I want a bike - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Harshaw · 04-18-2004, 08:45 PM

The <i>what will you be driving in 20 years </i>thread on General Discussion made me think about biking places and I think I am going to buy a bike. I was thinking about getting something cheap (used?) for the time being and then upgrading to something nicer when I have a job.

Can anyone tell me what sort of stuff I need to look out for? We have a second hand shop nearby that has nice bikes all the time. But I am wondering how I find a bike that is my size etc... Anyone have any hints?

mofunk · 04-19-2004, 07:40 AM

I'll assume this is just for bumming around the city, and not road racing / trail riding.

If so, you want something that you can straddle while keeping both feet flat on the ground. It should almost touch your crotch (not the crotch of your clothing, if you're one of those low-pants wearers).
Adjust the seat height such that your knees come to about 150 degree angle at maximum extension (you don't have to fully extend your leg to pedal, nor does your knee touch your chin at the top).
After adjusting the seat, make sure your handle bars are in a comfortable position for riding, allowing you to keep your head up.

This is a basic guideline. I haven't purchased a non-racing/mountainbike in about 15 years, so I'm just going by what I imagine you'd like it to feel like while riding.

Nazggul · 04-19-2004, 02:10 PM

I just picked up a new one myself, a Litespeed Sabr

Whether you're going to pick up a beater or a bike to do some serious training on it would be a good idea to get yourself into a good bike shop and get an idea for what size bike is right for your body size. Just by shopping and asking them a few questions you will get a good idea of what will work for you, then you can buy there or elsewhere if you want but at least you will know more about what you're doing.

I spent 2 hours getting measured and fit for my new ride when I picked it up. I did a race on it last weekend and it was amazing. Definitely worth the time spent.

Speed_Gibson · 04-19-2004, 08:01 PM

my dad gave me his "old" (probably at least 10 years old) bike last fall. After spending fifty dollars or so it was quite decent. Two weeks ago I rode a very small portion of the 7 mile Bill Chipman that goes all the way to Pullman but quickly realised that I can walk that easier right now than pedal a bike. Took some good pictures on that trail last year when I walked for an hour or two before turning around.

ChasingAmy · 04-20-2004, 09:06 AM

Bikes Kick ass man.

I bought one a year and a half ago, and I will never be without one. Part of the reason is that I dont have a car, nor do I need one, but it is much quicker getting around my town. I have a Canadian Tire Special, special meaning that it is Canadian Tire! =D, but it gets me around. Looking to buy a new one soon. Or maybe just find some different components cheap!

Also for the health benefits of biking everywhere are up there on my reasons for having a bike!

Good luck,

Kris.

miko · 04-21-2004, 07:13 PM

Look for good components. They are expensive to upgrade later. Also try to get a lighter frame. And most IMPORTANTLY.... test ride lots! They all feel very different, and what is comfortable to you may not be comfy for me. So find a shop(s) that will let you ride each bike around the block a few times. And also find a shop that will take the time to properly fit you to the bike.
The other thing to think about is what type of bike. There are city cruisers, road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids.... what type of riding will you do most? Mountain bikes are much harder to pedal on the street than a road bike. But you can't take your road bike off road. Hybrids aren't great for either, really. Cruisers are good if you just want to comfortably cruise around main street or run to the stop n' go for a slushy. If you want really good cardio and you have some nice open roads, get the road bike. If you have trails nearby and you are more adventurous, get the mountain bike.

04-18-2004, 08:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
Harshaw Is mad at you. Location: Bored in Sacramento	I want a bike The <i>what will you be driving in 20 years </i>thread on General Discussion made me think about biking places and I think I am going to buy a bike. I was thinking about getting something cheap (used?) for the time being and then upgrading to something nicer when I have a job. Can anyone tell me what sort of stuff I need to look out for? We have a second hand shop nearby that has nice bikes all the time. But I am wondering how I find a bike that is my size etc... Anyone have any hints? __________________ This too shall pass. Last edited by Harshaw; 04-18-2004 at 08:48 PM..

04-19-2004, 02:10 PM	#3 (permalink)
Nazggul Psycho Location: San Francisco	I just picked up a new one myself, a Litespeed Sabr Whether you're going to pick up a beater or a bike to do some serious training on it would be a good idea to get yourself into a good bike shop and get an idea for what size bike is right for your body size. Just by shopping and asking them a few questions you will get a good idea of what will work for you, then you can buy there or elsewhere if you want but at least you will know more about what you're doing. I spent 2 hours getting measured and fit for my new ride when I picked it up. I did a race on it last weekend and it was amazing. Definitely worth the time spent. __________________ "If something has to give then it always will." -- Editors

04-19-2004, 08:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
Speed_Gibson Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? Location: right here of course	my dad gave me his "old" (probably at least 10 years old) bike last fall. After spending fifty dollars or so it was quite decent. Two weeks ago I rode a very small portion of the 7 mile Bill Chipman that goes all the way to Pullman but quickly realised that I can walk that easier right now than pedal a bike. Took some good pictures on that trail last year when I walked for an hour or two before turning around. __________________ Started talking to yourself I see. Yes, it's the only way I can be certain of an intelligent conversation. Black Adder

04-20-2004, 09:06 AM	#5 (permalink)
ChasingAmy Single :) FFA Location: Prince George, British Columbia	Bikes Kick ass man. I bought one a year and a half ago, and I will never be without one. Part of the reason is that I dont have a car, nor do I need one, but it is much quicker getting around my town. I have a Canadian Tire Special, special meaning that it is Canadian Tire! =D, but it gets me around. Looking to buy a new one soon. Or maybe just find some different components cheap! Also for the health benefits of biking everywhere are up there on my reasons for having a bike! Good luck, Kris. __________________ Don't you know about the bird?

04-19-2004, 07:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
mofunk Upright	I'll assume this is just for bumming around the city, and not road racing / trail riding. If so, you want something that you can straddle while keeping both feet flat on the ground. It should almost touch your crotch (not the crotch of your clothing, if you're one of those low-pants wearers). Adjust the seat height such that your knees come to about 150 degree angle at maximum extension (you don't have to fully extend your leg to pedal, nor does your knee touch your chin at the top). After adjusting the seat, make sure your handle bars are in a comfortable position for riding, allowing you to keep your head up. This is a basic guideline. I haven't purchased a non-racing/mountainbike in about 15 years, so I'm just going by what I imagine you'd like it to feel like while riding.

04-21-2004, 07:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
miko Insane	Look for good components. They are expensive to upgrade later. Also try to get a lighter frame. And most IMPORTANTLY.... test ride lots! They all feel very different, and what is comfortable to you may not be comfy for me. So find a shop(s) that will let you ride each bike around the block a few times. And also find a shop that will take the time to properly fit you to the bike. The other thing to think about is what type of bike. There are city cruisers, road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids.... what type of riding will you do most? Mountain bikes are much harder to pedal on the street than a road bike. But you can't take your road bike off road. Hybrids aren't great for either, really. Cruisers are good if you just want to comfortably cruise around main street or run to the stop n' go for a slushy. If you want really good cardio and you have some nice open roads, get the road bike. If you have trails nearby and you are more adventurous, get the mountain bike.