I am just talking about the little things. Changing tires, lubing chain, cleaning, adjusting derailleurs, etc.

Mersh, the Southern Cal Bike Show is in LA on April 23-25. You could go check it out and see what's out there. There will be tons of people who could help you and have no vested interest in what you end up buying like a local bike shop would.

I beg to differ- there's some great FS bikes out there for under a grand.

fp

Here's one: http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/05_dakar.html

Where is that show?

If memory serves me, and it usually doesn't, it's at the LA Convention Center.

Quick 2 points

1. He has no need for a FS bike at this time.
2. If you look at the component groups on that bike youwill notice it is not so "great"

If you're just riding around town, suspension really isn't gonna be a priority for you... the whole suspension game is getting blown out of proportion. It's cool if you're bouncing around on trails, but when you see $75 kids bikes at walmart with shocks on them, beware... fad time! So don't spend much time thinking about it, is my point.

What matters is mostly that you figure out now what you'll be doing with it. Mostly on the road? Get a single speed mtb with decent components!! Can't stress that part enough. Cheap components do NOT last well, so spend the $ wisely and get something simple but well-made. Konas are acknowledged as good deals in this category.

Frames don't matter much, that's true... they're almost all cranked out overseas now, and it's pretty damn rare that a street rider ever breaks a joint on a mtb frame. You're way more likely to get frustrated with weight (cheaper dual suspension bikes!) for things that don't help you ride to work or a faulty cheap part.

Two more points- as I mentioned in my first post, he didn't really specify what he's using the bike for (and still hasn't), if he just wants it to go to the store on the sidewalk, or if he wants to ride road or mtb. If he's looking for a bike to ride around town, what's wrong with a (relatively) inexpensive full-suspension bike? That's what turns a lot of people off to bikes- they're too damn uncomfortable.

There's nothing wrong with Shimano Alivio/Deore components. Sure, they're at the low end of the price point, but for someone who is riding around town and may want to get off-road once in a while, they'd be fine. Besides, it's a good frame, and he can always succumb to "upgrade-itist" like the rest of us.

I've been riding an mtb for many years. I have an LX rear derailleur on my Specialized Enduro, along with LX shifters. I got tired of replacing the XTR ders. and shifters. The LX work just fine.

You sound like a bike snob to me.

fp

LX work great. I second that emotion. He was probably guessing that the full boinger you had in mind had like Suntour or some crap on it. Anything Shimano is fine.

And full-suspends are fun (again) off road, but on the street, you waste a ton of energy bouncing up and down and carrying the extra weight around. And I think he did mention he wanted to ride around town... that's why we keep suggesting something more minimal.

I'll bet if you saw me commuting on my FS, you wouldn't say any energy was being wasted.

And his quote "I'd be using it for street riding, etc" gave me the idea he might want to use it for something else, as well. And the "bicycle game" thing, too.

Just trying to convert another one.

fp

[quote="

Just trying to convert another one.

fp[/quote]

I can tell!

Full suspends are fun, but it ain't me sayin they waste energy on a hard surface, that's good ol Mr. Newton. Witness: The wife has an old Trek all-aluminum road bike, I have a Fisher Supercaliber, front shock. I work 10 times harder than her going to the store. Hell, going downhill, I have to keep at it in top gear to keep up w/ her coasting. I don't really wanna trade, but it's not something to ignore.

I've got a Gary Fisher...it's what they call a "comfort bike" - the model name is Capitola. If you're really only gonna be riding on pavement/asphalt/etc. you should look into one. I got mine at the local non-chain bike shop about 4 years ago for $300, & have had NO problems with it.

I currently have an older Trek 930 (mountain bike). It came with mountain bike tires, but you can switch those out for road tires if you plan on doing a lot of road riding.

If you don't want to spend a ton of cash, check out some of your local bike shops. They sometimes have (or can steer you) to a good resale shop. I know there are shops here in Portland where some of the OBRA teams sell their bikes after their season is through. Of course, these bikes would be road bikes and probably closer to $1000 or more, but you'd be getting a top of the line bike for a lot less money (sometimes more than half off).

