Mustache bars are kind of what you'd get if your drop bars were ran over by a truck. :)
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=276765http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=276766

Trekking bars aka butterfly bars are kind of what would happen if you took the mustache bars and bent the ends to point inward. Here's a pic of mine.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=276768

"H" bars are wierd beasts. I guess, if you took a capital H and bent the vertical bars toward each other at one end, and away at the other... Bah! A pic is worth a thousand words.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=276769

It looks like the Trekking Bars is what would happen if the truck that ran over the mustache bars backed off and ran over it again :)

TexLex100, if you look into the "more" expensive "hybrids", you will notice that they have the Same type of GEARING, (usually a compact double crankset and a much tighter spaced rear cassette, ie: the gear cluster). These are what's considered a "FLAT bar Road Bike". Where a std. hybrid usually has a "triple crankset" (3-Chainwheels up front), with say a 48/38/28 teeth set up, it usually has "what's considered "Mountain Bike style front and rear derailleurs", the flat bar road bike style hybrid would use a "50/34" tooth double (two), compact chainwheel set and a lot of them use more "Road Bike style" front and rear derailleurs". The Cassette (gear cluster on the rear) on a standard hybrid might be a 11 or 12 to 32 or 34 cog set set up, the flat bar road bike, might have a 11-25 or 27 cog set up. The LARGER cog, the easier the gear (think uphill), the smaller the harder the gear (think flat land or downhill).

You can add "Ergo GP-1 egronomic grips and bar ends" to a hybrid to give you MORE hand positions, I think you'd find that you'd VERY SELDOM use the "lower part" of the drop bars on a road bike, MOST riders, (not racers, tri-alt's, ect.) end up riding on the top of the brake levers on road bikes. Don't get me wrong if you, WANT a road bike, then get one and ENJOY but don't let the "hybrid haters", tell you that hybrids are useless or can't do "multi-functions" well, their WRONG! We don't own a car so I even pull a home made utility trailer with my utility hybrid to get food and lager items! Whatever you get, have FUN! Below is a Jamis Allegro Sport, a std, hybrid and a Jamis Allegro Elite, a flat bar road bike, CLICK the SPECS icon and look at the difference's in componets, FYI :)


Flat Bar Road Bike, (hybrid) Jamis Allegro Elite: $1000 (est.) specs: http://www.myjamis.com/SSP%20Applica...cat_grp=strt_3

Std. Hybrid, Jamis Allegro Sport: Under $600 (est.) specs: http://www.myjamis.com/SSP%20Applica...cat_grp=strt_3

Can't say that I agree with you. If I'm climbing a grade that's more or two or three percent, then I'm on the brake hoods, all the rest of the time, I'm in the drops. From what I see of other riders, their riding habits are similar. It's very seldom I see anyone on a group ride with their hands anywhere but on the drops. For myself, I'd estimate I spend 80% of the time in the drops.

I'm not a hybrid hater, either, as I do own one. It's used mostly as a utility bike, and I also ride it when going to the park to run. For a fun ride or to cover any distance, it's the road bike all the way.

Originally Posted by GeorgeBMachttp://www.bikeforums.net/images/but...post-right.pngIt's sort of like having a Porsche and an SUV...
... Which one is more fun and which one gets used more?

Congratulations! You have WON!
... We will be dropping one of these off in your driveway shortly:

http://www.bloomberg.com/video/go-in...cHDSxLDxQ.html

And, best of all? IT'S A HYBRID!
:)

Folks.. I finally did it. Today, I went to the bike store suggested by phil gretz on a previous post, Papillon Cycles in Arlington, VA. I talked to the owner, Baily, and after 3 hours of discussions and test riding bikes, I ended up buying a cyclocross, the Giant TCX 2.. yaaay :-)

I liked the Defy which was very fast and smooth, but I felt all the bumps and cracks in the road. The cyclocross with its fatter knobby tires did a nicer job absorbing them to a good extent. The only thing I was/am unsure about is the bike size. I ended up getting a size M/L, which felt good except for when I dismounted, when the horizontal top of the frame had very little clearance with my, ahem, privates! the store didn't have the small which was on back order, and the owner didn't think the small would be the right size, especially since it would have a shorter frame length. However, he agreed that if I totally thought after trying it for some time that it still felt too big that he would order the small and I would exchange it (for some fee which I would gladly pay).

