Another Newbie

[seychelle]

Hi all !

Quick background: I'm an injured runner going nuts since I can't run and have decided to take up cycling. I have decided I want a hybrid bike. I am not interested in mountain biking and feel I need to have some time on a bike before graduating to a road bike.

I intend to mostly ride on bike paths and the roads around my neighborhood which are fairly rural. I'm guessing I'll ride 10-15 miles, 2-3 times per week to begin with. I've only tried 2 bikes, Trek 7000 ($280) and Trek 7.2 FX ($470), and I am eager to go purchase one of the 2 mostly because I want to ride now ! As you can see, I don't intend to spend alot of money on the bike as I want to see first if I like it and stick with it. If I do, then I can upgrade to something better.


Questions:

1. Would you advice I try more bikes before buying ? I haven't had a bike in years and I have nothing to compare the bikes to. They were both comfortable when riding around the parking lot at the lbs. I do realize that was a short spin and not hours on the bike. If you have any suggestion of other bikes to try, please let me know.

2. Are those 2 bikes considered good starter bikes ? quality: price ratio.

3. Do bike shops typically have after Thanksgiving sales ? in other words, should I wait until next Friday to purchase ? Chances are the bike I end up with may not be on sale, but maybe I can work out a deal in terms of accessories or something ?

Thanks for your input and I'm sure I'll have more questions later.

Seychelle

[pll]

I have been there, too. I started to ride to work due because it was less painful than walking (plantar fasciitis) and went with a cheap bike, with the additional consideration that I wanted to have peace of mind while I sat at work and the bike was locked outside the building.

If I was to buy a hybrid or similar for longer rides, I would take a good look at the Specialized "Sirrus" and the Fuji "Absolute" ones. And if you can find a 2005 Bianchi Alfana (no longer in the 2006 Bianchi line up), that is just a beauty. Anyway, all of these have nice components (definitely much nicer than the Trek 7000), and they are more like road bikes with a flat handle bar, skinnier tires.

I have never paid attention to prices after Thanksgiving, but the 2006 models should be on sale whenever the 2007 roll into the store and November is the month when they do.

Have your bike shop fit you to the bike. Make sure your wrists are in a neutral position when you are on the bike to avoid pain in your hands in longer rides: stems can be changed, handlebars shortened, etc. Also, you should also try bikes on a longer ride (20-30 minutes)...

Good luck in your bike shopping.

[CyclChyk]

Any bike you start out with will probably be just fine. At that price range they will be pretty comparable in components and performance. Trek has a great reputation and following. My DH has 2 (a mtn and a road) and loves both. I myself have a Bianchi. The brand name is purely personal preference.....

Above all else make sure your LBS fits you to the bike you end up buying. Read up on bike fitting on the web so you know you are getting the proper treatment. My first fit was no where near as in depth as my second fit and I could definately tell the difference. (My first bike was a Giant; it was a little oversized for me). And in the event you have any discomfort or pain from the fit, or even if anything feels a little "off", go back to your LBS for a consult or adjustment. These little details will make a huge difference in your sticking with cycling.....

Then of course, there will be the dreaded SADDLE issue........

[suzieqtwa]

I too am an injured runner. I destroyed my ankle this year training for the Marathon. I only biked when I was 10 or so ,and really had no interest in it ,but I needed to do something ,so my husband bought us both hybrids. I got a Gary Fisher,about $420.00. I didn't know how to ride it ,and I was so frustrated. I thought all my past running would help me ,but it didn't. It took me about 3 weeks of 10 minute-20 minute rides ,up hills to get hooked. I realized I could go pretty far ,and it was fun. I did a 46 mile ride in October. Someone stole my bike about a month ago ,and I started riding my husbands TREK 7.2 FX. I didn't realize how much better it was than mine...very smooth gear changes ,and just a real nice bike. Its a bit big for me ,but my new TREK 2.1 WSD is in lay away now . Anyway ,in answer to your question ,I'm quite pleased with the 7.2. I think its perfect for trails ,and roads. Good luck......... Start with a Hybrid,the TREK is a great bike. Oh, I think they have spring sales ,but not Thanksgiving sales.
Suzie

[KSH]

Well, I don't really have any opinions on hybrid bikes. I started on a road bike and recently purchased a tri bike.

I am not sure about hybrids... but I always WISH someone had told me about the quality of the gearing on the bike I was buying.

If you can get Shimano 105's... try to. Gears that shift easily will make your life easier and your bike more enjoyable to ride.

Good luck and welcome to the world of cycling!

[KnottedYet]

I have a Kona Dew for my hybrid commuter, and I'm pretty darn happy with it. It's aluminum (ouch!) so I don't have to worry about it rusting here in the Seattle rain.

An added benefit is that it has a slanting top tube, so shorter folks (like my kid or short visitors) can lower the seat waaaaay down and go for a ride with me.

The geometry of the Dew is good for me. Kind of a cyclocross geometry. I found the Trek hybrid geometry to be awkward, but I loved my Trek 570 "Fast Track".

I would definitely try a couple different brands in your price range. They will feel different, and when you find a geometry that suits your riding style and body mechanics it will feel really amazing, like "HEY! THIS IS MY BIKE!!!"

[Trek420]

KnottedYet "I would definitely try a couple different brands in your price range. They will feel different, and when you find a geometry that suits your riding style and body mechanics it will feel really amazing, like "HEY! THIS IS MY BIKE!!!""

yes, it's kinda like dating in that way

Also there is no particular "season" on bikes, the deals are on service and sometimes equipment. Often when buying bikes shops will give you $___ amount off on stuff and service.

But I always say you are shopping for two things:

the frame, because you are stuck with that. When trying bikes if you get a chance to try the next model up...go for it. That will give you an idea of what you could do later on with upgrades such as better wheels etc. (good threads here somewhere about upgrading entry level bikes)

the shop, I loooove my shop and my mechanics. Good service will save you time and money. So if one shop just "feels" better...go there.

[seychelle]

Thanks for the replies everyone !

Also, you should also try bikes on a longer ride (20-30 minutes)...

pll, do they rent them out at the bike shop ? I doubt they would let me use it on loan, right ?

I'm sorry about your PF. Has it resolved ?

Above all else make sure your LBS fits you to the bike you end up buying. Read up on bike fitting on the web so you know you are getting the proper treatment. My first fit was no where near as in depth as my second fit and I could definately tell the difference. (My first bike was a Giant; it was a little oversized for me). And in the event you have any discomfort or pain from the fit, or even if anything feels a little "off", go back to your LBS for a consult or adjustment. These little details will make a huge difference in your sticking with cycling.....

Then of course, there will be the dreaded SADDLE issue........

I've been reading, but I'm still relatively clueless ! As far as the saddle issue, you mean to tell me that my natural padding will not help here either ?!

I too am an injured runner. I destroyed my ankle this year training for the Marathon. Someone stole my bike about a month ago ,and I started riding my husbands TREK 7.2 FX. I didn't realize how much better it was than mine...very smooth gear changes ,and just a real nice bike. Its a bit big for me ,but my new TREK 2.1 WSD is in lay away now . Anyway ,in answer to your question ,I'm quite pleased with the 7.2. I think its perfect for trails ,and roads.

I'm so sorry Suzie ! will you be able to run again (or do you have any desire to) ? I am 5'2". When I tried the 7.2 FX it seemed fine, but I don't know what to compare it to so any bike feels fine for a ride around the parking lot.

Well, I am not sure about hybrids... but I always WISH someone had told me about the quality of the gearing on the bike I was buying.
If you can get Shimano 105's... try to. Gears that shift easily will make your life easier and your bike more enjoyable to ride.

Good luck and welcome to the world of cycling!

Thanks for the tip and the welcome !

I have a Kona Dew for my hybrid commuter, and I'm pretty darn happy with it. It's aluminum (ouch!) so I don't have to worry about it rusting here in the Seattle rain.

I would definitely try a couple different brands in your price range. They will feel different, and when you find a geometry that suits your riding style and body mechanics it will feel really amazing, like "HEY! THIS IS MY BIKE!!!"

I'll keep that in mind. I'm in Florida so rain and humidity are a constant here too. I'll have to see if any of the LBS carry it.

The geometry/bdoy mechanics makes total sense when I equate it to the right running shoe. Definitely something to keep in mind.

But I always say you are shopping for two things:

the frame, because you are stuck with that. When trying bikes if you get a chance to try the next model up...go for it. That will give you an idea of what you could do later on with upgrades such as better wheels etc. (good threads here somewhere about upgrading entry level bikes)

the shop, I loooove my shop and my mechanics. Good service will save you time and money. So if one shop just "feels" better...go there.

Thanks. I do have a preference for bike shops already believe it or not and I happen to like the one closer to my house (smaller shop) better than the big bicycle shop in town. Maybe it was because one of the owners is a female and she was very helpful when I went in.

What are the essentials that I must look for in a bike frame ? material it's made from, weight ... ?

Thanks again everyone. I appreciate yout help !

[wannaduacentury]

Hi all !

Quick background: I'm an injured runner going nuts since I can't run and have decided to take up cycling. I have decided I want a hybrid bike. I am not interested in mountain biking and feel I need to have some time on a bike before graduating to a road bike.

I intend to mostly ride on bike paths and the roads around my neighborhood which are fairly rural. I'm guessing I'll ride 10-15 miles, 2-3 times per week to begin with. I've only tried 2 bikes, Trek 7000 ($280) and Trek 7.2 FX ($470), and I am eager to go purchase one of the 2 mostly because I want to ride now ! As you can see, I don't intend to spend alot of money on the bike as I want to see first if I like it and stick with it. If I do, then I can upgrade to something better.


Questions:

1. Would you advice I try more bikes before buying ? I haven't had a bike in years and I have nothing to compare the bikes to. They were both comfortable when riding around the parking lot at the lbs. I do realize that was a short spin and not hours on the bike. If you have any suggestion of other bikes to try, please let me know.

2. Are those 2 bikes considered good starter bikes ? quality: price ratio.

3. Do bike shops typically have after Thanksgiving sales ? in other words, should I wait until next Friday to purchase ? Chances are the bike I end up with may not be on sale, but maybe I can work out a deal in terms of accessories or something ?

Thanks for your input and I'm sure I'll have more questions later.

Seychelle

Hi and Welcome, I have a Trek 7100 hybrid. I like it b/c it has a suspension fork and seat post, great for bumps. The others are nice too. Ride all of them and pick what you like best. I bought a road bike in sept so now I have bikes for paths and road riding. Jennifer

[suzieqtwa]

I don't really know what a good bike fit feels like either. I'm a skinny 5/9 ,so I fit on almost any bike. Its not the bike so much that concerns me ,its the saddle. Both hybrids make my crotch sore after 15 miles or so. I don't know whether its the Nike shorts I bought on "sale" , the hybrid saddle ,or just the fact I was never fitted for it. I'm learning as I go along ,and on my new road bike ,I hope to be fitted properly ,and have a better saddle. I think you will just learn as you go along...but the TREK is a good bike. These ladies have a ton of good information.
I'm trying to run again ,but I feel the injury deep in my ankle. Yes, I miss it.
Suzie

[pll]

pll, do they rent them out at the bike shop ? I doubt they would let me use it on loan, right ?

I'm sorry about your PF. Has it resolved ?

Hi seychelle,

The PF did resolve after about 18 months... this was in 2002, 2003.
Long test rides: The bike shops I have visited allow you to do this for free leaving your ID at their counter. I suppose some may want to put a hold on a credit card, but I have never encountered this. Once they have your ID, they can point you to a suitable route where you can ride and test how the bike feels and handles: turns, accelerating, stopping, bumps, standing, etc. Some stuff becomes obvious only in longer rides.

Saddles: There could be books about this issue and the issue of bike shorts. The best saddle is the one that makes you comfortable (many people hate the saddles I use, but they work for me). The stock saddles that come with most bikes are not too comfortable, some are men specific designs. So, once you find a bike you like, have a women specific saddle put on and test ride it again. Keep in mind that if you are not used to riding, the first few significant rides (1 hour or more) you are going to be feel sore.

Materials: I don't believe you will get a great range of choices in the $500 neighborhood, either aluminum or steel. If you move up market, then you start seeing some carbon. For example, the Specialized Sirrus Sport has carbon in the seat stays and the fork, with their "zerts" inserts which are supposed to dampen vibration even further. Anyway, I have an aluminum road bike that was $550 and the vibration from the road kills my hands on long rides (more than 5 hours, as when I did a 100 mile ride). Steel vibrates less (aluminum would be stiffer), but can rust. Carbon can shatter when hit, titanium is very expensive.

I would stay away from suspension forks -- they add weight and they noticeably slow you down on the road... but your can test ride this hypothesis!

Isn't it fun to shop for a bike?

[seychelle]

Isn't it fun to shop for a bike?

No, that's way more technical than I want to get ! You want to do it for me ? do they have personal bike shoppers ? maybe I can hire one

I prefer the much simpler, buy a pair of running shoes and head out the door sport, but I have no choice. I went to the orthopedic surgeon yesterday and while he said I do not need surgery, I'm off of running for 6 months. So ... I guess I'll have to suck it up and get technical as sitting around like a lump is not my style Thanks for your info. It's very helpful.

I know I can read on line, but I do better with a book in front of me. Is there a good, basic beginner's book I can get that talks about what essentials to look for in a starter bike, how to train, etc ?

Are you able to run again ? 18 months is a loooong time !

[seychelle]

I'm trying to run again ,but I feel the injury deep in my ankle. Yes, I miss it.
Suzie

I'm so sorry, I literally feel your pain. I'm sure you know this, but be careful. I'm just saying it because you and I both know how runners are I'm sure you've ran through pain (as have I) before. You don't want to do unrepairable damage. How long ago was your injury ? was it a stress fx ?

[aicabsolut]

I'm an injured runner too..well my injuries started in high school, and then I put all my energy into being an equestrain instead of doing a million sports, but in college and grad school cutting back on the riding meant more running and other high-impact activities. My ankle is pretty trashed (OCD of the talar dome), and I can only manage the discomfort by avoiding running, kickboxing, and all the stuff I used to like to do.

Because I move a lot, I tried spinning for a long time (over a year) and then took the plunge and bought a road bike. But your approach for where you live will probably be just as good. I think a hybrid would be too slow and heavy for my taste, but anything you think you'll enjoy without breaking the bank to start with is great.

I don't know of any post-Thanksgiving bike sales, but look for 06 models that are hanging around the shop.

You can generally go out for longer rides, especially if the shop isn't too busy, but you might have to leave an ID and credit card with them. Try finding some speed bumps, roots, and any rough terrain that you can to see how comfortable it will be on the trails versus on the roads.

Cycling is addictive. I'm thinking of racing in the spring. Sometimes it'd be nice to run when I want to do certain other activities like play ultimate frisbee or soccer, but overall, I don't miss it. My tibia and ankles are so much happier since I gave it up. Now I just need to get another horse....

[Trek420]

seychelle "What are the essentials that I must look for in a bike frame ? material it's made from, weight ... ?"

fit, fit, fit....and did I mention....fit? Oh, and it also has to fit you

In your price range don't worry about weight. Remember only about 1/5th of the weight of the bike is the frame anyway.

Buy the bike that fits you best.

Over time you might upgrade it (lighter wheels is the most effective money you can throw away at a bike). Many here find your first bike ends up being the winter trainer/commute'mobile and you might buy a lighter bike for longer rides.

All things being equal if choosing between a couple bikes and they both fit and are about the same price...look for the best groupo, that's quality components like Sram or Shimano for example.

Over the years and many happy safe miles you'll be replacing the power train (deralieurs, brakes, crankset, chan) anyway. At that time you may go for the next model or two up and voila! Lighter bike.

You're "stuck" with the frame, it must fit you. The most expensive bike you could buy is the $___.__ bike that sits in the garage because it hurts to ride.