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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

2561.0. "Another novice seeking help!" by USCTR1::JHERNBERG () Tue May 11 1993 17:43

    
    
    This is, once again, a plea from a novice (like the gentleman from 
    Canada....gre-e-e-e-e-en!).  I have read the notes for novices but
    I have additional questions, hence, another topic....mod. move it
    you think necessary.  
    
    I would like to get back into cycling after twenty years and find
    the new types of cycling as well as cycling confusing.  My last 
    bike was a rather decent racing bike but now I am more interested 
    in what I have heard called "touring" and "mountain" biking.  From
    reading about the importance of knowing what kind of riding you will
    be doing in the novice replies, I take it that now it is more crucial
    than ever to suit your riding to the bike not vice versa.  What should
    I look for if I am interested in the "bike path" type of cycling; the
    kind that is off the paved road but on especially constructed bike
    paths made of packed dirt.  Is there a clinic or workshop that I could
    attend before I spend my money; is there places to buy reliable used
    bikes?  I'm fast finding out how expensive it is to get back into 
    cycling. 
    
    Any advice, comments, etc. will be welcome.....especially about
    clinics, workshops or clubs that accept novices (the the New England
    area).
    
    Thank you in advance.
    
    Jan

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
2561.1	try a hybrid bike	RANGER::SCHLENER		`Tue May 11 1993 17:59`	12
	For some road biking and dirt paths I highly recommend cross-trainers/hybrid bikes. They are a mix of a mountain bike and a touring bike. The bike looks like a mountain bike but I believe there are differences with the frame and there are definite differences with the tires (not as wide and not as much tread). I have a Cannondale (least expensive model) and that works well in both environments. I do wish I had a touring bike for going up hills since I prefer the bent position for climbing. Well, at least my back doesn't ache since it's not bent over all the time... Cindy
2561.2	A GOOD DEALER...	WMOIS::GIROUARD_C		`Tue May 11 1993 18:09`	4
	Find a reputable and knowledgeable dealership... You'll find that to be the most valuable element in your search. Chip
2561.3		PCCAD::RICHARDJ	My God Is OK, Sorry About Yours	`Tue May 11 1993 18:25`	7
	I have a Schwinn Crisscross hybrid and my wife has a Trek 720 hybrid. They are both great for road and off road. Both have 21 speeds with grip shifts. They each cost $369.00. Jim
2561.4	For hardpack trails, go Hybrid	KYOA::BOYLE	Dirty Jobs Done Dirt Cheap	`Tue May 11 1993 19:03`	16
	You are correct. You first must decide what kind of biking you are going to do. You state that you are interested in both touring and mountain biking. At this point, you are probably aware that one bike will not fully satisfy both needs. Secondly, you are interested in hardpack and bike trail riding. I agree that a Hybrid would be the appropriate choice. These bikes are lighter that mountain bikes but still afford an upright riding position. Off the shelf, they typically come with knobby tires that are significantly more narrow than mountain bike tires. Don't know if this helps, Jack Boyle
2561.5		TALLIS::KIRK	Matt Kirk	`Tue May 11 1993 19:44`	3
	As for bike clubs, call 508-266-1NVP for Nashoba Valley Pedalers. M