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]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

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]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

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]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

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:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oYdps2cQkic" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[VDusen04]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

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]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

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]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

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]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

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.

[VDusen04]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

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.

Yeah, I'm kind of surprised myself. I figured there'd be a litany of cyclists here.

Anyway, I've also been considering getting the pedal fixed on my other bike (in lieu of buying bike altogether). The bike rides well, there's just been a small issue of the crank arm becoming loose time and time again. I've tried tightening the bolt and buying a new bolt altogether, but no dice. Would this be an expensive fix at a bike shop? A better deal than buying another new/used bike?

[DJ]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

Yeah, I'm kind of surprised myself. I figured there'd be a litany of cyclists here.

Anyway, I've also been considering getting the pedal fixed on my other bike (in lieu of buying bike altogether). The bike rides well, there's just been a small issue of the crank arm becoming loose time and time again. I've tried tightening the bolt and buying a new bolt altogether, but no dice. Would this be an expensive fix at a bike shop? A better deal than buying another new/used bike?

It's certainly a lot cheaper than buying a new bike. If you like your current bike, you should be able to replace the pedal for a small price. You could do it yourself or leave your bike at the store and have a tech. fix it and it should still cost you less than $100.

[Curahee]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

I've just gotten back in to biking recently. I have a cheap Target Schwinn mountain bike that I've converted to a hybrid. I've already logged over 400 mi on it in just over a month and have competed in one entry level road ride last week.
I'm currently up to 40 mi and am training for a 100 miler next Aug
I need a better bike than what I have but just can't afford the price tag .
I've been looking at a Motobecane Mirage from bikesdirect that I think will have to suffice. .

[superjames1992]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

I love riding my mountain bike at the local trails. Unfortunately, just over a month ago I hit a root and somehow managed to flip over my handlebars and landed on a rock. I ended up breaking my left scaphoid (wrist). Needless to say, I've been out of action ever since. I should be good to go by spring, I guess. I could probably bike now, but if I fell off with my splint (I got the hard cast off last week), I'd be FUBARed, so I restrain myself.

I'm not real serious about it nor fast, but I love to go a few times per week for the fresh air and the exercise. I absolutely despise running, so this is a good exercise alternative. It's also much lower impact than running.

[DJ]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

I love riding my mountain bike at the local trails. Unfortunately, just over a month ago I hit a root and somehow managed to flip over my handlebars and landed on a rock. I ended up breaking my left scaphoid (wrist). Needless to say, I've been out of action ever since. I should be good to go by spring, I guess.

I'm not real serious about it nor fast, but I love to go a few times per week for the fresh air and the exercise. I absolutely despise running, so this is a good exercise alternative. It's also much lower impact than running.

Dang, that sucks. Hope you heal up soon.

I am hoping to get out this weekend for a ride, all depends on the weather, though.

[DJ]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

I've just gotten back in to biking recently. I have a cheap Target Schwinn mountain bike that I've converted to a hybrid. I've already logged over 400 mi on it in just over a month and have competed in one entry level road ride last week.
I'm currently up to 40 mi and am training for a 100 miler next Aug
I need a better bike than what I have but just can't afford the price tag .
I've been looking at a Motobecane Mirage from bikesdirect that I think will have to suffice. .

Good for you! That's a lot of miles. If I could ever find a road bike for $200-400, I'd snatch it up and look to log some longer rides. With my hybrid, I stay around 15-20 miles. My mountain bike rides are shorter, but more intense.

[Curahee]

Re: Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

OUCH! That sucks man!
Spring is just around the corner and youll be back in the saddle again!