In general, I've found that the thicker the grip, the more comfortable it will be. Sometimes, it's just the material with which the grip is made. Grips remind me of little shock absorbers. Instead of the shock of the road being directly translated to your hands, the grips act as buffers. They take on a small portion of the shock. Sometimes, just enough to make the entire ride, more enjoyable. Place that in conjunction with some padded gloves and you're in heaven.

True story:

Last year, I salvaged a Giant Innova bicycle. It didn't have any grips at all. After I had the bike powder-coated, I assembled it with all upgraded components. It had everything new, except for grips. It didn't have any grips at all! When I test-rode it, I could just feel all of my teeth rattling inside of my head, as I pedaled along. I thought..."This will never do!"

I then immediately returned home and placed my Bontrager Satellite grips onto the Innova. It was like night and day. There was no more rattling of teeth inside my head and when I purchased a new pair of gloves, the ride simply became celestial.

- Slim :)

Here we're now featuring REI's BUZZ bike!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwK51sewM_s

I think they're talking about the Buzz One's cousin!

- Slim :)

Sorry, have to post another dumb question.

Apparently they currently have a low stock of the Novara Buzz One at my local REI. By low, I mean, they only have one left. The last one that they have left is the one they have on the floor on display, which is also the one that they let people test ride and poke around. Should I just wait until they get more (which is perfectly fine with me) or should I snag it?

Apparently they plan on replenishing their stock soon. Also, I won't have time to go there to buy it and get all the work done until Friday.

And again, I'm still fairly clueless as to which grips I should get. After doing some research, it seems that grips are a significant thing to take into account. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find too many reviews for the ones I can choose from. For the most part, most of the grips that I was able to find reviews for have gotten so-so ratings (although I found most of the reviews and ratings on a mountain biking website). And some of the grips I just was not able to find any reviews for, specifically the Novara brand grips (aside from the one review they have on the REI website) I was not able to find any reviews on.

If anyone can offer their opinion here are the grips I am going to select from:

http://www.rei.com/search?page_size=...&range=jxPrice

Slim, you suggested the Titec Hell-Bent Lock-On Grips, which I might get, but I have been reading that the hardware on them is a bit faulty and strips away easily).

Hey there TohTruck!

I say, get the thickest grips from REI right now. However, you most probably want to get to a Trek dealer, so that you can get some Bontrager Satellite grips, later. That's what I have on both my Giant Innova and my Trek 7.5FX. I really love those things!

Also, don't forget gloves, too!

- Slim :)

PS.

Stop prefacing your post with the "dumb" stuff. You haven't asked a "dumb" question, yet!

It's not too likely that an intelligent person is going to ask a "dumb" question... :thumb:

You should thoroughly inspect the Buzz One that they have there right now. If it has scratches or anything on it that would indicate that it's been on-the-floor, I would wait for no longer than 30 days. Meanwhile, I would get hold of the Buzz One manual and read about it's construction. Make certain that you know or have some idea as to how to adjust and install brakes. Make sure that you know how to remove and replace a chain. Know how to fix a flat! Start your physical fitness regimen. Start doing calisthenics. Read. Learn. Meditate.

- Slim :)

PS.

Meanwhile, you might want to set things up to start volunteering at the co-op, so that you'll be able to do your own bicycle mechanics work, independently.

Hey TohTruck!

What do you think of this?

www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_504148_-1_202650_10000_202339

Nashbar sells quality stuff online. They're highly respected by most cyclists. They have a 100% satisfaction policy!

I called REI today about their lack of Novara Buzz One bicycle and to see when they would get more in stock.

So here's the basic jist:

Apparently, REI only carries one of each size on hand at the store. So whatever bicycles they have at their store they only have one of for each size to sell and to test ride essentially. Sounds a bit strange to me, considering they are a big chain store.

However, I am assuming that's how it works with all the local bicycle shops as well. The one they have out on display is the one that they have for sale and to test ride, so you pay for and take home the same bicycle.

So they don't replenish their stock until they have sold the one bicycle.

They did offer to order one for me so that it would essentially be shipped to the store just for me. But, what happens is they pretty much just get one shipped over from another nearby store... sounds pretty stupid to me.

