I need bike advice - cougarguard.com — unofficial BYU Cougars / LDS sports, football, basketball forum and message board

BlueHair · 03-14-2007, 01:32 AM

I'm looking to buy a road bike. I'm not a cyclist at all, but would like to start riding casually. There will be no races in my future, but I need a bike that will last and one that's strong enough for a guy my size. I weigh about 225 (I should weigh about 175). What are your recommendations as far as brand name and model? I plan on riding about 10 miles a day to start. Also, about how much is it going to cost me?

hyrum · 03-14-2007, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueHair

I'm looking to buy a road bike. I'm not a cyclist at all, but would like to start riding casually. There will be no races in my future, but I need a bike that will last and one that's strong enough for a guy my size. I weigh about 225 (I should weigh about 175). What are your recommendations as far as brand name and model? I plan on riding about 10 miles a day to start. Also, about how much is it going to cost me?

For the ultimate in comfort for fun rides, viva recumbency.
http://www.linearrecumbent.com/

Underseat steering is the best.

MikeWaters · 03-14-2007, 01:55 PM

You should be able to get an entry level road bike for $500-600 (Trek, Specialized, KHS). Frame may be steel, and that's fine.

If you look around for used, could get one for a bit cheaper. You have to make sure the bike is the right size for you however. A good bike shop should be able to help you with that.

Get good riding shorts (don't try to save money on this one).

BarbaraGordon · 03-14-2007, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

You have to make sure the bike is the right size for you however.

Righto. This is why we can't tell you what model to look for (some models will naturally fit you better than others). Size and fit are both important. Ask around to find a good bike shop near you. Take a friend who knows about bikes when you're ready to buy. They can translate bike-shop-ese for you.

Sent you a boardmail with a few other thoughts.

Archaea · 03-14-2007, 03:45 PM

You should identify the nearest competent bike shops to you. Determine which brands they offer and service.

Thereafter demo a few bikes and ask the bike guys what size would fit you. Take it out for a few rides, then order one custom-fitted for you.

Bikes are about several parts fitted together for you. At entry level, packages are better buys.

However, for comfort and fit, which ultimately transfer into enjoyability in riding, you need to be aware of frame materials, design and size, compentry (meaning gears, shifters and brakes), wheels (including rims, spokes, hubs and tires), forks (front and back), seat post and seat. The correct configuration of these aspects makes for a good combination.

Don't be so price sensitive. If you buy something nice, you'll appreciate it, even if you don't race. I know lots of century riders who have top notch bikes. The difference is between driving a Yugo versus anything up the ladder. You will notice a difference.

creekster · 03-14-2007, 11:24 PM

If you are near a REI store they are having a 20% sale until April 1. Some real nice deals on 2006 models. The one near us carriers cannondales, K2, Novara and a couple of other brands I can't remember. REI is too expensive, usually, but at 20% off it is tough to beat.

BlueHair · 03-15-2007, 01:01 AM

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to take my first shopping trip this weekend. I'm hoping to be riding within a couple of weeks depending on how soon I can find a bike I like. I'll be back to ask for tips on training!

03-14-2007, 01:32 AM	#1
BlueHair Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 1,148	I need bike advice I'm looking to buy a road bike. I'm not a cyclist at all, but would like to start riding casually. There will be no races in my future, but I need a bike that will last and one that's strong enough for a guy my size. I weigh about 225 (I should weigh about 175). What are your recommendations as far as brand name and model? I plan on riding about 10 miles a day to start. Also, about how much is it going to cost me?

03-14-2007, 03:45 PM	#5
Archaea Assistant to the Regional Manager Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The Orgasmatron Posts: 24,338	You should identify the nearest competent bike shops to you. Determine which brands they offer and service. Thereafter demo a few bikes and ask the bike guys what size would fit you. Take it out for a few rides, then order one custom-fitted for you. Bikes are about several parts fitted together for you. At entry level, packages are better buys. However, for comfort and fit, which ultimately transfer into enjoyability in riding, you need to be aware of frame materials, design and size, compentry (meaning gears, shifters and brakes), wheels (including rims, spokes, hubs and tires), forks (front and back), seat post and seat. The correct configuration of these aspects makes for a good combination. Don't be so price sensitive. If you buy something nice, you'll appreciate it, even if you don't race. I know lots of century riders who have top notch bikes. The difference is between driving a Yugo versus anything up the ladder. You will notice a difference. __________________ Ἓν οἶδα ὅτι οὐδὲν οἶδα

03-14-2007, 11:24 PM	#6
creekster Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: the far corner of my mind Posts: 8,711	If you are near a REI store they are having a 20% sale until April 1. Some real nice deals on 2006 models. The one near us carriers cannondales, K2, Novara and a couple of other brands I can't remember. REI is too expensive, usually, but at 20% off it is tough to beat. __________________ Sorry for th e tpyos.

03-14-2007, 01:55 PM	#3
MikeWaters Demiurge Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 36,365	You should be able to get an entry level road bike for $500-600 (Trek, Specialized, KHS). Frame may be steel, and that's fine. If you look around for used, could get one for a bit cheaper. You have to make sure the bike is the right size for you however. A good bike shop should be able to help you with that. Get good riding shorts (don't try to save money on this one).

03-15-2007, 01:01 AM	#7
BlueHair Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 1,148	Thanks for the tips. I'm going to take my first shopping trip this weekend. I'm hoping to be riding within a couple of weeks depending on how soon I can find a bike I like. I'll be back to ask for tips on training!