Beginner biker in nyc
07-28-08, 11:05 PM
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Beginner biker in nyc
Edited: I bought the bike so I am not in need of any more advice. Please close/lock the thread.
I'm about to get a bike this week after saving up and doing some research this summer.
I have some lingering questions, so if anyone can answer even only one question (especially those in NYC) I'd be grateful.
I'm buying a road bike primarily for fitness, second for occasional (2X week) commuting (during which I'd take my exercise route anyway).
1. NYC Specific: Bicycle Renaissance vs. Metro bikes
I've been to both stores, the staff seem equally friendly, however I am guided towards completely different types of bikes/price ranges when I ask for help in both stores. Also BR says they offer lifetime tuneups.
2. Toe clips? Straps? Pedals? Shoes?
I want to try just pedalling with running shoes first but I want to know whether this is an investment I should make relatively soon. What are the prices/advantage?
3. Storage
If I want to keep it in my room rather than in a hallway (college student) would it be prudent to dismantle it? Or would this speed up wear/tear? (Quick release wheels, etc).
4. Is there a proper form (body position) for road bikes? The last bike I road was a mountain bike.
5. NYC Specific: Does the waterside parkway require some riding on the main road/highway? I'm looking at the google map and coming out confused...
6. General or NYC Specific: Riding at night
Is this generally not a good idea to ride after 9pm in central park?
7. How expensive are prescription sunglasses? Do you find that you don't need them anyway?
8. Price range
I'm looking at 500-800 and I've found some specialized, jamis and felt bikes in this range. Any advice?
9. Travel
Has anyone travelled (airport) with their bike? What's involved?
10. Panniers
I was told that you can't put a pannier/rack on a road bike. Is this true?
I'm about to get a bike this week after saving up and doing some research this summer.
I have some lingering questions, so if anyone can answer even only one question (especially those in NYC) I'd be grateful.
I'm buying a road bike primarily for fitness, second for occasional (2X week) commuting (during which I'd take my exercise route anyway).
1. NYC Specific: Bicycle Renaissance vs. Metro bikes
I've been to both stores, the staff seem equally friendly, however I am guided towards completely different types of bikes/price ranges when I ask for help in both stores. Also BR says they offer lifetime tuneups.
2. Toe clips? Straps? Pedals? Shoes?
I want to try just pedalling with running shoes first but I want to know whether this is an investment I should make relatively soon. What are the prices/advantage?
3. Storage
If I want to keep it in my room rather than in a hallway (college student) would it be prudent to dismantle it? Or would this speed up wear/tear? (Quick release wheels, etc).
4. Is there a proper form (body position) for road bikes? The last bike I road was a mountain bike.
5. NYC Specific: Does the waterside parkway require some riding on the main road/highway? I'm looking at the google map and coming out confused...
6. General or NYC Specific: Riding at night
Is this generally not a good idea to ride after 9pm in central park?
7. How expensive are prescription sunglasses? Do you find that you don't need them anyway?
8. Price range
I'm looking at 500-800 and I've found some specialized, jamis and felt bikes in this range. Any advice?
9. Travel
Has anyone travelled (airport) with their bike? What's involved?
10. Panniers
I was told that you can't put a pannier/rack on a road bike. Is this true?
Last edited by little_dawn; 08-02-08 at 05:15 PM.
07-29-08, 05:26 AM
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Hi,
I'm a NYC rider new to road bikes. My answers are based on my personal but limited experience; here goes:
1. I shopped in both but bought from neither. I really liked (in order Sid's Bikes, Bicycle Habitat, then City bikes on 38th) I found that the hours and the location have a huge impact on my purchase decision in the event that I need service or adjustments.
2. I'm riding with running shoes but I have a pair of speedplay frogs and Sidi mountain bike shoes. Too afraid to risk falling so they are in a box in my closet. I was told that you want something to clip in and out of fast without having to look down if you are riding in traffic. I've seen guys in full kit unable to clip into their carbon look pedals at lights with taxis coming down on them - not fun or safe.
