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[outunderthestars]

i would pay $300 a tire, if they sold flat-free tires.

I commute 4 days a week and it sucks to get a flat, 4 miles from home, happens too
frequently


I do carry a spare tube, but no air, I rely on gas stations.

1. make sure you are running proper tire pressure. The vast majority of flats are caused by improper pressure..

2. Schwalbe makes the most bombproof tires on Earth. This is what we put on touring bikes for people touring South America and Africa.


http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_plus_tour

 

[Cosmic Dreams]

nice. I've never been a fan of aerospokes but I can't look down on people riding what they like

Ahh, it's all good. I love seeing various rims such as spin, hed3, crosswind, mavic on people's bikes. I'm more as the kind of person who can appreciate road bikes/fixed gears in general!

Got the aerospoke for free anyways(My uncle was a cyclist).

 

[perryfarrell]

I didn't see this, but ended up putting an order in for a cross-check in 58cm. I'm pretty stoked!

U did gud. Surly's are awesome. As Outunderstars said, the cross-check is probably a bit sportier than the long haul trucker. Meaning: good for speed and a low rider position, not as good for touring with bags etc. But you may even prefer this, in the end. As he said, try to keep the fork-post long (or get a stem with a steep angle, so the stem can point upwards where it grabs the handlebars). Be sure to post a pic.

 

[perryfarrell]

Ahh, it's all good. I love seeing various rims such as spin, hed3, crosswind, mavic on people's bikes.

Next step: get a front brake on that thing ;-)

 

[thezerofire]

Next step: get a front brake on that thing ;-)

bikes look way better without one, but yeah it's so helpful to have a brake, especially when riding in traffic

 

[Cosmic Dreams]

Next step: get a front brake on that thing ;-)

Already coming in the mail, good sir (or mam).

 

[Stinkles]

Fuck, I just bought a bike off craigslist for a real good deal and it came with an aerospoke!


Thing is...it requires an allen key but that shit won't come off...it doesn't look stripped but I HOPE I didn't make it worse.

Anyone know what kind of allen key size you need for an aerospoke?

There are tools that will easily release a stripped allen bolt askat our hardware store or even take it in - but you need to replace it with a SUPER HARD bolt if you can.

And put a front brake on it so that one of us doesn't accidentally kill you because you can't control your bike.

 

[thezerofire]

also, what kind of risers does it have?

 

[perryfarrell]

Also check the type of brake pad you need. I dunno what that aerospoke is made of, but if it's carbon you may need a carbon specific brake surface (they're oftentimes yellow as opposed to the usual black rubber).

 

[bucknuticus]

Ok, I had made a post a couple days ago about riding my bike to try and shed a few pounds. Had a bike I had since i was 12 or so and it's just been acting weird and I have been thinking of buying a new bike. Anyone have nay suggestions for a bike for fitness and road riding thats not crazy expensive like I see around the net?

 

[MrOogieBoogie]

Can anyone give me tips on buying bikes off Craigslist? I can't afford a brand new bike atm, and Craigslist seems like the best place to go for a varied selection of decent road bikes. However, I know a lot of them are scams, or maybe the bike actually exists but is prettied up despite being in terrible condition. I just don't wanna buy something and then regret it immediately after.

 

[perryfarrell]

Ok, I had made a post a couple days ago about riding my bike to try and shed a few pounds. Had a bike I had since i was 12 or so and it's just been acting weird and I have been thinking of buying a new bike. Anyone have nay suggestions for a bike for fitness and road riding thats not crazy expensive like I see around the net?

Bikesdirect.com. Go for the ones that are >4/500, not for the absolute cheapest. Look at frame material, components (Shimano Tiagra would be the minimum, Shimano 105 would be nice).

Bikesdirect can simply not be beat when it comes to prices. It's unfortunate that they take so much business from our so-beloved local bikeshop, but it is a fact.

