Hey! You're startin' to really give me some ideas here....................

I'm likin' it! I'm really likin' it!

- Slim :)

Thanks again for all the advice and information everyone is sharing. Opinions and facts both help figure things out. I went to look at a Gary Fisher today an 07 Mako which had a 19" frame which was a bit small. The guy did have another Fisher older Wahoo 21" haven't hunted the year down i would assume earlier version which i sat on and felt much more natural. Sadly as i was looking at the bikes the heavens decided to open up and pour down so my visit was cut short. Apparently this guy buys truck loads of bikes from local police auctions and resells them. So I am going to try and take a look Saturday at some of the larger framed bikes he had. My one question is that on both bikes i looked at the components did look a bit aged/rough as far as gears/shifters etc.. how expensive/difficult are these to fix/replace? I am mechanically capable of doing it my self unless recommended to go to the LBS.

Hey there Bgruber1985!

The price range can vary immensely depending upon the type of bike you get and the corresponding components. That said, you could most probably get a decent set of derailleurs ( front and rear), for about $80 and some decent rapid fire shifters for about $50-$80. Sometimes the components look worse than what they actually. Often times, with a little solvent, some fine steel wool, and lub oil, they sprite right up! If you live near a bike co-op, that would be the place to go, after purchase. However, you really shouldn't purchase without riding the bike, first. I would try to make riding the bike, a prerequisite to the final sale.

- Slim :)

PS.

All prices are subject to change without notice.

When I was looking for a bike to commute on, I bought a cheap MTB on Craigslist. It even already had 26"x1.75" Bontrager slicks on it too. I did some work to the brakes and drivetrain, threw on some cheap lights and a lock and called it a day. I told myself that if I liked bike commuting then I'd upgrade the next year. If I didn't, I only invested about $150, most of which I could easily recoup if I sold it all.

Start with the basics and you'll figure out what you don't like about it. You'll find that you like the water bottles here instead of there, that you'd like to know how fast you're going so you buy a cyclo-computer, that you find you'd really like fenders, that you want more hand positions..... You can tweak your rig as needed. You just need something that works safely and is comfortable for the time being. I gave my last bike away and currently ride on a nice road bike with some cool gear. Take your time, figure out what you like best and just tackle one issue at a time.

I've actually done more troubleshooting with clothing vs the weather than I have with the bike. Banning cotton and purchasing proper bike shorts = best thing I've ever done for my riding. Don't put the shorts in the dryer.

Oh, and keep the rubber-side down. Always important.