Is it Time for a New Bike?
06-18-13, 06:49 AM
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Is it Time for a New Bike?
My current ride is a 2001 GT Timberline mountain bike, 7000 series frame, full suspension...it didn't take me long to realize i was too old for tackling the serious trails, so i had the local bike shop change the stem & handlebars to give me a more upright ride, added a more comfortable seat, went to narrower tires (26x1.5) for more speed on hard surfaces, and changed the gearing (geared one lower & one higher than the stock)...i go on 13-15 mile rides 1 to 3 times a week...
I like it pretty well but wonder if i would notice a big improvement in speed, etc. with a new hybrid or comfort bike? (I average 13-15 mph on my rides)
I like it pretty well but wonder if i would notice a big improvement in speed, etc. with a new hybrid or comfort bike? (I average 13-15 mph on my rides)
06-18-13, 07:02 AM
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It is always time for a new bike.
Having said that, a 15 mph average is nothing to sneeze at on a full suspension mountain bike.
Having said that, a 15 mph average is nothing to sneeze at on a full suspension mountain bike.
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06-18-13, 07:05 AM
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My current ride is a 2001 GT Timberline mountain bike, 7000 series frame, full suspension...it didn't take me long to realize i was too old for tackling the serious trails, so i had the local bike shop change the stem & handlebars to give me a more upright ride, added a more comfortable seat, went to narrower tires (26x1.5) for more speed on hard surfaces, and changed the gearing (geared one lower & one higher than the stock)...i go on 13-15 mile rides 1 to 3 times a week...
I like it pretty well but wonder if i would notice a big improvement in speed, etc. with a new hybrid or comfort bike? (I average 13-15 mph on my rides)
I like it pretty well but wonder if i would notice a big improvement in speed, etc. with a new hybrid or comfort bike? (I average 13-15 mph on my rides)
Not much improvement likely with a new hybrid or comfort bike. Perhaps the 700 tires might add a bit on the hybrid. I don't see how a "comfort bike" is going to add anything. However, with a road bike maybe 5 - 10%.
Last edited by DnvrFox; 06-18-13 at 07:10 AM.
06-18-13, 07:10 AM
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Agree to both. You should ride several types of bikes, but you may enjoy a cyclocross bike. Pretty much the same characteristics as a road bike, but a bit more robust. You would be able to ride paved roads, dirt roads, bike paths, etc.
06-18-13, 07:12 AM
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Since you've thought about it and now that you've asked about it, you have to do it.
If you don't, every time you ride you're going to be wondering to yourself how much a new bike, that's better suited for your usage, would enhance your riding experience.
If you hadn't thought about it, your present bike would be fine.
If you don't, every time you ride you're going to be wondering to yourself how much a new bike, that's better suited for your usage, would enhance your riding experience.
If you hadn't thought about it, your present bike would be fine.
06-18-13, 07:16 AM
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Yes, it is always time for a new bike and no, you are not too old for riding mountain bike trails.
06-18-13, 07:46 AM
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If you're only riding 13-45 miles per week, you're probably not going to gain a lot with a new bike, and if your rides are flat, your present bike will be fine. Stiffen the suspension, high pressure slicks, and dial in the fit.
On the other hand, a new bike may make you want to ride more, and I always enjoy getting a new one and keep looking forward to the next one. Why not a road bike? Are you riding off-road?
And like BluesDawg said, you are not too old to mtb. I'm 59 and I still enjoy it, but I am more careful these days. I have a friend who is 64 and very skilled on the rough stuff.
On the other hand, a new bike may make you want to ride more, and I always enjoy getting a new one and keep looking forward to the next one. Why not a road bike? Are you riding off-road?
And like BluesDawg said, you are not too old to mtb. I'm 59 and I still enjoy it, but I am more careful these days. I have a friend who is 64 and very skilled on the rough stuff.
06-18-13, 08:38 AM
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What they said... all of the posts prior to this one. And welcome to the 50+ forum. 
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06-18-13, 09:42 AM
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Buying a new bike is a want not a need... that said, welcome to the forum. Is the bike you have not doing what you want? For a 15 mile ride it seems like it would be fine. Riding more and pushing will improve your speed considerably. The bike's current set up is probably better for fittest than a road bike anyway.
I have road, mountain and what I consider comfort - an old Rockhopper I converted into a commuter. During the winter I mount lights on the Rockhopper and ride the local bike paths during the week. I go usually about 15 miles and the Rockhopper is perfect; I get a great workout!
I have road, mountain and what I consider comfort - an old Rockhopper I converted into a commuter. During the winter I mount lights on the Rockhopper and ride the local bike paths during the week. I go usually about 15 miles and the Rockhopper is perfect; I get a great workout!
