OT: Buying a bike

[kired]

Looking for advice on buying a bike. I'm completely unfamiliar with what is available, what features to look for, etc. The last time I owned a new bike was over 15 years ago when I was a teenager.

Just a little info on myself and how I plan to ride the bike - I'm about 5'10", 145 lbs if that makes a difference. I already run a lot so this will not be my primary mode of exercise. I'll likely only ride it 2-4 times a month. Probably 50/50 road / trails. Most of my road riding would likely be done in & around the subdivisions where I live just as something to do on days when I'm not running. I don't plan on getting out on the open road and going for long rides. Also would plan on riding trails around the NEMS area. At this point I don't have any interest getting involvedwith any kind of racing or triathlons.

I have no idea on price range --- I would assume at least $200 but don't want to spend more than $500. What are some brands / models to look for, features or accessories you would recommend / avoid, should I buy new or used, store recommendations? Any other advice is welcome.</p>

 

[kired]

Looking for advice on buying a bike. I'm completely unfamiliar with what is available, what features to look for, etc. The last time I owned a new bike was over 15 years ago when I was a teenager.

Just a little info on myself and how I plan to ride the bike - I'm about 5'10", 145 lbs if that makes a difference. I already run a lot so this will not be my primary mode of exercise. I'll likely only ride it 2-4 times a month. Probably 50/50 road / trails. Most of my road riding would likely be done in & around the subdivisions where I live just as something to do on days when I'm not running. I don't plan on getting out on the open road and going for long rides. Also would plan on riding trails around the NEMS area. At this point I don't have any interest getting involvedwith any kind of racing or triathlons.

I have no idea on price range --- I would assume at least $200 but don't want to spend more than $500. What are some brands / models to look for, features or accessories you would recommend / avoid, should I buy new or used, store recommendations? Any other advice is welcome.</p>

 

[aTotal360]

I don't consider myself a cyclist, but here are my 2 cents...<div>
</div><div>You need to spend around $400 before you get something that will last. Go to a bike shop and get fitted for a bike. They come in variousheights. I bought a mountain bike (Trek) with a suspension on the front end and regret it. Theydefinitelyslow you down. Unless you really think you are going to do a lot off-roading, get a rigid framed bike with street tires.</div><div>
</div><div>For accessories, bookmark Nashbar. It is bet best place to buy bike accessories. A lot of timestheybeat Ebay prices. One week an item will be fullretail, then the next week it will be 50% off, then the following price it might be full retail again. Just keep an eye on it.</div><div>
</div><div>May last purchase was new grips. Absolutely love the Ergons.</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>

 

[o_OxfordAndrew]

I bought one last year.

 

[MemphisMaroonClubDog]

go to a bike shop and tell them what you just told us. TYPICALLY, the bike shop salespeople will treat you like what you are... a novice not looking to ride in the TdF.

GET SIZED!!! Get them to do that first and foremost. Do not 'buy' that day. Just say that you are starting the process. Take a notebook with you and write down all of the info they suggest. Types of bikes they suggest for your type of riding, for your size, etc.

WAIT TO BUY IF YOU CAN. In case you did not know, the Tour de France is going on right now and this is easily the most expensive time of the season. "IF" you can wait, wait until early fall or winter when they will be getting rid of inventory. You can get some really good discounts.

Also, after you find out what kind of bike you are looking for, look around for bike shops and see what kind of deals you can find. Also, cities on Craigslist are great for good used bikes. Most bike people are not shady.

Hope this helps. Ask away any other questions you have. You are definitely probably going to be happy with a simple mountain bike but with smoother tires for road riding.

 

[KurtRambis4]

*

 

[seshomoru]

Go to the bike rack on Lakeland Dr. and ask for Michael Harrison. Tell him exactly what you just said. He'll help you out.

You're basically looking for a hybrid style bike. Lighter than mountain, not as aggressive as road. Flat handlebars, decent amount of gears, and it'll come with smoother tires.

 

[Dawgnapper]

<font size="2">Based on your requirements, you are probably looking at a mountain bike or hybrid. You can get a department store mountain bike within your budget but I would advise against it. The components (shifters, derailleurs) on department store bikes are crap. Echoing what 360 wrote, go to your local bike shops if possible and try several. You will get sticker shock, but at your size most shops should have several sizes available to ride. If you find one that fits and feels "right" find out what the frame geometry is either from the bike shop literature or go online. Major brands carried by bike shops will include Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Giant, Fuji. If you live in a large metro area, Craigslist will have plenty of bikes to choose from. With your "fit geometry" in hand, you can zero in on the ones that match your size and geometry.

Nashbar and Performance Bike carry bikes online and run sales all the time. Another online source is BikesDirect.

Enjoy! Thought I only wanted to ride local Rails to Trails (paved trail) and bought a hybrid, but found out I REALLY liked riding the roads. Ended up buying another bike (road bike).
</font>

 

[MemphisMaroonClubDog]

y'all see anyone else competing?</p>

 

[scdog.sixpack]

You need to think more in the $700-$800 range to get some average average qualitycomponents. I've seen people save money on below average bikes and they end up hating to ride because their bike sucks and give up the sport altogether. I like Specialized bikes a lot, but it's just a personal preference.

Like napper said, ride a bunch of different bikes,and when you find one that is comfortable that is the one to get but I think you need to increase your budget.

