Bike selection

Dave

Hello, I am looking for advice on buying a bike and have
read some information on the web. However, like most things
in life, there are variables and differing opinions on the
subject. So, I wanted to post my questions, as I have a
habit of over-analzying things, and would appreciate your
input. I would like to hear your opinion(s) on the following
criteria...

- I would like a bike that would be comfortable for 10 mile
jaunts on relatively flat, northeast (US) pavement and be
durable enough for less-than-ideal road/weather conditions
and path/trail riding.

- Based on the style of bike that you would recommend, what
would be a good "starter" model?

Road bikes seem out of the question due to the durability
issue, but is there a real difference between hybrids and
mountain bikes for my described use (or associated premium
with one or the other)? If I find myself using it regularly,
I will invest in a custom bike, but for now I'd like to
investigate various models, brands, etc.

Thank you for your thoughts, Dave

Churchill

"Dave" <tom_sawyer70@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:37877516.0407111431.320a34eb@posting.google.com...
> Hello, I am looking for advice on buying a bike and have
> read some information on the web. However, like most
> things in life, there are variables and differing opinions
> on the subject. So, I wanted to post my questions, as I
> have a habit of over-analzying things, and would
> appreciate your input. I would like to hear your
> opinion(s) on the following criteria...
>
> - I would like a bike that would be comfortable for 10
> mile jaunts on relatively flat, northeast (US) pavement
> and be durable enough for less-than-ideal road/weather
> conditions and path/trail riding.
>
> - Based on the style of bike that you would recommend,
> what would be a good "starter" model?
>
> Road bikes seem out of the question due to the durability
> issue, but is there a real difference between hybrids and
> mountain bikes for my described use (or associated premium
> with one or the other)? If I find myself using it
> regularly, I will invest in a custom bike, but for now I'd
> like to investigate various models, brands, etc.
>
> Thank you for your thoughts, Dave

Price Point ??

Bob Anderson

On 11 Jul 2004 15:31:24 -0700, tom_sawyer70@yahoo.com (Dave) wrote:

>- I would like a bike that would be comfortable for 10 mile
> jaunts on relatively flat, northeast (US) pavement and be
> durable enough for less-than-ideal road/weather
> conditions and path/trail riding.

http://www.bianchiusa.com/milano.html

---
"BitwiseBob" - Bob Anderson Eugene Oregon

Dreaded

"Churchill" <yes@yes.com> wrote in message
news:ROjIc.1574$RD4.244114@news20.bellglobal.com...
>
> "Dave" <tom_sawyer70@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:37877516.0407111431.320a34eb@posting.google.com...
> > Hello, I am looking for advice on buying a bike and have
> > read some information on the web. However, like most
> > things in life, there are variables and differing
> > opinions on the subject. So, I wanted to post my
> > questions, as I have a habit of over-analzying things,
> > and would appreciate your input. I would like to hear
> > your opinion(s) on the following criteria...
> >
> > - I would like a bike that would be comfortable for 10
> > mile jaunts on relatively flat, northeast (US)
> > pavement and be durable enough for less-than-ideal
> > road/weather conditions and path/trail riding.
> >
> > - Based on the style of bike that you would recommend,
> > what would be a good "starter" model?
> >
> > Road bikes seem out of the question due to the
> > durability issue, but is there a real difference between
> > hybrids and mountain bikes for my described use (or
> > associated premium with one or the other)? If I find
> > myself using it regularly, I will invest in a custom
> > bike, but for now I'd like to investigate various
> > models, brands, etc.
> >
> > Thank you for your thoughts, Dave
>
> Price Point ??

How about cyclocross bikes?