So I'll probably just get the one that they have there right now on Friday or over the weekend.

Slim, that is a very nice-looking bicycle, and awfully tempting. However, I am wondering why the price is so inexpensive.

And again, I am unsure about buying a bicycle that I cannot test ride first.

Nevertheless, it's very inexpensive, and even if it didn't become my ideal bicycle. I suppose it would even make a great inexpensive beater bike.

Do you think I should get it?

It's going to be your call at the end of the day, but it's like half the cost of the Buzz One! If it doesn't fit, the maximum headache would be to simply send it back for an exchange. That sounds easy enough! With your savings, you could get those armadillos, some nice grips, and some gloves to match your new helmet.

You should be thinking girls right about now...... ;)

- Slim :)

Toh.... wait for the bike you want and be patient! REI is a big chain store so they CAN have a warehouse and shuffle bikes around from store to store. The local bike shop has to pay upfront to have bikes on display so they aren't going to have a lot of bikes out back either. Perhaps REI will give you a discount on the rider bike :-) Or you can wait. It probably won't be more than a few days.

Hey there TohTruck!

So I've done a little research and determined that the Nashbar Hounder is a great bike. However, it has suffered from shipping issues, as does other bikes being shipped via Nashbar sources from Taiwan. The problem is with the packaging. However, since Nashbar has the 100% satifaction guarantee, you shouldn't have any problems with them making you whole, should any shipping problems arise.

Of course, once again, this is your call, entirely!

Right now, you know what you're lined up for. You've ridden the Buzz One and you like the feel and fit of the bicycle. All we really know about the Hounder, is that it's made of chromoly steel, it's geometry resembles the geometry of Trek's Earl, and that it costs half the cost of Novara's Buzz One.

Now if it were me, and I had seriously limited income, I would go for it!

OTOH, a bird in the hand, is worth two in the bush. Buying online from a no-name company would be a total crapshoot. Buying online from Nashbar, is NOT a total crapshoot. However, there maybe some risk involved most likely related to shipping. If you're not strapped for cash, then REI's Buzz One, just might be your best bet. At least you'd be shooting in complete daylight...

At the end of the day, it's All your call!

Nashbar Hounder Review:

www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-628267.html

- Slim :)

If the floor model Buzz is the correct size, see if REI will knock a few bucks off for "demo" use, and nab it.

Our REI sells Ergon grips. I personally think they are the most comfortable, practical grips I've ever used.
something like this is what I'd recommend for the Buzz

Hey guys,

So regarding the REI matter, the point I was trying to make (or at least what REI was explaining to me over the phone) is that REI only ever has one of each bike in stock at each store location. So it's only after they have sold the one bike they have in stock that they actually replenish/replace the bike.

So, they won't be giving me a discount for buying the bike they have on the floor.

I was going to see if they could have one shipped over just for me. But essentially what they would be doing is just getting one from another store. So, given the way they have their stock set up. If it is the same for every store, then I would just be having another bike that was out on another floor shipped over (LOL). It's really ridiculous, but they actually did offer to do that over the phone. But I didn't even want to bother with the headache as I was already being switched over from one department to another.

^^ Most of this actually does not even seem very logical to me. But that is essentially what they were explaining to me over the phone. Only one of each size of each bike is ever available at their stores, and if I were to have one shipped over, they would just be getting one from another nearby store.

If/when I go to purchase the bicycle, I will thoroughly inspect it and if I find any sort of wear or damage, I will see if I can get some sort of discount. I know right off the bat that the tires (which I will be replacing anyway) have some dirt on them, but I'm pretty positive that it was from when I test rode it a few weeks ago.

Regarding the Nashbar bicycle. Again, it is very tempting. But I am not comfortable buying a bicycle over the internet. The deal is amazing, and the reviews are very positive. However, it is fairly consistent that the reviews have some criticisms over the stock components. Especially since I am new at this, I don't want to have to worry about putting the bike together (which I would probably be capable of doing), shipping damage (again, since I am new I might not even be fully aware of any sort of damage, because I'm not sure how things are supposed to look and feel like exactly), and then of course there is the issue of now finding the upgrade components and figuring out how to install them myself. Of course, this is something that I will eventually want to be able to do, but it might be a hindrance for me to have to worry about it right off the bat. I might be better off getting the Buzz One (which I have a fair idea of what I want to upgrade and can have someone do it for me for free) and getting experience riding it and making connections and learning at the local co-op.

