The doc said I had to lower my cholesterol so I'd like to start riding a bike. I went to the store yesterday and looked for a "cool" looking bike. It was a Huffy. I don't wanna ride around in something that I'm going to get laughed at on. Any suggestions on a good men's bike? Not mountain bike, just bike. Thanks.
I think I'd suggest a mountain bike....or at least a hybrid (kind of between a mountain bike and a road bike). Besides those three, I can't really think of anything else that might interest an old fart....except maybe a beach-cruiser type bike. The thing about road bikes (you probably remember them as "10-speeds" though most of them have at least 18 speeds these days) is that they're rough on the fanny. They have narrow hard tires and skinny seats that make for an uncomfortable ride. Hybrids are a bit better with fatter tires and more comfy seats. Mountain bikes have even fatter tires. All three of them are fine for riding on the road, but you don't want to take a road bike off-road. A cruiser has wide tires and a VERY comfy seat, and they generally have few (if any) speeds to contend with. You just have to decide how "cool" you'll look on one. http://circlecitybicycles.com/bcr-fuji.htm If you decide to go with a Mountain bike, I'd probably recommend a Trek....not too expensive, but not so crappy it will only last you the season (or less).
The question that you need to ask yourself is what kind of riding do you intend to do? If you just want to put around the neighborhood a hybrid bike will do, however, you won't get much exercise out of it. If you plan on riding on trails then get a mountain bike (I agree with the Trek suggestion). However, if you ever plan on riding something like the MS150 or doing long rides out on country roads then get a road bike. If you find a seat that's agreable to you then it won't hurt and you'll be able to go miles. Also, IMO, road riding (long distances at a fast pace) is the best way to get exercise. There are a ton of clubs you can join that do regular rides plus the fact that, if you get into it, there are a ton of tours you can take by bike. The most important thing to do is get a bike that fits and the only way you'll do that is if you go to a "real" bike store (not an Academy or Oshman's). Here are some links to good bicycle web sites for more info: Sheldon Brown's Web Site Chain Reaction Cycles Both sites are run by bike shops (out of town) but they have good basic (if opinionated) info in them. Good luck!
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Although A-Train's suggestion looked tempting, I'm going to check out a Trek. Hey Moe - shaddup.
In addition to Bike Barn, check out West U. Schwin on Rice @ Kirby (next door to BW-3). There's also a great bike shop on West Alabama b/t Buffalo Speedway & Weslayan, can't remember the name though.
There are a bunch of nice small bike shops around the Rice area. Watch out for the Bike Barn, they are high pressure sales (I went in for teflon chain lube- they tried to sell me a $1500 bike.) As for bikes I can't recommend TREK highly enough, I have an 8000 that has been pounded for years without any problems. I had a 7000 that I cracked full warranty no questions asked they even replaced the parts that didn't fit the new frame size. Stay away from Cannondale's and there infamous unishock. Specialized, Schwyn (there is a shop off of Kirby by BW3's I think). These are all Mtn. bikes there are lots of nice ones for under $1000 (spend at least $500). Componets are very important make sure to pay extra for quality, because they will fall apart faster than anything else. If your wavering between a road bike and a Mtn. bike get the Mtn. You can always put slick tires on if you ride around town alot.
I also agree with this philosophy. If you think you want to ride on the road but with a mountain bike-like setup don't buy a hybrid. Get a mountain bike and put slick tires on it . That way if you later decide to buy a road bike...well, you will also have a bona fide mountain bike which is nice. If you decide that you really like mountain biking then you <i>have</i> a mountain bike (as opposed to a hybrid).
Ebay! I've purchased 3 frames and various parts from ebay. Just get your sizing correct. There is plenty on the web to find out/measure your bike size. BTW, Treks are fine but I really, really like my Fuji. Fuji has all price ranges and styles. I'm stuck on Fuji. Good Luck!
How has your luck been with the Cannondale? I've watched three of my friends destroy their shocks, but they were a little older than the current design (They were headshocks not the single side fork)
Mine doesn't have shocks...I don't do any off road biking anymore...I just ride around my neighborhood.
I have a Gary Fisher too.....no problems w/ my model thus far, but you can basically get the same exact bike from Trek - maybe w/ less appealing cosmetics. Trek also owns Klein, which makes great road bikes. My neighbor has this Italian bike, Colnago.....damn that thing looks like a piece of jewelry when he brings it out
It's obvious to me now that there's more to bikes than I could ever imagine. I was expecting to pick up a ten-speed and be on my way. But after reading some of links and posts, I have a long way to go before choosing a bike. At this rate, I might just get a recumbent bike, and be done with it.
