Help on choosing new bike

Shark

There are so many different bicycle options these days that I'm
completely lost.

But before I decide on specific models I need to figure out what type
of bike I need. I've cycled when I was in my youth on a road bike
(mostly on dirt trails!) and recently with a Full MTB (mostly on
asphalt!!). I know, I made poor choices but I misjudged what kind of
riding I was going to do. This time around I know exactly how I'm
going to use it so hopefully I'll be better equiped.

I ride mostly to keep fit and because I enjoy it a lot. And by keeping
fit it doesn't have anything to do with loosing weight, just a good
heart rate. I train daily on city trails (flat asphalt) and there is a
weekend mountain climb (asphalt) that I really like. It's about 3km
long with an average climb rate of 8%. I'm addicted to mountain climbs
and wish I could do it more often. There are some monthly group day
trips I participate which can stretch to 100Km but always on asphalt
and relaxed pace.

With all that in mind I was considering a hardtail MTB but I don't
know if I really need the front suspension (and additional weight).
What kind of configuration do you guys think is best suited for me? I
hear a lot of talk about "frame geometry", how important is that for
me and how do I make the right choice? If you can suggest some models
that would be sweet. Money is not an issue but I'm no pro so high-end
models are out.

tks!

landotter

On May 25, 10:30 am, Shark <alie...@br.inter.net> wrote:

>
> With all that in mind I was considering a hardtail MTB but I don't
> know if I really need the front suspension (and additional weight).
> What kind of configuration do you guys think is best suited for me?

An all purpose road bike with drop bars at saddle height and tires
around 30mm is comfy all day, fast, and can go anywhere from asphalt
to the occasional dirt road. Such bikes come under the stealth names
such as "cyclocross" bikes which sometimes just need some pavement
specific tires, or "touring" bikes. This is the kind of bike that
people rode for years and years until the industry decided otherwise.
However--if you really don't get along with drop bars--a fully rigid
"hybrid" bike is a good option, and there are plenty that are very
decent quality and quite affordable. You don't need a suspension on
the road, you don't need knobby tires, and you don't need overly
skinny tires. The only scenario where a hardtail mtb might be a good
option, and that's if it's retrofitted with street tires, is if you're
a heavier person, as they're quite sturdy, otherwise, steer clear.

D_Frumious_B@ndersnat.ch

Shark <alien51@br.inter.net> wrote:
> There are so many different bicycle options these days that I'm
> completely lost.

> But before I decide on specific models I need to figure out what type
> of bike I need. I've cycled when I was in my youth on a road bike
> (mostly on dirt trails!) and recently with a Full MTB (mostly on
> asphalt!!). I know, I made poor choices but I misjudged what kind of
> riding I was going to do. This time around I know exactly how I'm
> going to use it so hopefully I'll be better equiped.

> I ride mostly to keep fit and because I enjoy it a lot. And by keeping
> fit it doesn't have anything to do with loosing weight, just a good
> heart rate. I train daily on city trails (flat asphalt) and there is a
> weekend mountain climb (asphalt) that I really like. It's about 3km
> long with an average climb rate of 8%. I'm addicted to mountain climbs
> and wish I could do it more often. There are some monthly group day
> trips I participate which can stretch to 100Km but always on asphalt
> and relaxed pace.

> With all that in mind I was considering a hardtail MTB but I don't
> know if I really need the front suspension (and additional weight).
> What kind of configuration do you guys think is best suited for me? I
> hear a lot of talk about "frame geometry", how important is that for
> me and how do I make the right choice? If you can suggest some models
> that would be sweet. Money is not an issue but I'm no pro so high-end
> models are out.

Sounds to me like maybe you need TWO bikes, one for on the road and one
for off.


Bill

__o |Weaning our nation from fossil fuels should be understood as
_`\(,_ |the most patriotic policy to which we can commit ourselves.
(_)/ (_) | -Robert Redford

PK

<D_Frumious_B@ndersnat.ch> wrote in message
news:g1c3qm$n3k$1@news.xmission.com...
> Shark <alien51@br.inter.net> wrote:> Sounds to me like maybe you need TWO
> bikes, one for on the road and one
> for off.

