Anyone own a "Road Bicycle"?

[1970Moparmann]

Anyone have any feedback on a decent bike for under $600?

I used to bike my a$$ off and let's just say through the years exercise has not been in my vocabulary.  Need to get in shape for myself and the family so I last a while.

[JB400]

I suggest you start out with something with training wheels.

[Old Moparz]

I still have my old road bike, a Schwinn Traveler from the mid 70's. It's still in good shape, but where I live now the terrain isn't road bike friendly, so I bought a mountain bike, a Raleigh Mojave. It's not a serious off road bike, but one that is better suited for the shoulders on the roads that seem to have a lot of sand & gravel that the road bike feels unstable on.

Here's an old thread I started with more info.....
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,18836.0.html

One thing I will say is to go to a bike shop & not a department store. You'll have more size options & better service that you'll never get at wally-mart or another big chain store.

[tsmithae]

You definitely need to do some research or go to a specialty bike shop to make sure you get a bike with the proper frame dimensions.  I might know someone that is getting rid of a decent used Trek or Raleigh in Chicago... the frame was more of a 50+cm which would be great for someone around 6'.  I do live in Chicago and would definitely be willing to help!

where I live now the terrain isn't road bike friendly, so I bought a mountain bike, a Raleigh Mojave.
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,18836.0.html

One thing I will say is to go to a bike shop & not a department store. You'll have more size options & better service that you'll never get at wally-mart or another big chain store.

I also have a Raleigh Mojave, but it is the top-of-the-line model that kills offroad!



Literally....

[Old Moparz]

Good to know someone else likes the Raleigh.  

I got one for my daughter, the next model up from mine. What I meant by "not a serious off road bike" was that it wasn't priced like some of the others. It was literally hundreds of dollars cheaper than other brands that seemed similar. I know I'll never ride it hard enough to destroy it but it's good to know it'll take a beating.  


If I recall, mine is the Mojave 2.0 & my daughter has the Mojave 3.0 version. The website says the frame on the 2.0 is steel & the 3.0 is aluminum. I thought I had aluminum but I'd have to go out to the garage to check..   

[Troy]

If the budget is $600 I'd definitely be looking at a bike shop. I don't really ride on the road. When my parents were looking for bikes I steered them towards "cruiser" style bikes (comfortable riding position, softer frames, wide tires, etc.) from Wal-mart. They ride about 6 blocks around the neighborhood at about .2 miles per hour and are perfectly happy. However, since you have a history of riding, you'll probably "outgrow" a basic bike pretty quickly. It's hard to say which one because the "fit" is slightly different even within the same frame size. Choose whichever one you feel most comfortable on.

The other option is to buy an "ok" bike off Craigslist until you get moderately back into shape and then splurge. Riding a race bike when your body is the wrong shape will be miserable.

Troy

[Ponch ®]

Is it really that crucial to get "the right bike" (aside from the obvious size issue) if I'm just getting started?

I'm thinking about getting one just to cruise for a few miles on days that I don't feel like running and to run errands when I'm not in a hurry and don't need to drive. There are miles and miles of paved bike-specific paths near where I live, so probably not much off-roading for me. Just want something "comfortable".

I've been perusing craigslist for a cheap mountain/road type bike, but I really have no idea what i'm looking for. Wouldn't really mind going w/ a WallyWorld/target speshul, if it'll work for me.

[Troy]

You want it to fit right no matter what. You don't want to be one of those guys on a BMX bike with a 2' seat post and the bars all tilted forward just so you can fit. Cruiser bikes will have an upright seating position and will be better for casual riding. Look for straight across handle bars with a tall "gooseneck" (part that connects the handle bars to the front of the bike frame). They'll have wider tires than a pure road bike (with less air pressure as well) but not as wide or knobby as a mountain bike. This will allow for riding in random dirt/debris on the side of the road as well as grass while being kinder to your butt. Luckily, these bikes are really popular and you can find them just about anywhere and the prices are cheaper than pure road or mountain bikes. Since you aren't trying to win any speed events you don't need the lightest bike ever made - but you will appreciate a lighter ride if you have any hills or have to carry the bike up stairs.

