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Post by Dennis on Jun 16, 2012 3:50:34 GMT -7
The last bicycle I had was over 40 years ago. So you can see I have no knowledge what so ever to make a good decision to purchase one. Offtrails BOV bike has inspired me to get one and also the fact I need another form of exercise. I'm not wanting to off road with it but I will be riding on dirt roads and trails. So here are some of my questions. Gears how many do ya really need? I see 7 and 21 speeds. Frames, Aluminum is it better? Then I see suspension frames what do you suggest? I’m looking for any advise I can get. This bike at Walmart has caught my eye. Avalon 26" Men's Cruiser Bike is it any good? www.walmart.com/ip/NEXT-Avalon-26-Men-s-Cruiser-Bike/14272884
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Post by garret on Jun 16, 2012 4:16:51 GMT -7
if you intend to use this bike offroad then rear suspension is fine but as it is ment as an urban bike i would say nix the rear suspension, it is not neaded on road and can sap up to 20% of your pedal power, if you can adjust the suspension you need to firm it up too as standard pushbike suspension is soft and squishy (great for the average fair weather peddler but no good for serious use)
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Post by Cwi555 on Jun 16, 2012 5:06:21 GMT -7
The lighter your frame, the less energy your using to push that frame, and the more is applied to the load you have put on the frame. Gear ratio's are meant to make it easier to push, but the more of them you have, the higher the probability of a failure mechanically. For the most part, 15 is about the max you'll need. Garret has already given you sound advice for suspension. materials of the bike are critical, aluminum is great for weight, but if you go that route for a bug out vehicle, remember aluminum is finicky when it's welded. There can be welding stress fractures unseen if it has not been tested, which the cheaper bikes are not. If unsure, strip the paint and test it with DPI. All of the titanium models are tested that I am aware of, but the cost for those bikes are significantly higher. Don't go with a composite frame either, they are the most expensive, strongest frames, but by the same token, if they do break, there is no way to fix them in the field. Breaking systems are critical. Spend the dollars for disk brakes, you won't regret it. The last bicycle I had was over 40 years ago. So you can see I have no knowledge what so ever to make a good decision to purchase one. Offtrails BOV bike has inspired me to get one and also the fact I need another form of exercise. I'm not wanting to off road with it but I will be riding on dirt roads and trails. So here are some of my questions. Gears how many do ya really need? I see 7 and 21 speeds. Frames, Aluminum is it better? Then I see suspension frames what do you suggest? I’m looking for any advise I can get. This bike at Walmart has caught my eye. Avalon 26" Men's Cruiser Bike is it any good? www.walmart.com/ip/NEXT-Avalon-26-Men-s-Cruiser-Bike/14272884
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Post by offtrail on Jun 16, 2012 7:20:29 GMT -7
Go to your local bike shop and tell them what your looking for, try to keep it simple or the money will add up very fast.
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Post by Redneckidokie on Jun 17, 2012 3:47:17 GMT -7
That is funny Dennis that you mention bikes. This is in NO way offered as advice. About ten years ago I took a notion I needed a bike to ride for fun. Being a college town there are several high end bike stores. I went down and told the guy what I wanted. Back in my day I had sort of a banna seat, and handle bars where I sat up straight. It was comfy and I rode a gillian miles. Well not so much any more! I ended up with a mountain bike with mud and snow tires, titanium frame that had more gears than a cross country trucker, and lights. Pretty cool? Right? I did ask about the low handle bars and the seat, if there were options for more up right position. He said oh no, that is not what you want. While I was fairly dang sure it was! Short story long, I bought the thing for $600 and off to the house I go. For our maiden voyage I go over to the bike trail and attempt to mount up, and was rudely surprised and violated by the 'tiny' seat. As I leaned over the bars to take off I discovered, (Due to the fact I have no neck) I was staring straight at the ground, and could not look forward which shortly had a bad result as I drove off into a culvert. I tried for a month to get used to it, but after many nights of having to have the seat surgically removed from my arse, and wait for my man parts to re-decend....I gave up and sold it for half what I paid. My neck is still jacked up from attempting to see forward while laying down with my butt up in the air. Hope you like yours friend.