Sounds to me like he need a Specialized Tricross sport

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32209

I used to have only a hard tail mtb (Marin nail trail) but realized that as
95% of my riding was on road, forest trail or river towpath that was not the
best option.

I opted for the Tricross that covers everything from road to trail/towpath
and now use the mtb only for rough off road or mud

pk

emanon

"Shark" <alien51@br.inter.net> wrote in message
news:3300ca64-377a-4b1d-b0fc-bd9fabb82ccb@m44g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
> There are so many different bicycle options these days that I'm
> completely lost.
>
> But before I decide on specific models I need to figure out what type
> of bike I need. I've cycled when I was in my youth on a road bike
> (mostly on dirt trails!) and recently with a Full MTB (mostly on
> asphalt!!). I know, I made poor choices but I misjudged what kind of
> riding I was going to do. This time around I know exactly how I'm
> going to use it so hopefully I'll be better equiped.
>
> I ride mostly to keep fit and because I enjoy it a lot. And by keeping
> fit it doesn't have anything to do with loosing weight, just a good
> heart rate. I train daily on city trails (flat asphalt) and there is a
> weekend mountain climb (asphalt) that I really like. It's about 3km
> long with an average climb rate of 8%. I'm addicted to mountain climbs
> and wish I could do it more often. There are some monthly group day
> trips I participate which can stretch to 100Km but always on asphalt
> and relaxed pace.
>
> With all that in mind I was considering a hardtail MTB but I don't
> know if I really need the front suspension (and additional weight).
> What kind of configuration do you guys think is best suited for me? I
> hear a lot of talk about "frame geometry", how important is that for
> me and how do I make the right choice? If you can suggest some models
> that would be sweet. Money is not an issue but I'm no pro so high-end
> models are out.
>
> tks!

Landotter is heading in the same direction I would given your riding
preference. Rather than, as someone else suggested, getting two bikes, get
two sets of tires: one more roadable and the other with a deeper tread for
off road.

Cyclocross is a good way to go. Another option, one that I recently went
with, is a 29er. These are more mountain bike oriented frames than a
cyclocross, hence a more upright position, than cyclocross. The rim is a
700c, but the tires have a very high sidewall, thus the 29 inch wheel size.
I can't speak for all the rims on all inchers, but wine will also
accommodate 35mm width on a standard 700c. I've not gone that skinny, but I
do have two sets of tires: one really aggressive off road and one about a ¼
inch narrower with a raised center for more road / hard pack /
rails-to-trails type riding. They fly on the pavement!

Just the forks have suspension and this is the first bike I've owned with
any suspension. I am now spoiled. Unless it is a pure road trip, and even
then it had better be very well maintained pavement, I love the way the
front shock makes the ride much more enjoyable. YMMV

Whatever you pick, get a good bike and enjoy the ride!

bigjimpack@gmail.com

cyclocross bikes are the best for all around. 29'ers are just hype
trying to get p;eople to buy a new bike.

