Originally Posted by
Brushy
Holy. Moly.
All of your posts were super helpful! Thanks!
So I've read through all of them (and made notes) and have some follow-ups:
1. I've been to approximately 320392408029 LBSs. It really helps me to learn what to look for, but I find it's hard to make my own opinions when I don't know enough about it. You obviously all have your own opinions, but by asking in the forum, I can read them all at once and use them to learn, as opposed to being in a LBS with one guy telling me his one opinion.
2. Drop bars: I've never ridden a bike with them. When I test ride bikes with them I feel a bit awkward, which goes against the 'does the bike FEEL right' question. But it's not the bike so much as my inexperience. I don't want to go with flat bars because that's what I'm used to and regret it because I'll feel like they'll hold me back. Advice?
3. Building your own. This totally interests me. But is it too much to take on as a total noob? Also, does the finished product really come in under the price of just buying a complete?
4. What the heck is this triple talk?
5. In answer to one of your questions, I don't plan on doing any heavy duty weekend camping trips.
6. Bad weather: I figure there will be times when I'm stuck riding in bad weather for sure. Like if it looks nice so I ride in and then it turns to rain when it's time to ride home... should this = disc brakes?
7. Used bikes: One of you suggested getting a used bike and upgrading it and adding stuff. I've looked on Kijiji (Ottawa) and I'm not sure how to tell if a bike is worth upgrading or if it's just junk. Is there brands I should look for?
Ok... That's it for now. Thanks again so much to all of you, it is crazy helpful!
Hey, we love this stuff... It's fun to help a "newbie" when they ask specific questions and give us enough information to be specific ourselves! Once we all were where you are now... At the beginning of our first bike purchasing adventure. Most of us didn't have the Bike Forums Family available to help us either. Sometimes we're even too helpful.
You're getting some great advice, so I'm just gonna add a couple of comments that I hope will help:
Drop Bars - Try to find a frame that fits you AND where the bar top is only one to two inches (2-5cm) below saddle height. You might have to swap out stems at the shop (they can do this while fitting you). That should make things feel more "natural" and keep your weight balanced between your seat, hands, and feet. As a rule, you don't want too much pressure on any part of your body while riding. As a previous poster noted, a lot of drop-bar bikes are set up with the bars quite low --- Very aero, but not very comfy!
Drop bars are great because you have lots of cushy places to put your hands on moderate to long rides. That can be a huge comfort issue. Your hands, wrists, shoulders, and back may thank you! They can all hurt if you're locked into a single position on a flat-bar bike. Having said that, there are some multi-position flat bars (H-bars, Norths, etc.) and special grips (Ergons, etc.) that mimic a drop bar's advantages.
So when you're in a shop and find a drop-bar bike that you like in a size that fits, ask them to put on a stem that gets the bars up within 2-5cm of the top of the saddle. Then see what you think.
Used bikes - They are great if you know what you are looking for - and what you are looking at. Many gems, but many pitfalls, too. I would recommend a new bike to start with. You are going to end up with a great bike because you know what questions to ask (and where to ask them). You also appear to be willing to walk into (and out of) a lot of bike shops. The education you are getting will ensure a wise purchase. If you've got the money, a new bike is the best deal going.
Building Your Own - Save this for bike #2... You'll quickly start accumulating tools, knowledge, and a taste for what you like. Eventually, you'll see a frame that you love and all the possibilities for a totally custom ride. You'll then be in the advanced stages of the sickness that we all have! Heaven help you when that happens...
Keep your courage up - and keep shopping... Finally, don't buy something unless you ride it in your size. When you find YOUR new bike, nothing will be able to wipe the smile from your face!
Happy hunting,
DWR