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Going bike shopping later.

99.106.205.184
Posted on September 21, 2021 at 07:02:36
srdavis2000
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  Since: December 16, 2004
 I'm considering a hybrid just to ride a few miles a day, get some exercise and enjoy the fall weather. I'm a fossil so want to sit more upright and be comfortable. Speed for me is beside the point. We have three shops. One sells new and used. Another sells only new, and the third is a Trek shop.

Any pointers will be appreciated. Would like to keep it under $1000 if possible.

 

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Been a long time since I went bike shopping, but..., posted on September 21, 2021 at 07:10:53
Ivan303
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Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
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 for $1000 you should do fine but...

Keep in mind that for MOST bike brands, hybrid means WORST of both worlds, not BEST of both worlds. Awful front shock(worse than no front shock), lousy components that are neither road or Mt. Bike, etc.

But then, for $1000, maybe get something decent.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Been a long time since I went bike shopping, but..., posted on September 21, 2021 at 07:30:21
srdavis2000
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 Looking online, most of the bikes have Shimano brand parts no matter the brand of the bike. I'm hoping that I get a knowledgeable person who doesn't look down his nose at a geeser and is helpful.

 

A friend rode daily until he had an accident: serious arm break, vertebrae , posted on September 21, 2021 at 07:32:49
tinear
Audiophile

Posts: 65782
Location: Kansas City, KS
Joined: April 9, 2006
 issues. He tried an upright because a "regular" position bike placed too much pressure on his spine and hands/arms--- and he has been happy for 6 years with it, still commuting every day to his job-and-back.

 

Seriously?!, posted on September 21, 2021 at 07:37:36
Inmate51
 $1,000?! Heck, you can buy an older used car for that, and then you'll be able to ride around in an air-conditioned/heated vehicle without having to do any physical work!

But, if you're hellbent on physical exertion, you can buy a decent used bike at a pawn shop, yard sale, or thrift store for about $50 - $150, and then use the rest of your budget to buy a great helmet, gloves, knee pads, cool-looking shorts and shirts, a water bottle, spare inner tube, wrap-around sunglasses, ...

:)

 

RE: Going bike shopping later., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:00:55
Mike B.
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  Since: September 1, 1999
 I won't ride around my urban area. We have bike vs car wrecks frequently and you know who wins that matchup. Lots of distractions for drivers with narrow streets, lots of congestion, and major repairs with lane changes during the summer months. I hope you have better conditions for riding.
Someone living in the area zips past here frequently on a electric bike and that thing hauls ass. I had no idea they have bike models that are that fast.


 

Trek FX..., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:05:35
ghost of olddude55
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Posts: 32588
Joined: July 14, 2017
 The FX 1 or FX 2. Raleigh Redux, Raleigh Cadent.
The Redux will do just about everything. You can commute, tour, ride some single track. It's got a 1X drivetrain, all the shifting is on the back. Saves a bit of weight and simplifies operation.
If I were buying a new bike and spending less than a grand, I'd go for the Redux, but any one of the bikes I mentioned would fit the bill.
I was out today again, got another 30 miles. Overcast but otherwise beautiful riding weather.



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

I have two air conditioned vehicles., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:06:06
srdavis2000
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 Years ago I bought two used ten speed bikes at the Sheriff's auction for under $100 each for my wife and I. I think I ended up replacing nearly every component on both of them before I was done.

Oh, and I'm not buying any cool apparel other than a helmet. I'm going to wear sneakers, regular shorts and a tee shirt. I won't be impersonating a tour rider.

 

RE: Going bike shopping later., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:08:31
Sibelius
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Posts: 1369
Location: S.F. Bay Area
Joined: April 4, 2000
 Just FYI, everything is in short supply. Went to buy a bike for my 13 yo, nothing new in stock. Picked up a used Rockhopper with Shimano Deore components pretty cheap. She'd never ridden anything before, took her an hour to learn.

I can't believe how pricey bikes are now, I mean 5, 10, $15,000. Was going to get one for my wife to keep up with daughter, but again nothing in stock. Thinking about having her old Trek refitted after 20 years outside. Frame is chromoly steel, double butted Tru Temper hand made Trek in Waterloo Wisconsin, no rust, so it should be worth the salvage.

