Newbie needs help - Page 3

12-27-2004, 01:57 PM

>Off road, trails, greenways and such... but am sure will not always be
>going "downhill"! Maybe some road riding around the house, in a safe
>quiet neighborhood, away from those idiot cars.

Sounds like you want a mountain bike then.

>
>
>
>On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 21:25:27 GMT, maxo <maxo@NOSPAMhome.se> wrote:
>
>>On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 21:06:15 +0000, foots wrote:
>>
>>> What is the difference between Mountain and
>>> Downhill?
>>
>>The way the bike's dialed in--the tires, suspension travel, and such. One
>>could call downhill bikes a subset of mountain bikes, with a more specific
>>purpose rather than being all-rounders.
>>
>>What's more important is what you want to do with the bike.

>
>
>
>
>
>
>

12-28-2004, 04:07 AM

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I have been looking at bikes on
E-Bay, there is quite a selection out there. There are MSRP $850 -
$1000 (new) going for $400, and also some MSRP $ $500 for $200 - $300.
The drawback is I'd have to assemble myself or take to a shop and no
follow up service / trade ins. I'm mechanically inclined, so assembly
is no problem.
I'm 60# overweight and 47 years young so the full suspension is
attractive to me. I've lost 20#'s already by diet and riding my old
Sears Kennsington 15 speed.
Motobecane, Micargi, Sick by Worcycle, Firmstrong, Tank, Giant...
whew, so many choices.
I am going to take the advice and go to a local shop before I buy
anything.
Thanks!

On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 14:59:43 -0600, VBadJuJu <none@> wrote:

>foots <foots@aohell.com> wrote:
>
>>Off road, trails, greenways and such... but am sure will not always be
>>going "downhill"! Maybe some road riding around the house, in a safe
>>quiet neighborhood, away from those idiot cars.
>
>Sounds to me like a standard mountain bike would be the ticket and
>except for the off-road part, you could even consider a hybrid type as
>well. Downhill is much more extreme than what you mention.
>
>Depending on your age and weight, you might want to think twice about
>the lower or frame shock suspension. The front fork suspension (of
>decent quality) is nice to have, but the frame sus. can have some
>drawbacks.
>
>A) They tend to absorb some of the pedalling energy, especially as
>they soften up. This can be bad if you find you like to cruise faster
>and/or dont want to have to pedal that hard to make 16+ mph. Likewise
>if you ride with others (like from the local bike club) you'll find
>you have to work harder to keep up, especially with those on hybrids.
>Additionally, you'll be lugging that 5lb (?) chunk of metal around on
>every single one of those quick errands.
>
>B) OTOH, they DO tend to soften the ride. If you are older or
>heavier, a frame suspension can soften the bumps and such. I know
>several local riders who love them for just those reasons.
>
>They look "cool" (well, to some), but they come with a price beyond
>cash money (some dont fit easily on car carriers). If you dont plan
>to race down mountain sides, consider whether you really want (need)
>it that much.
>
>But whatever you do, stay away from K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Target and Toys
>R Us and go to a local bike shop. Two key things /I/ look for in a
>LBS is: free/discount service and trade in ability. The ability to
>trade in might be important after you figure out from experience how
>you use it and what you need.
>
>
>>
>>
>>On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 21:25:27 GMT, maxo <maxo@NOSPAMhome.se> wrote:
>>
>>>On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 21:06:15 +0000, foots wrote:
>>>
>>>> What is the difference between Mountain and
>>>> Downhill?
>>>
>>>The way the bike's dialed in--the tires, suspension travel, and such. One
>>>could call downhill bikes a subset of mountain bikes, with a more specific
>>>purpose rather than being all-rounders.
>>>
>>>What's more important is what you want to do with the bike.

12-28-2004, 04:07 AM

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I have been looking at bikes on
E-Bay, there is quite a selection out there. There are MSRP $850 -
$1000 (new) going for $400, and also some MSRP $ $500 for $200 - $300.
The drawback is I'd have to assemble myself or take to a shop and no
follow up service / trade ins. I'm mechanically inclined, so assembly
is no problem.
I'm 60# overweight and 47 years young so the full suspension is
attractive to me. I've lost 20#'s already by diet and riding my old
Sears Kennsington 15 speed.
Motobecane, Micargi, Sick by Worcycle, Firmstrong, Tank, Giant...
whew, so many choices.
I am going to take the advice and go to a local shop before I buy
anything.
Thanks!

