Conference noted::bicycle

    If you do a DIR in this file you'll find tons of discussions about
    different bikes being sold, and good places to buy them.
    
    To give you a couple of quick answers, try the Bicycle Exchange
    in Harvard Square and International bikes in Allston.  International
    has the greatest selection I've seen anywhere in Mass.  Wheelworks
    would be next on my list.
    
    For $500 you can get a very good bike.  Under $500 I think you will
    be making a lot of compromises.  I think you get the most value
    for $500 - $700.
    
    Scwhinn seems to be making some very good bikes now, and they may
    even be made in the US!
                           
    10-15% is the absolute minimum I'd be expecting for a discount.
    However, I haven't seen any great deals on bikes lately, especially
    Mountain bikes.
    
    Good luck
    Dave

    Dave,
    
    As I mentioned in the base note, I'd really rather not go over $500. 
    However, I'm interested in what types of compromises you think I'm
    making.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Leslie

Compromises:

Fork material

Component groups

These are the first places to be cut in terms of cost. 

If you do decide on a bike call Whitco's in spencer. They will not be 
convenient for service but you will save lots of money.

I saved $140 on a Fuji there....


If you are looking for flexibility a road/touring bike with a triple 
crank offers the wide range of gearing. A touring bike is also stable 
and a comfortable ride.


JC

    The $500.00 range you provided, together with the type of riding
    you described can get you something of quality and dependability.
    
    Touring sounds like the ticket for you. Personally, I owned a Fuji
    Del Rey for 4 years (8 years ago). In fact, I still have it but
    will be selling it (promised) in a month or two. I never had a
    problem with that thing, not even a flat. I am not overly familiar
    with the other brands, I wouldn't lean toward a Schwinn. For five
    yards you'll get an overweight, underdeveloped (proabaly bullet
    proof) machine (my opinion - please don't shoot!). 
    
    Gamache's has been "berry, berry good to me." They carry Cannondales
    (you could get a decent one for just a pinch more), Schwinn, Ulterga,
    Cilo and a couple other brands. They also have a decent selection
    too. Gamache's is in Fitchburg, Ma by the way.
    
    Chip

    Leslie,
    
    Talk to Dave, note 981, if the size is right and the price, what
    the heck!  I don't know how long Dave will  be around to service it
    but that price difference can make up for a lot, talk to him anyway.
    
    (I bought a bike from him years ago.  Some car gave it a whole new
    shape last year but that's a story for a whole 'nother note.)
    
    ed

<    Gamache's has been "berry, berry good to me."

Chip, when there are four or five top-notch bicycle stores in the Boston area
that are as good as Gamache's, if not better, why should this person drive out
to Fitchburg.

My experience tells me that amongst the biggies in Boston; Wheelworks,
Bi-Ex, International, etc. service really varies almost day to day.  You
never know who is at the cash register that day, or who the mechanic on
duty is (unless you specifically have someone work on your bike each time.

Experience also tells me that since there are so many pro shops in such a
small geographic area that the competition is going to be intense.  That is
the prices are going to be very close no matter what shop you go to.

I've bought my last three bikes at Wheelworks.  To be honest it's the closest
but I haven't hesitated sometimes to go into town to International or even
Nashbar (no flames please).  The point is find a shop that's relatively close,
easy to do in Boston and stick with it.

    As far as price competition goes, Belmont Wheelworks says they'll meet
    anyone's prices, which I assume they all do.
    
    Again, thanks for the advice, and keep it coming ...
    
    Leslie

    re: .0
    
    A good bike in the <$500 range is the Bianchi Sport-SX. There was
    a write up on this bike in the Bicycle 1988 Buyers Guide and the
    review was very favorable. My SO has one and loves it and I prefered
    it over my old bike (shogun 600). I think the bike weighes ~23.5lb.

    The only way you are going to find a bike you like is to go out
    and ride a lot of different bikes. You'll find that there are 1
    or 2 that you feel the best on and your decision will come down
    to those 1 or 2. 
    
    For bike shops I haven't had any dealings with Belmont Wheelworks
    but, Franks spoke n Wheel in Framingham has been real good to me
    and he also has a shop in Waltham. 
    
    
    As far as consumer reports goes I have found it to be on of the
    most biased and subjective publications around (with the possible
    exception of their car buyers guide). They tend not to cover every
    manufacturer and weigh insignificant factors to much in order to
    make a product look better than it actually is.

RE: 1008.6 (Andrew)

My experience tells me that amongst the biggies in Boston; Wheelworks,
Bi-Ex, International, etc. service really varies almost day to day.  You
never know who is at the cash register that day, or who the mechanic on
duty is (unless you specifically have someone work on your bike each time.

> I may be a little thick (yes, I know, I'm thick in the middle) but
> your argurment here sounds like a reason NOT to frequent the shops
> in Boston. You know: service really varies, never know who is at the
> cash register, who the mechanic on duty is. Did I miss something?

> Scott

    For good service in the Boston area, try Laughing Alley in Allston.
    A relatively small shop with a great reputation.  They are one of
    very few shops that do frame repair,
    
    steve

With respect to Consumer Reports, they do Great stuff but if you are 
looking for a bike_shop_bike (better quality) of over $300, C_R 
won't tell you much.  Their info was aimed at the mass market who 
buy a bike at Sears, a discount store, etc; they did not rate most 
of the brands that those of us active in this conference ride.

That's not to belittle the Murray's and Free Spirits, for much of 
the population, they are fine.

Also, in agreement with other replies, consider the smaller bike 
shops (in your area).  The service, convenience and relationship you 
build will likely be worthwhile, likely at little price differential 
if you don't need the vast variety.  Lexington (Mass.) Cycle has 
been good to me.

	~Mike

<    For good service in the Boston area, try Laughing Alley in Allston.

I've been to Laughing Alley many times.  As a matter of fact, I bought my
first real racing bike there (Bianchi).  The quality of their service is ok
but the amount of time it takes I found to be unreasonable (Yeah, we can fix
your bike, bring it in next week and it'll be ready a week after that.  Not
much help when the race is the day after tomorrow).  Also, I found their prices
to be consistently $5-$10 higher for items like shoes, shorts, etc.

I still say stay with either Bi-Ex, International, or Wheelworks.

    On the contrary, I found Laughing Alley to be sensitive to my needs as
    a racer.  They've had the parts I've needed, and have been willing to
    make sure they're the right ones: the right spoke lengths for my first
    home-built wheels, the right cogs for my Dura-Ace cluster, the right
    rims to end my flat-spot blues.  The people are very flexible -- when
    they only had 36-hole rims, while I had a 32-hole hub, they let me
    trade in my old hub for a 36-hole equivalent. Finally, they're the only
    shop I know of in Boston that cures tubulars. (I'm quite willing
    to pay $5 more for them....)
    
    If you're the type of racer who does most of your own work (and
    if you aren't, you ought to be), you should check out Laughing Alley.
    This isn't to say the place is only for racers; I've watched them
    work with recreational riders, and have been impressed with their
    advice.  It all reminds me of what "serious" bike shops were 15
    years ago, when riding was more of a cult activity.
    
    One caveat:  the place is a madhouse on Saturdays.  It takes at
    least half an hour to get anyone's attention -- an hour if you 
    want to buy anything.  Avoid the headaches and go some other time.

    Sorry about the "lost reply" ...
    
    >    	- What kind of discount should I expect for '88 models?  They're
    
    You can expect anything from 10-35% or nothing: there is no set
    discount, it depends on the distributor's incentives/discounts, the
    brand, model, size, color, and whether or not the model is being
    changed in 1989. With a price range of $300-500, though, you could give
    yourself a 40% discount by buying the $300 bike: is discount REALLY
    that important?
    
    
    >    	- Does anyone have any better suggestions for where to go, keeping 
    >    	  in mind that I live in Arlington (MA) and want someplace that's pretty
    >    	  convenient for tuneups and adjustments?
    
    Why not Arlington? There are 3 shops there. The Bicycle Corner will
    probably give you the same price on a Univega as the Bicycle Exchange
    -- without the Harvard Sq. Hassle (if a Univega looks like a Myata
    there's a good reason for it -- many of their models are made by the
    same manufacturer).
        
    >    I'm totally overwhelmed by the selection.  I'm willing to spend
    >    $300-$500, and there's a lot more to choose from than I expected and
    >    the quality is higher!  (I haven't looked at bikes in about 10 years
    >    and things have changed a bit.  I've been riding a Gitane for 12
    >    years.)
    
    A lot has changed since you bought your Gitane! Any bike you get for
    $300-500 will be MUCH, MUCH BETTER, particularly if it's made in Japan.
    You SHOULD BE overwhelmed: you price range is too wide. There are
    dozens of brands, all with 3, 4, maybe more models that would be very
    close to what you want. All the hogwash about double-butted this,
    chrome-moly that, etc. is just that: hogwash. If you're like most
    recreational riders, any bike from any one of the major brands should
    be fine. The gear range is more than adequate for your purposes and
    they are all lightweight and reliable. The derailleurs ("gears") all
    work very well, some superbly. Your choice is really very easy,
    therefore: 1) chose a shop which is convenient and has nice people
    working there, 2) find a model you think you like that FITS YOU
    PROPERLY (test ride it if possible), 3) choose a color that you like!
    
    The last item is vvery important! You have to look at the bike every
    time you ride it: who wants to ride an ugly bike just because it was a
    "good deal"?
    

    RE: -.1
    
    Thanks for the helpful comments.  As far as 3 bike shops in Arlington
    goes, what are the other 2?  I'm already familiar with the Bicycle
    Corner.  I give them business whenever I can (I have always had my
    current bike serviced there and I buy all accessories there), but their
    selection of bikes leaves a bit to be desired.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Leslie

    re .16
    I don't know all their names, and I haven't been by recently, but there
    used to be a shop in East Arlington on Mass. Ave., on the right hand
    side, just past the lights (it may be mostly BMX now, thogh). They
    still sell bikes upstairs at Arlington Motor Sports, on Mass. Ave. 
    