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Post by thywar on Jun 17, 2012 6:26:17 GMT -7
Unfortunately I visualized that story and now won't be the same for several days I'm sure.
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Post by dameon on Jun 17, 2012 8:41:32 GMT -7
I would advise you to stay away from any bike Wal-Mart sells. The are usually fairly cheap, poorly put together. My advise is to go to a bike shop. My first decent bike was a Giant Boulder, cost around $300, got it in 2003, I still ride it when I go for a ride on the dirt roads. It is a 3 X 7 which means it has 21 gears, it has a front suspension it is the prefect bike for dirt roads, and such. I have a tougher bike with higher end components and everything is beefier for going off road. But I would not but a Wal-Mart bike, definitely look into a better brand like Trek or Specialized or Giant or something along those lines.
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Post by missasip on Jun 17, 2012 10:46:31 GMT -7
About 6 years ago, I decided I was gonna start riding. Was doing great, then got sick.
I bought mine at Dick's Sporting Goods. I would still recommend looking there, before you buy. They have good stuff and from one end of the $$$ scale to the other. I paid $400 + for it. They had some knowledgable folks at that time, don't know now.
Mine had 21 speeds, never an issue. I replaced the factory seat with one of the "split cheek" seats, so not to have a Redneck... event....lol
It appears 7 & 8 speeds is the cat's meow now a days.
I sold it for 90% of what I paid for it.
2 cents worth.
Jimmy
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Post by thywar on Jun 17, 2012 10:47:39 GMT -7
While I agree with dameon's suggestion I also look at the flip side of that. Depending on what 'off road' you're looking at.. you may only want a bike because you can load it down and push it rather than carry a bunch of your gear. there are many reasons you may only want to spend less than $100 on a bike for a SHTF situation. I also think regardless of which bike you want spare tires, chain, etc.
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Post by Dennis on Jun 17, 2012 11:38:33 GMT -7
Well thank you all so much and I too can picture and understand redneckidokie problem. I like the up right position my self. Any way how about one of these? I remember Schwinn was a good bike. Schwinn Point Beach 26" Men's Cruiser Bike: Classic Schwinn rear rack Riding Style: cruiser bike Frame: aluminum Schwinn cruiser frame Handlebars: swept-back handlebars offer an upright, comfortable riding position Gearing: SRAM twist shifter changes gears efficiently through 7 speeds Derailleur: Shimano rear derailleur Seat: Schwinn Quality padded, wide cruiser saddle softens the ride Brakes: alloy linear pull brakes stop precisely Rims: alloy rims provide lightweight durability Fenders: fenders for added convenience Dimensions: 71"L x 26"W x 40"H Here one with a engine I like that option.
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Post by missasip on Jun 17, 2012 11:56:30 GMT -7
Well thank you all so much and I too can picture and understand redneckidokie problem. I like the up right position my self. Any way how about one of these? I remember Schwinn was a good bike. Schwinn Point Beach 26" Men's Cruiser Bike: Classic Schwinn rear rack Riding Style: cruiser bike Frame: aluminum Schwinn cruiser frame Handlebars: swept-back handlebars offer an upright, comfortable riding position Gearing: SRAM twist shifter changes gears efficiently through 7 speeds Derailleur: Shimano rear derailleur Seat: Schwinn Quality padded, wide cruiser saddle softens the ride Brakes: alloy linear pull brakes stop precisely Rims: alloy rims provide lightweight durability Fenders: fenders for added convenience Dimensions: 71"L x 26"W x 40"H Here one with a engine I like that option. Make sure you know it's mainly for a smooth surfaces, which is fine. The fenders will give issues if you go off road. Tires need to be checked to make sure they are HD enough. I've seen those engine setups and they are an option in extreem hilly areas. Don't know if Schwinn is as good as it used to be, but I would think they would be. The Shimano derailer may be questionalbe for HD use with weight added to the bike. They make several from $20 up. Just some more to think about. Jimmy
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Post by dameon on Jun 17, 2012 14:18:36 GMT -7