On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 14:59:43 -0600, VBadJuJu <none@> wrote:

>foots <foots@aohell.com> wrote:
>
>>Off road, trails, greenways and such... but am sure will not always be
>>going "downhill"! Maybe some road riding around the house, in a safe
>>quiet neighborhood, away from those idiot cars.
>
>Sounds to me like a standard mountain bike would be the ticket and
>except for the off-road part, you could even consider a hybrid type as
>well. Downhill is much more extreme than what you mention.
>
>Depending on your age and weight, you might want to think twice about
>the lower or frame shock suspension. The front fork suspension (of
>decent quality) is nice to have, but the frame sus. can have some
>drawbacks.
>
>A) They tend to absorb some of the pedalling energy, especially as
>they soften up. This can be bad if you find you like to cruise faster
>and/or dont want to have to pedal that hard to make 16+ mph. Likewise
>if you ride with others (like from the local bike club) you'll find
>you have to work harder to keep up, especially with those on hybrids.
>Additionally, you'll be lugging that 5lb (?) chunk of metal around on
>every single one of those quick errands.
>
>B) OTOH, they DO tend to soften the ride. If you are older or
>heavier, a frame suspension can soften the bumps and such. I know
>several local riders who love them for just those reasons.
>
>They look "cool" (well, to some), but they come with a price beyond
>cash money (some dont fit easily on car carriers). If you dont plan
>to race down mountain sides, consider whether you really want (need)
>it that much.
>
>But whatever you do, stay away from K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Target and Toys
>R Us and go to a local bike shop. Two key things /I/ look for in a
>LBS is: free/discount service and trade in ability. The ability to
>trade in might be important after you figure out from experience how
>you use it and what you need.
>
>
>>
>>
>>On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 21:25:27 GMT, maxo <maxo@NOSPAMhome.se> wrote:
>>
>>>On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 21:06:15 +0000, foots wrote:
>>>
>>>> What is the difference between Mountain and
>>>> Downhill?
>>>
>>>The way the bike's dialed in--the tires, suspension travel, and such. One
>>>could call downhill bikes a subset of mountain bikes, with a more specific
>>>purpose rather than being all-rounders.
>>>
>>>What's more important is what you want to do with the bike.

12-28-2004, 04:07 AM

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I have been looking at bikes on
E-Bay, there is quite a selection out there. There are MSRP $850 -
$1000 (new) going for $400, and also some MSRP $ $500 for $200 - $300.
The drawback is I'd have to assemble myself or take to a shop and no
follow up service / trade ins. I'm mechanically inclined, so assembly
is no problem.
I'm 60# overweight and 47 years young so the full suspension is
attractive to me. I've lost 20#'s already by diet and riding my old
Sears Kennsington 15 speed.
Motobecane, Micargi, Sick by Worcycle, Firmstrong, Tank, Giant...
whew, so many choices.
I am going to take the advice and go to a local shop before I buy
anything.
Thanks!

On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 14:59:43 -0600, VBadJuJu <none@> wrote:

>foots <foots@aohell.com> wrote:
>
>>Off road, trails, greenways and such... but am sure will not always be
>>going "downhill"! Maybe some road riding around the house, in a safe
>>quiet neighborhood, away from those idiot cars.
>
>Sounds to me like a standard mountain bike would be the ticket and
>except for the off-road part, you could even consider a hybrid type as
>well. Downhill is much more extreme than what you mention.
>
>Depending on your age and weight, you might want to think twice about
>the lower or frame shock suspension. The front fork suspension (of
>decent quality) is nice to have, but the frame sus. can have some
>drawbacks.
>
>A) They tend to absorb some of the pedalling energy, especially as
>they soften up. This can be bad if you find you like to cruise faster
>and/or dont want to have to pedal that hard to make 16+ mph. Likewise
>if you ride with others (like from the local bike club) you'll find
>you have to work harder to keep up, especially with those on hybrids.
>Additionally, you'll be lugging that 5lb (?) chunk of metal around on
>every single one of those quick errands.
>
>B) OTOH, they DO tend to soften the ride. If you are older or
>heavier, a frame suspension can soften the bumps and such. I know
>several local riders who love them for just those reasons.
>
>They look "cool" (well, to some), but they come with a price beyond
>cash money (some dont fit easily on car carriers). If you dont plan
>to race down mountain sides, consider whether you really want (need)
>it that much.
>
>But whatever you do, stay away from K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Target and Toys
>R Us and go to a local bike shop. Two key things /I/ look for in a
>LBS is: free/discount service and trade in ability. The ability to
>trade in might be important after you figure out from experience how
>you use it and what you need.
>
>
>>
>>
>>On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 21:25:27 GMT, maxo <maxo@NOSPAMhome.se> wrote:
>>
>>>On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 21:06:15 +0000, foots wrote:
>>>
>>>> What is the difference between Mountain and
>>>> Downhill?
>>>
>>>The way the bike's dialed in--the tires, suspension travel, and such. One
>>>could call downhill bikes a subset of mountain bikes, with a more specific
>>>purpose rather than being all-rounders.
>>>
>>>What's more important is what you want to do with the bike.

