Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

[DJ]

Curious if anyone on OS is into cycling/mountain biking and/or commuting via bike to work?

I've been riding mountain bikes for 5 years now. Living in CO affords me the ability to hit a lot of great trails. I ride a 2008 Fuji Nevada 2.0. It's a nice ride with good suspension and can really handle rough terrain well.

This past week I purchased a 2012 Giant Sedona, which I plan on using as a commuter bike when I move next month. My ride should be 10-15 miles one-way and the Sedona will be great for that distance.

No Lycra for me but I do own 4-5 jerseys, including an FSU-themed one that looks pretty sick. I have a Cannondale helmet and a few pair of gloves, but not sure of the brand. No clips, either.

I still feel like I have a lot to learn about this hobby. Any good websites to recommend? I would like to know how to do basic repairs on my bikes. Right now my Giant is having issues with the brake line ... trying to clamp the line back in after putting the front wheel on is proving to be a real chore. I need a bit more slack in the line to reach the clamp but am not sure how to achieve that. Very frustrating as I have I issues with the tire quick-release on my Fuji; plenty of slack on the line any easy to take on and off.

Well, I am starting to ramble. Hopefully there are some other cyclists around and we can begin posting about rides we go on.

[deaduck]

I have a Schwinn Meridian adult Trike that I take jaunts on.

My health took a nosedive a few years back and my balance got all wonky so that was my best option. When I am feeling up to it, I can use neighborhood roads to get to most anything. No way I ride it on a main road around here. They would run me down for the Road points.

[DJ]

Went out with the Mrs. for a nice 2-hour ride. Used my new Giant and man, that is a smooth ride. I really enjoy being in a more upright position for casual rides, such as the one we went on today. Caught a main trail not too far from our house and rode into Downtown Denver, including riding right past Sports Authority Field (Broncos). Great day for a ride.

Tomorrow I may throw the Fuji in the car and hit some trails. There's a spot about 20 minutes away that I haven't been to in a couple of years that I'd like to ride before we move to Colorado Springs.

[VDusen04]

I love biking but I'm so completely ignorant about it. My mountain bike is cheap and very old. For the past few years the pedal slowly unscrews as I ride it. As such, I switched to a cheaper bike I had, which hurts my back. But I still like riding. My theory is the cheapness of my cycling equipment likely only provides a tougher workout. And when I do inevitably get a nice bike, I'll really appreciate it.

I've done a few trails here in Michigan and in South Carolina. Nothing spectacular. I can't do any sweet jumps or things like that. I sometimes bike to work, but it's not too far away (2 miles or so). And one time I rode the length of the Kal-Haven Trail and back in two days (70 miles total). The fact that I consider that my crowning cycling achievement should sufficiently sum up my true experience and expertise (that is to say, there's not much there). Still, I like it and could see myself delving deeper into the craft if my basketball playing wanes.

The extent of my abilities:

[VDusen04]

I'm thinking of upgrading to a new bike but I have no idea where to begin. As detailed, I'm not a super extreme cyclist. Anyone have any mountain bike advice? I've been thinking bike shops, but they're very expensive. I've been thinking Craigslist, but I'm bad at Craigslist. I haven't been thinking about the Wal-Marts and Meijers of the world. The bikes there are not great, yes?

[DJ]

Quote: Originally Posted by VDusen04

I'm thinking of upgrading to a new bike but I have no idea where to begin. As detailed, I'm not a super extreme cyclist. Anyone have any mountain bike advice? I've been thinking bike shops, but they're very expensive. I've been thinking Craigslist, but I'm bad at Craigslist. I haven't been thinking about the Wal-Marts and Meijers of the world. The bikes there are not great, yes?

There's no reason to overspend if you're not going to be riding all the time. I haven't paid more than $300 for my last 2 bikes and both retailed at over $800. Do you live in a town/city that attracts a lot of tourists? If so, bike shops typically rent bikes to visitors to pedal around town. They then sell those bikes off at a pretty cheap price. You'll get a quality brand for a fraction of the cost that way.

If that's not an option, you can still make your way into the bike shop and explain what you are looking for. Most employees will find something in your price range. You can find a good mountain bike or hybrid for $300-500. Inquire about last year's models when shopping around. Bike stores here in CO will have tent sales where they unload "old" bikes for 50% or more off.

Craigslist is a good resource, but it helps if you have a decent working knowledge of bikes so you know what to look for. Dick's Sporting Goods actually has a small but solid selection of bikes, so look there, too.

If you are going to be doing a lot of serious mountain biking, you'll want something that has dual suspension. Your upper body will thank you later.

If you are just going to ride here and there and won't be tackling any ulta-challenging trails, you can get by with a hardtail (front suspension), which is what I currently ride.

Let me know if you have any questions.

I just got my Hybrid (Giant) bike back yesterday (we recently moved) and am going to hit the trail that's literally right behind our house tonight after work. It's about 8 miles one way so should be a nice ride.

[VDusen04]

Quote: Originally Posted by DJ

There's no reason to overspend if you're not going to be riding all the time. I haven't paid more than $300 for my last 2 bikes and both retailed at over $800. Do you live in a town/city that attracts a lot of tourists? If so, bike shops typically rent bikes to visitors to pedal around town. They then sell those bikes off at a pretty cheap price. You'll get a quality brand for a fraction of the cost that way. If that's not an option, you can still make your way into the bike shop and explain what you are looking for. Most employees will find something in your price range. You can find a good mountain bike or hybrid for $300-500. Inquire about last year's models when shopping around. Bike stores here in CO will have tent sales where they unload "old" bikes for 50% or more off. Craigslist is a good resource, but it helps if you have a decent working knowledge of bikes so you know what to look for. Dick's Sporting Goods actually has a small but solid selection of bikes, so look there, too. If you are going to be doing a lot of serious mountain biking, you'll want something that has dual suspension. Your upper body will thank you later. If you are just going to ride here and there and won't be tackling any ulta-challenging trails, you can get by with a hardtail (front suspension), which is what I currently ride. Let me know if you have any questions. I just got my Hybrid (Giant) bike back yesterday (we recently moved) and am going to hit the trail that's literally right behind our house tonight after work. It's about 8 miles one way so should be a nice ride.

Great stuff. That's exactly the type of information I'm looking for. Your used bike/rental suggestion makes a lot of sense. My family lives in Ann Arbor and it's a big bike town. There was a used/rental shop I was going to hit up, then relented. But now that you've mentioned it again, I think that'll be my first stop. Thanks, man.

If anyone else has more to contribute or offer (or echo), I'd still appreciate that.

[DJ]

Quote: Originally Posted by VDusen04

Great stuff. That's exactly the type of information I'm looking for. Your used bike/rental suggestion makes a lot of sense. My family lives in Ann Arbor and it's a big bike town. There was a used/rental shop I was going to hit up, then relented. But now that you've mentioned it again, I think that'll be my first stop. Thanks, man. If anyone else has more to contribute or offer (or echo), I'd still appreciate that.

Perfect! The guys at the store should be able to find a bike to fit your needs. Most places will tune them up for you, too, before they give you the bike.

Hopefully more people chime in. I'm surprised no one else has posted. You'd think with all of the traffic on this site there'd be a few cyclists/mountain bike riders.

Unfortunately I was unable to get out on my bike this evening due to heavy showers. Tomorrow looks better from a weather standpoint.