Conference noted::bicycle

288.0. "ADVISE FOR THOSE BUYING A BIKE" by AKOV05::FULLER () Mon Apr 27 1987 16:48

I have been asked over the years for advise on purchasing bicycles. 
Here are a few guidelines which I have found successful, especially 
if you are enthusiastic about the sport or wish to be.              
                                                                    
1.  Join your local bike club and talk to people who do your type of
riding.                                                             
                                                                    
2.  Unless you are self sufficient in repair/maintenance go to a    
reliable shop in your area.  Many shops have been commented         
on in this notes file.  Bike shops which offer discounts and/or     
support for local bike clubs seem to provide high quality service   
and advise.  (In the Worcester area I recommend O'Neils, Fritz's    
Bike shop, and Bicycle Alley)                                       
                                                                    
3.  When you plan a budget for a bike, make a list of all of the extras
you will need.  Helmet, waterbottle (mandatory) and fun things like 
shorts, shoes, locks etc.  If you buy extras when you buy the bike, 
shops often give you a discount and install for free if you ask.    
                                                                    
4.  If you plan on fixing your own flats you will need a spare tube,
tire irons and a frame pump.                                        
                                                                    
5.  Analyze your needs carefully.  Purchase a bike which will need  
little or no changes for your riding style.  I know many people     
who have purchased a $400 machine, then changed the gearing, derailleurs,
new saddle, and high performance wheels.  The bike ended up costing 
$600-$700 or more.  If that money was spent up front, they could    
have a much better frame and components.                            
                                                                    
In particular:                                                      
                                                                    
o If you are fairly new to the sport and live in a hilly area       
(central mass), opt for a bike with a wide gear ratio.  These tend  
to be harder to find now, especially in the mid to high price range.

o Wheels are your best source of performance from the machine but
are also the parts which can be damaged the easiest.  Those living
and riding in the country can probably opt for lighter, more performance
type of wheels.  In the city, a belted tire (kevlar) which is heavier
will cut down on expenses on tires.

o  Women, ask the shop if they will change the men's saddle to a womens,
on midpriced bikes and higher they should do it for free.

o If you plan to tour, a crankset that will take a 42 low could be
useless. Same goes with the rear derailleur.

6.  More expensive compenents (campy) cost more up front but will last
in the long run.  I have a set of campy hubs and pedals that are 12 years
old and still going strong.  

7.  Sometimes it may be cheaper to build a bike up from a frame.  Over the
past few years, I have found nice handmade frames for friends and built
up a balanced bike in the 800.00 range.  There are many places to save money,
handlebar, stem, seatpost, brakes are examples. 


8.  Have FUN!!!!!!!!!!!

    Could you expand a little on item 7 ?  I have a bike I'm not
    satisfied with and I'm considering replacing parts with quality
    components now, so I can put them on a new frame in a year or two.

    If you plan on upgrading your current bike with plans to
    buy a new frame make sure everything is compatible. (eg,
    there is little good in upgrading an old French bike with
    French threads with the intention of buying an American or
    Italian frame)
    
    Spend your money on wheels and the drivetrain.
    
    Example:
    
    Campy Hubs:  65.00 - 90.00
    DT/Alpina Spokes: 20.00
    Mavic MA 40: 40.00 - 50.00
    
    Crankset:  Completely dependant on type of riding you will
    be doing.  Sport/racing can use 42/52, Campy/Dura Ace/Sugino
    will all do.  If you want slightly lower gearing, go with
    Shimano line (takes a 39 low) or a touring crank.  Look for
    a cold forged crank if possible.  Price:  60.00 - 125.00
    
    Brakes:  I know people who have built fance frames and have
    equiped them with simple Weinmann sidepulls with good pads.
    If you puchase them for your current bike, make sure they
    will be compatible with the new one, the brake reach may
    be different.
    
    Derailleurs:  Personal choice. If you don't want SIS type,
    some of the old suntour work well.  Campy's reliability
    can't be beat.  Price:  14.00 - 90.00
    
    Pedals:  KKT pro-ace were copies of campy.  Have seen them
    on sale via mail order for 25.00.  Very durable.  Many new
    pedals tend to be very narrow cages.  Light but uncomfortable.
    Price:  25.00 - 80.00
    
    Handlebar/stem/seatpost
    
    SR will do fine.  Seatpost: 12.00 
                      Handlebar: 10.00
                      Stem:      12.00
    
    Hope this helps