 

[cbox]

Hey guys/gals,

a bit unrelated, but here's me after 240km for cancer research back on the 11th of June

The orange thing was to help us stand out from the others :lol

 

[outunderthestars]

Ok, I had made a post a couple days ago about riding my bike to try and shed a few pounds. Had a bike I had since i was 12 or so and it's just been acting weird and I have been thinking of buying a new bike. Anyone have nay suggestions for a bike for fitness and road riding thats not crazy expensive like I see around the net?

I am a very big fan of the Trek 7.2 fx as a fitness/city/utility bike. It's built incredibly well, has a comfortable geometry, and will last forever if taken care of properly. Should set you back about $500.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fitness/fx/7_2_fx/#

 

[Cosmic Dreams]

also, what kind of risers does it have?

Cannondale "Adventure" risers from Cyclery USA. Only 10 bucks.

 

[thezerofire]

Cannondale "Adventure" risers from Cyclery USA. Only 10 bucks.

I might just give those a shot. My back is starting to hurt leaning over my drops all the time

 

[outunderthestars]

I might just give those a shot. My back is starting to hurt leaning over my drops all the time

Have you tried a shorter stem with more rise?

 

[BdoUK]

Have you tried a shorter stem with more rise?

Good advice. I was having major back issues with my road bike and finally got a professional fitting. I ride a 58cm Trek but I was stretching out way too far, causing back pain. A shorter stem and raised seat has all but eliminated the back pain issue.

The fitting was costly, but well worth is considering I have no back pain while riding anymore!

 

[outunderthestars]

Good advice. I was having major back issues with my road bike and finally got a professional fitting. I ride a 58cm Trek but I was stretching out way too far, causing back pain. A shorter stem and raised seat has all but eliminated the back pain issue.

The fitting was costly, but well worth is considering I have no back pain while riding anymore!

How much was your fitting? I charge between $120 to $240 depending on the situation.

 

[MrOogieBoogie]

Got a question for you, GAF:

I love long distance riding. Today I rode 50+ miles on my dad's crappy comfort bike. Hate sitting upright nearly the whole ride. I envy the road bikes that whiz by me with seemingly little effort from the cyclist. However, I know road bikes are generally uncomfortable over long distances. But I love how sleek, light, and fast they are, although I don't know if I could do a century ride on one. I'm not a racer, nor will I ever get the spandex suits I see hardcore cyclists wearing, but I ride my bike A LOT (minimum 45 miles/week + a lot more on the weekends), so I would like something light and fast but also comfy. What's a decent compromise? What should I be looking at?

 

[perryfarrell]

^ Get something like this: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/schwinn/schwinn_letour_legacy.htm

Solid bike, good components, sturdy, etc.

But you will need a jersey and cycling shorts when you ride a bike like that... it's much more comfortable, especially in the current hot weather. No need to look like a racer: just get a solid colored jersey and black bike shorts. Recreational riders of all ages and abilities use them. You can upgrade to clipless pedals but it's not necessary.

 

[BriareosGAF]

Bought a workstand today, some degreaser, new chain, and finally went to town on my Specialized Roubaix. Cleaned every single part of it, cartridge, wheels, derailleurs, cranks, brakes, shifters, etc. Few years of LA sand and grime in that thing along with another couple of years of Maine summer riding, all mixed with my sloppy oiling. Dear god the poor rags I left behind, just covered in grease. I'm guessing my cartridge is shot given how terrible the old chain was but it's not slipping right now so I'm going to try to avoid replacing it. Front wheel is insanely out of whack, does anyone here true their own rims and if so how hard is it?

Anyway, feels good to have a really clean bike again. For a while I enjoyed the dirty look out of some sense that I didn't want to be a prima donna about my bike but I took it a wee bit too far.

 

[MrOogieBoogie]

So a touring bike is what I need?

What are some key differences between touring bikes and road bikes? They look very similar.

And are you sure about that Schwinn? I feel like if I'm gonna spend that much on a bike might as well get something REALLY solid even if it's a bit pricier so that it lasts me a while.