I am very excited about my purchase. I installed a bottle cage, front and back light, and computer. I should get back to the store after 10 hours or a 100 miles (in my case, the 10 hours would probably equal 2 miles.. hehe). I forgot to buy a lock but I will only do short rides from and back to home. Any suggestions for a good lock?

Can't thank you guys enough for all your help. I did feel that this was a good store to buy from, although it is far from my home, and although they only carry Giant bikes and no other brand. I also did not know about the cyclocross until you guys presented it as an option.

Anyway, enough babbling. I will keep you posted of my first ride :-) cheers.

Giant are a good bike manufacturer and earlier this year the TCX 2 was on my short list of bikes for my N+1. It was not available in my size and many other bikes were also not available from Giant either.

You have made a good choice but on the sizing. I ride the "S" size in Giants and I am 5'6" short with a 29" inseam. I also fit onto the "M" with a slight change to bar size and stem length. If you are any taller than me then the "M" will be your size.

Locks are a good thing to have but the best security is your butt and your hand. Keep either of those two on it and it is difficult for it to "Walk". BUT Get a wedge. a small saddlebag that goes under the saddle and is just large enough for a Tube- A puncture repair kit- a couple of Tyre levers and possibly a Multi tool. You will also need a pump and there can be problems fitting a pump to the giant frame and I have a Topeak "Mini" Morph pump that fits in place of the rear water carrier. The Topeak Morph series of pumps are recommended on this Forum as it will get up to 120 psi comfortably and I use the Mini as the normal size is not the easiest to fit on a Compact framed Giant.

So pics required now- a Pie ride and ride report.

And check out the manner in which the bike pic has to be taken. Drive side to the camera- cranks parallel to the ground- Chain in the correct gear to show the chain is also level with the ground and in front of a "White" garage door. If you can't manage this- Then any pic will do;)



Edit--Been looking for this post to give you a comparison and reason to go road

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...is-out-on-loan

Hi, Congratulations! I am not familiar with the bike -- but that is of little importance. You and the LBS obviously worked hard to find a good fit for YOU -- and that's all that matters...

As you start to ride, don't loose sight of the fact that your body will (probably) be overcoming many years of abuse through stagnancy. So, it will be a process that many (and probably MOST) of the members of this forum have gone through. Some went after the problem with an arduous and strenuous training program that pushed their bodies to the limit. Others (like me) have taken a less ambitious approach where each day I ride as far as I am able to ride without overly stressing my body...

Regardless of the approach, with consistency, you will see yourself going a little further and a little faster each week.

Be patient with yourself: It probably took many years for your body to get into the shape it is in. It will take weeks, months and even years to get to your peek potential.

But the important thing is: ride often and ride far... And ENOY!
... And, continue your relationship with the LBS. He sounded like a good guy and he can support you and answer your questions & concerns as they come up. When you have a question about the bike (Are the tires inflated properly? Is the chain too dry, is the seat too low?....)

And, finally: +1 for Stapfam's recommendation of a seat bag, spare tube, tire irons and a pump (and learn how to change a tire). ... For some reason, bicycle tires go flat far too often. And, I would add: get a good floor pump as well. Many people on this forum inflate their tires most every ride. The portable pump you carry on the bike is good for emergency use but not for day-to-day use.

Thanks Sapfam and George. I am 5'9", so hopefully the M is the right size. I think what causes the concern is that cyclocross apparently have a higher clearance from the ground, so that kind of accentuated the feeling of the large frame. The store guy told me that they measure from the horizontal bar to the bone? and not to the privates! Oh well, one lives and learns. I will see if it works out.

It is raining today but I so feel like trying the new bike that I may just take it for a quick short ride around home. Cheers.

