Originally Posted by devildogmech
Hey all,
I'm a new guy, just thought i'd say hi. I'm 6' and 220#. I ride my old (1993) roadmaster costco special from Highschool.
I might be looking for a new bike next summer (when funds arent quite so tight)... what do you guys look for in a bike?
Billy
Depends, what kind of riding are you planning, there are really 6 kinds of bikes out there:
1) Mountain bikes (MTB), this is the SUV of the cycling world, big knobby tires, suspension sometimes front only (hardtail), and sometimes front and back (full suspension), good for mud, snow, and built tough. Usually have very low gearing, straight handlebars.
1a) Cyclocross, a variation of MTB, designed to go a longer distance then a regular MTB, but still designed for where the road was originally made by cows
. May or may not have front suspension, rare to have rear suspension, usually has the MTB style handlebars.
2) BMX, small frames, small wheels, built like a tank, used for certain types of racing, forget them, unless you want to do this kind of racing.
3) Racing Bikes, this is the Ferrari of the cycling world, fast, very skinny tires, everything is designed to be as light weight as possible. Also designed so that the rider is in a position where his wind profile is as small as possible, comfort is often sacrificed for speed. Often have those low spoke count wheels, and very tall gearing. No suspension, have the curved handlebars.
4) Touring bikes, the hatchback of the cycling world, heavier duty then a racing bike, more relaxed geometry, often the handle bars are higher up, and the chainstays are longer then a racing bike, usually get outfitted with racks and fenders by the rider, often have 32 or 36 spoke wheels. Gearing may be lower then a racing bike, but taller then a MTB. No suspension, and have the same handlebars and narrow tires as a racing bike, often mistaken for a racing bike. Designed for long distance and longer rides, where you want to carry 50lbs of gear with you....
5) Hybrids, kind of a cross between the others, often used by new or returning to cyclists, until they decide what they
really want, low gearing and heavy duty frame like a MTB, larger wheels and narrower road tires like a road bike.
6) Cruiser aka Beach Cruiser, I think everyone had one of these when they were a kid, good for where you want to show off that you can bike, but where rides are typically on flat ground and less then 2 miles. I remember the ones from the 70's when they had monkey bars and banana seats, handy because your little sister (or better GF) could ride on the back of the long seat.