3. Don't know about this one.
4. Yes yes yes yes yes. Most important is fit as I learned the hard and expensive way. It is easier to make a too small bike fit than a too large one. This is another reason I like Sid's and Habitat. They each spent more than 2 hours fitting and tweaking my bike. Especially Sid's.
5. The Westside bike path is not open to traffic but you have to watch out for pedestrians, rollerbladers, and tourists especially the ones disembarking from the cruise ships. It runs parallel to the highway. Below Canal it ends so you will have to get on the street.
6. I don't. Especially alone and above 150th street.
7. Prescription glasses can run you from $99 to over a thousand depending on prescription, type of frame, type of lens, rent of the optician's shop. Whether you need it or not will depend on your prescription. Can you see well enough in all light conditions to avoid traffic, people, potholes? I opted not to get prescription sunglasses but I strongly advise that you get at least some sort of sunglass - found out the hard way after a bug hit my eye. And when trying on glasses, bend down and tilt your head like you're on the bike to see if they fit. What looks good walking around and what works when your head is tilted are 2 different things. This is how I ended up with 2 new sunglasses.
8. Not familiar with those brands.
9. Never traveled with bike
10. As long as the bike isn't made of carbon fiber you sure can add a rack and put on panniers. It will add weight of course.
You also want good bike shorts. not cheap ones but good ones - spend $100 it's worth it. Found that out the REALLY hard way too.
Good luck.
I'm a NYC rider new to road bikes. My answers are based on my personal but limited experience; here goes:
1. I shopped in both but bought from neither. I really liked (in order Sid's Bikes, Bicycle Habitat, then City bikes on 38th) I found that the hours and the location have a huge impact on my purchase decision in the event that I need service or adjustments.
2. I'm riding with running shoes but I have a pair of speedplay frogs and Sidi mountain bike shoes. Too afraid to risk falling so they are in a box in my closet. I was told that you want something to clip in and out of fast without having to look down if you are riding in traffic. I've seen guys in full kit unable to clip into their carbon look pedals at lights with taxis coming down on them - not fun or safe.
3. Don't know about this one.
4. Yes yes yes yes yes. Most important is fit as I learned the hard and expensive way. It is easier to make a too small bike fit than a too large one. This is another reason I like Sid's and Habitat. They each spent more than 2 hours fitting and tweaking my bike. Especially Sid's.
5. The Westside bike path is not open to traffic but you have to watch out for pedestrians, rollerbladers, and tourists especially the ones disembarking from the cruise ships. It runs parallel to the highway. Below Canal it ends so you will have to get on the street.
6. I don't. Especially alone and above 150th street.
7. Prescription glasses can run you from $99 to over a thousand depending on prescription, type of frame, type of lens, rent of the optician's shop. Whether you need it or not will depend on your prescription. Can you see well enough in all light conditions to avoid traffic, people, potholes? I opted not to get prescription sunglasses but I strongly advise that you get at least some sort of sunglass - found out the hard way after a bug hit my eye. And when trying on glasses, bend down and tilt your head like you're on the bike to see if they fit. What looks good walking around and what works when your head is tilted are 2 different things. This is how I ended up with 2 new sunglasses.
8. Not familiar with those brands.
9. Never traveled with bike
10. As long as the bike isn't made of carbon fiber you sure can add a rack and put on panniers. It will add weight of course.
You also want good bike shorts. not cheap ones but good ones - spend $100 it's worth it. Found that out the REALLY hard way too.
Good luck.
Last edited by Pookie4G; 07-29-08 at 05:29 AM.
07-29-08, 06:02 AM
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1. Visit lots of bike shops. Especially the ones nearest your home. And rather than drop $800 on a brand new bike - especially when you're not yet sure how much you're going to enjoy cycling - why not consider something lightly used? My favored shop, Continuum, down on Avenue B, sells clean used bikes https://continuumcycles.com/ . As do these folks: https://www.recycleabicycle.org/
2. I prefer toe clips and straps for ease of use and versatility with different kinds of shoes. But I'm a geezer, and prone to the old-fashioned. There are also hybrid pedal straps called 'Power Grips,' that you might consider.
