lights, Wear a helmet I ve already manged to Destroy one in 5 mos. Get a couple blinky lights one for the front and rear.
Riding with small groups is supposed to be safer more eyes to watch for problems and cars notice groups.
Welcome be very careful. Its the best excercise around.
Doug
take it slow don't trust cars or traffic lights, Wear a helmet I ve already manged to Destroy one in 5 mos. Get a couple blinky lights one for the front and rear.
Riding with small groups is supposed to be safer more eyes to watch for problems and cars notice groups.
Welcome be very careful. Its the best excercise around.
Doug
