About as "new" as a newbie can get.
02-27-09, 11:03 AM
#1
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About as "new" as a newbie can get.
I hated riding bikes as a kid. It was more fun to ride my horse everywhere instead. Now 35 years later, I've recently decided that the horses are just too expensive so I'm taking up a new hobby. (as if cycling gear is affordable..LOL). About 2 years ago I bought a Trek Navigator because I wanted to try out this biking thing again. Turns out I got everyone in my family riding the state trails and in the last year everyone's bought new bikes (comfort bikes). I even have a doggie ride trailer for our Boston Turbo (er..Terrier).
I've been conned into riding the MS150 with my coworkers in June. As of a month ago, I was pretty much a couch potato but i'm working hard at changing that.
I'm hoping these forums will help me to decide on the right bike to purchase (the LBS's confuse me with their varying opinions on so many different areas), how to train so I don't die on the MS150, what kind of other gear I need, and lastly, encouragement to make this a permanent hobby and not just a whim.
I live in hilly farm country (western wisconsin) on rural roads that are full "character" - not really rough, but certainly not smooth. I love a little competition, but I'm definitely not interested in racing. Still I appreciate quality stuff.
So anyway..that's a little about me and why I'm here.
I've been conned into riding the MS150 with my coworkers in June. As of a month ago, I was pretty much a couch potato but i'm working hard at changing that.
I'm hoping these forums will help me to decide on the right bike to purchase (the LBS's confuse me with their varying opinions on so many different areas), how to train so I don't die on the MS150, what kind of other gear I need, and lastly, encouragement to make this a permanent hobby and not just a whim.
I live in hilly farm country (western wisconsin) on rural roads that are full "character" - not really rough, but certainly not smooth. I love a little competition, but I'm definitely not interested in racing. Still I appreciate quality stuff.
So anyway..that's a little about me and why I'm here.
Last edited by moefam; 02-27-09 at 11:12 AM.
02-27-09, 11:42 AM
#2
Galveston County Texas
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Welcome to BF
Rode my first Tour De Cure last June on a race bike.
Many bikes to choose from.
Just some to look at. Different brands and prices.
https://websterbicycle.com/itemlist.cfm?category=48
Rode my first Tour De Cure last June on a race bike.
Many bikes to choose from.
Just some to look at. Different brands and prices.
https://websterbicycle.com/itemlist.cfm?category=48
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
02-27-09, 08:42 PM
#3
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Location: Omaha Ne
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Bikes: 70ish Motobecane Nomad Fixie, 2004 Jamis Aurora, 90ish Burley Samba Mixter, 92 Trek Antelope
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Welcome the BF. Lots of good stories and rides to be shared. I haven't tried a MS tour yet, but I did the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure last year and am recruiting for this year.
Click here to visit my personal page.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
https://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/Tou...s_tafId=219322
Click here to view the team page for CMS-UP
Click here to visit my personal page.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
https://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/Tou...s_tafId=219322
Click here to view the team page for CMS-UP
02-27-09, 10:31 PM
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You could do it on the Navigator wwith some adjustments - 1.5" smooth ries at a bit higher pressure, straight handlebars set level with the seat, bar ends to give another hand position, maybe some clip-on aero bars to rest your wrists when not riding close to another rider. Spd pedals with comfortable shoes to suit.
The best type of bike would be cyclocross with 28 or 32 mm wide smooth tires like a Specialized Tricross. This would cope with less than smooth roads while being lighter than a similar priced tourer. For training just do lots of riding, with a few all day rides and some rest days.
The best type of bike would be cyclocross with 28 or 32 mm wide smooth tires like a Specialized Tricross. This would cope with less than smooth roads while being lighter than a similar priced tourer. For training just do lots of riding, with a few all day rides and some rest days.
02-27-09, 10:56 PM
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If money becomes a big issue, then I will just slap some better tires and bar ends on the bike I have and make do. But I'm being optimistic that I can swing a new (or used) bike purchase and enjoy climbing hills on lighter, faster bike.
A cyclocross bike, eh? I haven't looked at those yet. I was recommended the following bikes by the various LBS's - Gary Fisher ACR $1275 (said the carbon seat stays and fork would make a "huge" difference on the roads where I live), Specialized Sirrus base $550 (their #1 "event" bike so it must mean a perfect match for me apparantly), Trek 7.5fx (carbon fork again for a "huge" difference). The worst part is getting on the bike and them asking "so, how's it feel?" and I have no idea what feels good or not! I have to admit the Gary Fisher bike looked cool but it seems overpriced for the components. I was more impressed by the advice I was getting from the owner of the store...he seemed very interested in getting me a bike that FITS and would keep working with me until I was happy. I know that is worth something, too.
A cyclocross bike, eh? I haven't looked at those yet. I was recommended the following bikes by the various LBS's - Gary Fisher ACR $1275 (said the carbon seat stays and fork would make a "huge" difference on the roads where I live), Specialized Sirrus base $550 (their #1 "event" bike so it must mean a perfect match for me apparantly), Trek 7.5fx (carbon fork again for a "huge" difference). The worst part is getting on the bike and them asking "so, how's it feel?" and I have no idea what feels good or not! I have to admit the Gary Fisher bike looked cool but it seems overpriced for the components. I was more impressed by the advice I was getting from the owner of the store...he seemed very interested in getting me a bike that FITS and would keep working with me until I was happy. I know that is worth something, too.
02-28-09, 09:58 AM
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The carbon forks and seat stays damp vibration or "buzz" from the road. Bigger tires are needed to absorb bumps. The max tires the Gary Fisher ARC could take would be 28 mm. A cross bike could take anything from 25 mm up to 40. The Kona Jake is another cross bike under $1000. You should test ride the bikes on a short loop that includes smooth road, a few bumps, some sharp corners and a bit of hill. It takes longer to know if you like the saddle, so when you buy the bike ask about swapping it after you have taken a ride lasting several hours.
