you girls have done it now

all these photos of wonderful bikes. This weekend I decided I needed a new bike. I have a new folding bike, and two, um, walmart bikes gathering dust (neither one fits me). I haven't been riding long, but long enough to appreciate a bike that fits me. I love my folding bike- I ride it every day at work during my lunch break. But it's not so good for pulling the bike trailer, and I'd like to be able to keep up better on group rides. I know some of this is me, but it seems like I'm pedaling like crazy while others on the "tall bikes" are just cruising along.
Maybe I just want a new bike. Saturday I went to a bike shop in rolla (rte 66) and sat on a trek 7000 on a trainer. I felt like the top tube was tall, but once on it, it seemed to fit me really well. They have the women's version, but none that they had fet well, they felt too cramped. The Trek shop in St. Louis didn't have any of the 7000, but they had 7100 and the navigator. It doesn't have to be trek, but I probably do need a hybrid. I'll ride mostly on roads and maybe gravel shoulders, but might like to go on a packed dirt path too. No rockhopping, so may not need a mountain bike. Any suggestions? I'm pretty heavy right now (but losing!) and will ride this bike on weekends while I ride the folding bike during the week- so don't want to pay a lot- the price range of the low end treks is about right (300-400). I won't be putting tons of miles on it at first, I've been doing like ten miles a ride but would like to do more (right now the limiting factor is my son's patience). I would like to actually sit on the bike, so will check out another bike shop tomorrow and see what they have.
vickie

Hey, welcome! :)

I'm no expert, but a hybrid sounds like a good idea for you according to what you say you want to do right now. You are being smart by trying out different bikes in different bike shops. The more bikes you ride before you buy, the more you will know exactly what you need in a bike. Try to resist impulse buys unless you are like suddenly crazy in love with a particular bike. If you aren't quite sure,- keep test riding.

Good luck! Try to enjoy the search for a bike, meanwhile. :p

I always recommend the Kona Dew (aluminum) and the Kona Smoke (steel).

(I have had one of each)

$350-$400

As my LBS says, they are "bombproof" bikes.

www.konaworld.com
http://www.konaworld.com/08_dew.htm
http://www.konaworld.com/08_smoke29.htm

With the new, larger wheels available on the 2008 Smoke, I'd definitely be going for the Smoke. (steel, and it comes with fenders) My 2007 Smoke has 26 inch wheels, and I'm not complaining. But it is slower overall than my Kona Dew with the 700c wheels. (I rode the Dew in a triathlon, and was a studly babe for the biking leg. We won't talk about my performance in the swim and run legs... :eek: )

Hi Vickie,

Seems like you are looking for a couple of different things.

My LBS guy gave me great advice when I was in a similar (but utterly bikeless) position; that was that if I was going to be riding on dirt, to consider a MTB (which I could always put slick tires on) but which would give me a wider range of uses for the bike. It was great advice, IMO because I could ride a lot of dirt trails more easily that are not-so-fun on a hybrid. I started with a Kona Fire Mountain, which I *loved.* (She got stolen :() But it was a phenomenal bike.

Group rides, though, it sounds like you'll benefit from a road bike there. And yes, the bikes do play a big part in that. But those are more expensive, though you can get some good deals on used road bikes, there is lots of good advice to be had here on that...

That said, if you consider that that the jack of all trades is the master of none, by definition, Knotted's advice on the Kona Dew & Smoke is spot on, both are *great* bikes and an excellent value for the money.

Anne

well, I really liked the feel of the trek 7000, it was the men's version with a 17.5 (size of the frame?). But then, it's the only hybrid I've ever been on. I am enjoying the idea of a new bike, so will enjoy the shopping. I checked out the kona website and really like the look of the kona smoke, but when I searched for dealers it showed none in my area (st. louis). kind of hard to believe.
thanks for the encouragement and suggestions!
vickie

As far as Kona in St. Louis, Google says...

http://bigshark.com/index.cfm?display=homepage
http://pelotoncyclery.com

:)

Anne

thanks, I found another one that carries kona. It's supposed to rain this week, so instead of riding during my lunch break I might sneak away to check out some bikes.
anyone know anything about jamis bikes? I found a shop that carries them and some look interesting. I will check out mountain bikes too, prefer hardtail.
vickie

Vickie

DH has a 7000 and he really likes it.
I rode one too and liked it, but it was a "girls" and cramped for me too...and I wanted a step through.