Dean Slyter

"dreaded" <bla@blabla.bla> wrote in message
news:ccsu6q$cr3$1@gnus01.u.washington.edu...
>
> "Churchill" <yes@yes.com> wrote in message
> news:ROjIc.1574$RD4.244114@news20.bellglobal.com...
> >
> > "Dave" <tom_sawyer70@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > news:37877516.0407111431.320a34eb@posting.google.com...
> > > Hello, I am looking for advice on buying a bike and
> > > have read some information on the web. However, like
> > > most things in life, there are variables and differing
> > > opinions on the subject. So, I wanted to post my
> > > questions, as I have a habit of over-analzying things,
> > > and would appreciate your input. I would like to hear
> > > your opinion(s) on the following criteria...
> > >
> > > - I would like a bike that would be comfortable for 10
> > > mile jaunts on relatively flat, northeast (US)
> > > pavement and be durable enough for less-than-ideal
> > > road/weather conditions and path/trail riding.
> > >
> > > - Based on the style of bike that you would recommend,
> > > what would be a good "starter" model?
> > >
> > > Road bikes seem out of the question due to the
> > > durability issue, but is there a real difference
> > > between hybrids and mountain bikes for my described
> > > use (or associated premium with one or the other)? If
> > > I find myself using it regularly, I will invest in a
> > > custom bike, but for now I'd like to investigate
> > > various models, brands, etc.
> > >
> > > Thank you for your thoughts, Dave
> >
> > Price Point ??
>
> How about cyclocross bikes?
>
>
I'd go for a cyclocross bike. Unless you need a suspension,
it's the way to go. Even with the wide offroad tires I can
keep up with my friends on their quality road bikes. I have
a Fuji Cyclocross, but check out the other brands too.

Dean

Richard Stanz

tom_sawyer70@yahoo.com (Dave) wrote in message news:<37877516.0407111431.320a34eb@posting.google.com>...
> Hello, I am looking for advice on buying a bike and have
> read some information on the web. However, like most
> things in life, there are variables and differing opinions
> on the subject. So, I wanted to post my questions, as I
> have a habit of over-analzying things, and would
> appreciate your input. I would like to hear your
> opinion(s) on the following criteria...
>
> - I would like a bike that would be comfortable for 10
> mile jaunts on relatively flat, northeast (US) pavement
> and be durable enough for less-than-ideal road/weather
> conditions and path/trail riding.
>
> - Based on the style of bike that you would recommend,
> what would be a good "starter" model?
>
> Road bikes seem out of the question due to the durability
> issue, but is there a real difference between hybrids and
> mountain bikes for my described use (or associated premium
> with one or the other)? If I find myself using it
> regularly, I will invest in a custom bike, but for now I'd
> like to investigate various models, brands, etc.
>
> Thank you for your thoughts, Dave

It sounds like you're planning to ride mostly on the
pavement and maybe some trails now and then. For general
fitness and trips to the store, I would go with a hybrid,
like the Trek 7100 or the Giant Cypress. They'll be smoother
on the pavement than a mountain bike and will handle a hard-
packed trail just fine. But don't listen to me. Head down to
your local bike shop, grab one of each, take them for a spin
around the parking lot and see which one you like better.

Good luck, Richard Stanz

Amh

tom_sawyer70@yahoo.com (Dave) wrote in message news:<37877516.0407111431.320a34eb@posting.google.com>...
> Hello, I am looking for advice on buying a bike and have
> read some information on the web. However, like most
> things in life, there are variables and differing opinions
> on the subject. So, I wanted to post my questions, as I
> have a habit of over-analzying things, and would
> appreciate your input. I would like to hear your
> opinion(s) on the following criteria...
>
> - I would like a bike that would be comfortable for 10
> mile jaunts on relatively flat, northeast (US) pavement
> and be durable enough for less-than-ideal road/weather
> conditions and path/trail riding.

The more upright you are the more likely you are to be more
comfortable. Upright positions are more achievable with a
hybrid or mountain bike. I've seen bar ends mounted in such
ways that the rider is seated pretty vertical. Avoid really
wide saddles. They get you sweaty and itchy. Use a wide tire
that doesn't require a very high pressure. Softer tires make
for a smoother ride. However it does slow you down.

>
> - Based on the style of bike that you would recommend,
> what would be a good "starter" model?

Look around for what is available at a garage sale. If
you end up riding you can always upgrade. And if you
don't you haven't spent a lot of dollars. In the end it
is the components that make up the bulk of reliability.
The frame will be fine long after the derailer needs
service. Therefore go with a frame that you feel
comfortable on and that has good componants. Either
Shimano or Campy will do you good.

