Need Help!
 

Ok well I asked my cousin for his old schwinn to commute to school and for excercise. It had the top of the line parts like 10 years ago and I wanted to change them. As of right now everything on there is Shimano or something like that. I went to go buy some new tires and a seat for it. Woo thats the last time I'm goin to a store. I came across this site pricepoint I found that they have really cheap prices. The derailor on my bike doesn't stay where it is supposed to be. I think the shifter is bad because when i switch gears it goes back to the lowest setting this is for the rear the front one doens't move at all.... What parts would you guys recommend I should get? I want to replace shifters-handle bars-maybe add bar ends. Another question if I replace the shfiters would I need to replace the entire thing derailors and cranks? I hope not :( As for shifters I was lookin at these http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/128...r-Shifters.htm

Sorry for the very poor grammar and sentence structure but its late. I just wanted to get everything out there. Ok thanks in advanced

Ok sorry one more thing would you guys recommened the bent handle bars road or whatever you call them or the striaght ones that are a little bit raised.

After you've been here for a while, you'll find there are dozens of online retailers that sell bike stuff. Price Point is just one and doesn't always have the best selection or price.

I'm not an expert but I don't think the trigger shifters you're looking at on PP will work on a road style (drop) handlebar. They're made for flat bars (mnt bike style).

Is it possible the parts need adjustment and lubing rather than replacement? A bike mechanic at a good bike store could check it out and make recommendations. If you have to buy all new components, you might consider purchasing a new bike, unless you really love the old frame.

http://www.craigslist.org/nby/bik/74836606.html

http://www.craigslist.org/eby/bik/74820833.html

Ok I'm looking for another bike. Which one would you guys buy?

Wow, you have a ton to choose from.

http://www.craigslist.org/pen/bik/74947230.html
jamis road bike for $600

http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/74941035.html
motobecane $150

if short
http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/74941035.html
carema $500

cannondale $250 ??
http://www.craigslist.org/eby/bik/74881953.html

miyata $400
http://www.craigslist.org/pen/bik/74879927.html

trek 1000 $350
http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/74811135.html

diamondback commuter $75
http://www.craigslist.org/nby/bik/74805733.html

jamis cross country $200
http://www.craigslist.org/eby/bik/74793911.html

How to decide?
1. you want a road bike, not a mountain bike. It's lighter and easier for commuting.
2. Can you safely store your bike at school? if so, pick the bike you want, if not pick a cheap one.
3. go to a couple bike stores and get sized so you know what size bike you need.

If it were me,
unsafe school-- diamondback
general all around-- jamis cross country, or trek 1000, or cannondale. Depending on which fits you best and has the easiest shifting
if you can afford it-- jamis road bike

stick a finger in the air, put down your money and punt: the jamis cross country.

You have a ton of bikes available, it's end of the school year. if one is gone, others should appear on the market. Have FUN.

I'd be really slow to replace 10-year-old top of the line parts... 10 years isn't that long for good parts, they're probably still good parts today. I suggest going to a LBS (local bike store), pay the $45 or whatever for a tuneup and get recommendations on what needs replacing (if anything).

Shimano is a good brand BTW.

Alright I found this http://www.craigslist.org/eby/bik/74719784.html I am gonna check it out tomorrow. I'm most likely going to get this bike. I plan to swap some of the parts off my cousins bike onto this one.

Talk about setting up bar ends wrong.

Are they? I can't really see it. I don't know whether thats the shadow or not. They look correct to me. I could be wrong though. My bike knowledge isn't really that great.

I don't know what prices are like there, but I wouldn't pay half that here. Even if it's cherry.

Hmm ok...Time to keep on looking then.

I think i'm going about this the wrong way...I have no idea what is a decent bike or not. I'm jumping the gun on everything I see...ARghhhh....

Take some time and get familiar with the current bike you have (your cousins?). Learn how to tune it up, and get the shifters working (spend time, not much $). Ride it for a bit (provided it fits ok), relax-take it easy. When you get familiar with the basics, and you would like to change to a newer-or different style of bike, you'll find it easier to figure out what's a "good" buy vs what's not.

Ok thanks for the advice Camel. Just wanted to know i'm about 5'9''-5'10 whats the size that would fit me 20in?

There are all kinds of ways for measuring fit. Everyone has different dimensions, its not just based on height, nor is it based on inseem. So...if the current bike you have seems to be comfortable-tune it up+ride it, but take it easy. A poorly fit bike can cause you serious injury, particularly if you "ride hard", or long (repetitive stress injuries). At the same time, a poorly fit bike can be ridden-and simple adjustments made to make the fit better (seatpost/saddle height, seat/saddle setback, handlbar height). Also, most bike measurements are done with the metric system (excluding "stand over" height-which is usually measured in inches).


Click here for a rather nice article regarding bicycle fit written by Peter White. This is but just one of many available for free on the web. Some even have calculators, where you enter specific bone lengths etc. But this particular article is a great starting point. FYI: Most shops will charge for a "fit", especially if you are not purchasing a bike.

5'9-5'10 is typically a 17-18" frame, but sizing varies a bit with different manufacturers, and everyones individual proportions.

Hmmm Ook well it seems like I can't stay away from hunting for bikes. comments? http://www.craigslist.org/eby/bik/75055786.html Sounds a little to pricey but I could be wrong

Found another one...http://www.craigslist.org/eby/bik/74519263.html

http://www.craigslist.org/pen/bik/74466705.html Man i can't stop looking...