Like most everyone else has said, really get out there and sample the true bike shops-- oftentimes, if you're a first time buyer, you can score an incredible maintenance deal. Also, try a LOT of bikes-- don't just buy the first one you try because there are subtle differences and nuances, and if you plan on riding a lot, comfort is a huge factor-- in my opinion, it's the only factor. Componentry doesn't mean shit if you don't feel comfortable on the bike.

Speaking of bikes, I'm about to score this one:



A local shop was selling these for 10% off, but I went to my favorite bike shop (a different shop), asked if they could match their price, and they are (see, another benefit of checking out your local bikes shops-- it doesn't hurt to haggle and if they truly want your business, they'll work with you). I'm going to put a downpayment on it today!

Taking notes from this thread.

Doctor says I need biking for my bad knees. Walking isn't gonna cut it and I can't really run anymore because of the damage and the arthritis settling into them.

can someone explain to me the benefit of the road bike posture/geometry rather than the mb setup? i tested some road bikes and just didn't feel right, like i was able to see more of what was going on around me when i was more upright like on a MB. as i was looking for a commuting bike and live in the city i bought one that offered the best compromise to my liking.

[quote="dnorwood"]

Nice! And you live in Portland, you lucky bum.

fp

Road bikes, like the above, take getting used to. The position is painful for most people when they start riding crouched over. Buuut, the payoff is that you haul ass. The cruisers are inbetween that and a mtb, in principle... mid-size tires, cushy seat, upright riding position. But they're jack of all trades, master of none. They're (generally) the heaviest of all three, they won't do much in the way of off-road, and they're tragically unhip.

----Except for cruisers like Bianchi's, or some Santa Cruz's. Those are cool. The difference will be obvious and immediate upon initial viewing, also reflected upon the pricetag.----

Also, Chase, some of the road bikes out there *are* geared towards more upward position, for the very reasons you said you bought you mountain bike for. Remember, stem height/orientation and posts can be switched out.

Also, Cap'n, just from personal experience, I friggin hate those big-ass seats. I guess they're good if you're not planning on riding much, but the ergonomically designed seats (for both mtn and road bikes) are so much easier to sit on. I'm not saying they're for everyone, but I personally can't stand them.

As far as brands I would recommend--

for road bikes: Trek, Felt, Lemond, Specialized
for mtn bikes: Trek, Gary Fisher, Kona

Stay away from the Schwinns and the Huffys of the world.

i like that the seat on my specialized has a groove for my prostate. all in all i'm happy with what i bought.

You can't go wrong with what works for you, and I'm glad you're retaining the ability to pro-create!

note: I think the road bikes that are more upward in positions are referred to as "touring bikes." Hey, bike geeks, is that right?

The problem that most folks don't realize about those damn couch cushion-sized seats is that they interact with the tendons at the top / back of your legs. It's not a good thing. The tiny seats are much better for you. It took me a little while to get used to mine, but I can't stand anything else now. And the prostate groove is a very good thing... got that m'self, on a Koski seat.

How am I a bike snob, when I am advocating that he get a more inexspenisve bike. I ride LX and my hardtail bike most likely costs less than yours. I just worked in a bike shop for several years and am pretty decent at throwing people into the bikes they need (maybe not what they think they want). There is nothing worse than seeing some yuppie with a expensive ass soft tail that never leaves his neighborhood!

i got me a brodie energy a few years ago and am quite happy with it. suspension is for pussies. as for some advice, watch out for the rear deraulleir (i butchered the spelling on that one) trick. usually bike companies will put a top of the line rear deraullur (0 for 2 baby!) and skimp on everything else so they can jack up the price of the bike.

And don't be afraid of single speeds. I used to think I was getting pretty decent off road, until I got absolutely schooled by a friend with a single speed. It was humbling, and forced me to admit that there's nothing wrong with them. There's no shifting componentry whatsoever, just brakes. Soooo simple. So light. That way, you can spring for a nicer frame / shock / seat etc. Or skip the shock too and go old-school... just a big bmx'er.

Single gear bikes are weirdly popular here... my husband said he saw several folks riding single-gears in Cycle Oregon last year (weeklong ~800 mile ride).

I found this article online which might be helpful:
http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content ... cling.html