Troy

[1970Moparmann]

Went to look at a few today and think I found a great deal on a Diamondback Podium 2.  Normal retail is $1,100, and can get it for $550.    

The biggest thing I learned with some research today is it's either a toss up between good frame, crappy components, or vise versa.  Unless, you look at something around $1,000. 

The Diamondback is majorly reduced due to the new 2013 bikes coming out soon.

I have to get my ass in shape!

[Troy]

Components are so-so on any preassembled bike. That doesn't mean they are junk - just that there are much better parts out there. Buy the frame you're happy with and upgrade as you feel the need.

There isn't a stock part left on this one but the frame and swingarm:

(Don't ask how much it cost either!)

Troy

[stripedelete]

If you come across a lightly used, 2000, 2001, 2002, Schwinn Sierra 700 GS, grab it.  Bang for the buck, it's a great Hybrid.  My wife bought one before we were married and I have been searching for another for several years.  I find them on CL, but, they are always too far away.  Ironically, there was one on the Milwaukee CL for a long time, but, I rarely travel in that direction. 

After '02 it becomes a "Walmart bike" and if it's not a GS it will have a steel frame instead of aluminum.  I picked up a non-GS.  It's nice, but, I can't easily "one-hand" it out of the truck or boat.  In the end it's just not the same bike.   

It has 21 speeds and more road type wheels and tires (hybrid type), but, they handle a light trials or shortcuts easily enough.  It goes down the road just fine. I have also found that if it is referred to as a "comfort" bike watch for front shocks.  My neighbor spent some decent coin on a nice Raleigh "comfort" bike.  I'm not a bike expert, so I may not be using the correct terms or I may be hallucinating, but, when you're pushing hard on the pedal and pulling the handle bars (like when you were a kid) the shocks seem to eat up the power.     

And that's every thing I know

[1970Moparmann]

Components are so-so on any preassembled bike. That doesn't mean they are junk - just that there are much better parts out there. Buy the frame you're happy with and upgrade as you feel the need.

There isn't a stock part left on this one but the frame and swingarm:

(Don't ask how much it cost either!)

Troy

Troy, that looks like a lot of Charger parts could have been bought.  NICE BIKE.

I have a decent Trek mountain bike, but on a path it isn't the best.  Once my boys get a little older, I'll get back to mountain biking.  For now, I'm going for distant riding. 

In looking at bikes, it is unbelievable on how much $$ some are.  And years ago, Schwinn used to be a decent bike that everyone wanted.  Pretty funny stuff.  There are Road bikes for $10k.   I guess it is like anything else...

[Troy]

Yeah, my roommate bought a new one last year and I was floored by the prices. I guess it has been a while since I bought anything in a store...

Troy

[bull]

The first thing I would do is go to a bike shop and get yourself measured so you know what size range to look for. While you're there, ask them what they would recommend based on the type of riding you want to do. Giant has some very good prices on decent commuter-type bikes.

[bill440rt]

Went to look at a few today and think I found a great deal on a Diamondback Podium 2.  Normal retail is $1,100, and can get it for $550.    

The biggest thing I learned with some research today is it's either a toss up between good frame, crappy components, or vise versa.  Unless, you look at something around $1,000. 

The Diamondback is majorly reduced due to the new 2013 bikes coming out soon.

I have to get my ass in shape!

I too was looking for a decently priced bike a few years ago, mainly because I was teaching my son how to ride and to give him an added incentive. I didn't need anything fancy, just something to cruise around the neighborhood & backroads, or on some local paved bike paths.
I ended up getting a Diamondback Insight, which they classify as a "hybrid". Flat handlebar, decent tires, etc. Got it at a local Sports Authority. IIRC it was around $500 bucks or so (I had a gift card to use so that helped, too). Not a pro bike shop mind you, but it's been a good bike & I can't complain.
It came in different frame sizes, & had decent Shimano hardware on it. Good looking bike, it has suited my needs just fine and now my son & I go riding together when time allows. My doc says I need to exercise more so it's a win-win.

[moparguy01]

My road bike is an old Puegot. but i dont ride it too much. I also have a Specialized Stumpjumper from around 2000 or so I use. I've always loved the bike, but I have upgraded pretty much everything except for the old Rock Shox Judy front fork. It has yet to fail me. derailures are the first to go, when they get ripped off by a brush, or a tree. 