I ended up with a Specialized Globe that I love love...but having a wandering eye I wish I'd tried the Kona Smoke....(less money than I ended up spending)

I don't think you can wrong with either...and you know what you love!

congrats on deciding to get a new bike...

elk

I stopped at a couple of bike shops on the way home today. It was raining, so no test rides, but I at least got to see and sit on a couple of bikes. Rightly or wrongly, it makes a big difference to me how I get treated at a bike shop. The first one, I checked out some of the Jamis (spelling?) bikes, just a couple (they didn't have many) The guy was friendly enough, but just not as helpful. The bikes seemed a little to upright, but could have been how they were set up. He seemed to discourage me from checking out the mountain bikes, and they didn't have too many.
Then I went to bigger shop, absolutely nobody was in either shop on a cold rainy day like today (it had been very nice when I got in my ride at lunchtime). The lady helping me was very informative and helpful, and pulled out whatever I wanted to look at. They had the Trek 7200 there, and I really liked it. They didn't have any trek 7000 but said they could order it. I just like the feel of them, and the looks. This shop gives you 10% off supplies and lifetime service (you pay for parts, not service) on their bikes. I liked the 7200 and the mountain bike, which was an unfortunate bright blue color.I guess the 7200 has upgraded components from the 7000, I just don't know if if I need the upgrades- with my weight right now it might be worth it.
I didn't even take my checkbook in with me, I know how I am. Tomorrow if it's raining I might go by the shop that has kona bikes.
vickie

http://cgi.ebay.com/trek-7300-multit...QQcmdZViewItem

Trek 7300 17.5" almost new...extras...just fyi
He put excellent lights on it, fenders, a cat eye computer....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fastdogs

thanks, I found another one that carries kona. It's supposed to rain this week, so instead of riding during my lunch break I might sneak away to check out some bikes.
anyone know anything about jamis bikes? I found a shop that carries them and some look interesting. I will check out mountain bikes too, prefer hardtail.
vickie

---

My first bike was a jamis tangier hybrid! It was great for me, but then again I grew out of it very quickly. In 9months I was ready for a Road bike.

I love that Tangier though and I still carry a torch for it even though it hasn't been ridden since Last year

I luv my trek hybrid :) I have my older Giant Nutra hybrid that will handle any terrain I want (packed gravelly stuff and roads), and it's a lot like the Trek hybrids.
However... I'd at least *try* the next bikes up. Friend of mine was looking at the 7100 and I talked her into trying I think the 7500 or maybe 7300 ... anyway, it was I think aluminum instead of steel and made a huge difference in how easy it was to shove along. (I have a 7500FX but that runs >600 ... but it's worth considering how important this relationship is and amortizing increased expense over time! I mean, what if next year you want to upgrade again?)

Today I tried a Giant Cypress and a Fuji crosstown 3.0. Unfortunately, they only had the women's style in my size, and I just feel too closed in on those. I liked the Giant better, but still not as well as I liked the Trek 7000. Of course, I only rode the trek on the trainer in the store. But it felt right- like when I get on my downtube bike, I just feel like riding. I'm not sure if what I like is just what I'm used to, though, I don't have enough experience to know. I felt like both the giant and the fuji were too upright. The shop gives you one year of free tune ups, and you can buy a lifetime program for $69.00.
None of the shops that carry trek have carried the 7000 up here, just the 7100 and up. I've been going round and round with this- I've looked at the comparison of the 7000, 7100, and 7200, but is the difference enough to warrant going up to a 7200 from a 7000?
I can get the 7000 from the bike shop about an hour away (rte 66 bikes), they've got it in stock, in my size. I need to find out what service they provide after the sale.
The place that has the 7200 in stock in my size, is the one that does a fitting before purchase, and provides free maintenance for lifetime after (you pay for parts, not labor), plus 10% off stuff in the store. I need to actually take the 7200 out and ride it though. If I get it, there won't be enough left to buy fenders and have them put on, so that will have to wait. I still need to ride the kona, and could check out the bikes at an REI in town.
The shop I went to today also carries recumbents and the rans crank forward bikes, but I resisted giving them a try.

you could always sell your walmart bikes on craig's list to pay for the upgrade and fenders....

e

Hi Vickie:
First of all you WERE pedaling and working twice as much! I think we discussed it a little bit. Loved your bike though! So pretty and handy.
2nd, Rte 66 Bikes, Dan gives you one tune-up within 30 days after the sale, although he is a little lenient with that. I came back late a couple of times. If you want to know more about him or the shop you can ask me or Pyannyplayer. We both know him and do business there. I like that I can email and say "Hey Dan, have you got such and such?, or I walk in and he calls me by name, and he's always willing to help.
Have you considered the Trek fx? It doesn't have the front suspension, and unless you are going out to Lions Club Park to ride, you really don't need it. It (the suspension) also makes you ride harder and slower. I have one, (7.2 fx) and I don't have school on Friday. I could bring it to Rolla on Friday if you are there and let you try it out. :D