3. Storage
If your bike weighs less than 25 lbs., you should be able to shoulder it very comfortably upstairs to your apartment. Using the QR on the front wheel won't accelerate wear. Using the QR on the rear wheel should be unnecessary - unless you're subletting someone's hall closet.
4. There are all sorts of "road" bikes; therefore, there are all sorts of road bike "positions." If you're new to this, and if you're commuting, you might want to avoid a racing position so radical that you look like a time trial competitor in the Tour, for example. Test ride lots of bikes to find the combination of bike geometry and riding posture that suits you.
5. Here's the map to our local bike paths: https://www.nycbikemaps.com/maps/manhattan-bike-map/
6. Riding at night is challenging even for experienced riders. You may want to wait to try this until you've got a few more miles under your Lycra.
7. Expensive. You might be able to get by with contacts and wraparound non-prescription sunglasses. Some folks can; others cannot.
8. See #1.
9. Traveling with a bike can be headache, but is also pretty commonplace. On the order of traveling with golf clubs. Look into hard shell travel cases.
10. I was told that you can't put a pannier/rack on a road bike. Is this true?
No, but you should then select the correct frame (likely a 'touring' frame, with the proper geometry, and the necessary mounting points brazed on), to accommodate the pannier hardware.
Welcome to the NYC cycling family. Keep your eyes peeled for cops with anger management issues.
2. I prefer toe clips and straps for ease of use and versatility with different kinds of shoes. But I'm a geezer, and prone to the old-fashioned. There are also hybrid pedal straps called 'Power Grips,' that you might consider.
3. Storage
If your bike weighs less than 25 lbs., you should be able to shoulder it very comfortably upstairs to your apartment. Using the QR on the front wheel won't accelerate wear. Using the QR on the rear wheel should be unnecessary - unless you're subletting someone's hall closet.
4. There are all sorts of "road" bikes; therefore, there are all sorts of road bike "positions." If you're new to this, and if you're commuting, you might want to avoid a racing position so radical that you look like a time trial competitor in the Tour, for example. Test ride lots of bikes to find the combination of bike geometry and riding posture that suits you.
5. Here's the map to our local bike paths: https://www.nycbikemaps.com/maps/manhattan-bike-map/
6. Riding at night is challenging even for experienced riders. You may want to wait to try this until you've got a few more miles under your Lycra.
7. Expensive. You might be able to get by with contacts and wraparound non-prescription sunglasses. Some folks can; others cannot.
8. See #1.
9. Traveling with a bike can be headache, but is also pretty commonplace. On the order of traveling with golf clubs. Look into hard shell travel cases.
10. I was told that you can't put a pannier/rack on a road bike. Is this true?
No, but you should then select the correct frame (likely a 'touring' frame, with the proper geometry, and the necessary mounting points brazed on), to accommodate the pannier hardware.
Welcome to the NYC cycling family. Keep your eyes peeled for cops with anger management issues.
Last edited by jgmacg; 07-29-08 at 08:26 AM.
07-29-08, 06:07 AM
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07-29-08, 08:03 AM
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If storage space is a major concern, and you are seriously considering traveling with your bike, I'd take a look at some folding bikes.
A good place for that is B-Fold, which specializes in folders. You can get a Xootr Swift for around $700; I'm pretty sure you could pick up a Bike Friday with halfway decent gearing for $800.
A good place for that is B-Fold, which specializes in folders. You can get a Xootr Swift for around $700; I'm pretty sure you could pick up a Bike Friday with halfway decent gearing for $800.
07-29-08, 08:32 AM
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I'm about to get a bike this week after saving up and doing some research this summer.
I have some lingering questions, so if anyone can answer even only one question (especially those in NYC) I'd be grateful.
I'm buying a road bike primarily for fitness, second for occasional (2X week) commuting (during which I'd take my exercise route anyway).