Down the road, I will probably feel more comfortable taking up an offer like the Nashbar.

Great!

I was sorta hoping that you would go with REI's Buzz One. However, OTOH I know what it's like to have limited cash while in your youth, so I just wanted to present the opportunity, if it needed to be exploited.

Now, moving right along...

I was trying to think of the brand name, "Ergon" for grips, but it just wouldn't register for some reason. All I could think of were my Bontrager Satellites. However, CanyonEagle's Ergon suggestion, is the ticket! I hear they're great!

- Slim :)

PS.

I was beginning to feel a little tentative about the entire Nashbar deal, after reading some of their negative shipping reviews...

LoL you've nailed it on the head. That's pretty much exactly what makes it so enticing. I'll sti think it over. I have time since it looks like I will probably be busy and won't be able to get my bike until Sunday.

I was more so worried about havin to replace and upgrade components, but now that you mention the shipping issues...

The Ergon grips are out of my price range. But do you guys really think they're with it?

Couple of things right quick....

1. Ergons are great (I have a pair of GP-1s), but will add to the bottom line. OP has limited funds and was wanting to swap out for what REI would basically give him in credit for the stock ones, which IIRC was like $10. Personally, I'd just stick with the stock grips and replace when they fail, but get a pair of gloves no matter on the grips. Upgrade to the Ergons later.

2. I'd probably stick with the OEM tires as well. At least until I had major flat issues while using rim strips, tire liners, and proper inflation.

The main points of contact with the bike are your ass, your hands, and your feet. The first two relate directly to comfort (and to some degree, control), so, if you ask me, the answer is "yes". Find a bike with them installed and try them out - see if you like them.
Personally, once I tried them and felt the more even distribution of the weight on my hands (versus smaller pressure points), I could not use a standard "barrel" grip again. Cork Grips are the exception, and might be a less expensive option for you until you have some money for upgrades.

My $.02 is that the saddle and grips are two places NOT to cheap out.

The buzz one comes with cork grips.

Should I just stick with those?

Otherwise my other options are mostly round rubber grips that are available at rei for under $10.

Hey there TohTruck!

Since this is a single speed, as long as the bottom bracket, crankset, seatpost, and handlebars aren't defective, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. As long as the frame is not crooked or bent, nothing else could possibly cost that much to replace or repair when you consider the cost difference. Besides, if any of those things were out of whack, you'd just return either the bike or the component, anyway.

I called Nashbar customer service and the agent there (Momma Judy), told me that she's been there for twelve years and that she very rarely recieves any complaints concerning damage to bicycles, due to poor shipping.

She also told me that they have a 100% satisfaction policy that doesn't have any time limit. Apparently, it must be similar to REI.

-Slim

PS.

Return, your mistake:

You will have to share the shipping cost with Nashbar, should a return be necessary. You pay to send it and they pay to return it!

Return, their mistake:

They pay for all shipping, both ways!

Dang it!

Right when I had this all figured out. I am confused again.

Time for a coin toss. Assign REI to one side, BD/Nashbar the other. Call it in the air. Report back for further input.

Go to Trek and jump on an Earl, before any coin toss!

Not saying which way you should go on this one, but if you did go with Nashbar, you could get at least one Armadillo or one Gatorskin, place one of those in the rear and keep the extra tire as a spare, when your front tire wears out. Theoretically, you'd still have enough cash left over for grips, gloves, helmet, and most likely, another saddle too.

- Slim :)

PS.

* Nashbar sells Gatorskins at a discounted price---> $48

+100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000. If I thought I could make do with a SS, this would be the one for me. Has a place to put your u-lock, and a bottle opener for the beverage of your choice that you'll no doubt be sharing with some of the ladies while they admire your rig. Just get a good lock (or two) for it. Actually, that goes for whatever bike you do get.

Well, I am assuming I should test ride the Trek Earl to get some kind of idea of what the Nashbar Hounder will feel like.