[Vainglory, Esq.]

I asked my cousin this. Just for context, he got second at the US Cycling Mountain Bike Cross-Country Nationals in 2011.

He said that if I only had a $1000 budget, I should save up.

[Ponch ®]

I found this on CL, not too far away from me:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/bik/3492387150.html

According to my exhaustive research (ok, i just googled the bike model), it's an "entry level" TREK that makes for a sturdy and reliable ride after a good tune up. Seems like a good deal and maybe I can jew negotiate the guy down a little. Wouldn't mind putting a few bucks in parts, etc.

What say you, DC.com bike experts? What is the bike equivalent of "if you see rust in the frame rails or in the trunk, run away"?

[Troy]

Geez that thing is old. It should, however, work fine for what you need. A 19" frame might be a bit big. How tall are you again? A bike shop will likely charge you more than $75 to tune it up...

Troy

[Ponch ®]

Geez that thing is old. It should, however, work fine for what you need. A 19" frame might be a bit big. How tall are you again? A bike shop will likely charge you more than $75 to tune it up...

Troy

well, i got antsy and picked it up. Dude took $60 for it and I rode it all 3.5 miles home. Felt pretty good and doesn't seem to need much work (or any at all, at least for now).  

Man, not having really ridden a bike for more than half a block in decades, the ride home kicked my ass. Gonna take it for a full shakedown tomorrow after work.

Yeah, its old and the Saved by The Bell-era look is dated, but nothing that can't be taken care of with a can or two of black plasti-dip.   More pics coming tomorrow.

I'm 5'10"ish. Just measured the frame it's actually 18-18.5". Again, according to my research, it's just about right for me.

Now I need to find me a non-dorky helmet.

[XH29N0G]

Sorry to come to this late.  Been on holiday. 

I use a flat bar (low level) road bike FCR (Giant) for my daily commute to and from work.  It replaced my mountain bike which had a broken frame which I think occurred after I was pushed by a driver making a right turn on red at a corner where it was marked as not allowed.  I managed to stay on the bike, but the wheel was bent and the frame ultimately broke.  Now I watch carefully. 

The cost of my present bike was around $500-600 a few years ago.  What I went with a bike shop where I liked what the people were doing (tried a number of bikes, some more and some a little less).  The biggest difference was what shop they came from.  Some can tune a bike and others cannot.  So the fancier bikes from poorly run shops ran much worse than the run of the mill bikes from the well run shops.

If you are willing to learn how to do the tuning then you can buy used and get something very nice for much cheaper than at a shop.  I do some things, but not enough to skip a decent shop.  my 


Don't get me wrong.  You get what you pay for and the components matter.  My pocket book had its limits though so  I had other considerations too.

Also, I see the helmet in the post above.  After a friend had blood come out his eye sockets after falling and was in an 8 (or 18) hour coma (don't remember, but know it was at least 8 and not more than 18) after being knocked off his bike by another biker, I wear a helmet. 

[Troy]

Sooo, looking into this further, bikes are expensive these days! There are only a few actual "road" bikes under $600. If you can find a Trek 1000 then grab it. There are also a few KHS models that I'm vaguely familiar with (220 and 223). If you drop down to a "hybrid" style bike (more comfortable/less competitive) there are lots to choose from and the prices start just above $300 for decent ones. Just about every manufacturer has models in this range it seems. I saw several from Giant, Raleigh, Jamis, Kona, Marin, Specialized and Trek. You probably can't go wrong with any of them.

This site seems like a good place for more specific information:
http://www.roadbikereview.com

And, in the past, I've found some good deals on eBay - but you may have to partially assemble the bike.

Troy

[Ponch ®]

so, heres the new piece...

[Troy]

First thing: loosen the quick releases on the wheels and turn them away from the ground so they don't snag anything (preferably near or hidden by the frame).

Troy

[1970Moparmann]

First thing: loosen the quick releases on the wheels and turn them away from the ground so they don't snag anything (preferably near or hidden by the frame).

Troy

x2!  Good find for $60!