Any suggestions???

[AJH]

Thanks. I haven't seen a lot of these near me and wonder how much distributors/availability depends on geography...and how out of my way I should go. I was also told it's pretty important to have a relationship with a bike dealer in your neighborhood.

[rij73]

Hi fellow Brooklynite! I have a friend looking into getting a bike for zipping around town. I suggested she look at flat-bar road bikes. Seems to be the consensus here as well. I can tell you as a resident of Park Slope, that it's the best kind of bike for around here. Good for laps in Prospect Park too when you feel like exercising. After I rode a flat-bar road bike for a few months, I got really interested in biking and got more of a racing bike. I miss that flat-bar, though, as it really is more suited for tooling around the neighborhood.

For a first bike, I would keep it in the $500-$600 range. For that price, it will be a bike you can really enjoy riding but won't be overkill for your purposes. Among the well established brands we are all recommending, you can't really go wrong in the sense of quality. I believe it is more about personal preference and getting a bike that is carried by your closest bike shop so you can establish a good relationship with them for when you need service.

Here is the email I sent to my friend:

The best bikes for city riding are what are known as "flat bar road bikes". These have handlebars similar to what you've got now, but in all other ways they are more like a road racing bike. They are lighter weight (under 30 pounds) and faster than what you have (a mountain bike). You don't need any suspension for the city, just a rigid bike. You would want an aluminum one rather than steel (for weight). Here is a list of really good bikes that fit the bill. Before I got my current bike I had a flat-bar bike that I loved. I wish I hadn't sold it because it was great for running errands around the city. The bike I have now is too nice for that kind of thing, so it's just for exercise.

Trek 7.2 FX $520: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/fx/72fx/
Giant FCR3 $520: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...ad/1244/29286/
Scott Sportster P6 $350: http://scottusa.com/product/74/699/sportster_p6
Jamis Allegro 1 $545: http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...8allegro1.html
Cannondale Road Warrior 4 $550: http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8HR4.html
Specialized Sirrus $590: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32215

All of these bikes come in more expensive versions as well. I gave you links to the most basic model of each. With bikes (like everything) you get what you pay for. So... if you think you will get seriously into biking, you might want to spend a bit more. If you are not sure how much you'll ride, get a basic model. All these bikes are from really good brands and will be very solid. The prices quoted are suggested retail, so you can probably do better. You might call around to local bike shops and ask what they have in the way of flat bar road bikes. If they have a couple in your price range, go test ride. That's really how you'll get a feel for what is out there and also for what feels like a good fit. It's important to test ride a bike before buying. Also, definitely buy from a bike shop. The bikes they sell are much better than what you can get in bigger department stores, and they usually include some service. It will make for a better, safer bike. Use my list as a starting point so they know what kind of bike you are looking for. There are a few other good brands, though. Whatever you do, make sure the bike isn't much heavier than 25 pounds. Definitely stay under 30.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[AJH]

that's great! thanks. do you happen to have a good bike shop rec? i am in gowanus. i went into R&A on 5th Ave and the guy there kinda turned me off. have been meaning get to the place on Union near the co-op. and went into a place on 7th Ave near 13th street but their inventory didn't work for me at the time of my visit.

[tulip]

I prefer the ride of steel over aluminum--by a long shot. Jamis bikes are steel. Don't know about the others.

Ride a bunch and see what you like.

[Zen]

aluminum is known as a bone-shaker but i've had no problem on the dirt/rock/rooty trail I've been riding the FX on.
It does have a steel fork, though

[beccaB]

I have a Trek 7.3 fx, I think someone mentioned that series in this thread. It is a terrific all around bike, around $500. If I ever get a faster road bike, depending on the shoulder issue, I'll still keep this one. I love it.

[AJH]

What is a shoulder issue?

[Zen]

What is a shoulder issue?

She means her shoulder. As in rotator cuff problems or whatever.

For what it's worth I'm 5'2",my FX is a 13" and it feels good to me.

[rij73]

that's great! thanks. do you happen to have a good bike shop rec? i am in gowanus. i went into R&A on 5th Ave and the guy there kinda turned me off. have been meaning get to the place on Union near the co-op. and went into a place on 7th Ave near 13th street but their inventory didn't work for me at the time of my visit.

Yeah... They are extremely snobby at R&A. They cater more to the high-end market. I wouldn't count on them to be too helpful. Here are 3 Brooklyn shops I've been to that have some flat-bar road bikes, and where the people are friendly and helpful:
Bay Ridge Bicycle World
Mr. C's Cycles
Roy's Sheepshead Cycle

Unfortunately, they are all a bit of a haul from Gowanus. Best if you have a car. Dixon's on Union by the co-op is not advisable, and that place on 7th is really small.

[AJH]

I am about to make my first purchase and am looking at flat bar road bikes. At almost 5'1", it seems that 13" is my size. However I recently spoke with an experienced biker, also my height, who chooses to ride a 15". She likes the larger wheels and also that the bigger bike allows her more room to extend her upper body. Does anyone have an opinion on riding a bike that is your size versus one that is bigger? I took the 15" for a spin (Marin Mill Valley) and liked it but there was no 13" available and I wonder if I'd be making a mistake to go for the larger size.

[Blueberry]

You can't necessarily decide what size you ride based on what size someone else your height rides. First, look at the geometry charts for the 2 sizes - there may not even be a difference in reach (sometimes there isn't - breezers are like that). If her torso is longer than yours, you won't be as comfortable on a bike with a longer reach. If your torso is longer, it might be a better fit for you. Generally speaking, too big isn't better than too small (IMO). You need the right size. What did the shop say about the fit?

[mayanorange]

+1 on Jamis I think for the price you get a great bike. I had a Cross Country that I loved but had to leave in CA and now I have one of their road bikes- Ventura Sport (aluminum w/ carbon fork- not all Jamis are steel). Also they seem to be little hidden gems that no one knows in the general public or something- both mine I got ridiculous deals on as brand new 2 yr olds. Or maybe they were just waiting for me to find them.

As stated above, the geometries of same sized (ie 13, 54, etc) will vary even within brands- just ride a bunch and one should feel right.