Conference noted::bicycle

    
    
    Well here's what I just did...  Wanted to start biking so I began
    reading this file and found that Goodale's on Main St. in Nashua
    NH was recommended by a few noters..  So, I went down and they were
    very helpful in fitting me to a new bicycle in my price range. 
    They went through the time to explain the advantages of the features
    that were included tin the higher priced bikes.  The major things
    that increased the value were "indexed gears"  which allow you to
    shift with more accuracy and more and better alloy parts which
    decreased the weight.  I decided that I wasn't going to notice a
    difference of a lb or two and that indexed gears were a luxury that
    would be nice but not necessary for the short day trips I would
    be taking.  The result:  I bought a Panasonic Sport $220...
    
    What do y'all think??  Did I make a good choice or will I really
    regret not going for the luxuries at this point in my biking career?
    
    
    Glenn
    

       Though not an expert, I recently purchased a new bike, after
    5 years of not riding.  From advice I received from experienced
    bikers and from reading this conference, the most important thing
    is to get a bike that fits you properly.  There are some rules of
    thumb, but I think it would be best to go to a bike shop that has
    fit kit and let them do it properly, if you by an inexpensive bike
    (like I did and you are looking to by), they'll usually charge you
    for the fitting process.  I would then try out as many bikes in
    my size as possible and pick the one that feels the best.  Bikes
    in the 350-500 range aren't going to vary too much in quality.
    
       Part of how a bike feels depends on what its designed for, touring,
    racing or sport-touring.  A touring bike is basically a very stable
    bike with large range of gear ratios, meant for carrying large
    quantities of gear.  A racing bike is a lighter weight more responsive 
    bike, with limited gear ratios.  The sport touring (the most popular
    in your and mine price range) is a combination (compromise ?) between 
    the two.  
    
       Another important thing is to go to a knowledgable bike shop.
     The two I went to, that I was impressed with was the Cycle Barn
    in westboro, and O'Neils in Shrewsbury (this is only helpful if
    you live in the greater maynard area).  You should try to avoid
    a shop that does a hard sell.
    
       Others in this conference will probably give more detailed advice,
    but I hope this is a good start.
    
           Ken (who owns a peugeot ventoux and is happy with it) 
       
        

>    I'm interested in starting biking as a sport.

	Do you really mean "sport" as in competition?  Different
	forms of competition would indicate a different bike. There 
	is road racing (medium distances on country roads), time 
	trialing (against the clock where aerodynamics are important), 
	criteriums (racing laps on city streets where fast corners are
	frequent) and cyclocross (racing in dirt and mud).  If you are 
	adding bicycling to swimming and running for a traithlon then the
	bike is a little different.  You should discuss your needs
	with a shop familiar with racing such as Category One in 
	Tyngsboro, MA.

	If you mean "sport" like a hobby or pastime or exercise (like
	jogging) then you sould get a sport-touring bike that fits
	well.  Fit is most important because a bicycle has limited
	adjustability...  if you hit the limits of adjustability
	before you find a proper fit, you have to replace the frame!

    
    re .1
    
    The Panasonic "sport" is a good entry level bike.  It may not appear
    it, but it's much better than a "dept store" functional equivalent.  
    The only problem I saw with it was that they purposely give you
    pedals that don't have holes for toe clips.  This is a packaging
    decision to keep it from becoming a simple upgrade to their next
    model (the DX1000 I think).  If you're going to go on a day trips,
    pick up a used set of pedals and throw them on.
    
    JD
    

    
    re. -1
    
    Goodales put on new pedals and toe clips for me before I bought
    the bike.  Didn't charge me for the pedals, just the toe clip
    apparatus.  Such a deal!
    
    What happens when you get fitted for a bike?   When I thought I
    was being "fitted" I just stood over the bike and made sure there 
    was an inch or two between the top bar and my crotch.  I also has
    tyhe seat adjusted to the proper height for pedalling.  What else
    is suppose to be done??
    
    
    Glenn
    
    

    RE:  .6
    	There is a system for getting a good rider/bike fit called a
    Fit Kit.  See notes 186 and 188 for more info.
    
    Nick B...

    	When I was at Goodale's with another fella' who was
    	buying, I asked them about FIT KIT. The guy said, "We
    	don't believe in FIT KIT."
    
    	Scott

    	re. -.1   If they don't believe in the Fit Kit, I wouldn't believe
    in their shop.  While the Fit Kit is not the last word, it is a
    place to start - you can fine turn/adjust the bike to fit your personal
    preferences from there.  Women seem to be the primary benifactors
    from the Fit Kit in that it keeps them off bikes designed for men's
    proportions [ short legs, long torso ] with the typical men's bike's
    long top tube (this means the handlebars are a long reach from the
    seat).  Some bike shop operators have enough experience (Peter Mooney
    at Belmont Wheelworks come to mind) that they can look at you riding
    around in the parking lot and tell if you are correctly fitted,
    but they are rare. If you go to their shop and someone else fits
    you, can you trust their judgement?  The Fit Kit is a kind of AI
    for bicyclists - again, not the last word, but a good place to start.
    	- Chris

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	~Mike

    
    The best part about the FitKit is that someone with little
    experience with a good fitting bike (Jane bike buyer) and someone
    with little experience in fitting riders (Joe bike salesman)
    can get awfully close to the ideal fit between bike and rider. Before
    the FitKit, a large proportion of the bike buying public was being
    swooned into buying a bike that didn't fit them right, generating
    lots of complaints and bad business for the industry. Now, the bike
    salesperson can do most of the job that previously took an experienced
    eye.
    
    I find I can fit most riders very well by eye, but that's taken
    many years of fittings to develop. Bill Farell just made it easier.
    
    CdH