Edit: I went to the Trek website and noticed that the new 7000 does not have suspension! the 7100 and above do. You need to decide if you want that or not. Like I said, suspension just adds weight and you don't need it for roads or even the Katy Trail!

craig's list is a good idea, I've already taken photos of them, just need to list them still.
Doesn't the FX have pretty slick tires? that and the higher price is the only thing that concerned me- I seem to really like the treks I've looked at. I had warned the guy at rte 66 that I might be back for that bike saturday.
Today I test ride some mountain bikes at the Jamis place.
vickie

No, the fx has the puncture resistant 700 X 35c. They have treads, but not huge like mountain bike tires. They are actually a perfect commuting tire.

I looked at the specs for the 7100, and the tires are the 700 X 35 also. Bontrager Select invert.

today I rode a Jamis Ranger 2.0 mountain bike, a Trek 3900 mountain bike, and the Trek 7200. I liked the mountain bikes ok, the Jamis would have to have an adjustable stem put on it, the handlebar position just wasnt comfortable for me, and it wasn't at all adjustable. I liked the trigger shifters. The 3900 mountain bike, despite it's too blue color, was very nice. But I think I smiled the whole time I was riding the Trek 7200. I don't know why, I'm not sure that the ride was that much better than the 3900 (I'm more familiar with mountain bike-type-bikes), but I really enjoyed it.
vickie

vickie

i think you already know what you want!!

yeah, I know- I really liked the 7000 which felt just like 7200 to me. I liked it from the beginning, but felt like I need to try as many different ones as possible so I could make sure. The differences from the 7000 seem to be:
suspension fork- not important to me- 7200 has it, 7000 doesn't

alloy front hub, shimano RM30 rear hub (7000 has alloy hubs)

Matrix 750 rims- 7000 has matrix 550 rims

8 speed- 7000 is 7 speed (my folding bike is 9 speed)

shimano alivio rear derailleur- (7000 has shimanoTX51)
shimano M191 48/38/28 w/chainguard- 7000 is suntour

cassette SRAM PG830 11-30, 8 speed (the 7000 has sunrace 13-34, 7 speed- which is better?)

tires are bontrager invert, puncture resistant, 700x35c; 60tpi (7000 has bontrager select invert, 700x35c;27tpi - what does all this mean?)

7200 has dual density platform pedals versus nylon platform for the 700- doesn't matter to me.

The 7000 is about $60 cheaper than the 7200. I liked both shops, the 7200 is from a shop that gives 10% items in store and lifetime maintenance. I saw a different salesperson today than I did when I went in bofore, and he was just as helpful as the first salesperson I saw.
So, I think I know what I want, like elk said, I'm just trying to figure out of the 7200 upgrades are worth the price over the 7000. I know the differences are upgrades, just not sure how much of an upgrade they are.
At least I won't be bugging you all with bike buying questions if I get one of these before the weekend (may still stop at another bike shop tomorrow to try out something different- the kona store I tried didn't have any smokes so I have to look at another one)
vickie
ok, enough already, just buy the bike. I told my husband about it tonight, he just shook his head. He doesn't approve, but he doesn't say anything.

Doesn't the 7000 have 21 speeds?

I'm sorry about your DH not approving...we'll back ya up...

I think so, if the front and rear are added up, but that was listed on the brochure for the rear derallieur only, I think. It doesn't mean very much to me, but I just want to be able to go up the many hills we have around here. I suspect there's not that much difference?
vickie

Fastdogs, you ride your bike a lot. You deserve this bike.

I would encourage you to get the bike you want and like best. $60 is NOT that much more money. In a couple of months most of us would not know the difference one way or another $$$-wise where $60 is concerned. However, if you settle for something just because it is $60 less, you may always wish you had gone ahead and put the little extra with it.

You may want the other one, but I say if you want the more expensive one, GO FOR IT!

$60 really isn't much bike-money in the long run.

Go for the bike you love!

Quote:

---

$60 really isn't much bike-money in the long run.

