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Buying A Bike

post #1 of 13
5/19/05 at 10:26pm
Thread Starter 
I don't do this very often, but I'm considering purchasing a bike and I'd like to hear from those who know what they're talking about.

Here's what I'm looking for:

--I want something that I can ride in New York City, but also take out for mountain biking. Basically, I want a cross-country bike with mountain/trail riding durability
--Easily maintained and very durable
--Relatively inexpensive. I'm willing to pay more if I know I'll get a lot mileage out of it.

Thanks, guys!
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post #2 of 13
5/19/05 at 11:45pm
Get it with streamers and clickety-clackers. Nothing says "I'm a man!" like streamers.
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post #3 of 13
5/20/05 at 1:11am
I ride a Giant Iguana SE. It has about 1600 km on it and I haven't even replaced a brakepad. It's a great mountain/road bike. It's no rockhopper, but it's not meant to be. The components are midrange, but you don't need the best for tootling around on the street. According to the manufacturer's website this year's model comes with disc brakes, which I imagine are higher maintenance and more expensive, but the drivetrain components are the same as my 2000 model. If I were you I'd look at the Iguana or the Yukon or the Rincon or the Boulder SE. The msrp's range from $600 to $280, and you'll get what you pay for.

I'd call mine durable. It came through an accident that hospitalized me without a scratch.


My baby.
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post #4 of 13
5/20/05 at 1:16am
Where's Kronos when we need him...
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post #5 of 13
5/20/05 at 1:45am
Stringing barbed wire on his compound.
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post #6 of 13
5/20/05 at 2:29am
You should check out Jamis bikes, good bang for your buck.

Essentially, if you plan to take it offroad at all, you need to get a mountain bike, because a road bike wont work off road at all.
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post #7 of 13
5/20/05 at 5:41pm
Be sure and place a baseball card in the tire spokes...makes a neat noise.
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post #8 of 13
5/20/05 at 6:49pm
Get a hard tail, you probably don't need rear susp. Frame is sort of negligible as far as you're concerned (i.e. you're more concerned about durability than weight, composition, etc.), so I'd focus on components and put your buck there. Also, get combo pedals with the clipless entry on one side and standard pedal on the other. Nothing sucks worth than having to a) ride with normal shoes on clipless or pedals or b) having to tote your freaking shoes everywhere. Grip shifts vs. trigger shift is one of personal preference. It's been a while since I've used grip shifts and I understand they're much better than they used to be though. Brand is also up to you. Everyone swears by one or the other-Giant, Specialized, Gary Fisher, Cannondale, GT, Trek, etc. I ride Specialized but really don't swear by it, of course my current back situation has kept me off it as of late. I had a Barracuda before that. There are some smaller Co.'s that manufacture bikes but for your needs, I'm guessing these will fit the bill and price range better. Whatever it is, just buy it a reputable place that gives repairs and stands behind it.
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post #9 of 13
5/23/05 at 10:17pm
I have a couple of low-end Trek bikes that have worked very well for me. However, if/when I buy a new bike, I'm looking at Giants. You just seem to get a little more for your money with them.

Oh, and keep us posted. We love pictures.
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post #10 of 13
5/26/05 at 12:48am


I would highly recommend Giants, although they're not the most aesthetically pleasing bikes (I think Lemonds are). I've got a 6-year old mountain bike that cost about $800 Cdn at the time. I replaced the drive train in February and it rides great, although I think I'll get some new pedals soon as the current ones squeak like mad. I usually spend around an hour a day on my bike and I've really grown to love it as a means of getting around the city. I've got to say that lately I've found myself being more in danger of hitting pedestrians than cars.

I wouldn't bike in the city without a good bike helmet. I've got a Pro-Tec that I really like. It's also pretty stylish and I enjoy getting compliments on a bike helmet, although you might want something that breathes more in the summer. While they're not necessary, I find bike gloves to be a pretty nice accessory. And go all out on a lock. Toronto is reknown for its bike thievery and I would imagine NYC is much the same. The Kyptonite New York series are pretty sure bets, although they will set you back some cash.
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post #11 of 13
5/27/05 at 2:20am
Let’s be honest here - in the context of general health and well-being “what bike?” is a far less important question than “what seat?”

If you don’t want to be left unable to walk for a fortnight after having sat on a velociraptor’s claw I advise you invest in the most expensive gel-set available. Indeed, why not go the whole way and buy a girl's seat? You might draw the odd strange look from other cyclists but you can console yourself with the fact you'll be able to stand up the next day whilst they'll require block and tackle to get out of bed.

And anyway, why the hell do women get comfier seats? It's ass discrimination I tells ya!
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post #12 of 13
5/27/05 at 11:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geoff Foster
Let’s be honest here - in the context of general health and well-being “what bike?” is a far less important question than “what seat?”

If you don’t want to be left unable to walk for a fortnight after having sat on a velociraptor’s claw I advise you invest in the most expensive gel-set available. Indeed, why not go the whole way and buy a girl's seat? You might draw the odd strange look from other cyclists but you can console yourself with the fact you'll be able to stand up the next day whilst they'll require block and tackle to get out of bed.

And anyway, why the hell do women get comfier seats? It's ass discrimination I tells ya!
I disagree. The softest seat is definitely not the most comfortable. If you can't walk after riding a bike with a normal men's seat, then there's probably something wrong with your ass. If it's a big problem, you should probably buy a pair of bike shorts and just wear them underneath non-dorky pants or shorts. Bike seats are like mattresses, you don't necessarily want the softest. I would recommend something firm, but still comfortable. And as with most bike components, there's no real need to buy the most expensive one.
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post #13 of 13
5/27/05 at 11:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by raoul duke
I disagree. The softest seat is definitely not the most comfortable. If you can't walk after riding a bike with a normal men's seat, then there's probably something wrong with your ass.
I think it's more a question of what's above the ass - and in what quantity.
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