New guy wants a new bike(yeah this again)..
 

I am currently riding a Giant boulder SE with 1.5 slicks and front suspension which is annoying but I am looking to upgrade. I will probably buy used but can't really decide on a type first.

I am starting to ride longer distances and may consider a used road bike but the problem with that is I tend to hop curbs to dodge idiots and in general to get around. I am trying to stop doing this and strictly ride on the roads because the sidewalks are freaking dangerous.

I ride about 100 miles a week on my giant and considering I am a bigger guy trying to lose weight(5'6" 190) the bike is pretty uncomfortable(hand/feet numbness) and heavy.

Should I change my habits and look into a roadie,buy a light MTB and put slicks on it, or go into a hybrid bike?

Keeping in mind I am on a pretty tight budget so i'll be scouring craigslist.

Go for a used road bike. I started on a $15 road bike, 6ft 223 lbs, rode it 1500 miles, got in shape for new one, now have 32,000 miles on it.

Something like this might work.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/bik/2832675499.html

You need to learn the skill to bunny hop the bike, consistently, 100% of the time..
high enough to clear that curb edge, with room to spare..

U-tube.. study the bicycle Trials riders skills , and some Cyclo-cross racer's hops,
in the saddle, over barriers ,
rather than get off the bike first then lift the bike over the barrier
then hop themselves back into the saddle.

Hey there MrWesson,

I'd say that you have two choices. First of all, I say keep your Boulder and just do an upgrade. Start with a really nice suspension fork. Next repalce your derailleurs with Deore or better. If you're still riding on the stock seat, replace it!

OTOH, you could just keep an eye out for a nice but used, chromoly steel road bike on CL.

Good Luck! :thumb:

- Slim :)

I bunny hop fine.. thats what I meant by hopping curbs. I can get a good foot and a half hop on my giant.

I am going to keep am eye out for a used road bike and keep my giant for now.

I'd look for a decent used steel bike. Feel free to post Craigs list stuff here for review. Anyway, you can often get a decent bike for $2-300. It helps if you have some wrench skills or have a friend who does.

I think the Giant could definitely use a tune up(probably never had one).

I doubt the bearings have been replaced ever and the rear wheel had a wobble in it.

Went for a 20 miler tonight and averaged 15.5mph on this thing. It should be mentioned I am 5'6" and 195 so not in the best shape but always been strong/stocky. Anyway on the back half of the trip noticed the rim has got alot more wobble. Looks like some trueing is in order and possibly new bearings.

The bike isnt used to being rode 100 miles a week(neither am I).

I have seen a few decent deals on craigslist for road bikes but going to sit back and wait for THE deal.

Heres a pic of the bike I have.. same color scheme and everything.. only difference is mine has 1.5 slicks and better grips
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Giant-boulde...#ht_500wt_1202

What about bikesdirect vs craigslist..

Been looking at the Gravity.

Depends on your luck, BD is good but be prepared to ship back and forth with them if something does go wrong.

And CL is a roulette wheel, there's tons and tons of great bikes on there and tons and tons of scammers and lemons.

I think it's best or at least worth a visit for a beginner to actually go to a bike shop or 10 and see what's happening.

Amazingly these people will let you try out several bikes and sometimes can give really good individual, unique advice of true value.

been to a few and have got tons of advice(some good/some not).. I just cant afford a bike at a LBS so I feel that I am wasting their time which is not something I take lightly. I did learn that I ride a 52cm frame for the most part but the bike I'm considering now which is a mericer sc series(not sure which) seems to want me on a 46cm frame and has over a 30" standover on the 52cm which seems high for someone barely 5'6".

The Mercier sc2 seems like an attractive deal for me @ 299.99 and assuming I get the right size I wouldn't rely on them for much since I am pretty handy. Its also another way for me to build at least some relationship with my LBS by paying for parts and tune ups through them since I cant afford a $600 bike.

:thumb:

Going to buy the Mercier Sc2 any day now.. does anyone see a major reason to get the sc3?