1. NYC Specific: Bicycle Renaissance vs. Metro bikes
I personally don't like Metro Bikes. Their service is variable at best, and is at most times very dismissive and impersonal. Their fitting process for buying new bikes is HORRID. A lot of this has to do with their chain-like operation, and the corporate-like management running it. I, for one, now try to do most of my business with family-owned or smaller shops, though you can still get duds here and there.
2. Toe clips? Straps? Pedals? Shoes?
If you want to really see the huge differences between riding with top clips, platform pedals and clipless systems, then you can go ahead and upgrade as you go. Or could you take it from the many of us that have confirmed that having clipless shoes is the best way to go. I started on platforms before moving on to bigger and badder things.
3. Storage
Anything other than hanging it on a stand will cause some wear and tear to internal components of the bike. Nonetheless, I wouldn't worry too much about storage. You can put it in a hallway, for example, but make sure that other people can still get through! Try to keep it upright, and you should be fine.
4. Is there a proper form (body position) for road bikes? The last bike I road was a mountain bike.
You'll get it when you start riding it. The drop handlebars are beautiful things.
5. NYC Specific: Does the waterside parkway require some riding on the main road/highway? I'm looking at the google map and coming out confused...
Do you mean the park right by 135th Street? If you're talking about that, then you have to cross Riverside Drive, which is more like an open light-controlled highway, but with easy traffic. You will probably have to go in through 96th Street and go under the Henry Hudson Parkway (this is safe) to get there, though.
6. General or NYC Specific: Riding at night
Is this generally not a good idea to ride after 9pm in central park?
I don't know anything about Central Park, and given it's size and popularity, I would recommend against it (unless some of you guys here have done that before?). I sometimes ride around Prospect Park really late (past 10p), and I've ridden in Times Square past midnight with no problems to date.
7. How expensive are prescription sunglasses? Do you find that you don't need them anyway?
EXPENSIVE, especially if you're thinking Oakleys. On top of that, your sunglasses are at much higher risk of breakage because they are used more frequently. Just get contact lenses, and get a nice pair of sunglasses to go on top of that. They are a b**** at first, but they get easier over time.
8. Price range
I'm looking at 500-800 and I've found some specialized, jamis and felt bikes in this range. Any advice?
I'll let the others help you here. I went used for my first purchase, to much success, but you have to know what you're looking for and take a few risks. With that price range, you can probably muster up the lowest-end bikes from local bike shops, or a decent bike from BikesDirect.com. Some LBS have used bikes in that range; ask about it! If you're excited enough, they might even work with your range.
9. Travel
Has anyone travelled (airport) with their bike? What's involved?
No response.
10. Panniers
I was told that you can't put a pannier/rack on a road bike. Is this true?
If it doesn't have the mounts for it, then the frame more than likely doesn't support it. You would need a touring frame for that kind of business.
I have some lingering questions, so if anyone can answer even only one question (especially those in NYC) I'd be grateful.
I'm buying a road bike primarily for fitness, second for occasional (2X week) commuting (during which I'd take my exercise route anyway).
1. NYC Specific: Bicycle Renaissance vs. Metro bikes
I personally don't like Metro Bikes. Their service is variable at best, and is at most times very dismissive and impersonal. Their fitting process for buying new bikes is HORRID. A lot of this has to do with their chain-like operation, and the corporate-like management running it. I, for one, now try to do most of my business with family-owned or smaller shops, though you can still get duds here and there.
2. Toe clips? Straps? Pedals? Shoes?
If you want to really see the huge differences between riding with top clips, platform pedals and clipless systems, then you can go ahead and upgrade as you go. Or could you take it from the many of us that have confirmed that having clipless shoes is the best way to go. I started on platforms before moving on to bigger and badder things.
3. Storage
Anything other than hanging it on a stand will cause some wear and tear to internal components of the bike. Nonetheless, I wouldn't worry too much about storage. You can put it in a hallway, for example, but make sure that other people can still get through! Try to keep it upright, and you should be fine.
