I know, I know.
04-24-08, 07:58 AM
#51
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Actually...I tend to get VERY involved and educated once I start researching a hobby or project. And I won't have a problem maintaining the bike myself. I'm extremely handy and have better than average mechanical skills. When I said there were alot of terms, I meant just now at the beginning. I'll catch on quickly.
As for the intersections, ride, etc. Luckily, only about 5 miles of the trip is through busy intersections. Most is back country roads...well paved double yellow lie types, but not to busy. Unluckily, the busy 5 miles is the part closest to work that I'll be tackling first.
As for the intersections, ride, etc. Luckily, only about 5 miles of the trip is through busy intersections. Most is back country roads...well paved double yellow lie types, but not to busy. Unluckily, the busy 5 miles is the part closest to work that I'll be tackling first.
04-24-08, 07:59 AM
#52
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Just on the personal side, IMHO you'd do better to spend the money for a better bike, then sell it if you don't stick with it. I always had to push myself a bit to ride to work on my old MTB. Then I spent $$$ on a Tricross Sport (cyclocross, awesome for commuting), and now riding to work is literally a joy. I'd need an excuse *not* to ride somewhere.
That doesn't help you choose a $200 bike. But I really think a $1000 bike will help change your lifestyle a lot more, which is what you're trying to do. And if you fail, you can sell it for $500-700, meaning your total cost isn't that much more than the department store bike, which has virtually zero resale.
Steve
That doesn't help you choose a $200 bike. But I really think a $1000 bike will help change your lifestyle a lot more, which is what you're trying to do. And if you fail, you can sell it for $500-700, meaning your total cost isn't that much more than the department store bike, which has virtually zero resale.
Steve
04-24-08, 08:05 AM
#53
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Just on the personal side, IMHO you'd do better to spend the money for a better bike, then sell it if you don't stick with it. I always had to push myself a bit to ride to work on my old MTB. Then I spent $$$ on a Tricross Sport (cyclocross, awesome for commuting), and now riding to work is literally a joy. I'd need an excuse *not* to ride somewhere.
That doesn't help you choose a $200 bike. But I really think a $1000 bike will help change your lifestyle a lot more, which is what you're trying to do. And if you fail, you can sell it for $500-700, meaning your total cost isn't that much more than the department store bike, which has virtually zero resale.
Steve
That doesn't help you choose a $200 bike. But I really think a $1000 bike will help change your lifestyle a lot more, which is what you're trying to do. And if you fail, you can sell it for $500-700, meaning your total cost isn't that much more than the department store bike, which has virtually zero resale.
Steve
My philosophy is to get the first one used and ride it until you know exactly what you hate about it. That's your education. Otherwise, you have no idea what you're looking at in a $1000 bike. Then you get a nicer bike and sell the other one (or keep it as a beater).
04-24-08, 08:12 AM
#54
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I got to recommend against the used bike plan for a starter IF you try to pick one alone. I'd visit a couple of local bike shops and tell them what you are looking for and get fitted for their best suggestion. Whatever you do, don't buy the first bike suggested. It may well be the one you end up with but you need to talk to that second sales person and soak up the knowledge and recommendations from them.
After you've done that and you've researched fit, THEN you might consider looking used.
Or you could do like I did, buy one of everything until you figure out what you like and don't like.
After you've done that and you've researched fit, THEN you might consider looking used.
Or you could do like I did, buy one of everything until you figure out what you like and don't like.
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Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more. Bark less.
Change you can believe in - Bigfoot Nessie 08
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more. Bark less.
Change you can believe in - Bigfoot Nessie 08
04-24-08, 08:20 AM
#55
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Hopefully I won't be a Clyde for long. LOL. Before I started a desk job...and got older and balder...I was about 165 pounds. I'd be happy to get to 200 and then 180.
The Trek 7000 shows 700x35C tires...are these not good for my purposes? Are they 700c's or 35c's?
I place software and electronic engineers into jobs. I'm not one myself. All my handiness comes from doing things around the house, plumbing, electrical, flooring...in the process of installing an in ground pool myself right now!
The Trek 7000 shows 700x35C tires...are these not good for my purposes? Are they 700c's or 35c's?