12-28-2004, 04:07 AM

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I have been looking at bikes on
E-Bay, there is quite a selection out there. There are MSRP $850 -
$1000 (new) going for $400, and also some MSRP $ $500 for $200 - $300.
The drawback is I'd have to assemble myself or take to a shop and no
follow up service / trade ins. I'm mechanically inclined, so assembly
is no problem.
I'm 60# overweight and 47 years young so the full suspension is
attractive to me. I've lost 20#'s already by diet and riding my old
Sears Kennsington 15 speed.
Motobecane, Micargi, Sick by Worcycle, Firmstrong, Tank, Giant...
whew, so many choices.
I am going to take the advice and go to a local shop before I buy
anything.
Thanks!

On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 14:59:43 -0600, VBadJuJu <none@> wrote:

>foots <foots@aohell.com> wrote:
>
>>Off road, trails, greenways and such... but am sure will not always be
>>going "downhill"! Maybe some road riding around the house, in a safe
>>quiet neighborhood, away from those idiot cars.
>
>Sounds to me like a standard mountain bike would be the ticket and
>except for the off-road part, you could even consider a hybrid type as
>well. Downhill is much more extreme than what you mention.
>
>Depending on your age and weight, you might want to think twice about
>the lower or frame shock suspension. The front fork suspension (of
>decent quality) is nice to have, but the frame sus. can have some
>drawbacks.
>
>A) They tend to absorb some of the pedalling energy, especially as
>they soften up. This can be bad if you find you like to cruise faster
>and/or dont want to have to pedal that hard to make 16+ mph. Likewise
>if you ride with others (like from the local bike club) you'll find
>you have to work harder to keep up, especially with those on hybrids.
>Additionally, you'll be lugging that 5lb (?) chunk of metal around on
>every single one of those quick errands.
>
>B) OTOH, they DO tend to soften the ride. If you are older or
>heavier, a frame suspension can soften the bumps and such. I know
>several local riders who love them for just those reasons.
>
>They look "cool" (well, to some), but they come with a price beyond
>cash money (some dont fit easily on car carriers). If you dont plan
>to race down mountain sides, consider whether you really want (need)
>it that much.
>
>But whatever you do, stay away from K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Target and Toys
>R Us and go to a local bike shop. Two key things /I/ look for in a
>LBS is: free/discount service and trade in ability. The ability to
>trade in might be important after you figure out from experience how
>you use it and what you need.
>
>
>>
>>
>>On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 21:25:27 GMT, maxo <maxo@NOSPAMhome.se> wrote:
>>
>>>On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 21:06:15 +0000, foots wrote:
>>>
>>>> What is the difference between Mountain and
>>>> Downhill?
>>>
>>>The way the bike's dialed in--the tires, suspension travel, and such. One
>>>could call downhill bikes a subset of mountain bikes, with a more specific
>>>purpose rather than being all-rounders.
>>>
>>>What's more important is what you want to do with the bike.

12-28-2004, 09:13 AM

On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 13:07:47 +0000, foots wrote:

> I'm 60# overweight and 47 years young so the full suspension is
> attractive to me.

Certainly go full suspension if you're going off-road, but be aware that
if you're mainly going to ride on smooth trails, roads, and bike paths, a
full suspension is simply going to add complexity, cost, weight, and a
chance of breakage where there was none before. On the road, slightly
wider tire than a skinny tire racer will be all the suspension anybody
needs.

I'm thinking a $500USD hybrid with 700x37c tires, suspension fork & post,
and fenders might be just your thing. A bike for all seasons.

I honestly think that for a first fancy bike bike, if you get something
that could be ridden in street clothes w/o looking silly--you'll end up
using the bike more often--since you won't feel like you have to "gear up"
every time you want to go for an evening spin around the block.