 

[The Peeper]

prices were all over the board. I didn't realize at the time that bikes are like cars in that at least once a yr new models come out and they discount the past yrs models so look for those. I ended up paying $80 less from Mike @ The Bike Shop in Starkville than the guys in Jackson @ The Bike Rack and Indian Cycle had quoted me. Hint: Those 2 places are owned by the same folks so don't try to play one against the other and my dealings with both have been less than favorable. There's a new shop in Ridgeland ( The Bike Crossing) that I've heard good things about so far.

 

[kired]

Trails & Treads would probably be a good place to start. But I figured since I'm so uninformed on the subject, the board could give me some good advice before I started shopping around.

@ MemphisMaroon -thanks for the advice. I was going to start looking this month, but sounds like I'm better off waiting a few months which isn't a big deal. I just want to have one for certain by next spring.

 

[MemphisMaroonClubDog]

Peddler Bike Shop - Germantown and Cordova

Personal favorite is BikesPlus in Germantown. Smoking hot chick is typically the person there and she will size you up... Of course, sizing you up requires her to place the measurement device from the ground to your groin... unfortunately, she plays for the other team... and that girl ain't getting pulled back.

I would definitely buy this fall/winter. You can even ask them about when they will start to get in new bikes. That is what you want to beat. When they are expecting arrival of those bikes is when they will be getting rid of previous year models.

 

[fevans4]

If your riding will be more trails, I would suggest a 29er mountain bike. If you're going to primarily be on the road, another option is a cyclocross bike. These are basically road bikes that can run with larger tires and go off road. They don't have any suspension, so they're not good for hard-core trail riding. Many have disc brakes which is a great option for a road bike if you aren't worried about every gram. I been using a disc cyclocross bike for about 5 years as my commuting bike.

<a title="http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/cross_bikes.htm">http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/cross_bikes.htm</a>

 

[CadaverDawg]

Picture or it isn't true

 

[MemphisMaroonClubDog]

but her body is on another level...

http://www.bikesplus.net/bios/kMalogorski.htm

couple of other pics of her in the scrapbook page

 

[DirtyLopez]

You are obviously active, in good shape, and you said you want to ride trails (I assume you mean single track type of trails). You can find slightly used bikes on ebay for really good deals. This is what I have done in the past. You will be able to get a lot of bike for the money and you will be happier knowing you have better components. There are many good brands. Check out MTBR.com and spend some time reading up before you buy. You will probably change your mind a few times as you learn what is available.

 

[J-Dawg]

broken front brakes that I'd be willing to almost give away. Fits the definition of used if used means "ridden for a semester then never touched again".

 

[YellowFeverDawg]

Phil and Paul are so desperate for a British rider to win that they can barely contain themselves. The TT's will certainly favor him, but for some reason I am not buying.

I like Cadel to repeat. Kloden is very quietly turning in good finishes. Also, don't be surprised if Hesjedal is there at the end. At some point you would expect that the Giro will catch up to him, but he has a good team around him. With Vande Velde losing two minutes today Garmin will focus all their energy on Ryder.

 

[seshomoru]

Cadelhas van Garderen and Hincapie with him now. A young American that will be a contenter in a few years, and a old American veteran who knows how to get somebody to the podium. Wiggo might have to deal with a tired team that is trying to get Cav some stage wins. Cav will probably abandon the last week, though, so who knows how that plays out.

I guess the others to watch would be Van den Broeck and Hesjedal. Maybe Tony Martin and Leipheimer (emotional pick). There's a good bit of time trialing this year, which favors Cadel, Martin, and Wiggo.

</p>

 

[Hanmudog]

Of course they could also be the only place in Tupelo for all I know. I am not a cyclist but I do know the guythat own Trails and Treads. Super nice guy that won't BS you.He is abig Ole Miss guy but he roots for State too. You should give hime a try before you burn up all that gas money going to Memphis or Jackson.

 

[MemphisMaroonClubDog]

I think they will definitely leave him to fend for himself like yesterday (maybe allow Edvald Bossen Hogen {IF I spelled that right, I get all time bonus points}to go with him).

I know he is really wanting the gold medal but I just cannot believe he would not go for something that has never happened like winning 4 in a row in Paris.

 

[seshomoru]

Yes, it would be historic, but he's already going to go down as one of the best sprinters in history. If the Olympics were anywhere but London, I'd bet on him staying in the Tour.

 

[YellowFeverDawg]

Cav's ego is huge. If Sagan continues to be a factor, then look for Cav to stay in. He will not be able to resist the urge to put the young upstart in his place. If Sagan fades, then Cav abandoning is a real possibility. He will want to get some rest before London. All this could change if something happens to Wiggins. If Wiggins isn't a possibility for yellow, then look for Sky to regroup and focus on putting Cav in green.

 

[MrHooch]

Boardtown Bikes in Starkville is a very good shop, and closer to you than Memphis...

 

[BCash]

The frame for the Trek 3700 is pretty solid. Definitely not meant to do any serious mountain biking, but will do what you are asking. New chains are relatively cheap, the brakes aren't disk so they are cheap to replace as well. Throw some less aggressive tires on it and you are good to go (assuming the frame is a decent size for you). You could basically have this thing rebuilt for under $200 including labor.

 

[J-Dawg]

I'd go outside and check the frame size.... but it's my vacation and I'm lazy.