>
> Road bikes seem out of the question due to the durability
> issue, but is there a real difference between hybrids and
> mountain bikes for my described use (or associated premium
> with one or the other)?

All bikes manufactured these days are pretty reliable
(excepting k-mart specials and such). If your frame breaks
then it is a fault of the manufacturer. A typical road frame
will be able to take the abuse you'd likely give it on your
10 mile jaunts.

The largest real difference in your application is the wheel
size between a mountain bike and a hybrid. Mountain bikes
use smaller diameter wheels. While a hybrid will use a
larger diameter wheel. Mountain bikes will usually be sold
with knobby tires which slow you down on pavement. Hybrids
tend to be sold with a light tread or slick tire which roll
better on pavement. Don't get a bike with heavy duty shocks.
You won't need them on the road.

If I
> find myself using it regularly, I will invest in a custom
> bike, but for now I'd like to investigate various models,
> brands, etc.

Off the top of my head well known brands are Trek,
Cannondale, GT, Giant.

Enjoy the ride, Andy
>
> Thank you for your thoughts, Dave

Jd

Bob Anderson <GDeadBitwiseBob@aol.com> wrote in message news:<okr3f0dkn3386oaqnd6du7klj4q927dskg@4ax.com>...
> On 11 Jul 2004 15:31:24 -0700, tom_sawyer70@yahoo.com
> (Dave) wrote:
>
> >- I would like a bike that would be comfortable for 10
> > mile jaunts on relatively flat, northeast (US) pavement
> > and be durable enough for less-than-ideal road/weather
> > conditions and path/trail riding.
>
> http://www.bianchiusa.com/milano.html

Too expensive. This would work well for much less:
http://www.electrabike.com/04/bikes...ial/ess_12.html

JD

Just Zis Guy

On 12 Jul 2004 11:12:13 -0700, ishky@earthlink.net (amh) wrote in
message <2b961d1f.0407121012.4034ac97@posting.google.com>:

>The more upright you are the more likely you are to be more
>comfortable.

Man, that is the exact opposite of the truth! If you want
comfort you need to leave the uprights behind entirely!

Guy
--
May contain traces of irony. Contents liable to settle after
posting. http://www.chapmancentral.co.uk

88% of helmet statistics are made up, 65% of them at
Washington University

Raoul Duke

"Just zis Guy, you know?" <outlook.bugs@microsoft.com> wrote in message
newsvm5f01enmnnra01i6rg48oh7gnbeditlk@4ax.com...

> Man, that is the exact opposite of the truth! If you want
> comfort you need to leave the uprights behind entirely!

Couldn't agree more. I had no idea what was comfort was on a
bicycle until I got my road bike last Feb.

Dave

Sgt Pepper

Yes, cyclocros bike is good idea, and what about an titanium
frame http://www.morati.com/en/produkce_ramy_cr11.htm
becourse titanium frame is undestroyable... Sgt Pepper

"Dean Slyter" <skidean@comcast.net> pí¹e v diskusním
pøíspìvku news:9dnIc.58617$a24.15395@attbi_s03...
>
> "dreaded" <bla@blabla.bla> wrote in message
> news:ccsu6q$cr3$1@gnus01.u.washington.edu...
> >
> > "Churchill" <yes@yes.com> wrote in message
> > news:ROjIc.1574$RD4.244114@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > >
> > > "Dave" <tom_sawyer70@yahoo.com> wrote in message news-
> > > :37877516.0407111431.320a34eb@posting.google.com...
> > > > Hello, I am looking for advice on buying a bike and
> > > > have read some information on the web. However, like
> > > > most things in life, there are variables and
> > > > differing opinions on the subject. So, I wanted to
> > > > post my questions, as I have a habit of over-
> > > > analzying things, and would appreciate your input. I
> > > > would like to hear your opinion(s) on the following
> > > > criteria...
> > > >
> > > > - I would like a bike that would be comfortable for
> > > > 10 mile jaunts on relatively flat, northeast (US)
> > > > pavement and be durable enough for less-than-ideal
> > > > road/weather conditions and path/trail riding.
> > > >
> > > > - Based on the style of bike that you would
> > > > recommend, what would be a good "starter" model?
> > > >
> > > > Road bikes seem out of the question due to the
> > > > durability issue, but is there a real difference
> > > > between hybrids and mountain bikes for my described
> > > > use (or associated premium with one or the other)?
> > > > If I find myself using it regularly, I will invest
> > > > in a custom bike, but for now I'd like to
> > > > investigate various models, brands, etc.
> > > >
> > > > Thank you for your thoughts, Dave
> > >
> > > Price Point ??
> >
> > How about cyclocross bikes?
> >
> >
> I'd go for a cyclocross bike. Unless you need a
> suspension, it's the way to go. Even with the wide offroad
> tires I can keep up with my friends on their quality road
> bikes. I have a Fuji Cyclocross, but check out the other
> brands too.
>
> Dean

