Hey guys,
I don't get a chance to post too often, but I had to post this. It's very exciting. I currently have this bike:

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...9&menuItemId=0

It's a 2002 Specialized Hotrock A1 FS. I love this bike dearly. I actually found this bike abandoned, believe it or not, and I took it home and nurtured it back to health. All it needed was a new rear derailleur. Since then, it's been my daily rider. We've been through a lot together and I knew I could rely on it to get me wherever I needed to go. I really lucked out with this find because not only did I find the bike and was able to fix it cheap, but it fit me perfectly. I fly on this thing. It was definitely better than the too-small-for-me-bikes I was riding. And at the time, I didn't have a job, so I couldn't afford a new bike. But I found the bike just in time, as I was starting have back pain from from the smaller bikes I was riding. Well, it looks like my bike may have ridden its last miles.

About a week ago I noticed my bottom bracket was all whacked. Granted, I've known I've needed a new bottom bracket for a while, but since it's a cartridge, I figured I could wait. There was a ton of play from the axle. I had to keep riding it for about a week because I didn't want to ride the smaller bikes. Well, my knees started to hurt from the bottom bracket being shot, so I had to ride the smaller bikes. I ordered my new bottom bracket, it came with a crank bolt missing, they sent a cheaper one just for the bolts, which aren't the same, and I was looking forward to having allen bolts for the crank bolts. Fine, no big deal. I go and get started swapping the bottom bracket, and I can't get the thing out. Brute force didn't do it, an air compressor didn't do it, and I've run out of ideas. So I think I'm just going to buy a new bike because I needed it last week. I'm not too bummed out because first off I'm getting a new bike...finally. I've only ever had crappy bikes from k-mart or costco, not that I didn't appreciate them, but yeah. Either that or they were hand-me-downs. Better quality, but pretty much rare that they'll fit perfectly. Second, I figure this might be the easier thing to do because I need a bike now. I know I should've followed the N+1 rule, but like I said, I didn't have a job, and the specialized was so reliable. Plus, I've needed a new drive train for a while and was thinking about replacing that along with the shot bottom bracket which I've known for a while too. At least this way, I'll know the components on the bike will work together. I just feel a little sad because I should've just replaced it when I first took it out to find out the size. But I figured, it's a cartridge, so I'll just keep riding it. Maybe that was a mistake. Maybe I'll get it out one day, but like I've said I need a bike now, and so I'm in the market for a new bike.

My budget is about $600, it can go higher, but lower would be nice. I just need something to ride now, as I do plan to buy another bike so that if this happens again, I'll have a spare. I figure $600 is decent for an entry level bike that's going to be ridden daily with decent components that can take the abuse. I want something like this:

https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...codaelite.html

I know this one is like $1000, but is there anything around my budget that you guys know of? I like this because it's a commuter, I like the way the frame looks, it has disc brakes, and looks a little aggressive. Front suspension would be nice, but not too important, I guess. When I think of a bike, this is what I think of: simple and functional, at least for commuting anyway.

Ideas? Let me know below! Thanks guys!

Why not the Coda Sport? I wouldn't break the bank just for disc brakes. Personally, I _prefer_ linear pull rim brakes. And you really want front suspension? Eeeew. haha, but there's a reason this is going to be _your_ bike and not _mine_!

Giant Roam is right where you want it.

Hi there, Legacy!

I'd say that you're definitely on the right track!

If you like the Coda Elite, that's fine! However, you're gonna have to pay extra for the disc brakes. Since disc brakes aren't really that necessary, I'd say the Jamis Coda Sport should suffice for all of your commuting needs. Since it's made of chromoly steel, you won't have the need to purchase another commuter for the rest of your life.

The Jamis Coda Sport ~ $560
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/12_codasport_bk.html

* You can always upgrade to Deore or XT, whenever you like...


OTOH

IMO, the best commuter deals in aluminum are as follows:

The Fuji Absolute 2.0 ~ $600
www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1118664_-1_400316

The Schwinn Sporterra Comp ~ $660
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/hybrid/2012-sporterra-comp-mens-14564

Drive-side of the bottom bracket is righty-loosey, lefty-tighty. Were you trying to unscrew it in the wrong direction?