On May 25, 4:44*pm, "emanon" <ema...@erehwon.com> wrote:
> "Shark" <alie...@br.inter.net> wrote in message
>
> news:3300ca64-377a-4b1d-b0fc-bd9fabb82ccb@m44g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
>
>
> > There are so many different bicycle options these days that I'm
> > completely lost.
>
> > But before I decide on specific models I need to figure out what type
> > of bike I need. I've cycled when I was in my youth on a road bike
> > (mostly on dirt trails!) and recently with a Full MTB (mostly on
> > asphalt!!). I know, I made poor choices but I misjudged what kind of
> > riding I was going to do. This time around I know exactly how I'm
> > going to use it so hopefully I'll be better equiped.
>
> > I ride mostly to keep fit and because I enjoy it a lot. And by keeping
> > fit it doesn't have anything to do with loosing weight, just a good
> > heart rate. I train daily on city trails (flat asphalt) and there is a
> > weekend mountain climb (asphalt) that I really like. It's about 3km
> > long with an average climb rate of 8%. I'm addicted to mountain climbs
> > and wish I could do it more often. There are some monthly group day
> > trips I participate which can stretch to 100Km but always on asphalt
> > and relaxed pace.
>
> > With all that in mind I was considering a hardtail MTB but I don't
> > know if I really need the front suspension (and additional weight).
> > What kind of configuration do you guys think is best suited for me? I
> > hear a lot of talk about "frame geometry", how important is that for
> > me and how do I make the right choice? If you can suggest some models
> > that would be sweet. Money is not an issue but I'm no pro so high-end
> > models are out.
>
> > tks!
>
> Landotter is heading in the same direction I would given your riding
> preference. Rather than, as someone else suggested, getting two bikes, get
> two sets of tires: one more roadable and the other with a deeper tread for
> off road.
>
> Cyclocross is a good way to go. Another option, one that I recently went
> with, is a 29er. These are more mountain bike oriented frames than a
> cyclocross, hence a more upright position, than cyclocross. The rim is a
> 700c, but the tires have a very high sidewall, thus the 29 inch wheel size..
> I can't speak for all the rims on all inchers, but wine will also
> accommodate 35mm width on a standard 700c. I've not gone that skinny, but I
> do have two sets of tires: one really aggressive off road and one about a ¼
> inch narrower with a raised center for more road / hard pack /
> rails-to-trails type riding. They fly on the pavement!
>
> Just the forks have suspension and this is the first bike I've owned with
> any suspension. I am now spoiled. Unless it is a pure road trip, and even
> then it had better be very well maintained pavement, I love the way the
> front shock makes the ride much more enjoyable. YMMV
>
> Whatever you pick, get a good bike and enjoy the ride!- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

landotter

On May 25, 9:51 pm, bigjimp...@gmail.com wrote:
> cyclocross bikes are the best for all around.

Not at all--they are designed for cross. Touring bikes are the best
bikes for all round. Cross bikes with racks and panniers and size 44s
can mean heel strike, and even fender flap/toe interference. They get
pushed out the door--especially at my local LBS, as they're "edgier"
than touring bikes--but sold to folks for the same uses. Shame that to
get them out the door with all that "edge", they're getting a steeper
geometry and short stays--while fine for unloaded riding, and indeed
great for cross, they're really not going to be all that fun for
loaded touring, despite the fact that you can mount up racks.
Certainly, cross bikes are a better option, especially mounted up with
some nice 28-35mm skinwall nominal slicks compared to the race bikes
people are using for crouching over simply to get exercise. FWIW, my
LBS has never had a normal touring bike on the sales floor.

Will

On May 25, 10:30 am, Shark <alie...@br.inter.net> wrote:

> I ride mostly to keep fit and because I enjoy it a lot. And by keeping
> fit it doesn't have anything to do with loosing weight...

Sound to me like a bike that can ride the path and perhaps do useful
errands might be nice. That's not an easy bike to buy... the bike
shops don't sell good riding bikes that can also haul stuff. (they
tend to sell bikes with carbon accessories and disk brakes and 32
gears) But hauling groceries, or doing weekend chores, is a great way
to make your bicycling habit more than just exercise. You can get
great benefit by simply riding to and from the grocery store several
times a week. (and still do the daily path stuff) I'm not suggesting a
cargo/work bike. I'm thinking of a 22-25 pound machine that will go
fast, go far, ride a lot of surfaces... and carry stuff. Rivendell's
Atlantis is an example (but expensive). You might go over to
kogswell.com and look at the pictures. He's got a really good concept.
It's better than your typical touring rig, since the handling is
livelier.

In any case... the best way to get a good bike (not necessarily a big $
$$ bike) is to select a frame and have your local mechanic build it
up. That way you get the right wheels (very important) and right
gearing for your geography and fitness level. A used high-end road
frame (from the days of lugged, butted steel) is often the best
solution...

landotter

On May 26, 10:08*am, Will <waller.will...@gmail.com> wrote:

> In any case... the best way to get a good bike (not necessarily a big $
> $$ bike) is to select a frame and have your local mechanic build it
> up. That way you get the right wheels (very important) and right
> gearing for your geography and fitness level.