Good luck.

 

Hey, you're gonna need padded pants., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:12:45
ghost of olddude55
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Posts: 32588
Joined: July 14, 2017
 You can get padded bike shorts that look like regular shorts, though. Pearl Izumi is a good brand, I really like their stuff.
Normally, I'm a jeans and T-shirts guy, and originally was going to be that way on the bike, too. But I ended up getting a little more, ah, flamboyant than that. Spandex, Lycra, etc.



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

I live in a rural area. , posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:12:53
srdavis2000
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 The main road in and out is a two lane 8 miles long and is gated at both ends. Traffic is mostly locals. There are around 400 homes on 5,000 acres. I usually only see one or two cars going in and out. It's definaletly not busy. The speed limit varies from 25-40 mph.

 

Thanks Ghost., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:20:09
srdavis2000
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 The Tek FX, Dual Sport, and Verve are on my short list. I don't think any of my local shops carry Raleigh. Of the Trexs the Dual Sport seems the most versatile. I will at first just ride on the local paved road- not much traffic. We do have a rails to trails trail nearby that I would like to try when I get in better shape.

 

RE: A friend rode daily until he had an accident: serious arm break, vertebrae , posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:23:04
srdavis2000
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Location: Deep South
Joined: January 11, 2003
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  Since: December 16, 2004
 I will definitely be looking at an upright position. I'm not racing for sure.

 

Think the Dual Sport has the same frame as the FX., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:23:34
ghost of olddude55
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Posts: 32588
Joined: July 14, 2017
 Of the three, pick the one that has the best component group. If they're all Shimano, you can look up the Shimano groupset hierarchy on line.
Shimano Tourney is cheap but it works. You don't want to go any lower than Tourney.
Thing that's really good about todays less expensive bikes is that they're waaaaay better than the less expensive bikes from 30 years ago. You get a hell of a lot more bike for $500-$800 now than you did in 1990, adjusted for inflation.



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

RE: Going bike shopping later., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:27:57
srdavis2000
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  Since: December 16, 2004
 Years ago, I refurbished two used bikes I bought at a Sheriff's auction for my wife and I. Bikes are fairly easy to work on being pretty open. I replaced nearly every component on those two bikes. I even painted the frame on my wife's.

 

Nice looking bike ..., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:29:39
reelsmith.
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  Since: January 19, 2010
 ...for $539.

I've never seen a flat top tube before.

Bluetooth ?

I am so behind the times.

Dean.




reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.


 

RE: Hey, you're gonna need padded pants., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:33:47
srdavis2000
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  Since: December 16, 2004
 I'll see how that goes. I plan to start out I my everyday cloths. If my bum says change something, I'll do whatever it asks. The Trex Verve has a shock absorbing seat. Not sure how effective it is.

 

RE: Going bike shopping later., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:34:36
Sibelius
Audiophile

Posts: 1369
Location: S.F. Bay Area
Joined: April 4, 2000
 I had intended on doing it myself, I spent some time as a Jr. bike mechanic years ago, but it's a bit beyond me now. She likes the bike she bought years ago, but never could adjust to the flat MB bars. Now she wants drops and that means all new brakes and shifters (has grip shift now, rubber is just a pile of gooo!_ Should be doable for not too much since I think most of the components are good, if a bit rusted. Decent Shimano that works well even with the rust.

Best of luck on your adventures.

 

My ass never gets sore., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:46:32
ghost of olddude55
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Posts: 32588
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 I've tried sprung saddles, gel saddles, and gel saddles with springs, but nothing works like a Brooks B17 and padded pants.
You can also get padded underwear, put 'em on under your regular shorts.
The best two brands for clothes are the aforementioned Pear Izumi, and Santic.



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

RE: I have two air conditioned vehicles., posted on September 21, 2021 at 08:49:44
Inmate51
 :)

I had a ten-speed with the "under-curved" handlebars for a while. Most damn uncomfortable bike I ever rode. I put the seat down as low as I could, and the handlebars up as high as I could, but the bike still was only good for riding fast and "impressing" chicks.

