Buying my first bike, need help!
05-12-06, 01:42 PM
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Buying my first bike, need help!
Hello all,
I am getting ready to buy my first bike. So far I have decided that I want a cross/hybrid bike. I think this choice makes since. I will mostly be using it on a tar bike path, with occasional dirt road useage. My budget is $450 Max.
I have visited the local bike shop and seen a number of models. Below are the models with a link to their info.
Kona Smoke
Kona Dew
Gary Fisher Tiburon-S
Gary Fisher Zebrano
Gary Fisher Zebrano-S
So the questions I have are:
Does a hybrid make since in my case?
Of the above bikes does one stick out as being better than the other in terms of component quality?
What brands are good, what should I stay away from?
Is there a bike you recommend instead of the above selection?
Will I be able to upgrade parts on these bikes (like disc brakes for example)?
Thanks for the help! I really appreciate it!
Sam
I am getting ready to buy my first bike. So far I have decided that I want a cross/hybrid bike. I think this choice makes since. I will mostly be using it on a tar bike path, with occasional dirt road useage. My budget is $450 Max.
I have visited the local bike shop and seen a number of models. Below are the models with a link to their info.
Kona Smoke
Kona Dew
Gary Fisher Tiburon-S
Gary Fisher Zebrano
Gary Fisher Zebrano-S
So the questions I have are:
Does a hybrid make since in my case?
Of the above bikes does one stick out as being better than the other in terms of component quality?
What brands are good, what should I stay away from?
Is there a bike you recommend instead of the above selection?
Will I be able to upgrade parts on these bikes (like disc brakes for example)?
Thanks for the help! I really appreciate it!
Sam
05-12-06, 02:11 PM
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Good thread, I'm also considering the two Konas for my next bike, just not in the near future.
I can't comment much for the Gary Fisher, except that I don't like hybrids.
For the Konas, the Smoke has 26" wheels, you can get more(also cheaper) selection of off-road tires, while the Dew looks like it's more intended for road/packed trails. Also note that both are rigids, so they might not be that comfortable off road.
The Konas can't take disc brakes, but I really don't think you need disc brakes anyways
I can't comment much for the Gary Fisher, except that I don't like hybrids.
For the Konas, the Smoke has 26" wheels, you can get more(also cheaper) selection of off-road tires, while the Dew looks like it's more intended for road/packed trails. Also note that both are rigids, so they might not be that comfortable off road.
The Konas can't take disc brakes, but I really don't think you need disc brakes anyways
05-12-06, 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by shakeNbake
Good thread, I'm also considering the two Konas for my next bike, just not in the near future.
I can't comment much for the Gary Fisher, except that I don't like hybrids.
For the Konas, the Smoke has 26" wheels, you can get more(also cheaper) selection of off-road tires, while the Dew looks like it's more intended for road/packed trails. Also note that both are rigids, so they might not be that comfortable off road.
The Konas can't take disc brakes, but I really don't think you need disc brakes anyways
I can't comment much for the Gary Fisher, except that I don't like hybrids.
For the Konas, the Smoke has 26" wheels, you can get more(also cheaper) selection of off-road tires, while the Dew looks like it's more intended for road/packed trails. Also note that both are rigids, so they might not be that comfortable off road.
The Konas can't take disc brakes, but I really don't think you need disc brakes anyways
As for discs, at the $500 level, you aren't going to get very good ones at that level so I'd stick with V-brakes. If the bike comes with them, use them otherwise just go with regular v-brakes.
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Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
05-13-06, 05:03 AM
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rule number one.
always go to a local bike shop (they're the the small, oily ones) if the guy's a "salesman" and isn't isn't a little dirty, hasn't seen the road or the mud, he can never give the best advice.
As for rule number two, I can't think of one at the moment.
you asked about the downside of hybrids. I can't think of any for general usage they're great. I had one until it was wrecked. I can't advise you on those models as I don't know them.
always go to a local bike shop (they're the the small, oily ones) if the guy's a "salesman" and isn't isn't a little dirty, hasn't seen the road or the mud, he can never give the best advice.
As for rule number two, I can't think of one at the moment.
you asked about the downside of hybrids. I can't think of any for general usage they're great. I had one until it was wrecked. I can't advise you on those models as I don't know them.
05-17-06, 08:27 PM
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Following the advice given I went to the local shop and purchased a Trek 4500. Seems like a nice bike so far, but I need to get faster tires for it. Most of what I will be doing is pavement.
So here is a question: _IF_ I wanted to upgrade parts on my bike, how can I tell if they will fit?
Another simple one... when I am on my largest chainring, and I am shifting from small rear gear up to the largest gear this is what happens: It does the first few fine, and then it misses one. It doesn't skip one... it fails to advance. I click once, nothing... I click again and it moves up. Do you think this is an index adjustment? I am positive the derailer isn't bent... I just bought it!
Thanks!
So here is a question: _IF_ I wanted to upgrade parts on my bike, how can I tell if they will fit?
Another simple one... when I am on my largest chainring, and I am shifting from small rear gear up to the largest gear this is what happens: It does the first few fine, and then it misses one. It doesn't skip one... it fails to advance. I click once, nothing... I click again and it moves up. Do you think this is an index adjustment? I am positive the derailer isn't bent... I just bought it!
Thanks!
05-17-06, 08:43 PM
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My hybrid is sitting in shame in my shed .... waiting for getting a aluminum for transplant and a new wheel with an excentric hub and turn that thing into a freewheel single speed.
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05-18-06, 06:56 AM
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I bought the Gary Fisher Zebrano in the fall last year and have found it to be a very good bike. I ride in on gravel paths (light off-road), paved paths, and the streets of DC and it has done well for me. Only two downsides are the weight of the bike (at $500.00 and a hybrid this is normal and expected) and the front suspension doesn’t lock out, which would be nice for hills.
The bike is extremely comfortable, the upright position is great for the city, and I it is VERY stable. The bike came with 700 x 42c tires but I asked the LBS to swap them out for 700x38c, which is a better all-around hybrid tire --- I recommend doing this as a good one-tire fits all solution. If you’re looking at an entry-level hybrid that will perform and not give you much problems; I highly recommend this bike.
Good luck.
The bike is extremely comfortable, the upright position is great for the city, and I it is VERY stable. The bike came with 700 x 42c tires but I asked the LBS to swap them out for 700x38c, which is a better all-around hybrid tire --- I recommend doing this as a good one-tire fits all solution. If you’re looking at an entry-level hybrid that will perform and not give you much problems; I highly recommend this bike.
Good luck.