I place software and electronic engineers into jobs. I'm not one myself. All my handiness comes from doing things around the house, plumbing, electrical, flooring...in the process of installing an in ground pool myself right now!
04-24-08, 08:25 AM
#56
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Ok.... 700 X 35c means the rim is 700mm in diameter and 35 is the width of the tire (35mm).
Don't ever be ashamed of asking "stupid questions". Everyone here had to learn these things somehow.
GUYS & GIRLS:
There has to be ONE of us who is near jjboods! Won't someone step up and help the guy out? Go with him to the LBS or lend him a ride?
Heck, if you were in the Greater Chicagoland area, I'd GIVE you my old bike (a roadmaster from before Pacific killed the brand). It's too small for me (6'0") but should be about perfect for you. Served me just find for 600 miles last summer (and helped me drop 35#). Not too pretty and needs a tune, but its a bike.
Billy
Don't ever be ashamed of asking "stupid questions". Everyone here had to learn these things somehow.
GUYS & GIRLS:
There has to be ONE of us who is near jjboods! Won't someone step up and help the guy out? Go with him to the LBS or lend him a ride?
Heck, if you were in the Greater Chicagoland area, I'd GIVE you my old bike (a roadmaster from before Pacific killed the brand). It's too small for me (6'0") but should be about perfect for you. Served me just find for 600 miles last summer (and helped me drop 35#). Not too pretty and needs a tune, but its a bike.
Billy
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Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
Last edited by devildogmech; 04-24-08 at 08:30 AM.
04-24-08, 08:28 AM
#57
Needing more power Scotty
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Yes, 700x35 are good for your purposes.
04-24-08, 08:37 AM
#58
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jjboods:
700c tires, 35mm wide, with an invert tread. These are a compromise between very narrow, slick tires of a real road bike and fat, knobby tires of a mountain bike; they're much better suited to city streets than typical mountain bike tires would be, and they'll deal better with a little sand or soil on the road (and rough surfaces, etc) than a very narrow, high-pressure tire might. Just make sure you keep them fully inflated (70-80 psi at least) for a smooth ride and to avoid flats.
If the tires lose pressure, you'll have a harder time maintaining your speed and you're much more likely to get a flat.
700c tires, 35mm wide, with an invert tread. These are a compromise between very narrow, slick tires of a real road bike and fat, knobby tires of a mountain bike; they're much better suited to city streets than typical mountain bike tires would be, and they'll deal better with a little sand or soil on the road (and rough surfaces, etc) than a very narrow, high-pressure tire might. Just make sure you keep them fully inflated (70-80 psi at least) for a smooth ride and to avoid flats.
If the tires lose pressure, you'll have a harder time maintaining your speed and you're much more likely to get a flat.
04-24-08, 09:01 AM
#60
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you might want to ride it first and something else for comparison ...
__________________
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more. Bark less.
Change you can believe in - Bigfoot Nessie 08
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more. Bark less.
Change you can believe in - Bigfoot Nessie 08
04-24-08, 09:06 AM
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I got to recommend against the used bike plan for a starter IF you try to pick one alone. I'd visit a couple of local bike shops and tell them what you are looking for and get fitted for their best suggestion. Whatever you do, don't buy the first bike suggested. It may well be the one you end up with but you need to talk to that second sales person and soak up the knowledge and recommendations from them.
After you've done that and you've researched fit, THEN you might consider looking used.
Or you could do like I did, buy one of everything until you figure out what you like and don't like.
After you've done that and you've researched fit, THEN you might consider looking used.
Or you could do like I did, buy one of everything until you figure out what you like and don't like.
04-24-08, 09:16 AM
#63
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Hey jjboods, this blog is always interesting when it comes to cheapie bikes:
https://www.bikeofdoom.com/
Long story short, the $99 bike lasted a year, with upgrades and repairs though.
This is all i can contribute to this thread.
https://www.bikeofdoom.com/
Long story short, the $99 bike lasted a year, with upgrades and repairs though.
This is all i can contribute to this thread.
04-24-08, 09:43 AM
#65
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Not really. I'm just trying to suggest that a little time at a good bike shop riding a couple of different bikes would be time well spent before you settle on any particular bike. Nothing at all wrong with a trek 7000 that I see but no sense limiting yourself to that and that alone without at least a test ride.