These days, give me my Dad's bike with "typical" handlebars, a generator and headlight, a comfortable seat, and I'm good to go. (And maybe some playing cards attached with a clothespin.)

Anyway, still, check out used bikes - if you want to. You might find a gem, and save a bunch of money which you can then spent on grill meat or hifi.

:)

 

Tons of good used ones out there, posted on September 21, 2021 at 09:11:46
Victor Khomenko
Manufacturer

Posts: 55319
Joined: April 5, 2000
 I bought one for $700, twenty minutes from home, through Facebook, no fees and no commissions, Italian Columbus steel, Campy gruppo, upgraded wheels, in fine shape.

But you need to know what you want.


 

Yeah, posted on September 21, 2021 at 09:50:25
srdavis2000
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  Since: December 16, 2004
 I don't know what I want other than an all around bike with upright positioning. I'm 73 with back and neck issues. We have a shop that sells new and claims to have a wide selection of used. If the new bike shop tells me there is a long wait for new, I plan to see what is available used. I bought used a long time ago and spent a lot of time working on the bikes. I'd rather be riding than repairing now days.

 

Good ones turn up here on CL every once in a while, too., posted on September 21, 2021 at 09:53:05
ghost of olddude55
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Posts: 32588
Joined: July 14, 2017
 For that matter, my Motobecane was used, I bought it from Inmate geoff. It's a great bike, been riding it almost exclusively for the last month. It's a sports car compared to the other bike.
BTW, Victor, the gel gloves did the trick.



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

Just saying because of your budget, posted on September 21, 2021 at 10:12:43
Victor Khomenko
Manufacturer

Posts: 55319
Joined: April 5, 2000
 A $1000 new bike is, frankly, not much. You buy 2-4 times the quality in used ones. Used bike prices are very good, as everyone wants the latest.


 

I converted a Santa Cruz Superlight to an upright., posted on September 21, 2021 at 10:13:09
Mr Steed
Audiophile

Posts: 829
Location: NY
Joined: May 19, 2012
 When I could no longer ride hunched over.
Replaced the stem, handle bar and all the cables.
It was much better for me back then.

 

Glad it helped!, posted on September 21, 2021 at 10:14:21
Victor Khomenko
Manufacturer

Posts: 55319
Joined: April 5, 2000
 I am looking for a new pair myself, as mine are very worn. I want the ones similar to what I have - with full palm pads. Too many today have just skinny patches on palms.


 

I gave my wife my word - no roads, posted on September 21, 2021 at 10:20:09
Victor Khomenko
Manufacturer

Posts: 55319
Joined: April 5, 2000
 So I only ride on the closed trails. On one occasion I decided to take a short cut through the parking lot and one local road. Sure enough, an asshole in a Mustang cut in right in front of me - I thanked him for reminding me of my promise. Never again. Life is too short already.


 

No hand numbness at all. nt, posted on September 21, 2021 at 10:22:26
ghost of olddude55
Audiophile

Posts: 32588
Joined: July 14, 2017
 nt



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

For years, I rode (serious back) a recumbent: don't go there. , posted on September 21, 2021 at 10:27:44
tinear
Audiophile

Posts: 65782
Location: Kansas City, KS
Joined: April 9, 2006
 If you consider it, I'd share its drawbacks, some not so obvious.

 

Actually, a late 1980's/early 1990's mountain bike..., posted on September 21, 2021 at 10:43:28
ghost of olddude55
Audiophile

Posts: 32588
Joined: July 14, 2017
 From Diamondback, GT, Specialized, etc...better components than the cheap bikes available today, upright seating, plenty of room for wider tires, rack mounts...what's not to love?
I've seen really sweet bikes like that on local CL in the $150-$200 range.



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

We have a friend who rides a recumbent 3 wheeler. , posted on September 21, 2021 at 10:48:25
srdavis2000
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Location: Deep South
Joined: January 11, 2003
Contributor
  Since: December 16, 2004
 He seems to love his, but I don't think I would want one.