It was suggested a while back on this forum (I vaguely remember at least) that I test ride a Trek Earl. I haven't been able to find any local bicycle shops that had the Trek Earl (at least in my size).

Hypothetically, if I were to get that Nashbar Hounder, what would I have to upgrade to make it safe and efficient? And what should I upgrade said components to?

To make it 'safe'- gloves on your hands, helmet on the head, lights front and rear, some kind of mirror, and reflective bits are helpful as well.

To make it 'efficient'- air in the tires, chain is lubed, and make sure the brake pads aren't rubbing the wheel unless you are applying pressure to them.

Don't worry about upgrading components at this time. Just get a bike (ANY BIKE THAT YOU LIKE) and start riding. Your own riding experiences will either prove or disprove anything that you learn here, in a book or video.

I commute on a fixed gear. Get the hounder. It has nicer hubs and looks ten times cooler, plus it's the color you want, plus it has the bars you want. Easiest decision I ever made.

According to the reviews I've read, you wouldn't have to change anything, right away. Most of your components will be of low grade quality, but should last for at least for a couple years, with daily use. This bike, will be purchased primarily for its low cost. This bike will require gradual upgrades in time. This bike will require that you develop a close relationship with your local bicycle co-op, due to the fact that you will not have the mechanical support or services of your LBS or REI, from which you could have purchased it. The level of components on this bike will not allow you to jump off of curbs and bunny-hop. However, these components will allow you to cycle for long periods of time, unimpeded by mechanical failure, if they're not heavily impacted by stress forces. Therefore, avoid sudden impacts and don't allow heavy people to sit on your bike. Don't carry heavy loads on your bike. Just ride your bike from point A to point B without any fanfare. As you gradually upgrade, you can become more physically ambitious.

That's both good and bad. It's bad, in that you'll be forced to accelerate social bonding with bicycle co-op people. It's good, due to the fact that you'll be learning how to perform mechanical operations, such as component adjustments and installations, upon your bike, thus forcing you to become both more bicycle- knowledgeable and mechanically independent. Besides, you'll meet a bunch of really cool people and possibly some very pretty girls, too.

This will work, provided that you either have some type of financial support from home or some source of employment. OTOH, if you're only being financially assisted with the initial purchase of this bicycle, then I would suggest that you go with REI's Buzz One. Perhaps even Trek's Earl or some other single speed purchased from some LBS, with their future services and support, included.

However, if you're going it alone, on a limited source of income, without any financial assistance from anywhere, except for maybe occasional to sparse, ungainful, parttime employment, then by all means, get the Hounder, with full expectations of becoming your own mechanic. Of course, this is something you should do eventually, anyhow.

Anyways, for $225, you can't do much better than the Hounder. It's most certainly better than any Walmart bike. However, you will be spending some extra cash on more quality components. Nonetheless, you'll have time in which to spend this money and not have to spend so much upfront on the preload. You'll have enough disposable cash to purchase your much needed grips, gloves, helmet, lock, possibly a saddle, and at least one gatorskin tire for the rear.

As you continue to work and save towards your upgrades, you'll eventually cover all of your bases in replacing lower level components. Components like the brakes and cables, might get replaced first, within the first 4 months. Next, before the year is out, replace the crankset and the bottom bracket, simultaneously. Also, change the rear cog, while you're at it! So therefore, within a year, you've purchased better components and installed them, for a complete upgrade. During the second year, you should get a really nice set of wheels and a slick new chain that matches your color scheme. Perhaps even another gatorskin will be in order, too!

- Slim :)

Lots of things to consider.

But yeah according to the reviews I've been reading, it seems like there are people who are fine with the stock components.

I just don't want to buy a cheap bike and end up with brakes that don't work properly and end up killing myself in a blaze of anti-climactic glory.

If anyone could offer their opinion,

Overall, what is the better bicycle (not taking into account money and price per value) between the Novara Buzz One and the Nashbar Hounder?

I ask this, because I want to end up with the better overall bicycle that will give me less headache and things to worry about in the long run. I specifically set aside about $600 for this investment.

I've already ordered a Bell Helmet (found it new for cheap on eBay), already have an Onguard chain (with the bigass links) lock, and an additional wire lock from Kryptonite, and I'll be using a pair of Harbinger lifting gloves, not sure what else I could possibly need other than a travel air pump.

