Is this bike a good choice?
02-06-06 | 04:50 PM
#1
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Is this bike a good choice?
I'm getting back into riding bicycle after a 35 year hiatus. I have an opportunity to buy a new Raleigh C40 for $269.00. Is this a good "beginner" bike for a 55 year old man? Is the price reasonable, or should I look for something different?
Thank you.
Glen
Thank you.
Glen
02-06-06 | 04:56 PM
#2
Is that a mountain bike, or a hybrid? Generally, in that price range, most mountain bikes are sturdy and reliable. The key to enjoying a bike is getting a good fit. If your bike shop is taking the time to make sure you get the size that fits you the best, and helps you "fine tune" the saddle height and bar height, you will have a good bike for rides of ten or twenty miles.
If the day comes when you want to go on a hundred mile ride, you will probably want a lighter bike, with slimmer tires and rims. But, even if you later buy a road bike, a mountain bike is great for everyday riding.
If the day comes when you want to go on a hundred mile ride, you will probably want a lighter bike, with slimmer tires and rims. But, even if you later buy a road bike, a mountain bike is great for everyday riding.
02-06-06 | 05:13 PM
#3
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Thank you for the response. It's a "Hybrid."
I must say, I felt very old indeed when I first went shopping for a bike and told the clerk I wanted something with 26" or 27" wheels. The young man looked at me as though I had lost my marbles - but only for an instant. I think he felt a little sorry for me after I said that and began the education process. He turned out to be a very polite and friendly young man and helped my wife and I a great deal.
Sadly, his manager (store owner?) took over and really pushed hard for us to buy a $650.00 Trek because it was a "great deal." We wound up in a different town and saw the Raleigh. I suspect it will serve our needs just fine. My wife has a lightly used GT mountain bike that she liked once we put a more comfy saddle on.
Looking forward to doing a little riding this Spring.
Glen
I must say, I felt very old indeed when I first went shopping for a bike and told the clerk I wanted something with 26" or 27" wheels. The young man looked at me as though I had lost my marbles - but only for an instant. I think he felt a little sorry for me after I said that and began the education process. He turned out to be a very polite and friendly young man and helped my wife and I a great deal.
Sadly, his manager (store owner?) took over and really pushed hard for us to buy a $650.00 Trek because it was a "great deal." We wound up in a different town and saw the Raleigh. I suspect it will serve our needs just fine. My wife has a lightly used GT mountain bike that she liked once we put a more comfy saddle on.
Looking forward to doing a little riding this Spring.
Glen
02-06-06 | 06:24 PM
#4
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Originally Posted by olefam
Thank you for the response. It's a "Hybrid."
I must say, I felt very old indeed when I first went shopping for a bike and told the clerk I wanted something with 26" or 27" wheels. The young man looked at me as though I had lost my marbles - but only for an instant. I think he felt a little sorry for me after I said that and began the education process. He turned out to be a very polite and friendly young man and helped my wife and I a great deal.
Sadly, his manager (store owner?) took over and really pushed hard for us to buy a $650.00 Trek because it was a "great deal." We wound up in a different town and saw the Raleigh. I suspect it will serve our needs just fine. My wife has a lightly used GT mountain bike that she liked once we put a more comfy saddle on.
Looking forward to doing a little riding this Spring.
Glen
I must say, I felt very old indeed when I first went shopping for a bike and told the clerk I wanted something with 26" or 27" wheels. The young man looked at me as though I had lost my marbles - but only for an instant. I think he felt a little sorry for me after I said that and began the education process. He turned out to be a very polite and friendly young man and helped my wife and I a great deal.
Sadly, his manager (store owner?) took over and really pushed hard for us to buy a $650.00 Trek because it was a "great deal." We wound up in a different town and saw the Raleigh. I suspect it will serve our needs just fine. My wife has a lightly used GT mountain bike that she liked once we put a more comfy saddle on.
Looking forward to doing a little riding this Spring.
Glen
The C40 is a great bike and the price is a good one. I have such a bike and love it. I probably put 600 miles on mine during the summer. Mine is a 2005 model. Raleigh makes great bikes for the money
02-07-06 | 04:55 PM
#5
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Well, thank you for all your responses. I bought the bike today. It's a very attractive Burgundy Red with some silver areas. Also bought front and rear fenders, a bottle holder, and kick stand. I'm very happy with my purchase. I am especially indebted to C200 who also owns this bike and had high praise for it. Not knowing one bike from another, it's nice to believe I got a good deal and a good bike for my purposes. Thanks again everyone.
Glen
Glen
02-07-06 | 06:29 PM
#6
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I have a Raleigh Passage 5.0 it is similar but a 2006 model of the C series. They are the same frames with a few differences in components, none effecting performance greatly. I ride it frequently, its well made and comfortable. Routinely ride a 33 mile route each weekend. I think you made a fine choice.