Bomba

Stephen Baker wrote:

> <snip question>
>
> Try the rigid Specialized HardRock. Great for the road
> (change out the tyres for HardRock'rs since they roll
> better and are actually better in the dirt than the crud
> they sell them with) and it is fine on the dirt.

Alas, the newer versions of the HardRock have gone a bit
'freeridey' and are now a bit on the porky side.

Supabonbon

dij@usafcct.com (JD) wrote in message news:<ebf270c9.0407120146.1320e3a1@posting.google.com>...
> Bob Anderson <GDeadBitwiseBob@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:<okr3f0dkn3386oaqnd6du7klj4q927dskg@4ax.com>...
> > On 11 Jul 2004 15:31:24 -0700, tom_sawyer70@yahoo.com
> > (Dave) wrote:
> >
> > >- I would like a bike that would be comfortable for 10
> > > mile jaunts on relatively flat, northeast (US)
> > > pavement and be durable enough for less-than-ideal
> > > road/weather conditions and path/trail riding.
> >
> > http://www.bianchiusa.com/milano.html
>
> Too expensive. This would work well for much less:
> http://www.electrabike.com/04/bikes...ial/ess_12.html
>
> JD

That wheelbase is way too short:
http://www.kustomkruiser.com/catalog/roadster.html /s

Dave

"Churchill" <yes@yes.com> wrote in message news:<ROjIc.1574$RD4.244114@news20.bellglobal.com>...
> "Dave" <tom_sawyer70@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:37877516.0407111431.320a34eb@posting.google.com...
> > Hello, I am looking for advice on buying a bike and have
> > read some information on the web. However, like most
> > things in life, there are variables and differing
> > opinions on the subject. So, I wanted to post my
> > questions, as I have a habit of over-analzying things,
> > and would appreciate your input. I would like to hear
> > your opinion(s) on the following criteria...
> >
> > - I would like a bike that would be comfortable for 10
> > mile jaunts on relatively flat, northeast (US)
> > pavement and be durable enough for less-than-ideal
> > road/weather conditions and path/trail riding.
> >
> > - Based on the style of bike that you would recommend,
> > what would be a good "starter" model?
> >
> > Road bikes seem out of the question due to the
> > durability issue, but is there a real difference between
> > hybrids and mountain bikes for my described use (or
> > associated premium with one or the other)? If I find
> > myself using it regularly, I will invest in a custom
> > bike, but for now I'd like to investigate various
> > models, brands, etc.
> >
> > Thank you for your thoughts, Dave
>
> Price Point ??

Churchill, I am hoping to receive responses that say
something along the lines of..."for your described activity,
you should get a mountain bike for these reasons...a, b, c,
and the models of these types of bikes that are considered
good quality for relatively low investment in this category
would be x, y, z." Or, "a mountain bike generally carries a
premium for your described activity and you should start
with a hybrid." Or, "you're being too particular and should
simply get the best-fit hybrid or MTB from the classifieds
and then when you decide to spend money, you'll know how you
use it and what you'd like to see in a better bike."
Obviously, staying away from the WalMart brands that will
break down and constantly need repair.

TIA.