Hi, recently joined from Detroit. Recently getting back in to biking after a rather long hiatus. So far I mostly have old Schwinns but starting to branch out and look at some other, newer manufacturers.

Welcome.

Now the fun begins when you start looking at other, newer brands. That helps the economy too.

Enjoy the forums.

Stan

Welcome to Bike Forums xaztec!

Welcome from a fellow Troll.

...well, indirectly helping the economy. Still looking at used bikes. Can't justify spending $800 or more on a new bike for as often as I ride. I was checking out Cannondale's website the other day. Do people really spend $3k-$4k on a bike? I can't see something I have to pedal being worth that much money, I don't care how light or smooth-rolling it is. There are a couple priced at $10k-$12k. Seriously? for a bicycle?

Yes. Not me, but certainly others. If you are competing at a high level, that $10k bike is worth it. Like everything in life, the value of an item depends on the situation it is placed in. For you, a $10k bike isn't worth it. For others, it is.

That said, $800 is around the price point for a bike that most will consider to be adequate for the majority of purposes, it is not on the high end.

And welcome, from another Detroit area cyclist!

Right, I don't really need high-end. Actually, I'm pretty happy with my old-school Schwinn steel (Superior, Continental, Varsity, CrossFit and CrissCross).

I'm 240 lbs so not really interested in the carbon or aluminum frames. Chromoly is about as high-end as I need to go. Actually, the heavier frames will give me more exercise .

I took a new Cannondale for a spin. That was on sale for $800.00. It was nice but not really nice enough to get me to buy it. I am looking at a couple of used Specialized bikes - Hard Rock and/or Rock Hopper...or something like that.

Most of my riding is on pavement or hard-packed trails so I prefer 700c wheels with hybrid or commuter tires. I will probably be upgrading my Superior. Actually, I already bought a Campagnolo Centaur triple crankset and bottom bracket.

Ah, I didn't notice you were in the Detroit area too. Good to know.