First Post.
 

First off, I did searches. I have been reading old posts here for 2 months. Nice site!
I ride because I like it. Mostly by myself. Just started riding about 3 months ago. Forgot
what I was missing. I am 42, the last time I rode I was 16 on a Peugot road bike that was
bought In Germany. Hit by Car, Have not rode untill now. I have a Raleigh Venture. I ride
12 miles a day when I get home from work. Sometime's 16miles. On weekends I always pedal
to Midland and back, 40 miles. The Pere Marquette Rail trail is right across the road from my
house!! Was thinking about a cheap road bike. I am not into all the fancy cycling wear. I dont
have anything against those who are.
I would like to go farther , and on some roads. Too the Mackinaw Bridge possibly. Who knows.
It takes me 1 hour 45 minutes for my 20 mile trip. Close to 4 hours for the 40 mile round trip.
The wind is always there on the return route. Would a CHEAP road bike be better for that than
my 26in by 1.50 tires.?? I will try to find a older decent bike rather than a cheap box store bike.
What do you think??
Try not to pick me a part to bad..:)

Welcome to BF!

For the kind of riding you're talking about doing, yup, a road bike would be nice to have -- or, specifically, a bike with drop bars and a little more forwards riding position, whether it's a road, touring, or cyclocross bike. The drop bars help by giving you multiple hand positions and a crouched-low option for windy days, and leaning a bit forwards will help take some pressure off your spine and your butt (it's like sitting on a barstool by itself versus sitting on one at the bar and being able to sit forward).

About the fancy clothing -- at least get some biking shorts, even if you wear them under other clothes. It's pretty nice to have a seamless surface against your nether regions -- it helps to reduce, and likely eliminate, chafing.

Getting a decent used bike will be fine. Might as well get familiar with how to do repairs, too.

thats a decent amount of riding youre doing, more than a casual rider. you would definitely benefit from having a road bike instead of your 26in bike. can you be more specific about "cheap"? what would be the max price you could spend? here is what to think about when choosing a bike...

material - i would say get steel as it will be more durable and a more comfortable ride.

size - measure your inseam (stand against a wall, place a book firm against your crotch like its a saddle, measure from the ground up to the book), convert it to centimeters, multiply it by .67 for your size. it may be a different size than you ride right now. it will make a difference in ride quality.

components - since it sounds like you have more of a commuter style of riding, you want durable components instead or racing components. high spoke count (32h or 36h), sealed cartridge bearings (will be easier to maintain), strong hubs, rims, cranks, etc

tire clearance - road bikes will have 700c wheels but do you want bigger tires on there? it will offer a more cushy ride.

handlebars - you can always switch out the drops for risers if its more comfortable. edit - hes right, for wind drops will be helpful.



you are right to get something used as you will get more bang for your buck. get back to me with your budget and size and i can offer you some real recommendations...

Only about $400 . If I wait untill next spring a bit more. I have too pay tuition for daughter's ya know... Inseam 30.5 so I quess that would be 51 to 52cm.

Thanks

this seems like it would serve your purposes well and im sure the auction will end under 400. nice sturdy bike, and you could switch out a few components to something more modern. it wont be light but it wil be very durable and functional....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Trek-520-Vinatag...d=p3286.c0.m14

Right, which is why it would be helpful to check out other "road bike-shaped" bikes like cyclocross or touring bikes. You could probably fit 700x40 tires (which is really big for pavement use) on some of them.

Hey, that's pretty cool -- definitely worth a look. :thumb: