Conference noted::bicycle

RE: <<< Note 2844.0 by AKOCOA::SALLET >>>
 
>    That a bike needs to fit someone personally
>    so perhaps a Gift Certificate will end up being more appropriate.

I think letting him try/pick out the actual bike is a very good idea. You're
quite correct about the importance of fit and the difficulty of estimating it
for someone else.
    
>    1.  What type is recommended for a "beginner"/occasional rider?
>        I don't want to get anything too elaborate, but don't want
>        something too cheap either - middle of the road I guess.

The distance, frequency, and zeal of the expected riding will help determine
the price range that may be appropriate, as you've suggested. The TYPE of
riding, on the other hand, is largely independent of these factors. Perhaps the
single biggest type-differentiator is road vs. off-road. A so-called road bike
(the classic "ten-speed") is well suited for use on pavement or other hard
packed surfaces. A so-called mountain bike (also called MTB or ATB) is well
suited for use on rough surfaces such as dirt and gravel, over tree roots,
road shoulders, etc. There is an intermediate bike that is getting popular
called the hybrid, which is in between.

     o	A road bike is the easiest type to ride on pavement, because the
	thinner, smoother tires roll easier and the somewhat more forward,
	lower body position is more aerodynamic. A road bike can tolerate some
	mild off-road use like light gravel and dirt roads, but would not be
	appropriate for real trail use.

	Don't be scared by some peoples' image of a road bike as an elitist
	racing bicycle, that's uncomfortable, tricky, etc. Lots of people would
	be best suited by a road bike, because they ride mostly on roads.

     o	A mountain bike is designed for harder, almost abusive riding as would
	be found in the woods, fields -- off road! A mountain bike can be used
	on pavement, but it will simply be harder to pedal and/or slower than a
	road bike.

	Mountain bikes are the current fashion, but most are never or very
	rarely ridden off-road. The rider then uses more energy that they
	would otherwise need to (which may be a good thing!)

     o	A hybrid is as one might guess, OK for road use and OK for moderate
	off-road use.

If you go with a gift certificate, both of you can think about what kind of
bike might be most appropriate. There are no absolutes, however, so there is
little likelyhood of one kind of bike being so totally unsuitable as to
discourage riding.

>    2.  What shops are recommended in the Littleton MA/Southern NH area?

I love Chelmsford Cyclery in Chemlsford MA. They have been very helpful to me,
special ordering things, try-outs, answering questions.

>    3.  How much should I expect to spend (roughly).

The range is from $100 to $5000! I would say that middle of the road quality
(which is quite respectable quality) runs from say $300 to $600.

>    4.  He's about 6'4 and 230'ish  - no clue about fit.  Thus another
>        arguement for a Gift Certificate.

As you seem to be leaning anyway, I would go to a bike shop especially for
someone this tall, as mass-market bikes would probably be too small. 
						-- Tom

Hybrids are much nicer than road bikes on lousy paved roads,
such as the backroads in Mason and Brookline, NH.
Margaret.

    
    
    I would also second a hybrid for the gentleman of that size and
    starting off. A real road racing bike, or even a touring bike might
    not be as comfortable a stance for someone that is starting off and 
    would do casual rides. Look at some of the hybrids that Trek or
    Giant put out. Expect to pay $300 + for a reasonably good quality 
    bike that will last some years under a heavy rider. 
    
    Shaw

I think a lot depends on the way your husband generally behaves when
he makes purchases like this e.g.  is he neurotic like me and have
to research and weigh all the options?  Or is any bike ok and he's 
not too fussy.   As far as the mountain vs road vs hybrid debate goes
at this level... a lot depends on what he thinks is "cool".   As
you said he probably is not going to ride a lot but will probably
want something that he likes regardless if it is the right kind of bike.
Its amazing how many people buy mountain bikes and hybrids and do nothing
but road riding ... they still love their bikes though.   For some of
us baby boomers the new fat tire bikes remind us of the old two-ton
fat tire bikes of the 50's and 60's that we grew up with and loved. 
The new ones are much nicer and
lighter, more efficient, etc, etc ...  Also the rider position is more
familiar to the older bikes.    So I guess what I'm saying is that
for casual riders its juat as important to match the personality
of the rider as the type of riding.

Good Luck,
-Larry

    I just recently went thru the exercise of purchasing a new bike,
    replacing a 10 speed that I've had since I was a teenager. I consider
    myself an occasional rider, though my new bike is getting considerable
    use these days.

>    1.  What type is recommended for a "beginner"/occasional rider?
>        I don't want to get anything too elaborate, but don't want
>        something too cheap either - middle of the road I guess.

    Have him try out various types of bikes - mountain, hybrid and road to
    see what he prefers. Having ridden a road bike all these years, I made
    the switch to mountain (Univega Rover). At first it took a bit of getting
    used to, and as previous replies mentioned, it _is_ a bit more work to
    keep moving due to the bigger tires. But, that's why I like it; the
    exercise is great. At first I wondered if I'd ever use all 21 speeds.
    Well, I certainly do. I used to do a lot of coasting on the 10 speed -
    too lazy to reach down to change gears :-) ; having the index shifters
    right on the handlebars allows me to keep my cadence up. Yeah, most of
    my riding is on road, but with all the roads in Chelmsford being torn
    up for sewer installation, I'm actually glad to be riding a mountain
    bike.

>    2.  What shops are recommended in the Littleton MA/Southern NH area?

    In addition to Chelmsford Cyclery, check out Goodales in Nashua and
    Buchika's in Salem, NH. I bought my Univega and my daughter's Univega
    at Buchika's. As for getting a gift certificate, you might want to let
    your husband decide what brand of bike he prefers. Buchika's carries
    Univega, Cannondale, Trek, and a few others. Goodales has Mongoose, Trek,
    Giant, ... If you get a gift certificate at one shop, then you're locked
    into the brands that shop carries.

>    3.  How much should I expect to spend (roughly).

    My Univega was $350.

>    4.  He's about 6'4 and 230'ish  - no clue about fit.  Thus another
>        arguement for a Gift Certificate.
    
    As others have suggested, make certain the shop fits him.

    -Dom

    How 'bout a "personal" gift certificate.  
    
    	"This gift certificate entitles  _______  to the purchase one
    	 bicycle of your choice, from the bicycle shop of your choice!" 
    
    
    			:-)

    
    Many of the lower end mountain bikes tend to merge into the hybrid
    bikes anyhow. A more expensive mountain bike will have a lower stem
    whereas a lesser expensive mountain bike will have a more relaxed
    angled stem...ie you're not as bent over the handlebars.
    Another difference in the hybrid/mtb is the tires in the hybrid will
    have a little less agressive tread, so depending on what you're
    planning on doing/going with the bike, this can be one of the determining
    factors as others have said, "where would the bike be ridden".
    Along dirt roads for instance (a Hbike would do) or on logging trails
    over stumps or even through the woods where a mtb would be more
    suitable.
    
    As far as price is concerned, the threshold for a full/partially 
    chromoly frame (lighter than regular steel), alloy wheels is around $350. 
    This is the minimum I would recommend. The componentry doesn't vary that 
    much...it's all generally Shimano Alivio/STX which work fine. The more 
    expensive components generally give you a little lighter weight to truck 
    around which is great but it begins to get pricey.
    A good compromise would be to look at bikes in the $400-$500. range if 
    at all possible. Here you'll see better lighter frames which is key as 
    well as better componetry.
    From the height & weight of an individual, most shops could give you an
    idea on what size to consider. Be careful though, many bike shops won't
    allow you to return a bike once it's been sold.
    
    Good luck !
    
    ~todd~ 
    
    

>    2.  What shops are recommended in the Littleton MA/Southern NH area?

    Two in Mid-Southern NH:

	Absolutely Bicycles in New Ipswich, NH
	Spokes and Slopes in Peterborough, NH

    I've bought bikes at both and recommend both.

    Tom