09-21-2006, 10:04 PM | #1 (permalink) |
Insane
Location: Bay Area, California
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Bike
Hello.
My bike got stolen recently and riding the bus has started to suck really bad (costs $ 1.75 and takes an hour to go 5 miles). I went to the bike shop to get some ideas but the salesman seemed intent on selling me a mountain bike when I wanted a road bike. He did manage to tell me that I need a 19.5" frame ('m 6' 2" but have a 30" inseam). Now I have no idea what to look for. I just want a road bike to take me to work. Budget would be $ 350 ($ 500 if it's REALLY worth it) and used is just fine. Thanks! |
09-22-2006, 07:40 AM | #5 (permalink) | |
Kick Ass Kunoichi
Location: Oregon
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Quote:
With your budget, you probably want to be looking for a hybrid bike. Trek makes some really nice ones that are definitely within your price range: http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/City...7000/index.php A hybrid bike is obviously designed so you can do a lot of different things with it, so that's a nifty thing about them. However, I would recommend getting a very good locking system along with your new bike.
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09-22-2006, 08:44 AM | #6 (permalink) | |
Insane
Location: Bay Area, California
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Quote:
Ha ha that bike you linked me to is exacty what he tried to sell me. But I was hoping for more of a road bike. But thanks! I'll look for another shop. The one I went to has a variety of bikes, and the other one that I know of only has high tech mountain bikes. |
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09-22-2006, 08:49 AM | #7 (permalink) |
Functionally Appropriate
Location: Toronto
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Have you considered a folding bike? There are some pretty modern and sophisticated models out there these days. As a bonus, you could fold it up and carry it into work and home with you.
I've been coveting them lately.
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Building an artificial intelligence that appreciates Mozart is easy. Building an A.I. that appreciates a theme restaurant is the real challenge - Kit Roebuck - Nine Planets Without Intelligent Life |
09-22-2006, 09:39 AM | #8 (permalink) |
It's a girly girl!
Location: OH, USA
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well, speaking as a professional bike technician, I'd suggest something better than the kryptonite locks... depending on which one you get (I only recommend the Faggetaboutit). New York lock is a better option, but you have to wear it over your shoulder due to it's weight. Bulldog also makes a line of locks equal to the high end kryptonite locks, but cheeper. Any shop you go to should be willing to order you a specific lock out of their catologs, and they can get you anything if you push them to. I really recommend asking to see their catolog yourself, you can find something to meet your needs exactly rather than what they suggest.
As for a bike, on the low end, Schwinn (Pacific) still makes some affordable $350 and up road bikes. other than that, I can't recommend anything because it depends on what your shop carries. You can get them to order any bike you want, but you'll get a better price if you shop around for sales on 06 models because most of the shops are currently starting to get in 07 models (at least my shop is). As for features to look for, a good bike will come with brake levers that also function for shifting (downtube shifters are a pain and fell out of favor several years ago). Carbon fiber parts are great for weight savings, but for something you are going to ride to work, I don't recommend anything but the fork, because it increases the chances of your bike being stolen exponentially. Make sure you do your homework on the components before you take any bike home, the shifters, derailleurs, casette and bottom bracket make or break a bike in terms of durability and ease of use. Good luck and let us know how the search goes.
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09-22-2006, 10:07 AM | #9 (permalink) |
Insane
Location: Bay Area, California
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Who here is in MN? Would you be willing to ship me a bike?
http://penncycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=8760 For some very odd reason the mfg won't let them ship it anywhere! Last edited by Jason762; 09-22-2006 at 11:23 PM.. |
09-26-2006, 11:04 AM | #11 (permalink) |
Rookie
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Just watch out not to buy anything you can't afford to lose. My sister dropped 350 dollars or so on a bike and it was stolen within 4 months. She'd locked it up and everything, some one just walked off with it.
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09-26-2006, 12:42 PM | #12 (permalink) |
Sauce Puppet
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I'm a Cannondale fan for road bikes (I still have not warmed up to their mountain bikes). I had a T800 take me 400 miles with no problems, and use it all the time, and it continues to treat me well. The main thing I would look for though is to walk into a shop, say "I need a bike to take me from point A to point B, and I'll be on the road all the time, and here is my price". At which point I would hope to see a stiff framed bike, simple, durable, and comfortable. The other thing a good bike shop should do for you, is let you take it 'out back' or in the parking lot, and watch you pedal. At which point they will help adjust the seats, and handlebars to make sure you are comfortable and what not.
That first shop saying you needed a 19.5inch frame, that's obviously for a mountain bike. You will want a taller frame on a road bike, but I would go to a shop and find out which frame feels right, and then go to craigslist and look at road-bikes there (craigslist is a great resource for used bikes). |
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