4. Is there a proper form (body position) for road bikes? The last bike I road was a mountain bike.
You'll get it when you start riding it. The drop handlebars are beautiful things.
5. NYC Specific: Does the waterside parkway require some riding on the main road/highway? I'm looking at the google map and coming out confused...
Do you mean the park right by 135th Street? If you're talking about that, then you have to cross Riverside Drive, which is more like an open light-controlled highway, but with easy traffic. You will probably have to go in through 96th Street and go under the Henry Hudson Parkway (this is safe) to get there, though.
6. General or NYC Specific: Riding at night
Is this generally not a good idea to ride after 9pm in central park?
I don't know anything about Central Park, and given it's size and popularity, I would recommend against it (unless some of you guys here have done that before?). I sometimes ride around Prospect Park really late (past 10p), and I've ridden in Times Square past midnight with no problems to date.
7. How expensive are prescription sunglasses? Do you find that you don't need them anyway?
EXPENSIVE, especially if you're thinking Oakleys. On top of that, your sunglasses are at much higher risk of breakage because they are used more frequently. Just get contact lenses, and get a nice pair of sunglasses to go on top of that. They are a b**** at first, but they get easier over time.
8. Price range
I'm looking at 500-800 and I've found some specialized, jamis and felt bikes in this range. Any advice?
I'll let the others help you here. I went used for my first purchase, to much success, but you have to know what you're looking for and take a few risks. With that price range, you can probably muster up the lowest-end bikes from local bike shops, or a decent bike from BikesDirect.com. Some LBS have used bikes in that range; ask about it! If you're excited enough, they might even work with your range.
9. Travel
Has anyone travelled (airport) with their bike? What's involved?
No response.
10. Panniers
I was told that you can't put a pannier/rack on a road bike. Is this true?
If it doesn't have the mounts for it, then the frame more than likely doesn't support it. You would need a touring frame for that kind of business.
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07-29-08, 10:40 AM
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Thank you so much for all your answers! They were all very informative. I am actually heading down to Sid's now (thanks pookie) to look at some bikes, and I feel much more confident now that I've had a lot of my questions answered.
Also, does anyone know of any bicycle clubs that allow beginners at this time in the summer?
Is it normal to ride your bike home from the shop?
Also, does anyone know of any bicycle clubs that allow beginners at this time in the summer?
Is it normal to ride your bike home from the shop?
Last edited by little_dawn; 07-29-08 at 10:42 AM. Reason: adding info
07-29-08, 10:59 AM
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https://www.nycc.org/
NYCC: NEW YORK CYCLE CLUB
https://www.5bbc.org/
Five Borough Bicycle Club - New York
https://www.bikenewyork.org/
Welcome to Bike New York
NYCC is the best one from what i've heard.
yes, as long as they aren't too busy and can prep the bike while you wait, you can ride it home. i suggest buying a helmet as well.
NYCC: NEW YORK CYCLE CLUB
https://www.5bbc.org/
Five Borough Bicycle Club - New York
https://www.bikenewyork.org/
Welcome to Bike New York
NYCC is the best one from what i've heard.
yes, as long as they aren't too busy and can prep the bike while you wait, you can ride it home. i suggest buying a helmet as well.
07-29-08, 01:05 PM
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Thank you so much for all your answers! They were all very informative. I am actually heading down to Sid's now (thanks pookie) to look at some bikes, and I feel much more confident now that I've had a lot of my questions answered.
Also, does anyone know of any bicycle clubs that allow beginners at this time in the summer?
Is it normal to ride your bike home from the shop?
Also, does anyone know of any bicycle clubs that allow beginners at this time in the summer?
Is it normal to ride your bike home from the shop?
Also, if you want to test the bikes, bring a credit card and driver's license.
07-29-08, 01:34 PM
#10
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check out nyc velo, they rock.
they are also a bianchi dealer, of which you can get a narone for 800. great bike from a great company.
they are also a bianchi dealer, of which you can get a narone for 800. great bike from a great company.