My first ride :thumb:

OK, so I just couldn't resist to go for my first ride, in spite of the wet day. After a 3 blocks of street riding I got onto the trail. While riding in the streets, I almost fell three times, especially navigating smaller spaces, ramps, etc, but I survived. On the trail, I decided to do a 15 minute out, then 15 minutes back home. The bike felt very good. Not as fast as the other road bikes I tried but it did an excellent job absorbing the many cracks in the trail pavement., There was one ramp (bridge over a main street), so I put the gears to easiest (recall that I never used gears before!) and it was OK. I rested for 5 minutes on a bench then resumed my way back home. Now THAT was easier said than done! I was on the easiest gear the whole way and wished there were an easier gear. The bike has 18 speeds, but I was looking for the call-a-tow-truck-since-I-am-too-tired-to-pedal gear, but I guess they don't come with one :)

Took the bike to my small apartment, and wished I had a folder :p I checked out the reading on the computer: 4.96 miles, 32 minutes, average speed 9 mph. Not sure how will I wake up tomorrow, or what shape would my back/neck/arms/hands/butt/toes/eyebrows etc. feel, but psychologically, I am thrilled to have taken the first step. Cheers.

Hi Tex,

Great choice!I think you are really going to enjoy that bike. At 5'9", I think you would be well suited on a "M". The M/L might be a tad to big for you, but you will have to be the ultimate judge as comfort is king.

Next comes all the accessories. Diffidently get a wedge bag so yo can carry a spare tube, and tools to change a tire. Flats do happen and it's nice to be able to repair them and get on your way without having to call someone to come get you. Also, look into getting some cycling specific clothing. I know I said "you'll never catch me alive wearing lycra", it is more comfortable. I still prefer the Mountain bike shorts which have a padded lycra liner under a baggie type nylon pair of shorts. Then as you get more comfortable riding, you will inevitably start looking at clipless pedals and shoes.

You can also add fenders if you want to ride on those wet roads with out getting a mud stripe up your back. Good luck!

Here is a picture..
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=277110

Thanks NCbiker. Turns out I got the "M" size, not M/L. Goes to show you how much I know! I will definitely heed your advice guys on the required equipment. I will ask the bike store when I go back after 10 hours to buy those, unless y'all think it is of immediate need in which case I would purchase them right away.

I was thinking about the cycling clothes today, not so much for the lycra but for a good rain gear. The flimsy rain jacket I had did nothing to fend the wind. I too would prefer a lyrca inside on a regular shorts, as they appear to be less revealing :) Also, my hands were cold and wet, so wondered whether I should have gotten a pair of wool gloves. The store guy has installed for me, free of charge, a pair of pedals that have this strap thingy (sorry, don't know the name). They were very nice while on the trail, but were dangerous for me while on the road since they didn't allow me to release my feet fast enough to dismount. I hope I would get the hang of them.

There is a thread on this forum that you may find helpful on "Clipless pedals"... They are not the straps you are talking about, but same idea...

And the lycra bike shorts add padding that can make the hard, narrow saddles a lot more bearable.

Hey! Nice looking ride! :thumb:

Congratulations! Giant makes a nice bike.

Don't be discouraged if your legs feel a little sore at first, you're using muscles that you haven'y used in a while.

Ride safe and remember it's supposed to be fun.

5'9" and the "M" is your size So the LBS is right. The wedge and tools and Pump will be required so get them on your next visit to the shop. Gearing and as you improve- that gearing will suit you unless you have some steep hills in your area You have what is termed a "Compact" crankset that is a favourite on this forum with a 50 and 34 tooth setup and a 12/28 cassette at the rear. 34/28 is suitable for most of us here unless we have mountains or very steep hills.

Now on the Lycra????
It is not compulsory but it is more comfortable. It may take a mind adjust to be able to wear it but even if you do not go for the shorts- The cycling jerseys are a must. They are made of a wicking material that will get rid of moisture very quickly and stay dry. The practice you may be thinking of using is a T shirt made of cotton. Probably the next worst thing to wear after plastic as sweat will stay within it and be cold. But you are coming onto winter so a "Sweat" sgirt will work with a waterproof over jacket. Once again thcycling specific ones work so for this winter just wear what you have till finances and special deals come along.

