Bicycles/Cycling

[Deleted]

I would like to get a good bicycle and start riding a bit. I don't know much about bikes. We have had a bunch of cheaper bikes like but they seem to fall apart in short order and have numerous problems with the caliper hand brakes. We really don't know how to adjust those properly so it is a constant problem. If i upgraded to a higher quality bike such as Trek or Cannondale, would have less issue with that? I see some of the higher end bikes have disc brakes and not sure if those are more reliable or not. Any info you have on that would be great.

[Jake 48]

DW has a Cannondale, she loves it, was over 1K. I don't like the Presta fittings on the tubes though, PIA to put air in the tires even after the guy at the bike shop showed me how, give me a plain old Schrader fitting. Honestly though, pick a bike ( touring, mountian etc..) that is suited to the road surface you would most likely ride on. DW bike takes a beating due to poor road quality around here.

[Deleted]

You are bit over my head on the types of fittings and braking systems and gears! I really have no idea how all that works. Guess we will have get on youtube or something. When i was a kid, we mostly had coaster breaks. Bikes were pretty simple. I don't ever recall having many problems with any of the bikes i had.
I would probably do more road riding but it would be fun to do some trail riding as that seems popular around here. But, i really wonder how practical biking is for me as my town is built on hills and makes it hard to really ride.
I have a new found respect for cycling. I was invited to a "spinning" class at the Y by a friend. I thought, oh sure, sounds pretty benign! It was the most grueling hour of my life! lol

[roygrip]

Hey shooby. My wife and I both ride. Most of our surfaces are road, but both of us (me in particular) ride dirt trails. Our bikes a re both about 8 yrs old now and worlds apart. For her we got her the last year of the American made Schiwin's (sadly, Schwin is made in China now!) Hers is a 21 speed "hybrid" meaning it's set up as a mountain bike but with road qualities. Suits her riding styles well. It was $350 Mine is a 27speed full suspension GT mountain bike, the lower end of the high end (LOL) that was $1600. I can go anywhere and do anything. I have disc brakes, she has regular calipers. I suggest you go to your bike shop, try out a few, find one that feels right to you. After we spent all that money, we spent more money fine tuning them. A more comfortable seat for the wife, a rack, taller handle bars for me, etc. We have a rack for the back of her car and they fit inside my van. Together we've riden bike trails all over so Cal. and around the state!

[femmefatale]

I have a Mountain bike and I love it. Really works the legs good. Gread cardio.

[Deleted]

IMHO, go to a local bike shop and get your bikes tuned up. Then start riding. I think you will find that your bikes are just fine.

[Tiny]

I just took in my approximately 50 year old bike for an 'overhaul' - it sat in the basement for 20 plus years: a new rear wheel (coaster brake) a new front tire/inner tube, a new bike seat, new chain, a basket, some hand grips and additional reflectors. Not sure how or why new bikes 'fall apart' - the metal frame shouldn't fail - the rims/tires/brakes/chain are the parts that wear out and need maintenance. sometimes seats and handgrips wear out too. It's like car - when the tires wear out you don't buy a new car.

I'm with Archie - take your bike to a local shop and have it 'tuned up'. I doubt you need an expensive bike if you are doing urban street riding or modern blacktopped bike trails. My ancient bike is perfect for those riding conditions...

[thyme4change]

I take our bikes in every year or two. My husband who cycles a lot takes his in every 1,000 miles. He's got a tracking computer on his touring bike. It helps a lot. Although, I will say, my bike is a Trek and wasn't exactly cheap.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Best bet is to go to a good bike shop and start riding their bikes. You will find one that talks to you. I went back 3 times to ride the bikes before I finally made a decision.

My road bike is a Specialized, I think I spent a little over $1000 for it. I was trying to keep under $1000, so chose bikes to try out in that range. I think that I also rode a Kona and a Trek too.

[Jake 48]

DW bought a second bike for her adventure in MI, another Cannondale, hybrid style. it has disc brakes, I think that is just one of the latest improvement in the industry. It was around $600

[grits]

I like a really good stationary bike. It makes a great clothes rack.