Evan214

I use my gyms stationary bikes a lot, but recently pulled out my old 21 speed mountain bike while my car was broke, and now I'm biking consistently and considering investing in a better bike.

My current bicycle moves, but the gears don't exactly work proper, or anything on it for that matter, I'd basically call it a 2 speed, either Low or High.. I'd like a bike for work, I'm a merchandiser so I'd have to bike 30-40 Kilometers in the fastest possible time to several stores, the roads are curvy, but not overly steep; however, on my way home there's a massive steep hill, I'd like too bike up it without stopping, i can do it in 4 intervals on my current garbage bike with 20 second breaks.

Also im constantly bulking and cutting, so my weight varies between 185-215lbs and I'm 6'4, what should i be looking at and for in terms of bike size?

Cliffs:
-Current Bike Sucks
-Wants New Bike
-Wants to Climb Steep Hills, Travel Fast
-Price Range $500-$700 (Looking New and Used)

Currently found this on Kijiji, Not sure if it would suite my needs.. https://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-bikes-road-Nice-Bridgestone-T-700-Road-Bike-W0QQAdIdZ398426228

Phil_gretz

[QUOTE=Evan214;14519837]...massive steep hill... weight varies between 185-215lbs and I'm 6'4, what ...bike size?

If the T-700 is the mid-1970s touring bike, you've found the right type. That, or a cyclocross bike.

You'll need a 63 or 64cm frame, in all likelihood.

Any new road bike with reasonably modern components will work for you. You should look for a triple crank up front, so that you'll have a climbing gear.

Good luck.

DCB0

At 6'4" the most important thing to find is a bike that fits properly. Phil_gretz has it right - for a road or touring bike you likely want a 62-64 cm bike. In a mountain or hybrid bike (flat bars) you will probably want between 21" and 24".

The touring bike you linked (although the ad doesn't appear to still be there when I clicked) is probably ideal if it is the right size. New toruring bikes start around ~$800. If you want to be able to get up the steep hills then you probably need a bike with a triple chainring up front... most road bikes (and old 10-speeds, and cyclocross bikes) have only two chainrings and probably lack the low gear needed to haul you and your luggage up away from the harbour.

ust about any style of bike will work. In your price range your best bet might be either a hybrid bike or a touring bike from last year's stock, if available. A bike with drop bars is probably better for longer rides because you have multiple hand positions to keep you from getting too fatigued. But on a bike with flat bars you can add bar ends to make it better for longer rides. And to make the bike efficient all you need to do is make sure everything is working properly (smooth hubs, decent shifting, brakes not rubbing) and put on relatively high-pressure road tires (~1-1/2" or ~32/35 mm wide).

Evan214

Great, Thank you both for taking the time too write that out. I went too the LBS and took a look at some bikes, i found one that suites my needs well. It's a hybrid, i think the brand name was "Specialized". It has the 3 ring in front and the ability to enable the front shocks or lock them up, and was very lightweight in comparison to my current mountain bike. Just gotta save some cash now

I found it on their website actually, pretty sure this was it. He said he might be able to do better on the price once shopping serious. https://valleystoveandcycle.com/produ...c-130576-1.htm

no1mad 

You're travelling on roads and need to cover up to 40 km as quickly as possible, right? Then that Crosstrail ain't the right tool for the job. Since the LBS carries Specialized, I suggest you take a look at the Sirrus. https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bik.../sirrus/sirrus

DCB0

While I don't think the Crosstrail would 'suck' at travelling fast (after a change in tires) I think you should look for something without suspension. On the road or paths it makes little to no dfference, adds weight, and you pay for the added complexity through a higher price or lower quality components than a similar bike without suspension.

Also, since you are 6'4", remember you likely need the largest size in just about any manufactured bike. A few of the Specialized models come in 22 and 23, maybe even 24" frames - make sure you figure out what size is most comfortable before you buy. A lot of well-menaing LBSs set tall people up on too-small bikes because they don't realize a particular bike comes in a larger size, or because they simply don't have one in stock.