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genuinegirly · 07-02-2006, 10:33 PM

I love cycling. I live in an area where anything other than my outdated piece of crap Univega Rover 305 (looks bad but runs rather well, mind you) would get stolen in a heartbeat.

It depends upon your needs. What will you be using it for? Is it your every-day transportation to work? Will you be honing your racing skills? Are you just looking for a fresh way to work out?

Go to a local independent bike shop. Ask what the benefits are of each major bike style: Road, mountain, cruiser...

Figure out what is best for you, and the area you live in. If you'll be riding up a lot of hills, you're not going to want a cruiser. Do your research.

The best generic advice that I can think of is to pick up the bike, feel its weight. Could you sling it over your shoulder and walk 100+ paces? How about up and down a staircase? Go for an aluminum frame, and be sure you get quality shifters, derailers, and the tools you need to fix it on the fly.

DON'T PURCHASE A BICYLE FROM:
Costco
Toys R Us
Target
Wal-Mart
Play it Again Sports
Salvation Army/ Good Will / local swapmeet

You CAN purchase inexpensive bicycles at quality independent bicycle stores. They will be more reliable overall - and will last years longer than some sort of cheap, heavy junk from the aforementioned retailers. Also, most of the independent cycle shops usually offer friendly maintenance tips, and give you a deal on repairs if you bring in one of their bikes. They also have cycling clubs, if you're looking for a regular group to train with.

oh!

it's just a trend that I've noticed, but... don't just go for the bike with the cushy-est looking seat. The bike itself is usually crap. If you find the bike of your dreams, but you want a different seat than the display, just ask.

"How does bicylcling make you feel?" -

Able to take on the world. I love racing by the cars that are just crawling along. I love laughing at the imbiciles that bring their shiny, fancy bikes, lock them up insufficiently, and expect the bike to be waiting for them when they return from 8 hours in the library. It's rewarding to ride my bike 4 miles to the grocery store, barely break a sweat, cram everything in my backpack, and get home before the folks that left with a car at the same time. I can't imagine life without a bicycle. I can't imagine it being very fun. Been riding since I was a kid, and never stopped. One can't know complete independence until they've ridden a bicycle: freedom to dart from one side of town to the other, to not be burdoned by rising fuel prices, and to start a day of work energized after a solid dose of fresh morning air.

07-02-2006, 10:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
genuinegirly Eat your vegetables Super Moderator Location: Arabidopsis-ville	I love cycling. I live in an area where anything other than my outdated piece of crap Univega Rover 305 (looks bad but runs rather well, mind you) would get stolen in a heartbeat. It depends upon your needs. What will you be using it for? Is it your every-day transportation to work? Will you be honing your racing skills? Are you just looking for a fresh way to work out? Go to a local independent bike shop. Ask what the benefits are of each major bike style: Road, mountain, cruiser... Figure out what is best for you, and the area you live in. If you'll be riding up a lot of hills, you're not going to want a cruiser. Do your research. The best generic advice that I can think of is to pick up the bike, feel its weight. Could you sling it over your shoulder and walk 100+ paces? How about up and down a staircase? Go for an aluminum frame, and be sure you get quality shifters, derailers, and the tools you need to fix it on the fly. DON'T PURCHASE A BICYLE FROM: Costco Toys R Us Target Wal-Mart Play it Again Sports Salvation Army/ Good Will / local swapmeet You CAN purchase inexpensive bicycles at quality independent bicycle stores. They will be more reliable overall - and will last years longer than some sort of cheap, heavy junk from the aforementioned retailers. Also, most of the independent cycle shops usually offer friendly maintenance tips, and give you a deal on repairs if you bring in one of their bikes. They also have cycling clubs, if you're looking for a regular group to train with. oh! it's just a trend that I've noticed, but... don't just go for the bike with the cushy-est looking seat. The bike itself is usually crap. If you find the bike of your dreams, but you want a different seat than the display, just ask. "How does bicylcling make you feel?" - Able to take on the world. I love racing by the cars that are just crawling along. I love laughing at the imbiciles that bring their shiny, fancy bikes, lock them up insufficiently, and expect the bike to be waiting for them when they return from 8 hours in the library. It's rewarding to ride my bike 4 miles to the grocery store, barely break a sweat, cram everything in my backpack, and get home before the folks that left with a car at the same time. I can't imagine life without a bicycle. I can't imagine it being very fun. Been riding since I was a kid, and never stopped. One can't know complete independence until they've ridden a bicycle: freedom to dart from one side of town to the other, to not be burdoned by rising fuel prices, and to start a day of work energized after a solid dose of fresh morning air. __________________ "Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy Last edited by genuinegirly; 07-02-2006 at 10:52 PM..