    A good shop for selection is the one in Porter Sq. on Mass. Ave. (I
    forget the name). Lexington Cycle is also good -- it's on a side street
    off Mass. Ave. near the Battle Green. If you care to go as far as
    Lincoln, Lincoln Guide Service has a very good reputation -- Mike
    Farney has been in business for years, running the bicycle and the
    cross country ski businesses. The Cycle Loft in Burlington
    (Lexington/Woburn/Burlington line) has a good selection (I don't know
    about prices/service). Lincoln Guide Service has one of the most
    complete selections of accessories I've seen that are not geared just
    to racing. If you're happy with Wheelworks, they have a good reputation
    too. 

>    A good shop for selection is the one in Porter Sq. on Mass. Ave. (I
>    forget the name).

That was Ace Wheelworks, but they've moved.  They are now 2 blocks away,
kind of diagonally behind the Star Market.  To get to their new location, go
west on Mass Ave from Porter Square and turn right at the first light
(Beach ST).  They are one block away on the corner with that street that comes
from Davis Sq. (I forget the name, but it's not labeled anyways.)

Any comments on the new bike store on Mass Ave near Porter Sq and Conran's?
From the road it looks like too much neon for me.

-Jeff

> (Beach ST).  They are one block away on the corner with that street that comes
> from Davis Sq. (I forget the name, but it's not labeled anyways.)
    
    The road you're talking about is Elm Street.

    Well, I've done some more looking, and I'm considering the following:
    
    	Miyata 512
    	Bianchi Sport SX
    	Trek 400
    	Trek 1000 (Aluminum frame)
    	Fuji del Rey
    
    I was wondering if anyone out there has opinions (silly question,
    I realize!) about aluminum frames.  There seems to be a bit of
    controversy, and I think I'm convinced to stay away from them, but
    I'd like any feedback you may have to offer.
    
    Also, if there are any comments (good or bad) about the selection
    above (or any comparable proposed additions), I'd appreciate it.

    Thanks again,
    
    Leslie (who's making this decision a lot harder on herself than it 
            should be!)

        Actually, you ALL have it completely wrong.
        
        
        Forget Aluminum.
        
        Forget Alloy.
        
        Forget Mollybedumn.
        
        What she should buy is PLASTIC.  
        
        No, seriously, think of all of the advantages.  Plastic is tough, 
        lightweight, and cheap.  And, for the type of riding SHE will do, 
        it is perfect.  Believe me, I have a degree in stuff like this.  
        I should know.
        
        Now I know what your thinking: "there are no plastic composites 
        on the market which meet all of the rigorous standards imposed 
        by this tough, serious minded young thing".  Well, sprocket 
        breath, you couldn't be further from the truth.  It just so 
        happens that there IS a product on the market, which is currently 
        owned buy thousands of biking enthusiasts,  and, I can honestly 
        say that most of these riders spend hours at a time on these 
        marvelous machines and rarely complain.  
        
        These little wonders also have the added advantage of having a 
        low center of gravity; thus making them perfect for the author of 
        the base note.  They also come in a variety of colors.  I'm not 
        making any of this up; honestly.

        Ahh, but you think to yourself, "self, does this bike come 
        complete with full color glossy brochures?, or will that nice 
        young man down at Wheelworks let me take it for a test spin?, or 
        maybe, How will I fit in with all of the cool bikers/noters if I 
        buy one of these?".  Alas, you may meet with some problems in 
        these departments, but after all, when you're riding a brand new 
        Big Wheels from Matell, will any of this really matter?
        
        /greg (who, up until entering this note, is the husband of the 
               base noter and the one who listens ever so patiently to 
               second hand dissertations on metallurgy and metaphysics 
               such as are as entered in this file).
    

    RE:22.  Hold those hydrocarbons, plastic-breath!
    
    Your posting shows that you know nothing of the importance of having
    a frame of the right size.  Mattel's product comes in but one and
    if it did come in larger sizes, they too would ignore the special
    needs, regarding frame proportions, of women, though I don't think
    a smaller front wheel would be the solution.
    
    By law in most states, a big wheel is limited to sidewalk use. 
    How humiliating! %$&^$%&! (Most recumbants are also but they seem
    to get awway with using the streets and the laws are changing.)
    
    You cannot fit a big-wheel with clip-less pedals, that will certainly
    relegate her to the back of the pack.
    
    On the plus side, I must a<dmit that those big-wheels come in some
    dynamite colors.  Of course, your SO may not want to coordinate
    her cycling wardrobe with THOSE colors.
    
    ed

    Just to close the book, I bought a Miyata 512 this weekend from
    Wheelworks.
    
    Thanks again for all the help.

    Leslie