[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

548.0. "* HELP THE NOVICE *" by TARKIN::YAZDANI () Wed Feb 17 1988 11:31

    Hi every one. I have recently been thinking about taking up this
    sport.  Since I am a novice and need to learn more, I seek your
    help.  First of all I would need to buy a good touring bike within
    $400 - $500. Any recomendations ?
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
548.1some infoCSMADM::SCHWABEWed Feb 17 1988 15:5132
    
    Until you decide where your cycling interests really are (long distance
    touring, racing, off road, etc.), I would recommend a "sport touring"
    bike. The angles are not quite as steep as racing bike, but livelier
    than a full blown touring bike. In that price range you should be
    able to get something really nice, and I would think that even for
    about $300 you could get something good. Some things to avoid when
    shopping around would be steel rims, and the brake extension levers
    that allow you to use the brakes from an upright position. At the
    range you are looking at I don't think you'll find any of this stuff,
    but who knows. Depending on where you ride, you should consider
    the the gear ratios. There are some steep hills around and having
    a wider gear ratio might be useful. Pushing big gears is an invitaion
    to have knee problems. Dealers can probably substitute rear clusters
    for nonimal fees providing the derailleur has enough capacity. I'm
    not sure what I use for gearing but I believe I have a low of about
    40. I find that adequate for riding in hilly Worcester county. I
    seldom use it but its nice to know it's there.
    Some of my favorite brands are Trek, Miele, Shogun, Miyata, Cannondale.
    I would probably stick to a double butted tubing (steel), although
    I believe you can get some aluminum frames for that money. I cannot
    recommend particular models. Comparing brands is like comparing
    Fords and Chevies. I feel they all make nice bikes; compare and
    pick what you like best.
    Its more fun riding with other cyclists, so I would recommend joining
    a club. There is probably one close to where you live and other
    readers of this conference could supply the addresses.
    
    Good luck in your shopping
    
    DS
    Look for braze-ons for the water bottle cage.
548.2ThanksTARKIN::YAZDANIVahid YazdaniTue Feb 23 1988 13:535
    Thanks for the information.  I am sure it will be quite helpful
    when I start shoping.
    
    Vahid