07-29-08, 06:22 PM
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I went down to Sid's and they didn't seem very welcoming. I also revisited Bicycle Renaissance and got the feeling that they didn't even want to sell me the bike. My only problem is that I want to test ride the bikes, and BR is located right next to the park, a great place for a ride; but Sid's is in a traffic heavy location. I almost got my nose taken off by a lorry that was turning too quickly (whilst I was on foot). I think I'm also going to look at Bicycle Habitat, Larry and Jeff's and NYC Velo before I make the plunge.
Do I need special shoes while testing a bike that has toe clips?
I hope I still remember how to ride
Do I need special shoes while testing a bike that has toe clips?
I hope I still remember how to ride
07-30-08, 08:41 AM
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they will just put a set of generic pedals on the bike so you can ride it.
one thing about bike shops- often, the way you get treated depends on how busy the store is, or who you may have spoken too and what kind of mood he was in- there are so many variables. i went into sids once and was treated very well, and then another time was treated somewhat poorly- it's a throw of the dice.
here is where i got my prescription glasses from: https://www.sportrx.com/ . i got a rudy project model that has interchangable lenses 2 lenses: 1 dark and another clear. they have good customer service and when i got a lens scratched, i sent them back and they replaced the lens for free. i think i spent around $300 for them, but i needed them as i wanted to see and i didn't want to use my "street" glasses for racing. you can also use them for other sports too.
nyc velo carry felt bikes if you're interested in that brand. they also carry scott and ridley. i like that shop. i would try and spend closer to your upper limit of $800 to get a better bike.
riding in central park after 7 is ok if a bit busy. lot's of people in there after after work so you have to be careful. it's much better in the morning. i'd get a front and rear light if you are going to ride at night.
one thing about bike shops- often, the way you get treated depends on how busy the store is, or who you may have spoken too and what kind of mood he was in- there are so many variables. i went into sids once and was treated very well, and then another time was treated somewhat poorly- it's a throw of the dice.
here is where i got my prescription glasses from: https://www.sportrx.com/ . i got a rudy project model that has interchangable lenses 2 lenses: 1 dark and another clear. they have good customer service and when i got a lens scratched, i sent them back and they replaced the lens for free. i think i spent around $300 for them, but i needed them as i wanted to see and i didn't want to use my "street" glasses for racing. you can also use them for other sports too.
nyc velo carry felt bikes if you're interested in that brand. they also carry scott and ridley. i like that shop. i would try and spend closer to your upper limit of $800 to get a better bike.
riding in central park after 7 is ok if a bit busy. lot's of people in there after after work so you have to be careful. it's much better in the morning. i'd get a front and rear light if you are going to ride at night.
07-30-08, 10:19 PM
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Someone on this forum gave me fantastic advice about pedals - I had intended to get the new bike fitted with platforms and then move onto clipless when I was ready, but apparently there exists "Campus pedals" that have clipless on one side and normal on the other! Apart from general wear and tear that I've read in the reviews it sounds perfect.
Now for my last question, I promise: I intend to test out some bikes tomorrow, and hopefully ride one home on friday. Since both locations that I'm visiting seem to be in places that have bike lanes sometimes crossing some non-laned roads, I think I'll be okay. However, I've never ridden in the city before. What do you think I should do/How should I proceed for my test rides?
I intend to stick to dedicated bike paths/lanes/ parks for the first week until I get used to navigating the city, but I think that avoiding the road will be impossible on these test rides due to the location of the shops.
Now for my last question, I promise: I intend to test out some bikes tomorrow, and hopefully ride one home on friday. Since both locations that I'm visiting seem to be in places that have bike lanes sometimes crossing some non-laned roads, I think I'll be okay. However, I've never ridden in the city before. What do you think I should do/How should I proceed for my test rides?
I intend to stick to dedicated bike paths/lanes/ parks for the first week until I get used to navigating the city, but I think that avoiding the road will be impossible on these test rides due to the location of the shops.