 

+1. nt, posted on September 21, 2021 at 10:54:07
tinear
Audiophile

Posts: 65782
Location: Kansas City, KS
Joined: April 9, 2006
 d

 

I don't ride on roads either., posted on September 21, 2021 at 11:06:56
ghost of olddude55
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Posts: 32588
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 The suburb I live in, there aren't even sidewalks, let alone bike lanes. The mentality is strictly 1950s, you drive everywhere, even if it's just down to the mailbox.



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

Here it is, posted on September 21, 2021 at 11:15:04
Victor Khomenko
Manufacturer

Posts: 55319
Joined: April 5, 2000



.


 

Black and red is my favorite color scheme. nt, posted on September 21, 2021 at 11:17:38
ghost of olddude55
Audiophile

Posts: 32588
Joined: July 14, 2017
 nt



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

Consider a full suspension, posted on September 21, 2021 at 11:45:02
Rocket_Powered
Audiophile

Posts: 439
Location: East Coast
Joined: May 15, 2020
 Since you have back and neck issues, maybe splurge a bit and consider a lower end full suspension. The only issue maybe the overall weight of the bike as it will be on the heavier side. It will be much more comfortable.

 

RE: Going bike shopping later., posted on September 21, 2021 at 11:50:01
veloceleste
 .

 

back and neck issues, posted on September 21, 2021 at 11:51:52
Mr Steed
Audiophile

Posts: 829
Location: NY
Joined: May 19, 2012
 That is why I bought a Santa Cruz Superlight.
I could adjust it so it rode like a 1960's Cadillac.
Smooooooooooth.

 

That ain't necessarily so..., posted on September 21, 2021 at 11:54:15
ghost of olddude55
Audiophile

Posts: 32588
Joined: July 14, 2017
 There are a lot of quality hybrids. The Trek Verve uses decent components, same components as the Dual Sport.
The main thing is to find a bike you're comfortable on. Forget about what it's marketed as.



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

Don't be surprised if the actual bike has SRAM or Micro-shift components., posted on September 21, 2021 at 11:58:19
ghost of olddude55
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Posts: 32588
Joined: July 14, 2017
 Shimano components are in short supply because of the pandemic, and the manufacturers are substituting the competition.
Nothing wrong with either SRAM or Micro-shift.
Like I said in my post above, the most important thing is to find a bike that fits you and you're comfortable on. I made the mistake of dumping a lot of money on a Diamondback Ascent back in the day. It was a good bike with good components, but I never felt comfortable on it. Even short rides were agonizing. My friend and I did a 30 mile round trip and I could barely walk the next day.
The bikes I use now, my legs aren't even sore after 30-40 miles in the saddle.



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

Santa Cruz +1, posted on September 21, 2021 at 12:25:26
Rocket_Powered
Audiophile

Posts: 439
Location: East Coast
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 I still have my, close to 20yr old, aluminum Santa Cruz Blur that I've built. Suspension travel is not as long as some of those today but it's comfortable over everything. I don't know if it's 60's Caddy comfortable but sure beats any rigid or hardtail.

 

I was afraid of that but got lucky., posted on September 21, 2021 at 13:37:11
srdavis2000
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  Since: December 16, 2004
 The bike I bought was ordered last Dec. came in last week and I brought it home today. I never get lucky.

 

I got lucky., posted on September 21, 2021 at 13:40:17
srdavis2000
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Bought a Trek Verve 2 Disc. Here it is on the rack getting the stand and water bottle holder installed.

 

RE: I was afraid of that but got lucky., posted on September 21, 2021 at 13:49:07
veloceleste
 .

 

RE: Going bike shopping later., posted on September 21, 2021 at 13:51:22
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 At the price point you quote, can you get anything BUT Aluminum?

For casual and SIMPLE exercise, I doubt you need to spend THAT much, anyway.

Trails? Sidewalks or bike lane on public highways?