It's extremely rare for this to be economically smart. For example,
try building out a Surly LHT frame specced the same as their complete
bike for $600 on top of the frame. Can't be done. Usually smarter to
buy a complete bike and sub parts as necessary. Machine built wheels
are easily tuned.

Will

On May 26, 10:25 am, landotter <landot...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> It's extremely rare for this to be economically smart.

A question... do you have a stand and tools? And if so, why?

If not, your money argument makes perfect sense and I agree with it.

Ryan Cousineau

In article
<709804b2-af80-4604-ab05-3a632dc99772@d45g2000hsc.googlegroups.com>,
landotter <landotter@gmail.com> wrote:

> On May 25, 10:30 am, Shark <alie...@br.inter.net> wrote:
>
> >
> > With all that in mind I was considering a hardtail MTB but I don't
> > know if I really need the front suspension (and additional weight).
> > What kind of configuration do you guys think is best suited for me?
>
> An all purpose road bike with drop bars at saddle height and tires
> around 30mm is comfy all day, fast, and can go anywhere from asphalt
> to the occasional dirt road. Such bikes come under the stealth names
> such as "cyclocross" bikes which sometimes just need some pavement
> specific tires, or "touring" bikes. This is the kind of bike that
> people rode for years and years until the industry decided otherwise.

The industry didn't decide otherwise. Somewhere in the early 1980s the
modern mountain bike was commercialized, and basically became the
cycling industry for about 15 years. There were several motivations for
buying these bikes, all pretty defensible.

Even today, department-store bikes almost all look like bad copies of
last year's MTBs. The psychic dominance of the road bike has not yet
been re-established.

--
Ryan Cousineau rcousine@gmail.com http://www.wiredcola.com/
"In other newsgroups, they killfile trolls."
"In rec.bicycles.racing, we coach them."

Pat

>>
>> It's extremely rare for this to be economically smart.
>
> A question... do you have a stand and tools? And if so, why?
>
> If not, your money argument makes perfect sense and I agree with it.

No, it means that you are buying retail and putting something together
retail. The factory is buying wholesale and putting together for selling
retail. From the get go, you are an economic step in the hole. It all
depends upon how much you want it "your way." For example, I buy parts and
make my own computers from the box up. Economically sound? Nope, but I get
it done my way....

Pat in TX

landotter

On May 26, 8:37*pm, "Pat" <in...@tmail.com> wrote:
> >> It's extremely rare for this to be economically smart.
>
> > A question... do you have a stand and tools? And if so, why?
>
> > If not, your money argument makes perfect sense and I agree with it.
>
> No, it means that you are buying retail and putting something together
> retail. The factory is buying wholesale and putting together for selling
> retail. From the get go, you are an economic step in the hole. It all
> depends upon how much you want it "your way." *For example, I buy parts and
> make my own computers from the box up. Economically sound? Nope, but I get
> it done my way....

Makes no sense either. You can purchase a great computer that might be
lacking in one area--let's say you want a more powerful graphics chip,
or better all in one card reader, well, just upgrade that bit instead
of building a box from scratch.

For example. I don't like the tire and bar spec on the Surly complete
LHT. I could build my own to the same spec for $1500 or so OR I could
purchase the complete bike and swap out the parts I don't like and
spend $1100. Four hundred bucks saved, plus I don't have to lace
wheels.

There is a time and a place for totally custom--but for most of us,
it's smarter to take advantage of the bulk buying power of OEM even if
we have to swap a couple bits. What are you guys in it for, bragging
rights that you got name brand headset spacers?

Pat

>
> No, it means that you are buying retail and putting something together
> retail. The factory is buying wholesale and putting together for selling
> retail. From the get go, you are an economic step in the hole. It all
> depends upon how much you want it "your way." For example, I buy parts and
> make my own computers from the box up. Economically sound? Nope, but I get
> it done my way....

Makes no sense either. You can purchase a great computer that might be
lacking in one area--let's say you want a more powerful graphics chip,
or better all in one card reader, well, just upgrade that bit instead
of building a box from scratch.


The reason I build a new computer is due to the need for a new motherboard
and chip, not something peripheral as a graphics card.


Pat in TX