Also, I wonder if I could just replace the saddle on either the Novara Buzz One or the Nashbar Hounder with the saddle that I have on my old BMX bike right now that I do not ride anymore.

Neither of these bikes are high-end bikes. The advantage of getting the Hounder is the much lower price. According to the Amazon reviews that I've read, the components are of the lowest quality. However, you're saving well over $200, in terms of immediate expenses. These components are not going to suddenly, disintegrate within the year. OTOH, they're most probably not going to last for the next five years, either. Since you don't have the available support or service of a local bike shop (unless you pay for it), you're going to have to get into the mechanics of it all, right away. You're not stupid, you could handle that aspect, without a hitch.

On the other hand, the Buzz One from REI, will come with the support and services expected along with a newly purchased bicycle. Just like from a regular bicycle dealership, only better. Better due to their 100% satisfaction guarantee. The difference here is, REI is right here and you can readily communicate and exchange information, directly. Nashbar, is like a million miles away and only communicated with, via electronic technology. However, they are somewhat useful, in that you can send defective components back for exchanges. You may also return the entire bicycle, if need be.

Will the Buzz One fall apart, once to take delivery? ...I don't know. However, if it does, you can take it directly back to REI and let them worry about it. However, that service opportunity will cost you an additional $250, upfront including tax.

Alternatively, I could ask the same question about the Hounder. Will it self-destruct upon delivery? ...I don't know. Nothing is promised in life except for certain troubles...

It really doesn't matter. The Hounder is a bicycle, just like the Buzz One, is a bicycle. Bicycle mechanics are not trained at MIT. Most learned their trade by just fooling around and experimenting with bikes as kids and they got pretty good at it. They just woke up one day and said, "Hey! After fixing my bike all summer, I now know a lot about bikes". Well, you can and must do the same thing. It's not like rocket science. Just get in there and start wrenching. It's not like you're going to permanently destroy anything. You're just going to learn step by step, the ins and outs about bicycle mechanics. That's it! At the end of the day, you'll know your own bicycle better, and your next door neighbor's bicycle too!

If your brakes fail in six months from now, Nashbar will not see your brakes. You'll have to either fix them yourself, or pay someone to fix them, if you get the Hounder. If you get the Buzz One and your brakes fail, you can just take the bike back to REI and let them worry about it. However, there again, you're going to have to pay for that service, from paying upfront with a greater intial purchase price from the local sportings goods store, REI, which is a LBS equivalent.

The fact remains, that as long as you're a cyclist, you're going to continue to need bicycle mechanical assistance and be charged for that service. The sooner that you learn bicycle mechanics, the more money you'll save in the long run. The smart thing to do, would be to start you savings now.

- Slim

PS.

Get to the co-op! Mix, learn, and ride! :thumb:

Of course, you don't have to get the Buzz One or the Hounder. There's always the Trek Earl, the Raleigh Back Alley, the Schwinn Madison, and the Felt Brougham, too!

However, you'd be paying upfront!

The only things that separate one chromoly steel-framed single-speed from another one, are the components. Other than that, they're all equivalent, and most likely made by the same bicycle manufacturer.

- Slim :)

PS.

Purchasing a "new" helmet online could prove to be a disappointment. Most people have to try a helmet on, like they have to try a hat on. Sometimes, some people just can't get used to certain helmets and they never really feel comfortable wearing them. Also, some helmets are advertised as "new" online. However, in point of fact, they're really closer to being, "like new", or "slightly used". I would make certain that I wiped the inside of that helmet really good with rubbing alcohol, before trying it on. I would most probably give it a dilute soap wash and rinse, prior to the alcohol wipe.

* Also, your BMX saddle should be able to fit one of the other bikes, as long as it's not a pivotal saddle.

The bikes are pretty close in terms of quality. The hounder with 200 dollars worth of upgrades is going to be better than the other one stock. If you haven't heard it yet, people say that your first bike is for knowing what you want in your second bike. The hounder is more aesthetically pleasing for sure. Why not ask the fixie chick which bike she likes better? Women love when you feign interest in their opinions ;)