Bike shopping

[MichelleOH]

Hi, everyone. I was here years ago, but can't remember my name/password, so I'm starting over.

I want to get back in to riding. I live in an area of Ohio where we have something like 300 miles of bike paths and I really did enjoy jumping on my bike back in the day.

A couple years ago, I got a wild hair and sold my Giant Kronos (not the best bike, but it fit me like a glove) with a saddle I loved and SPD clips for under $40. Anyway, if I could stop kicking myself for that one it would be nice. I just keep telling myself I will be happier in the long run....and I know I will be. Just that if I hadn't sold her, I wouldn't be shopping.

Anyway, my local bike shops carry Cannondale, Giant and Trek. The shop I liked the best and spent the most time with me is strictly Trek. I went in thinking hybrid (I'm a birder and wanted something that I could ride for fitness and ride more casually for birding), but now I'm back to thinking I want a road bike. There is also a shop that sells Bianchi, but they are a bit out of the way for me. There is a shop that carries Jamis, but I was NOT impressed with the sales pitch when I asked why I should choose them over a dealer that is closer to me.

My budget is negotiable to around $1000. $600-$700 would be great as I could add the things I want (clipless/computer/etc.) with the extra room.

I know I need to test ride a bunch of bikes, but in researching for a couple weeks I seem to be getting MORE confused. Does anyone have suggestions on models to start with?

Sorry for the ramble, but I really am at the point where I feel like throwing my hands in the air. I'm making this harder than it should be!

[Caddy]

When you say ride more casually for birding, does that mean a dirt/grass/gravel path? Or will you still be on a road? Hybrids are heavier bikes with front suspensions and if you are primarily on a paved path, much slower than a road bike. A good alternative is a cyclocross bicycle, which is basically a road bike with a higher clearance and can take wider tires so that you can go on an off-road path if you would like (but nothing too crazy). You might look at touring cycles too, as they normally run sturires and are in a more relaxed position.

What size are you? It might be more or less difficult finding bikes to test ride depending on your size.

Definitely test ride a lot of brands and as many bikes as you can. Keep in mind the differences between the test ride conditions - i.e. hills, potholes, path type, etc. when making your choice.

I just went bike shopping with my husband and it took us about two weeks hitting 15 shops.

Right now is a great time to shop because stores are clearing out their 2011 models for 2012 stock. Sometimes you can talk them down a bit more, so if you really like a bike but it's a hair over your budget, still consider it.

If you find a bike you really like but is out of your price range, try finding an older used model. Oftentimes, the geometry is still similar and the components haven't been upgraded much.

Hope I haven't confused you further and good luck!

[Velocivixen]

Hi Michelle,
I, too, am a birder. I started with a Trek FX 7.3 hybrid which I bought Oct. 2011 and I have already "upgraded" to a 2011 Surly Cross Check. It is categorized as a "cyclocross" bike, however folks in the Portland Metro area LOVE this bike. It comes with slightly knobby tires, Ritchey SpeedMax at 700x32c, but my shop sold it with Panaracer Pasela TourGuard for more urban riding. It can take big tires, up to 45 I believe, can easily mount fenders, racks front and back, you name it! It is steel, but is lighter than my aluminum Trek. Has drop bars with bar end shifters which took me a minute to get used to. It has a compact double crank and 9 speed in the rear. Cost $1025 and is well worth it. I've had mine for about 6 weeks so far and I can't say enough so far. I'm getting the SKS Longboard fenders since it rains a lot here and either a Carradice "Barley" or Zimbale 7 Liter saddlebag which will fit my cable lock/U-lock, binoculars and room for tools, sandwich, sweater, etc.
Surly is a good company and make great bikes. The Long Haul Trucker touring bike and the Cross Check literally have a cult like following! Great bikes for the cost. I think any brand of Cross bike, especially if it's steel, will meet your needs and you won't grow out of it too fast like I did.

[indysteel]

Just my two cents: By the bike that fits you, your goals and your price range. Don't worry about where it's from. I know lots of people feel uncomfortable doing this, but you do not have to have it serviced at the same place you bought it from. While I do think it's great to have loyalty to a shop, I don't think that means you need to limit yourself to the bikes they sell. If a shop doesn't get that, then they arguably don't deserve my loyalty. They make more on service than the purchase of the bike anyway.

FWIW, I think Jamis makes some great bikes, especially for their price point. Plus, I like steel, especially when compared to lower end aluminum bikes.

[MichelleOH]

So far, I have been sized on a men's 20" Trek 7.3FX, but it's a touch too large, so I'm waiting for them to get a WSD 19" to try for size. I have not ridden or been sized on any road bikes yet. Will be riding bike paths 99.9% of the time (a few roads to get to the path).

I really am not concerned about the birding aspect of biking...as I think I would rather ride for fitness than bird, for the most part. I might toss my book and binoculars in a bag, but knowing how I was years ago, I won't be happy with bigger tires and slower riding.

And, indysteel, yes -- I agree about bike shops. I can buy the bike anywhere and have it serviced at my favorite LBS. I just really like the guy that helped me and *wanted* to buy from them. Of course, since they only carry Trek it really limits me and I do want to ride several brands before deciding.

[clbikerchick]

I am new to road cycling and didn't have a lot to choose from in my area, but I recently bought a Trek Lexa SL and I am loving it. I got a 2011 on sale for $799(reg $1100 I believe), right now seems to be when bike shops have their bikes on sale to make room for the 2012 bikes. I also test rode a Cannondale for around the same price but liked the Trek better for me.

[BC2COCyclist]

When you say ride more casually for birding, does that mean a dirt/grass/gravel path? Or will you still be on a road? Hybrids are heavier bikes with front suspensions and if you are primarily on a paved path, much slower than a road bike. A good alternative is a cyclocross bicycle, which is basically a road bike with a higher clearance and can take wider tires so that you can go on an off-road path if you would like (but nothing too crazy). You might look at touring cycles too, as they normally run sturires and are in a more relaxed position.

What size are you? It might be more or less difficult finding bikes to test ride depending on your size.

Definitely test ride a lot of brands and as many bikes as you can. Keep in mind the differences between the test ride conditions - i.e. hills, potholes, path type, etc. when making your choice.

I just went bike shopping with my husband and it took us about two weeks hitting 15 shops.

Right now is a great time to shop because stores are clearing out their 2011 models for 2012 stock. Sometimes you can talk them down a bit more, so if you really like a bike but it's a hair over your budget, still consider it.

If you find a bike you really like but is out of your price range, try finding an older used model. Oftentimes, the geometry is still similar and the components haven't been upgraded much.

Hope I haven't confused you further and good luck!

I just want to chime in that not all hybrids have suspension-anything. I personally despise suspension forks/seat posts et al. Then again, my hybrid does have "Luddite" stamped on the side, and it's steel. lol

[Catrin]

I just want to chime in that not all hybrids have suspension-anything. I personally despise suspension forks/seat posts et al. Then again, my hybrid does have "Luddite" stamped on the side, and it's steel. lol

I don't think there is any one kind of bike that is called "hybrid" everywhere. That term seems to differ from region to region and some areas appear to use it more restrictively than others. Some might consider my full custom Gunnar a hybrid because she doesn't have road bars...but her design is based on a cross design. Around here I've heard many refer to flat-bar road bikes as hybrids.

[Velocivixen]

IMHO, "hybrid" bikes don't do one particular thing well. They try to be everything to anyone who can't decide. Lol.