After years on a road bike, I found the Big Knobby tires to be a real energy sap.....But bullet proof and good tractiom on less than ideal surfaces.
Too much is never enough

 

Nice. You're gonna enjoy that bike., posted on September 21, 2021 at 14:17:08
ghost of olddude55
Audiophile

Posts: 32588
Joined: July 14, 2017
 You've got something to keep you busy in case the Saints' season turns to suckage.
My daughter has a Trek 7200, which is the older version of the Verve. Hers is a lot smaller than yours, the guy we bought it from, his 12-year old son was using it.
That big sprocket on the back, you won't believe how well that bike will climb.
My GT is a 3x7, and for the trails I leave the chain on the middle chain ring up front and do all the shifting on the back.
Now hop on to the jungle website and order up some padded knickers.



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

RE: I got lucky., posted on September 21, 2021 at 14:57:54
JDK
Audiophile

Posts: 19671
Location: Sydney
Joined: June 26, 2000
 Looks sensible.
The big tyres and the seat post should keep you comfortable, but it should still roll just fine for economical riding ;-)


Trying to hide from entropy
John K

 

sure beats any rigid or hardtail., posted on September 21, 2021 at 16:11:13
Mr Steed
Audiophile

Posts: 829
Location: NY
Joined: May 19, 2012
 Sure did.
I miss riding.

My previous bike was a Gary Fisher.
Beautiful bright green!
I could no longer ride it because it had no suspension.
I tried a TREK hard tail front suspension but couldn't handle that either.
Let try that $1,700.00 deep blue bike.
$1,400.00 more then the TREK.
OK, sold.
Sold it last year.

 

The guy at the store fixed me up with a large frame., posted on September 21, 2021 at 18:26:40
srdavis2000
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 He seemed to know what he was doing. He said he'd been doing it for 30 something years. He adjusted the seat. In moves forward and back horizontally as well as vertically. He adjusted the bars. They articulate up, down and forward and back. He also adjusted the seat for my heavy ass weight. It has some shock mitigation. I'll take a ride tomorrow and see how it all works. I'm supposed to take it back in a month and tell him how it's going, but I have Allen wrenches myself.

I'll wait and see about the jungle stuff.

 

Here is a picture., posted on September 21, 2021 at 20:29:09
Mr Steed
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Posts: 829
Location: NY
Joined: May 19, 2012



 

I like the stem design., posted on September 22, 2021 at 05:31:29
ghost of olddude55
Audiophile

Posts: 32588
Joined: July 14, 2017
 Sometimes a slight adjustment to the seat and/or bar height makes all the difference.
My kid needs the small frame because, she's really small. To look at her, you'd wonder if she was old enough to drive even though she's in her mid-30's.



The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

 

RE: The guy at the store fixed me up with a large frame., posted on September 22, 2021 at 06:44:23
G Squared
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Contributor
  Since: May 23, 2023
 The right size frame is critical to comfort and efficiency. Love the brakes.

Enjoy
Gsquared

 

RE: I got lucky., posted on September 22, 2021 at 08:52:54
Green Lantern
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Location: San Diego, Ca
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  Since: June 17, 2003
 I've bought my last 3 bikes (and sold 1) off Craigslist. Would do the same whenever I decide to upgrade.

I usually eliminate recreational, K-mart type bikes by using search words such as 'Campagnolo ', dura Ace.









 

RE: I gave my wife my word - no roads, posted on September 22, 2021 at 13:05:19
Mike B.
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Posts: 26356
Location: OR
Joined: September 27, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 1, 1999
 If I remember right you suffered some serious injuries riding. I guess it might not seem like it, but you might have been lucky. I am remembering the owner and designer from Ayre. That was a very sad deal.


 

Okay, posted on September 23, 2021 at 11:24:24
srdavis2000
Audiophile

Posts: 10707
Location: Deep South
Joined: January 11, 2003
Contributor
  Since: December 16, 2004
 Only on day two with short rides. I felt okay until I got on the bike this morning. That narrow little saddle showed where I was already tender and didn't really notice until it reminded me. I went online after my ride and ordered padded shorts as well as some padded underwater that I can wear with my regular shorts. I'm sure my butt will toughen up too with time.

The bike feels a little squirrely after not getting on one for 30+ years, but I know it's just me. I just need to give it some time.

 

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