General Bike Thread (Desiderata, Questions, Pics)

uhurit · May 14, 2010

Just placed an order on Orbea Diem, a flat bar road/city/whatever...wicked and fast

Toronto34 · May 14, 2010

Originally Posted by EMY

as urban as it gets.

That guy needs to take off the front disk and lengethen the rear brake cable pretty badly. other than that, sweet ride.

EMY · May 15, 2010

Originally Posted by Toronto34

That guy needs to take off the front disk and lengethen the rear brake cable pretty badly. other than that, sweet ride.

The rear brake is hydraulic and the brake tubing is short because there is a hydro gyro installed.

DNW · May 15, 2010

Originally Posted by rdawson808

So I'm thinking of getting a new mt bike. Actually for mt. biking. No guarantee I'll do it, but I've been thinking about it. I need something to be more competitive about and I used to like mt. biking, but just haven't been out in years. [Hence building a city bike when my mt. bike was stolen last fall.] What are you guys riding these days? 26 or 29? What about a Cyclocross bike? Can you stick full on fat mt. tires on one? I've had Trek in the past and been happy, but I'd like to try out some others. I'm thinking no more than $1000, disc brakes, hard tail. And I'm in no mood to build it myself. And that's all I got for now. Some possibilities Trek 6500 or the 6000 Kona Cinder Cone Then there's Giant or Cannondale, I suppose. What else?
Man, I really really want a MTB. It's been a decade since I last breath the fresh mountain air on a hardtail. But alas, I have no space for an extra bike in my apt. Even worse, I'd be sleeping on the couch for a while if I come home every weekend dragging mud all over the place. I need a bigger place [and a backyard with a garden hose in it].

acidboy · May 15, 2010

Originally Posted by DNW

Man, I really really want a MTB. It's been a decade since I last breath the fresh mountain air on a hardtail. But alas, I have no space for an extra bike in my apt. Even worse, I'd be sleeping on the couch for a while if I come home every weekend dragging mud all over the place.

I need a bigger place [and a backyard with a garden hose in it].

I've never been on a bike for decades before I started mountain biking, and after getting over the first few months of trail riding, I would say I'm totally hooked now- enough that I actually plan my weekends around it. there really is something about biking out on a trail and riding up/down a mountain path.

mondayc · May 16, 2010

Originally Posted by Shiny

Are there any laws to prevent this? How have you all dealt with this?
If the rest of the racks are full, lock your bike to the moped (3).

Superfluous Man · May 23, 2010

I'm considering a bike to ride to and from work. The ride will be roughly seven miles in a metro area. I won't be carrying anything other than a change of clothing, water, a snack and an MP3 player. I'm 5'10" and 150 pounds, if it makes a difference. What kind of bike would be best suited for my needs?

acidboy · May 24, 2010

^ a road bike that fits your budget and maybe a small hydration backpack with extra pockets for your player, tools, snack and a shirt

DNW · May 24, 2010

Originally Posted by Superfluous Man

I'm considering a bike to ride to and from work. The ride will be roughly seven miles in a metro area. I won't be carrying anything other than a change of clothing, water, a snack and an MP3 player. I'm 5'10" and 150 pounds, if it makes a difference. What kind of bike would be best suited for my needs?

For an urban commute, I'd actually suggest a hybrid -- something like a Specialized Sirrus. I'd get the handlebar cut a little so you have a slimmer profile, which is better for squeezing in between cars. A hybrid can also accommodate larger tires, e.g. 32cm, and thus would be a little more cushy over city bumps. In addition, find something that can accommodate a rear rack system for your gear.

rdawson808 · May 24, 2010

And leave the MP3 player at home. Few things are so dangerous as a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian who can't hear what's going no around him.

b

Superfluous Man · May 24, 2010

The MP3 player is for work, not the commute. Thanks for the suggestions.

otc · May 24, 2010

Nothing wrong with flat bars, but I think people tend to shy away from drop bars for the wrong reasons.

A wider (not 120lb pro racer sized) set of drop bars, set up a bit high are just as comfortable but much more versitile.

You can ride them like they are flat bars, you can camp out on the hoods (most people prefer the hoods) and if you end up having to fight a headwind on the way home (or you just want to feel special), you can fall into the drops.

The only downside I can see to them is that often the shifting mechanisms for drop bars (sti levers) cost a lot more than the stuff for flat bars (grip or trigger shifters). So if the bike does not come with them, it is not really a sensible addition.

zippyh · May 25, 2010

Originally Posted by otc

Nothing wrong with flat bars, but I think people tend to shy away from drop bars for the wrong reasons.

A wider (not 120lb pro racer sized) set of drop bars, set up a bit high are just as comfortable but much more versitile.

You can ride them like they are flat bars, you can camp out on the hoods (most people prefer the hoods) and if you end up having to fight a headwind on the way home (or you just want to feel special), you can fall into the drops.

The only downside I can see to them is that often the shifting mechanisms for drop bars (sti levers) cost a lot more than the stuff for flat bars (grip or trigger shifters). So if the bike does not come with them, it is not really a sensible addition.

Yep. I used to have a Specialized Sirrus and while it was my gateway drug to road bikes, once I got my first drop handle road bike, I almost never rode the Sirrus. I eventually sold it.

One good choice for a commuter would be to look for a lower end cyclocross bike like a Bianchi Axis. Just replace the semi knobby tires that it probably has standard with slicks. They usually have plenty of clearance for fenders too. Also, although they're pretty freddish, consider a rack. Packs/messenger bags make for a sweaty back.

Of course this assumes you have a secure place to park it at work. If not, just get the cheapest POS that'll do the job because it'll get stolen.

BDC2823 · May 25, 2010

I picked up this guy about 9 months ago but really haven't used it. I think I'm going to change that. I was hoping to ride it the 10 miles or so down to the beach this past weekend but that didn't pan out. Will do so this weekend if I don't end up going to Vegas. Anyways, since it's less than 4 miles to work, I think I'm going to start biking to work at least a few days a week from now on.

rdawson808 · May 25, 2010

^^ I have a friend with that Trek and he loves it.

b

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