Advice needed for a neophyte
08-17-09, 10:51 PM
#1
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Advice needed for a neophyte
Hello. My first post and I could use some advice. It has been a few years since I have been out riding and I want to get back into it and need some advice on buying a bike. Most admit that as I go out shopping, I am a little overwhelmed and not terribly knowledgeable.
I know that my riding will be somewhere around 75% off road (light off-road like a bike trail to more intermediate off road) and about 25% street cycling.
What type of bicycle would you recommend I look at purchasing? any particular brands to look at or away from? the LBS or can I reasonably consider the local sporting goods store?
Also, I have been out and found the following product of interest and would find it interesting what people think of them.
'09 Trek 820 was at the LBS for $299. Looked quality and everything I find online seems to suggest a good entry level product for my needs.
Columbia TrailHead: this was on sale for $199 at the local SportsAuthority. Yes, I will probably be flamed for looking there but it seemed reasonable quality compared to much of the rest of the underwhelming product and two sales associated who couldn't be bothered to interrupt their private conversation to talk to me but it still looked okay and the reviews online seem reasonable , although somewhat mixed.
Same thing applies to a Diamondback at Dick's. Although to his credit, the guy at Dick's did talk to me and seemed to have a clue as he worked on another bicycle in his area. Don't remember the model name though. Price also $199.
I also know that I saw an '09 Gary Fisher Mako and a Trek 3500 and I think a Skye both at about $329. Are they much better product than the above including the 820 which is only minimally less money?
It should be noted that $300 was about the price range I was looking at paying and that might be a little on the higher end than I initially wanted to pay but I have raised it to this point as my search seemed to dictate such a change.
Please, any advice would be appreciated. It's getting later in the season and I hope to get out soon and re-discover and sadly probably also re-learn the art of cycling. Thanks.
I know that my riding will be somewhere around 75% off road (light off-road like a bike trail to more intermediate off road) and about 25% street cycling.
What type of bicycle would you recommend I look at purchasing? any particular brands to look at or away from? the LBS or can I reasonably consider the local sporting goods store?
Also, I have been out and found the following product of interest and would find it interesting what people think of them.
'09 Trek 820 was at the LBS for $299. Looked quality and everything I find online seems to suggest a good entry level product for my needs.
Columbia TrailHead: this was on sale for $199 at the local SportsAuthority. Yes, I will probably be flamed for looking there but it seemed reasonable quality compared to much of the rest of the underwhelming product and two sales associated who couldn't be bothered to interrupt their private conversation to talk to me but it still looked okay and the reviews online seem reasonable , although somewhat mixed.
Same thing applies to a Diamondback at Dick's. Although to his credit, the guy at Dick's did talk to me and seemed to have a clue as he worked on another bicycle in his area. Don't remember the model name though. Price also $199.
I also know that I saw an '09 Gary Fisher Mako and a Trek 3500 and I think a Skye both at about $329. Are they much better product than the above including the 820 which is only minimally less money?
It should be noted that $300 was about the price range I was looking at paying and that might be a little on the higher end than I initially wanted to pay but I have raised it to this point as my search seemed to dictate such a change.
Please, any advice would be appreciated. It's getting later in the season and I hope to get out soon and re-discover and sadly probably also re-learn the art of cycling. Thanks.
08-18-09, 07:27 AM
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Here's a great link (from the shop I work at 
) on how to choose a bike.
https://www.intownbicycles.com/how-to...oose-a-bicycle
) on how to choose a bike.https://www.intownbicycles.com/how-to...oose-a-bicycle
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
08-18-09, 01:29 PM
#3
bikegeekmn
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Whatever you do decide, do yourself a big favor and get it from a bike shop.Being new to the sport, they're knowledge will prove invaluable.Try to find a bike shop with people that will talk to you-not down to you.
08-18-09, 01:31 PM
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bikegeekmn
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IMHO you will probably feel good on a Fisher ,I always have.
