LesterOfPuppets

Base Rockhopper tips the scales at 30 lbs. That's pretty damn portly, IMO.

My Mongoose in the pic above weighs 24 lbs. It weighs 23.25 pounds with skinnier 1.25" slicks on both wheels.

I'd be kinda scared to leave $700 worth of Rockhopper on the street. Maybe some used RH I could see, perhaps.

cranky velocist

I don't think being a weight - watcher to that extent is especially important to a new rider on a 26" wheeled bike, and no bike *worth riding* is ever "safe" being locked outside in NYC - including all three of yours, in my mind. Its a small part of the reason why I moved.

A couple years ago, I picked up a Cannodale equivalent of the Rockhopper from Sid's for under $500, 27 pounds, V not disk brakes - I know prices jump, but these bikes can still be had for very cost-effective prices if you poke around the local shops.

I think I have the same pannier's on my hybrid as you have on your KHS. Nice choice.

MIKENY

I have no knowledge of bike mechanics, so I think a used bike is out of question. My limit is $1000. I will not get suspension bike.

Stacy

I would NEVER recommend a fixie as a first bike for anyone.


Never had a problem taking my Sirrus on the subway. Just use a car towards the rear and try to avoid rush hours. Folders are nice commuters because you can stow them under a desk at work, bring them into shops, and even ride AMTRAK but they certainly aren't the only bike you can bring on the subway.

MIKENY

I do not plan taking the bike on the subway

buster71

Selection of LBS is a very important thing too. I highly recommend Peak Mountain & Road Bike in Douglaston. I haven't purchased a bike from them, but have heard they do a great job of matching you to a bike that fits your particular needs, instead of just trying to sell you what they want to sell. I have used them for service and they are top notch.

bigdummy27

Mike, I live in Queens also, near the Flushing, Whitestone border. I got my first bike in May since riding BMXs back in high school and love the freedom they provide. What are you planning to use the bike for, i.e. commuting, errands, or just leisure riding? My first bike was a folding bike because I wanted to start intermodal commuting. It was very liberating to be able to go anywhere and just fold up the bike without worrying about locking it up. But then it wasn't very good at running errands, so I brought a long-tail cargo bike and now that is my regular bike because I would do almost everything on it accept go fast, lol. I was surprised how well it took to trails. So it all comes down to what type of riding you are interested in, but it might develop into something more because after you start riding you might find other uses for the bike like running errands, commuting, etc. I found out that it was faster for me to ride the long-tail down to BJs pickup some juice, paper towel, bread, etc. and be out of there without wasting time waiting for parking. So my recommendation is pretty much in line with most, get a MTB for the versatility and when you really get serious and want to do a century then get a road bike.

Btw, I found this site to be very insightful, the bikes are kind of pricey, but then they are really high quality and they sell very practical stuff. Rivbike.com or google Rivendell bikes

bigdummy27

Buster, what type of bikes do they usually deal with? I'm getting a cargo bike and need to find a local shop that can help me build it into a complete bike.

bigdummy27

Oh, one thing, I would recommend a Surly bike. They are no BS bikes, not the lightest but versatile as a swiss army knife. Very well thought out designs. They have ample clearance to take a variety of tire sizes and also you can fit fenders which is a huge plus if you are going to use the bike alot, who knows you might get caught in a rain storm one day. Can be setup as a touring, commuter, errand, depending on the frame and the components you use, but the stock build is very good too. Check out their Cross-check model, it is their Cyclocross model, but then again very versatile. I have a Big Dummy and my next bike (road/commuter) will be a Cross-check.

Surlybikes.com

RobF353

I live on the Flushing/Whitestone border too!

Maybe we can ride together one day.

jimnolimit

there's no need to look for a used bike when you have a $1000 budget.

you said that you won't get a suspension bike, are you taking about full suspension or a bike with any shocks? i recommend a bike with a front shock for riding on the street.

what's your height and weight?

buster71

Shop is known for mountain bikes and those guys are mountain bikers, but obviously not limited to mountain bikes. I've used them for service because all of my previous rides were MTBs. Anyway, I really like the attention they give to their customers and *listening* to what people want, and I'm sure they can help you with whatever project you might think up. Its the type of shop where they don't seem to mind if you hang about and just shoot the poopy with them.

Their store website (sort of limited) is https://www.peakmtnbike.com/

neilfein

Folders ride somewhat differently than full-sized bikes. My experience is with the two 16"-wheeled folders I own and love. (It's possible 20" folders handle a little differently, but I think it's likely that they also share some of the squrreliness of 16" folders.)

As much as I think folding bikes are awesome, I still wouldn't recommend a folder as first bike - particularly if you're learning to ride on this bike. There are also additional mechanical issues to be dealt with (read: frame latches that need to be kept on top of) that don't crop up on full-frame bikes - particularly on any any folder that's under US$700 or so.

trek330

You haven't been caught in a torrential downpour yet!

bigdummy27

RobF353, yeah sure. Where do you usually ride? Have you done any of the events around the city? I'm still kind of new at this, but I want to do one before the year ends.

bigdummy27

Buster, thanks for the info, I'll check them out.

bigdummy27

Mike, u are welcome to try out my folder. It'll will you an idea of what is available. It's a Bike Friday Tikit and rides pretty good.

motobecane69

flat bar road bike like a giant rapid can take larger tires so you will be comfortable like a mtb but not as heavy. also look into cyclocross bikes or touring bikes, they also can take larger tires and fenders if desired.

RobF353

I'm new to this too. I have only really gone riding along the Cross Island Pkwy. I would also like to do an event soon.

bigdummy27

Rob, I see people ride along the Pkwy all the time, great view man. Always wanted to ride it. What type of a bike do you have? Not that it matters, just want to know who will be in front of me that's all, lol. I have a Surly Big Dummy and will be getting a CETMA soon. I haven't really gotten a bike just for leisure riding yet, but the Big Dummy is kind of fun.

RobF353

Yea, its a nice ride. You get a nice cool breeze from the water. I ride from my house, down Utopia Pkwy and then along the Cross Island Pkwy. There and back to my house is 10mi. My next ride, I want to do the same, but then at the end of the Cross Island, I want to go down Northern Blvd and ride through Douglaston Manor, seems like another nice and it will give me a few extra miles and different terrain. There is also a shop over there that I want to check out.

I ride a flat black Specialized Langster.

I think I am going to do that new route tomorrow actually!

MIKENY

Ordered 2011 Rockhopper with disc brakes. If I ride a lot, I'll buy a real road bike down the road. Thanks for your responses.

jimnolimit

Good choice. Enjoy your new bike.

If you ride a lot and mostly on pavement, you might want to eventually switch to a semi-slick tire.

neilfein

Enjoy your new bike!

RobF353

Nice choice!

Maybe we can ride one day!