Last edited by little_dawn; 07-30-08 at 10:36 PM. Reason: grammar
07-31-08, 05:22 AM
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Someone on this forum gave me fantastic advice about pedals - I had intended to get the new bike fitted with platforms and then move onto clipless when I was ready, but apparently there exists "Campus pedals" that have clipless on one side and normal on the other! Apart from general wear and tear that I've read in the reviews it sounds perfect.
Now for my last question, I promise: I intend to test out some bikes tomorrow, and hopefully ride one home on friday. Since both locations that I'm visiting seem to be in places that have bike lanes sometimes crossing some non-laned roads, I think I'll be okay. However, I've never ridden in the city before. What do you think I should do/How should I proceed for my test rides?
I intend to stick to dedicated bike paths/lanes/ parks for the first week until I get used to navigating the city, but I think that avoiding the road will be impossible on these test rides due to the location of the shops.
Now for my last question, I promise: I intend to test out some bikes tomorrow, and hopefully ride one home on friday. Since both locations that I'm visiting seem to be in places that have bike lanes sometimes crossing some non-laned roads, I think I'll be okay. However, I've never ridden in the city before. What do you think I should do/How should I proceed for my test rides?
I intend to stick to dedicated bike paths/lanes/ parks for the first week until I get used to navigating the city, but I think that avoiding the road will be impossible on these test rides due to the location of the shops.
As for riding in traffic I would go when traffic is the lightest. I would go 1st thing Saturday morning instead of Friday afternoon. Hampton's traffic is too intense plus you get the B&T people who don't know how to drive in city traffic. Drive predictable, follow traffic rules, beware of opening doors. It is scary the 1st few times but I find that the pedestrians pose a far greater threat than cars.
07-31-08, 09:48 AM
#15
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don't worry so much about riding with cars on the road. after all, you do see hundreds of other cyclist every day doing it, no? just try to stay in the appointed bike lane, and if there isn't a bike lane, stay on one the side of the road and you'll be ok. i ride every day in nyc. i know it's not easy to not be nervous, but don't be nervous! it doesn't help matters- it only makes you stiffer and less in control.
about the hour- pook is right- go on a saturday or sunday as soon as the bike shop opens, the bad thing about that is that the rest of the city is there on saturday as well, so the shop might be busy. if you have weekdays off, 11 am is ok too- i find that weekdays are the best for getting the attention of the sales people. don't hesitate to go on a friday because of traffic. it's really not a problem.
about the hour- pook is right- go on a saturday or sunday as soon as the bike shop opens, the bad thing about that is that the rest of the city is there on saturday as well, so the shop might be busy. if you have weekdays off, 11 am is ok too- i find that weekdays are the best for getting the attention of the sales people. don't hesitate to go on a friday because of traffic. it's really not a problem.
07-31-08, 02:39 PM
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RB or Hybrid?
@pookie + redmist
Thanks for the advice.
I actually test rode some bikes today and it wasn't that bad – as long as I stayed on one side of the road and watched the traffic I was fine.
Now, I went to NYC Velo and Larry and Jeff's because of advice I got elsewhere on the forum. Both shops were fantastic - very helpful attendants, very thorough explanations for a beginner like me. My only concern is the pricing:
Larry and Jeffs:
Cannondale RB $1000+ (tiagra, sora is 150 less)
Giant (hybrid(?)/straight bar road bike) $650
NYC Velo:
Felt RB with sora and centre breaks (like you have on a straight bar bike = it has two sets of brakes) $770
Scott RB - $900
Leaving pricing aside, my main question is should I choose the RB vs the Hybrid?
So I tested the giant and a jamis (RB), then a cannondale. They both had their strong points - the giant had much better breaks, the cannondale was easier to control than the jamis, gave a less rocky ride.
For riding and racing I know I want the cannondale but it is quite expensive. The person helping me explained that it would be better in the long run to go with a RB with an aluminium/carbon frame (being the difference between the jamis and the cannondale), but he actually didn't say anything about the sora/tiagra shifters until I pointed out my preference for the latter.
