Jarrett2

I've bought and/or traded for 14 bikes in the last 3.5 years. I've test ridden countless others. Now that I've shadowed some bike mechanics and have gotten decent at working on bikes, I have wrenched on several more for friends and family including a couple of builds.

So, I've interacted with quite a few different types of bikes in the last 3.5 years and learned a lot during that time. What works for me, doesn't work. I currently own 3 bikes. I've also ridden 13,691 miles on bikes during that time not to mention lost and keep off 125 lbs in the process. My newest bike, I built from the frame up and I enjoyed that process so much, I doubt that I will buy a pre-built bike again. It's all part of the fun of the hobby for me.

jade408

A quick note about the saddles, you might need a wider or less wide one based on your position on the bike!

I used a narrower b17 on a more upright bike. ( I know, I know) I found it fine on this bike, but I thought springs would be nicer for my next bike and got the b67.

I have this b67 one on a bike with seat and bars nearly same height (the bars are maybe 3/4 of an inch higher now). When I lowered my bars a bit I had to tweak the saddle angle a few times to get the right position. I have sweptback, upright bars on my bike. I am bent over a bit. It works great for me. I am gradually going further, but so far I have maxed at a 20 mile day and I didn't have saddle issues. And I wore non-cycling specific clothing and no padding!

Since the Brooks are meant to follow you around on multiple bikes, I think the b17 would be more versatile!

brennok

I definitely fit in the latter category. Bought a bike which I ended up enjoying, but not loving. It wasn't the best fit for me in the end. It ended up sitting in the garage until my brother stole it and still rides it to this day.

Now of course I am back several years later debating on a bike again.

brentd

Good information, thanks! I watched some videos on how Brooks manufactures their seats and was really impressed with the quality and attention to detail. It's funny to me how pepole around here don't even have to mention the brand name, but just the model number and people know what they're talking about. Says a lot about them.

bud16415

Sometimes people buy the wrong bike getting started. Many times in fact they don’t want to buy several bikes so they go for the bike they envision themselves riding when they get back in shape and lose some weight etc. and end up with a bike that is too aggressive for them at the time they buy it. Then there is the opposite people. The LBS owner tells me so many people come in looking for a bike like the one they had as a kid. ”Just want a single speed with a coaster brake and fat tires,” they say. He has one there and he tells them how much did you weigh in grade school and he tells them to ride the demo bike around the block and then lets them take a modern multi gear bike for a ride and he ends up 9 out of 10 times selling the modern bike as there is a slight hill going around the block.

I don’t see it as a bad thing getting hooked on riding and coming back in a year in better shape and knowing better what you want and trading up or giving your bike to your brother to ride. I have 6-8 bikes in the garage and they all are a little different all used and nothing I spent a huge amount on and I ride them all at different times.

I have given away maybe 30 bikes in my life to people friends and family and neighbors and their kids thinking they want to start riding and all I ask is if you find you don’t like it bring the bike back or give it to someone that will ride it. quite a few got hooked and upgraded and passed the bike down the line.

brennok

I definitely don't see it as a bad thing either and think it makes more sense to approach it this way assuming it is something you can afford to do.

I think my biggest takeaway so far is people here seem to like or love their local LBS. As a result they have no problems recommending people go in and talk to their own local LBS. My experience wasn't the best with my local LBS and I would be hesitant to trust their recommendations again. I just wonder if sometimes the wrong bike is also due in part to the local LBS.

dr_lha

It undoubtedly is. Many in bike shops are used to dealing with super-fit 150lb roadies. When a Clyde comes in their first response is usually to try to sell them the "comfort bike", because they're "too heavy for a road bike". I've experienced this attitude first hand myself.

Jarrett2

So true.

I think it is important to buy what you will ride now. Something with a little bit of growing room to challenge you, but not something that you are scared to get on.

I couldn't have jumped on a road bike day one. But I probably should have bought one about 6 months in instead of waiting a year and a half.

bud16415

That’s the reason I have always encouraged people to at least look for a used bike for a bit before they go new. You get people with limited budgets and they want to go to Walmart and get a $100 bike to get started or they have some money for a better quality bike buy not to buy it and turn around in 6 months and buy another. Even when I’m riding a lot and in my best shape to ride I don’t mind getting on a comfort bike and riding up to get a coffee and the Sunday paper talking to neighbors along the way. Sometimes that first bike with a set of folding baskets makes a good around town bike when it comes time to step up to what will make you faster when and if the time comes.