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Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more. Bark less.
Change you can believe in - Bigfoot Nessie 08
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more. Bark less.
Change you can believe in - Bigfoot Nessie 08
04-24-08, 09:50 AM
#66
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Do you know where your LBS's are? I'm asuming ones a TREK store? Everything TREK makes is quality (compared to big box stores). The one issue I see is that they only make Aluminum or Carbon bikes now. For a guy your size, steel would be prefered (tends to last longer).
Looking at the 7000 on the TREK site, it looks like a nice starter bike. Just make sure you get one that fits.
JMHO
Billy
Looking at the 7000 on the TREK site, it looks like a nice starter bike. Just make sure you get one that fits.
JMHO
Billy
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Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
04-24-08, 11:15 AM
#67
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I guess the choices...for me anyway...are 17.5" and then a 20". Without being fit for it...which I will do...I'm thinking a 20". And I spoke to a guy on the phone at a LBS...one that's been around forever here in RI...and based on my height and a 30-31" inseam, he thought 20" also.
04-24-08, 12:10 PM
#68
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If they are going to sell you the bike, they should "fit" it for FREE!
JMHO
Billy
PS - PM Sent
JMHO
Billy
PS - PM Sent
__________________
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
Master Guns Crittle, You out there??
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein
04-24-08, 12:48 PM
#69
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What happens when you buy a bike at Wal-mart
04-24-08, 12:53 PM
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jjboods:
I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam (pants-wearing measurement, that is).
My Trek 7000 is a 20-inch, and I can't imagine riding a bigger bike comfortably. I probably could have ridden a 17.5-inch; I did test ride one briefly before going with the 20-inch. But devildogmech is right - any LBS should make sure you ride more than one size and find the right one for your body size and shape.
I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam (pants-wearing measurement, that is).
My Trek 7000 is a 20-inch, and I can't imagine riding a bigger bike comfortably. I probably could have ridden a 17.5-inch; I did test ride one briefly before going with the 20-inch. But devildogmech is right - any LBS should make sure you ride more than one size and find the right one for your body size and shape.
04-28-08, 01:25 PM
#72
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So, I think I've found a deal assuming the bike is in good shape. I can get a 2002/2003 Trek 7500 FX for $300. The owner says it only has about 100 miles on it. The problem is, I don't know how to identify a quality used bike...as someone else mentioned early as an important ability for buying used.
Is there ANYONE in the CT/RI area that wouldn't mind taking a ride with me to take a look at it?
Is there ANYONE in the CT/RI area that wouldn't mind taking a ride with me to take a look at it?
04-28-08, 02:48 PM
#73
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If it hasn't been abused.... and if it got wrecked in that first 100 miles it shoudl show... I have a 7500FX that I put a few thousand miles on each year. I luv it; it's my "fast bike." (I got 25mm instead of 35mm tires under advice of my LBS guy.) Comfy but peppy. (I don't take it on week-long rides 'cause my bum gets sore but I don't think that's what you're looking at.)
04-28-08, 10:34 PM
#74
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I am from the area.
would be happy too additionally i am replacing my 5200 with a 7.5 soon.
One you should consider.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...dtail/820/820/
A new real bike in your price range. I started when i didnt know if i was going to stay in cycling and if i did would i go road or mountain.
I used this bike as my ONLY transportation while i was stationed in hawaii.got me all over the island for a year.
would be happy too additionally i am replacing my 5200 with a 7.5 soon.
One you should consider.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...dtail/820/820/
A new real bike in your price range. I started when i didnt know if i was going to stay in cycling and if i did would i go road or mountain.
I used this bike as my ONLY transportation while i was stationed in hawaii.got me all over the island for a year.
04-29-08, 06:26 AM
#75
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Trying to avoid anything with a suspension fork. And the 7000 new is about the same price.
Also, maybe I am misreading your post. You're willing to come with me to inspect the bike or you want to come with me to look at it to buy it if I don't?
Also, maybe I am misreading your post. You're willing to come with me to inspect the bike or you want to come with me to look at it to buy it if I don't?