However, I do know that I would be using the bike for occasional errands (1-2 times per week).
So I have cycling 6 days/week (1-2 hours) + maybe 1 hour 2 times/week for commuting. What should I go with? The giant straight-bar (I think it's a RB, not a hybrid) or the cannondale?
Advice please!
Thanks for the advice.
I actually test rode some bikes today and it wasn't that bad – as long as I stayed on one side of the road and watched the traffic I was fine.
Now, I went to NYC Velo and Larry and Jeff's because of advice I got elsewhere on the forum. Both shops were fantastic - very helpful attendants, very thorough explanations for a beginner like me. My only concern is the pricing:
Larry and Jeffs:
Cannondale RB $1000+ (tiagra, sora is 150 less)
Giant (hybrid(?)/straight bar road bike) $650
NYC Velo:
Felt RB with sora and centre breaks (like you have on a straight bar bike = it has two sets of brakes) $770
Scott RB - $900
Leaving pricing aside, my main question is should I choose the RB vs the Hybrid?
So I tested the giant and a jamis (RB), then a cannondale. They both had their strong points - the giant had much better breaks, the cannondale was easier to control than the jamis, gave a less rocky ride.
For riding and racing I know I want the cannondale but it is quite expensive. The person helping me explained that it would be better in the long run to go with a RB with an aluminium/carbon frame (being the difference between the jamis and the cannondale), but he actually didn't say anything about the sora/tiagra shifters until I pointed out my preference for the latter.
However, I do know that I would be using the bike for occasional errands (1-2 times per week).
So I have cycling 6 days/week (1-2 hours) + maybe 1 hour 2 times/week for commuting. What should I go with? The giant straight-bar (I think it's a RB, not a hybrid) or the cannondale?
Advice please!
Last edited by little_dawn; 07-31-08 at 05:02 PM. Reason: spelling
07-31-08, 03:36 PM
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If I apply for a transalt.org membership online, can I bring the receipt in-store as proof of membership to get a discount?
07-31-08, 05:55 PM
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Just a quick +1 for continuum. Renaissance knows their stuff for sure, but prices are not the best.
07-31-08, 06:33 PM
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Are drop bar bikes any good for busy places like NYC? I'd have thought flat bars give better views & control if a car swerves infront of you.
I'm about to buy a Specialized Sirrus Elite road bike, it has flat bars and as far as I know pannier and mudguard mounts.
I'm about to buy a Specialized Sirrus Elite road bike, it has flat bars and as far as I know pannier and mudguard mounts.
08-01-08, 09:03 AM
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most probably you are going to get one from in storage, but if the bike on the floor is your size, they'll probably give you that one.
as for the road bike vs hybrid debate- that's your call. the hybrid will be a more comfortable bike, and if your primary use is commuting and errand duty, it might suit your needs better. if your primary use is exercise and racing, i'd go with the road bike. some people prefer the road bike for commuting if they are the naturally sporting type. i have a road bike for commuting
if you are going the road bike route- ask for a fitting.
08-01-08, 11:04 AM
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I tried both bikes. My main concern between the giant / cannondale is the braking. Why is it that the brakes on the cannondale (tiagra) are not as responsive (don't stop me as quickly, it seems to slow me down gradually) as those on the giant? Are they made differently? The reason I ask is that I want to be able to stop quickly is a car suddenly swerves ahead of me for the times when I am on the road and not training.
08-01-08, 11:19 AM
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Did the Giant have V-brakes or discs? Disc brakes and V-brakes (typically found on mountain bikes) generally "bite" a lot harder than the caliper brakes you'd find on a road bike. I almost went over the bars when I test rode my mountain bike that had them.
Any type should be more than enough for you if they're adjusted right.
Any type should be more than enough for you if they're adjusted right.
08-01-08, 11:54 AM
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Depends. I ride with drop bars on a single speed bike in the city. I do fine. I ride aggressively though. Lots of out-of-saddle sprints and climbs. But some people just never can get comfortable with them. If you're completely new to cycling, I'd probably say go flat bar.