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06-18-13, 09:49 AM
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OP - you might enjoy a straight bar road bike (hybrid). I recently got 3 Treks - for daughter, son & wifey. they come in different sizes and there are a lot of them out there. you should be able to find one in your size for not a lot of money. this year, I picked up 2 (17.5" Trek 7.1FX $250 & 15" Trek 7.3 FX $400)
I would stay away from a "comfort" bike cuz they would be too much work and the payback in (no) speed wouldn't be pleasing
I would stay away from a "comfort" bike cuz they would be too much work and the payback in (no) speed wouldn't be pleasing
Last edited by rumrunn6; 06-19-13 at 08:58 AM.
06-18-13, 10:30 AM
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06-18-13, 01:00 PM
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Thanks guys, for all th intersting & informative replies!...sounds like what i'm riding is not too far off but then again, i'm thinkin' a new hybrid or road bike might be in my fuure!...and better suited for my type of riding...thanks again!
06-19-13, 11:15 AM
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Take your time and enjoy looking and trying out new bikes. Your existing bike sounds good for your riding and you may or may not find something you like better. But it's fun to shop for new bikes. What you'll likely find is a hybrid or road bike is lighter and puts into into a more efficient position for road riding. You'll probably go a little faster and feel stronger.
06-19-13, 12:39 PM
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Because you said that a less aggressive setup on your FS bike was more to your liking, you might want a correspondingly more relaxed geometry on the new bike. Maybe you could try a road or cyclocross bike at your local shop, if they offer extended test rides. That way, you can see what's comfortable to you. And you can judge whether the change in riding is worth the money to you.
I'm 54 and still enjoy mountain biking. I do fall and get hurt some, though. My wife shakes her head...
I'm 54 and still enjoy mountain biking. I do fall and get hurt some, though. My wife shakes her head...
06-19-13, 03:29 PM
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Welcome
A new bike could very well increase your cycling pleasure and increase your desire to ride farther. Good long test rides will help with the decision making. If you never venture out of your current box, you will never know if the biking is more enjoyable on another bike.
Good luck.
A new bike could very well increase your cycling pleasure and increase your desire to ride farther. Good long test rides will help with the decision making. If you never venture out of your current box, you will never know if the biking is more enjoyable on another bike.
Good luck.
06-19-13, 03:59 PM
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Buying a new bike (for you) is a want, not a need. The bike is set up the way you want, use it!
So sez me.
Or maybe, you must have $$ burning a hole in your pocket?
So sez me.
Or maybe, you must have $$ burning a hole in your pocket?
06-23-13, 06:51 PM
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I took a test ride on a Trek 7.4 FX 27 speed Saturday...i really liked it! The local bike shop is getting one in next week that's my size...i'll probably get it unless someone on here has a better idea & talks me out of it!...24.3 pounds...my old Timberline full suspension is over 36 lbs...quite a difference!
06-23-13, 06:59 PM
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I took a test ride on a Trek 7.4 FX 27 speed Saturday...i really liked it! The local bike shop is getting one in next week that's my size...i'll probably get it unless someone on here has a better idea & talks me out of it!...24.3 pounds...my old Timberline full suspension is over 36 lbs...quite a difference!
06-23-13, 08:19 PM
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A: If you love cycling then B: you need a new bike. You "need" a MTB, You need a road bike and you Might need a Hybrid. What you can afford or have room for is another question. But the 1 series Trek might be a better choice than the FX. The upright position on the FX will not hurt till you start going faster and farther. I have had flat bar road bikes and the limited hand positions take their toll after 15 to 20 miles. There are some people that have overcome the flat bar limited hand position with bar end extensions or even trekking bars. The price on the 1 series is about the same as the FX you are looking at and it comes with drop bars. Just an observation from one that went from comfort bike to MTB and then flat bar road bike and finally a drop bar road bike.
06-23-13, 08:22 PM
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I took a test ride on a Trek 7.4 FX 27 speed Saturday...i really liked it! The local bike shop is getting one in next week that's my size...i'll probably get it unless someone on here has a better idea & talks me out of it!...24.3 pounds...my old Timberline full suspension is over 36 lbs...quite a difference!
Enjoy the new ride.
06-24-13, 08:51 AM
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I don't need anyone's help talking me into, or out of a bike purchase, I do this well enough on my own. I did talk myself out of a used Merlin last week and then had second thoughts. By the time I could reconsider it the seller had pulled the item. Oh well so it goes. They'll be others I'm sure, what I didn't need was some additional short debt.