Let us know how it goes--maybe you'll become a 48 y/o muddy MTB demon. LOL

12-28-2004, 09:13 AM

On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 13:07:47 +0000, foots wrote:

> I'm 60# overweight and 47 years young so the full suspension is
> attractive to me.

Certainly go full suspension if you're going off-road, but be aware that
if you're mainly going to ride on smooth trails, roads, and bike paths, a
full suspension is simply going to add complexity, cost, weight, and a
chance of breakage where there was none before. On the road, slightly
wider tire than a skinny tire racer will be all the suspension anybody
needs.

I'm thinking a $500USD hybrid with 700x37c tires, suspension fork & post,
and fenders might be just your thing. A bike for all seasons.

I honestly think that for a first fancy bike bike, if you get something
that could be ridden in street clothes w/o looking silly--you'll end up
using the bike more often--since you won't feel like you have to "gear up"
every time you want to go for an evening spin around the block.

Let us know how it goes--maybe you'll become a 48 y/o muddy MTB demon. LOL

12-28-2004, 09:13 AM

On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 13:07:47 +0000, foots wrote:

> I'm 60# overweight and 47 years young so the full suspension is
> attractive to me.

Certainly go full suspension if you're going off-road, but be aware that
if you're mainly going to ride on smooth trails, roads, and bike paths, a
full suspension is simply going to add complexity, cost, weight, and a
chance of breakage where there was none before. On the road, slightly
wider tire than a skinny tire racer will be all the suspension anybody
needs.

I'm thinking a $500USD hybrid with 700x37c tires, suspension fork & post,
and fenders might be just your thing. A bike for all seasons.

I honestly think that for a first fancy bike bike, if you get something
that could be ridden in street clothes w/o looking silly--you'll end up
using the bike more often--since you won't feel like you have to "gear up"
every time you want to go for an evening spin around the block.

Let us know how it goes--maybe you'll become a 48 y/o muddy MTB demon. LOL

12-28-2004, 09:13 AM

On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 13:07:47 +0000, foots wrote:

> I'm 60# overweight and 47 years young so the full suspension is
> attractive to me.

Certainly go full suspension if you're going off-road, but be aware that
if you're mainly going to ride on smooth trails, roads, and bike paths, a
full suspension is simply going to add complexity, cost, weight, and a
chance of breakage where there was none before. On the road, slightly
wider tire than a skinny tire racer will be all the suspension anybody
needs.

I'm thinking a $500USD hybrid with 700x37c tires, suspension fork & post,
and fenders might be just your thing. A bike for all seasons.

I honestly think that for a first fancy bike bike, if you get something
that could be ridden in street clothes w/o looking silly--you'll end up
using the bike more often--since you won't feel like you have to "gear up"
every time you want to go for an evening spin around the block.

Let us know how it goes--maybe you'll become a 48 y/o muddy MTB demon. LOL

12-28-2004, 09:29 AM

foots <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:

>Thanks everyone for the great advice. I have been looking at bikes on
>E-Bay, there is quite a selection out there. There are MSRP $850 -
>$1000 (new) going for $400, and also some MSRP $ $500 for $200 - $300.
>The drawback is I'd have to assemble myself or take to a shop and no
>follow up service / trade ins. I'm mechanically inclined, so assembly
>is no problem.

Some of those could be overstock or last years models. No big deal
but your LBS will have similar deals at certain times of the year
(spring, back to school, model yr change, Xmas and prolly year end
inventory reduction).

>I'm 60# overweight and 47 years young so the full suspension is
>attractive to me. I've lost 20#'s already by diet and riding my old
>Sears Kennsington 15 speed.

My comment on that was entirely annecdotal. I seemed to see "a lot"
of full suspension bikes among those least inclined to seriously rough
riding (like grandfathers riding with grandkids), so I asked. As an
alternative to full suspension, you could look at just adding a
suspension seat post /if/ you actually need it.

If your main intent is weight loss and excercise, forget the hybrid.
A mountain bike will burn more calories per mile (or hour) than either
a hybrid or a road bike.

>Motobecane, Micargi, Sick by Worcycle, Firmstrong, Tank, Giant...
>whew, so many choices.

Most of those arent exactly the first names that come to mind when one
ponders a quality, name brand affordable bicycle ('website coming
soon' and no dealer list is a clue). Check out
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] for user ratings.

Look at Trek, Raleigh, Giant, Fuji and Trek as well.

>I am going to take the advice and go to a local shop before I buy
>anything.

They will likely let you ride them a bit too.