Originally Posted by
Gothic Sunshine
I'm 5'8" and 275 lbs with a male body, and I'm still relatively new to bicycling. I didn't learn how to ride a bike until right before I turned 21, and I've only been riding regularly for about 11 months (I'm 23). I've never done maintenance or bought new parts, and I think both are just about in order right now. I currently have a 1987 Hard Rock Specialized hardtail mountain bike, and it works for me. The frame fits my proportions just right (it used to be my uncle's, and we have about the same proportions), it's good and sturdy, the handlebars are a good configuration for me, and it handles beautifully. I mostly use it for commuting on urban roads (I live in Silicon Valley). I'm looking to replace the pedals and tires, get a rear rack, maybe replace the wheels, and install a water bottle holder. Can anyone give me recommendations as to what specifics I should be looking at with these parts?
- Are you on a budget?
- If so, what's a rough estimate of what you have to spend?
- Is a new bike out of the picture?
• If you're on a budget, your best bet would be to replace the suspension fork with a rigid fork. It will probably be steel. Used or on sale off of the larger online retailed like Performance, Nashbar, PBK, Chainreaction etc. And swap out the tires with slick, narrower tires for reduced rolling resistance.
• If a new bike isn't out of the option, check out some previously owned commuter bikes that people are tired of. Some people will spend all sort of money to get in to cycling only to find out they don't like it, and sell their bike and equipment at a huge discount.
MTB pedals (M540) are relatively cheap and useful addition. A decent rack will run you around $30; panniers are even more. You won't find much benefit in buying new wheels unless the ones now are trash (but you describe it rides beautifully, so probably aren't). You might want to check your chain and cassette because they are probably worn. And if you replace the tires you ought to replace the tubes as well. And Ergo grips & bar ends are really useful if your budget allows them.