Hey guys,

Thank you all for your suggestions. I went out to various bike shops today and found something that is perfect and want your opinion on it. I'll make a new thread, but I want to make some comments here first.

First off, pkulak, I'm definitely open to other bikes. I'm not particular to any brand, that's why I asked you guys for suggestions. That said, thank you for your suggestion. I actually do like v-brakes, but I've always wanted a bike with disc brakes for some reason. I don't know why. I think they look cool. You do get better braking though than v-brakes, especially in rain, which I ride in, so it'll be nice not to have to worry about that, at least from my end. I also won't have to worry about rim wear, and rotors are smaller and more manageable to clean. I know there's the whole debate about brake power being transferred from the rotor through the spokes as opposed to it being directly on the outside of the rim, but I think I'll be ok. I also want suspension because my commute isn't just road. I do some back trails on my commute which would not be fun on a full hardtail. Thanks again for your suggestion.

brandini, you've hit right on the money. I actually did go out today and saw that bike. Here's a link for the rest of you:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....1/9024/48881/

I found it at a store, but they didn't have my size. Then I saw it at another store and they had it in my size. I got to ride it and it was awesome. It's also on sale! It's $616.97 altogether, but I'm going to offer them cash and see if I can get it for an even $600. Thank you for your suggestion brandini.

SlimRider, thanks for your suggestions. Those are some nice looking bikes. I think I am leaning towards the giant roam, however. I do want that front suspension for those back trails.

Finally, ThermionScott, yeah I'm 100% sure I'm unscrewing it right. It's always good to check though.

Thank you all again for your suggestions. I'm actually going to start two new threads that you are free to follow. I'll post the links as soon as I start them. One will be about your opinions on the 2012 Giant Roam, and the other will be about why I can't get my bottom bracket out from my 2002 Specialized Hotrock A1 FS and any suggestions. Thank you all!

Happy riding.

Hey there Legacy!

Most rigid forks on hybrids are built to take those hard packed country dirt trails. All you'd really need there are wider tires. They make all the difference!

The Fuji Absolute 2.0 has much better componentry than that Roam 1 ...

Whatever you decide, enjoy it, and ride it frequently!

Here are the links as promised:

Bottom bracket problems:

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...3#post14222953

2012 Giant Roam

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...012-Giant-Roam

Thanks again SlimRider. I don't really like the frame on the absolute, but maybe I should go check it out. Haven't bought anything yet, so things can still change I guess. I'm not worried about the bike not handling the terrain, it's a comfort thing and I have heard of putting wider tires for comfort. I guess I feel the suspension would give me comfort and some adaptability, which I like. And even though the roam has some 700x40s on it, I think I'll be ok, since I consider myself to be a light rider (in the sense that I try not to carry much). I like that this is a mix. It's "light" and can pack a punch. What do you think?

Do you have any pics of the bike in question? pics of the BB area?

Dude - TL;DR.

Don't sprinkle requests for help through your life's story.

I'm sure there's room to gasbag in here, but when you're asking questions, keep it concise.

I'm just talking to you guys like I would a friend. "Hey, this is what happened to me today. What do you think?" You don't have to get your panties in a bunch or reply for that matter.

Tell us about your nearest bike shop.. what brands do they sell?

Seriously? What crawled up your ****.

They have raleigh, scott, giant, specialized, cannondale, trek, marin, diamondback, etc. I have a good selection. This is from various stores though, not all one store.

No, I'm with him on this. When someone posts here, I expect a mechanical question. Everything else is off-topic. Cut to the chase, please.

This attitude may stem from the fact that to me, nothing is more infuriating than when I've got a store full of people and 4 repair stands humming and someone calls with a desire to talk about the weather, their surgery, their divorce, etc, like this: after a lengthy preamble..... "oh by the way, I have this bike, and I got it many years ago when I was a deliveryman. They used make good bikes, ya know, and it just needs a little help....it shouldn't cost much, because my wife got all my money in the divorce....it needs cables and tires and tubes, and it would be nice to get the rust off the rims. The weather's been hard on it....it needs work.........I like riding, but you know, I haven't done it since I had the colostomy back in '92"......and on, and on, and on.....