---

Typing the same thoughts at the same time.

ok, I went back to ghisallo's at lunchtime and bought my trek 7200. It was the one i'd test ridden, so was already adjusted for me. They took it to check it over and put on the water bottle cage and kickstand. That was all the shopping I did for it, for now- water bottle cage, kickstand, and a cable to lock it up (don't plan to be leaving it anywhere, but wanted to have one on it just in case).
The only bike rack I had is an old one stored in the barn for several years, and the guy came out and put it on my car for me- it was kind of scary because I worried that the straps were dry rotted. We couldn't get them as tight as I would like, but when we got done it seemed secure. I drove back to work inthe rain and parked it. But I couldn't stand the thought of it out there getting rained on, and even though we're in compound patrolled by security, I worried I'd go out and it would be gone. So I talked the admin into letting me pull into the enclosed loading dock so it stayed dry all afternoon.
When I got home I took it off and had to ride it. I've got a quarter mile walking trail around the perimeter of my property, so I rode. It's mostly flat, but has a short steep drop off what used to be a pond bank. It was great to be able to ride up that little steep hill. At the third lap (in the rain, tires getting dirty) I thought, "are these handlebars a little crooked?". The fourth lap, I'd just rolled down the steep drop and almost crashed when my handle bars turned but the wheel didn't. I had to walk it back to the house, the handlebars were too loose. I got an allen wrench and tightened them, but could still turn them. I had to get my husband to really crank the allen wrench to get them solid. Now, I'm a bit scared for that to happen out on the road, but I'll do a couple of laps tomorrow (dark now) and see if they stay tight. It's sitting inside, out of the rain. I got the new hitch mount bike rack I'd ordered, so if I have to take it back to the shop I can take my truck with a hitch rack and not have to use that old trunk mount bike rack again.
vickie

Congratulations! I'm glad you did it! You know we want pictures!

Oh ouch...I hope that didn't make you lose faith in your new ride!!!
You probably want to take it back to the shop and a) tell them what happened. b) have them make sure it's tight now.

And don't let it dampen your enthusiasm!!!
I'm happy for you that you got your bike!!

It's going back today- kinda scared to get it out on the road and have that happen- if I had not been going slow, on grass, I would have crashed. The handlebars started out fine, I did 3/4 of a mile with no problems, then they were very loose. I tried to tighten them down but my husband had to really crank the allen wrench to get them where they'd stay tight. But it was dark so I didn't ride any more after that, and now I'm a bit paranoid to get out on the road, with traffic, going downhill, and have the handlebars turn but not the wheel!!!
I hope they can take care of it, I'd like to ride this weekend- weather's supposed to be decent.
vickie

I'm sure they will get you fixed right up Vickie. Have a fun weekend on your new bike!

Glad you found one you liked! Get it back to the shop, should be a pretty quick fix. If I wasn't going to KC this weekend, I'd say let's meet up and ride! Can't wait to see it. Do I see a Katy trail ride in our future?

I'd love to try katy trail. There is a ride coming up nov 3 at clydesdale county park "hike it or bike it at clydesdale county park", distance "up to" 18 miles. I just saw it on the internet, no other details, I think part of the ride goes on Grant's trail.
hope they can fix it!
vickie

I'm sure they can fix it....and they'll be pretty red faced about it as well...
they could be liable for such things...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fastdogs

When I got home I took it off and had to ride it. I've got a quarter mile walking trail around the perimeter of my property, so I rode. It's mostly flat, but has a short steep drop off what used to be a pond bank. It was great to be able to ride up that little steep hill.

---

Oh Vickie, if the cyclocross girls read this, there gonna come looking for you!!! ;)

You're going to have so much fun on this bike, I can tell already. Congrats!!!

thanks everyone for all the support in my brief bike hunt. I am in love with this bike. I brought it to work (on my new hitch mount bike rack), with plastic bags over it because it was raining all day. At lunchtime I took it to the bike shop; before I took it in I rode in light rain for 20 minutes, but the handlebars did not budge, of course. I left it there for the afternoon to get checked out anyway. AFter work (I snuck out early because the rain had stopped ) I went to the bike shop and picked it up. The bike shop is out by chesterfield airport, and is very flat. There's lots of wide two lane roads and bike lanes, so I rode for 30 minutes. It was so much fun, that bike can really fly. I could have kept going, but had a little boy to pick up. I need to put my cycle computer on it. I don't have fenders, but didn't get splashed today much without them.
vickie

I'm so glad you are happy! Those hitch mounts are handy, aren't they? I use mine all the time. What color is it? Better yet, can you post a pic? Have a good time riding this weekend. It should be a beautiful ride with the leaves changing!

I'm hoping these attachments will come through- I don't know how to put photos in the posts (it asks for URL of the photos- they are in a folder on my computer, and I've never been able to figure that out).
One is a photo of my trek and the other of my pink bike.
vickie

That pink bike is cute, but I bet you pedal yourself to death on it. Your Trek is beautiful! You are going to love it. They got the handlebars all fixed?

Nice doggie guarding the new bike. :D

My DH has the same Trek bike (but 25") and he loves it....we went on a 15 mile ride today and he just spins happily along....