Hands and will get wet so wool is out. Windproof and wet proof is the way to go

Lots of things still for you to learn but get out and ride and start learning.

And on the pedals- They are clip and strap and can be as dangerous as Clipless pedals. Keep the straps loose and learn how to get the feet out easily- or even take the straps off till you feel more confident.

Hey, it's a 'cross bike, ya gotta get it wet and muddy! Caongratulations, I think you'll love it. I ride a Defy Composite 2, size M/L, and I'm 5' 11" and wear a 34" inseam, so I'm guessing the M is just right for you.

So, how frequently do you folks bike? everyday, every other day, or during the weekends?

I woke up today with a pain on the outer sides of my left knee, but I thought I would go out and bike. Did half an hour like yesterday, around 5 miles. The knees didn't hurt while cycling, but it does while I walk afterwards. The way back was particularly taxing, whereas the way out was much easier. Overall, I love it and I do hope that I won't get any injury that would prevent me from continuing (I always stopped walking because of shin splints). Hence the questions as to how often should I bike. Cheers.

I ride about every day with a day off every forth day or so. It's easy to over do it when your first starting out. Takes awhile to get cycling fit. Do some searches on "how far" or "how long" to cycle, as there are lots of posts on this topic. As far as knee pain, it could be an indication of improper fit, that being seat height. Or you could be mashing too high a gear. You will need to learn to spin and not mash. Another good topic to do a search on in the forums.

To start, try "every other day", add a bit of mileage as you go along, your asking a lot out of your body so be kind to it. I noticed that the, "Cassette", (cluster of gears on the rear wheel), seems to be smallish, you talked about needing a "easier gear", check with your LBS, (local bike shop), for a 11-32 or even better a 11-34 Cassette, that will make going up the hills easier and you can always go back to the org. cassette when you get stronger, jmho. Cross bikes make great "all arounders", don't expect it to be as fast as a pure road bike, just ENJOY the RIDE!

How often to ride? As much or as little as you like. But with a bike like that I think it will be more often than not.

Pain in the knees?

1: Very carefully check your seat height and fore/aft position.

2: Consider clipless pedals and shoes. It is possible, with a knowledgeable dealer/bike fitter, to very accurately align, position and fine tune a clipless pedal/shoe combination using shims and wedges if necessary, to minimise, if not eliminate knee strain issues.

I ride probably 5 days out of 7 when weather and evening light permit. As the evenings begin to disappear in the fall, I'm forced to scale back considerably. It gets much easier pretty quickly when you're just starting out. The first couple months offer constant and rapid improvement.

As far as bilking clothes, I don't really find them necessary for rides of 20 miles or less. When I graduated to riding a bit further, I found bike shorts did add some comfort. The prevailing opinion seems to be that cotton tee shirts suck, but it's what I wear much of the time (I only own one jersey) and I find them quite comfortable. Plus, I can get yellow tee shirts in bulk for about $5 each so I've always got a clean one in the drawer.

Thanks for the replies. The pain is actually not in the knee itself, but related to the small bone (maybe muscle?) out and below the knee, which I don't know if it is part of the knee or not. I will ask my physical therapist when I go tomorrow morning. Maybe I will skip biking tomorrow and resume on Wednesday.

I do try to use the lest resistance I could, so I don't think I am mashing a tougher gear. I should be going back to the bike store after another 9 hours for the 10 hour fit, unless I should go back to him earlier. I will ask him about replacing the gears. How big a job is this? I also think the gears may need adjusting as it is. Although I have only two large gears on the front, the shifter on the left hand gives me the feeling that there are three positions not two. Weird I know, but maybe I am imagining.

(ps: apologies for not using any standard of technically correct term in my posts. I will learn the terms as we go) :)

This is a swell looking bike! Does it roll easily like the Defy you tried out? I hope the tires are variable pressure.

I am still getting used to my new Escape 3, but the sitting position is pretty good for me. So, I will be interested in hearing about your experience with this bike.