You'll notice, there was never a question in there I was capable of answering, but that didn't stop him from sharing his life story with me!

Oh and, a little heat and a lot of torque is the key. There's no sure-fire method. You have to improvise based on the situation, but the tool must be securely coupled with the cup, and the method of applying the torque must be able to be sustained for more than a few seconds. Worst case is to sawzall it out. Some minor thread damage is likely, or major if you aren't careful, but a set of BB taps will fix the minor type.

Yeah, except you'll notice we're in the commuting section of the forum, not the mechanics. The title of my post gives you an indication of what I'll be talking about and I give you a little back story to try to answer some questions that I'm anticipating. For example, I'm saying I'm getting a new bike, when all my current bike needs is to have the bottom bracket taken out and replaced to be rideable. Some might wonder why I'm going through the trouble of buying a new bike when fixing it would be cheaper or whatever. So I go to explain, well I do also need to replace the drive train and it would probably be easier to buy a new bike (since I want to get one anyway) knowing everything is going to work while I fix the other one. N+1 remember?

Plus, this is a forum. There doesn't always have to be a question. Pretty much every section of bikeforums features posts by people simply sharing something they thought other people would find interesting, so why can't I do the same? Maybe I did just want to share that I'm in the market for a new bike and that I'm excited. Jeez. But I guess I'll try better next time to suit your oh so delicate taste in posting etiquette:

In the market for a new bike. What should I get? <--- is this straightforward enough for you?

And like I said already, if you don't like the post, don't respond. You don't even have to bother to read it in its entirety if it's that infuriating to you...

OK. I followed the link over from your other post, and lost track of my location on the forums. That was easy to do when you had three different threads linked!

The post (I thought) I was answering was located in the Mechanic's Forum, and it began with "I need help". That's a good start, then I got sidetracked over here.

That's the central problem with most internet forum posts right there.

Sure. Equally straightforward answer: I don't know, and neither does anyone else on here! We're not you! My days are fraught with people not unlike yourself who have "researched" and "educated themselves" to the point they are besotted with choices, scared of buying the wrong one, and incapable of making a purchase without an online chorus tacitly approving! Here's an idea: find a shop you like that treats you well, and buy a bike you have ridden and like from them. That simple. Don't get hung up on brand. If it is a top tier with good warranty support and was well-assembled by the shop, you are waaaay ahead of the game.

I respectfully disagree. I mean, sure, there's a lot of crap out there and maybe a lot of people don't think about what they say before they say it, but there's so much more to communication than just reading perfectly stated questions. There are stories, poems, songs, science, history and culture that comes with being able to freely express your mind and it's part of what makes us human. I guess I just think that with being human, there's also free will and one can choose not to partake in all the crap because you can look for things that are to your liking.

And there lies the beauty of it too. For whatever reason, you decided to speak your mind, and rightly so! Now we are having an exchange that may not have otherwise happened, and that's a good thing. That's the whole point of forums, freedom of expression and anyone can comment! Yeah, I've said if you don't like it, don't comment, but I can say that, and you can rebuttal, and I think that's awesome, definitely not a central problem as far as I'm concerned.

I'm not scared or overwhelmed with the plethora of choices available to me. If anything, it makes me excited to the possibilities. Though this will be my first major purchase for a bike, all I wanted was some input from my fellow bikers. I'm only one person and can see only so much. Of course you guys don't know me, so I wouldn't expect you guys to pick a bike for me. I only wanted some perspective, to be opened up to other bikes that I may not have thought about to begin with. I'm definitely not particular to any brand, I just want a bike that's fun to ride. Then again, I think everyone else does too.

Well said and a good point made. Forums bring people and ideas together. Yes, lots of times there is a bunch of muck to sift through, but the nice part is that you don't have to if you don't want to. And if you do want to read through everything and offer your ideas, Thank You, that's what forums are all about. Sometimes we ask for help, sometimes we offer it.

Happy Riding