I see Shwinn bikes in wal-mart now that I wouldn't ride, I just wouldn't trust them, I also would not recommend that bike for riding dirt roads. If you are worried about the sitting position on a mountain bike check into a Hybrid, not as aggressive as an all mountain bike, they usually have a front suspension, but nothing too fancy or too crazy. The usually come with tires that have a slightly less aggressive tread for less rolling resistance on pavement but good enough traction on dirt roads, and those fenders that are sitting so close to the tire will cause a problem on dirt or trails but would be great on smooth pavement. Also those grip shifts, SRAM does make some hi end grip shifts that some people love, but it is my experience that the lower end 7 speed grip shifters are junk. The shimano rear derailleur is probably also the lowest end of the shimano line, which is ok, but nothing I would want to depend on. That is also one of the biggest reasons I say go to a bikes shop, the components on even the lowest end Giant bikes are leaps and bounds ahead of the junk they put on those wal-mart bikes. My Giant has low end Shimano components, I've had to adjust it once that I can remember in the 10 years I've ridden it. One of my best friends bought one of those wal-mart bikes, it looked awesome, but it never performed right, he could never keep up with me, it never shifted right, front or rear he finally bought a used Specialized rockhopper off craigslist for 275 bucks, then I couldn't shake him no matter how hard I tried. The mountain bike I use for trail riding is a Haro, it has all Shimano XTR components, as well as hydraulic disc brakes and a Rock Shox front fork with 125mm of travel with the SPD clipless pedals, it is a beast but far beyond what you would need. I just want you to know, from experience, that spending a little extra money up front for a decent bike with decent components with save you tons of headaches in the future.
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Post by scoper27 on Jun 17, 2012 14:29:13 GMT -7
I completely agree with dameon, stay away from the wal-mart junk. They are alright for kids bikes that are gonna get trashed, but not for any real riding. The average gear like he said is a 21 or 24 spd. TRUST ME, if you are new to riding the more gears the better and if you are riding a lot of varying terrain you will want a lot of gears.
You should be able to find a pretty good bike for somewhere in the $300-400 range. Don't forget to look at used bikes too. A lot of people have high hopes of going out and riding a lot, but they end up riding it once and selling it as a discounted price.
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Post by angelhelp on Jun 17, 2012 19:49:39 GMT -7
I've been riding mine as often as possible. It's a recent purchase with both front and rear suspension, a Schwinn. I used to have a "Stingray" complete with banana seat and high handlebars; it was THE most comfortable bike I ever rode and the 20" wheels fit me perfectly. Oh well... the Schwinn has 21 gears. I'm still acclimating to it and am looking to put a trailer on it eventually.
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Post by mirkwoodwanderer on Jun 17, 2012 20:33:17 GMT -7
I agree with offtrail and scoper27. The local bike shop is your best bet, and you may even get certain benefits you wouldn't be able to get from other places. I got a Specialized Hardrock (2011 version) from 'Bike Express' a shop about 1/2 mile away, and because I purchased one of their bikes, I can walk in at any time for an inspection to make sure it's functioning properly. Plus, if it gets stolen, the shop can track it by its identification numbers and my purchasing info. For me, the Hardrock is perfect as a mountain/survival bike - it has 21 gears (controlled by trigger shifting), an aluminum frame (which makes it surprisingly light to carry and yet durable), and front suspension to soak up rocks on the trail. It does not have rear suspension, but it can climb hills VERY well. Because of its lack of rear suspension, it can't handle super-rocky trails with stones the size of your head stickin' up everywhere, but it suits my needs. Another advantage is the cost - buying a hardtail (which has only front suspension) saves you more money. A full suspension model will cost more, but it may be worthwhile depending on the terrain on which you plan on riding. Since the trails in my area aren't too rocky but mostly hilly, I'm better off with a hardtail. Prices can vary significantly - I've seen new hardtails cost anything from $300 all the way to $1000, while the price range of new full suspension models is usually between $700 and a whopping $3500. You'd probably be better off with a used bike, as scoper27 pointed out. Cannondale, GT, Giant, Scott, Trek, and Specialized are top brands. Whatever you do, don't get anything from Walmart. The quality will be pathetic.
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