Cycling - a chat about all things bike.

[Medusa]

Originally Posted by Incubus

Niiiiice! So wish I could afford to spend a couple of grand on a bicycle too

I'm sure you'd be fine with a basic hybrid bike Medusa. What's your budget?

I'd prefer to spend around $300 or less but would be willing to go to $500 for something amazing!

[Rockinonahigh]

Today I found an old cruiser type bike but its pretty rough,needs work but I think I can get it for very little.Besides it may be a good restoration project for me to keep my evil hands and mind buisey.Its about 20 odd yro,dirty not to rusty,needs a saddle but also has most of its parts.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Medusa

I'd prefer to spend around $300 or less but would be willing to go to $500 for something amazing!

I think that Incubus is giving good advice when he mentioned contacting your local bike shop.

Call and ask them what they can tell you about bicycles that would fit for you in regards to your weight. To be honest with you, I don't know any information on that, but the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money b/c you think that you need a specific frame due to your "plus size", only to find out that it is not necessary. All it will then bring you is a heavier bike...a heavier bike means having to work harder to get it where you want to go! Who wants to do that unless necessary?!

Consider a hybrid. This is a bicycle whose tires are between the skinny tires of the road bikes and the thick tires of the mountain bikes. You will have the comfort of being seated upright and will have the ability to be able to ride on the road or hard packed trails.

Although I am a Cannondale guy, I concur that Trek would be good to look at b/c they have a number of women specific frames. However, finding a woman specific frame I think is more important than any specific brand. If your body type is similar to most women's (shorter torso, longer legs), making this choice is a good one.

The additional benefit to buying from a bike shop is that they will "fit" the bike to you. Meaning, they will make sure that number one, you purchase the correct size frame, and number two, they will set up the seat, handlebars, etc., to the right position for you. People don't realize how important this is. A bike fitting correctly will make all the difference in the world with how far you are comfortable riding. That in itself is worth $100. A bike that doesn't fit someone correctly will stay in the garage.

If you have problems in the future, you can bring your bike in and they will do simple stuff for free, too. They will also give you lots of advice and stuff b/c all they want to do is talk all things bike!

Last thing, I personally like to use bike shops that are independently owned, and not chain stores. With an independent bike shop you can be more certain that they REALLY know what they are doing when I talk about the above. Also, ask them if they know of any places to get a used bike.

Good Luck!

Originally Posted by Medusa

I'd prefer to spend around $300 or less but would be willing to go to $500 for something amazing!

I'm pretty sure you should be able get something entry level and adequate specification for your price bracket. I've never spent more than what would the sterling equivalent of $500 on a bike. Much as I would love to invest over a £1000 for a recumbent I don't think that's gonna happen until there's icicles in hell

Lady Haydock is a classic old bike and cost the princely sum of £128 (that's just a shade over $200)

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

Today I found an old cruiser type bike but its pretty rough,needs work but I think I can get it for very little.Besides it may be a good restoration project for me to keep my evil hands and mind buisey.Its about 20 odd yro,dirty not to rusty,needs a saddle but also has most of its parts.

Woooohoooo! That was a quick find Rockin! A restoration project sounds like fun. I wish you happy pedaling. *insert a more appropriate cycling smiley than the one available*

[Rockinonahigh]

Originally Posted by Incubus

I'm pretty sure you should be able get something entry level and adequate specification for your price bracket. I've never spent more than what would the sterling equivalent of $500 on a bike. Much as I would love to invest over a £1000 for a recumbent I don't think that's gonna happen until there's icicles in hell

Lady Haydock is a classic old bike and cost the princely sum of £128 (that's just a shade over $200)




Woooohoooo! That was a quick find Rockin! A restoration project sounds like fun. I wish you happy pedaling. *insert a more appropriate cycling smiley than the one available*

As I type this post said bike is now on my patio,the guy said the $25.00 I offered him was an ok deal,he brought it while I was in the shower and sonny boy paid him out of my emergency fund (coffee can).Sonny boy said is a swhin twin headlight boys cruising bike something like a early 50's modle,was a red and hawiian blue color.It still has original tires,headlights and the thing on the side of the wheel to power the light..something tells me im gonna have some fun with this bike.

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

As I type this post said bike is now on my patio,the guy said the $25.00 I offered him was an ok deal,he brought it while I was in the shower and sonny boy paid him out of my emergency fund (coffee can).Sonny boy said is a swhin twin headlight boys cruising bike something like a early 50's modle,was a red and hawiian blue color.It still has original tires,headlights and the thing on the side of the wheel to power the light..something tells me im gonna have some fun with this bike.

How cool is that...and dynamo lights too...a definite result!!

Original tyres you say? On an early 50's bike? Jeepers I'd change those as soon as possible. Rubber degrades and the last thing you want is a blow out. Hitting tarmac at speed hurts....a lot!

Sounds like s/he will be a grand ride though. I hope you can preserve the original paintwork.

[Rockinonahigh]

Originally Posted by Incubus

How cool is that...and dynamo lights too...a definite result!!

Original tyres you say? On an early 50's bike? Jeepers I'd change those as soon as possible. Rubber degrades and the last thing you want is a blow out. Hitting tarmac at speed hurts....a lot!

Sounds like s/he will be a grand ride though. I hope you can preserve the original paintwork.

Tomorrow im going to take the bike and put it in the trunk of my car and go to the bike shop not far from hear,the guy that owns it has owned it since he was a teenager and thats been a long time ago.This way he can see what I have to work with and what I need..so now it starts cause I want to keep it as original as I can.