 

[JaseMath]

Sixth time I've taken my bike in to get fixed - the sixth- and it's still fucked up. Third different shop, too. What I initially thought was a tube that needed to be replaced has become an epic troll on my patience. WTF

So pissed/frustrated...and the Moonlight Classic is next weekend!

 

[perryfarrell]

The difference between touring bikes and road bikes is that the former have a more relaxed geometry (slacker seattube/headtube), a longer wheelbase, etc. They're made for carrying luggage, and best suited for a relatively upright riding style.

Touring bikes are generally made of steel, whereas road bikes are generally made of lighter material such as aluminum or carbon. But, there's also steel road bikes and aluminum touring bikes.

Check out bikeforums.net where you'll find lots of questions like the ones you're asking. In sum, I'd say: spend $500-750 dollars to buy a new or used road bike. Don't buy wal-mart Denali or GMC stuff. Do not buy a bike piece by piece, but buy complete. And pick up bike shorts and a jersey. Have fun

 

[Flizzzipper]

I'm moving in a month and want to get a bike for city riding. Totally recreational riding in a small city with friends for fun. I've been looking at the Trek Belleville. I just love it's old time look but it's heavy as hell. Does Trek make pretty good bikes?

 

[perryfarrell]

Great bike. A bike's weight is only important when going uphill. If it's relatively flat where you live, go for it!

In fact, on flat roads heavier bikes have certain advantages over lighter ones. Once you're up to speed, they provide a nice smooth ride--because of mass and momentum. It's like driving a 1960s Cadillac instead of a jittery light japanese car.

 

[Flizzzipper]

Great bike. A bike's weight is only important when going uphill. If it's relatively flat where you live, go for it!

In fact, on flat roads heavier bikes have certain advantages over lighter ones. Once you're up to speed, they provide a nice smooth ride--because of mass and momentum. It's like driving a 1960s Cadillac instead of a jittery light japanese car.

Yea, I figured as much that was really the only drawback for me so I'll probably go through and get this one. Thanks

 

[BdoUK]

How much was your fitting? I charge between $120 to $240 depending on the situation.

That price range is pretty accurate. Despite having a Trek, I went to the local Specialized dealer for my fitting due to a recommendation from some fellow club riders. They had just gotten some new Specialized fitting software that utilizes two cameras to record your form on the bike as you pedal. The software will then make recommendations on how to adjust bike fit.

I ended up paying $160 for 2.5 hours with the fitting specialist. I found that to be very reasonable seeing as it totally eliminated the back issues I was having.

 

[bangai-o]

i think university police who having nothing to do all day need to start setting up bike thief traps.

 

[Burger]

Hey Bicycle GAF.

Having recently moved to London, I'm looking at getting my first bike in about 15 years. I'm going to go check out this sucker tomorrow, it's a Specialized Langster Monaco, on offer for about £250.

I don't have a terrible amount of experience, so are there any specific things I should be looking out for apart from the obvious, like a cracked frame?

 

[outunderthestars]

Got a question for you, GAF:

I love long distance riding. Today I rode 50+ miles on my dad's crappy comfort bike. Hate sitting upright nearly the whole ride. I envy the road bikes that whiz by me with seemingly little effort from the cyclist. However, I know road bikes are generally uncomfortable over long distances. But I love how sleek, light, and fast they are, although I don't know if I could do a century ride on one. I'm not a racer, nor will I ever get the spandex suits I see hardcore cyclists wearing, but I ride my bike A LOT (minimum 45 miles/week + a lot more on the weekends), so I would like something light and fast but also comfy. What's a decent compromise? What should I be looking at?

As one who loves to ride 200 - 400 kilometer brevets, I have amassed a fairly large collection of touring and randonneuring bikes. For century rides I really love the Jamis Quest:

Reynolds 631 steel frame, which is much lighter than traditional steel, dampens vibration incredibly well, and is lively and responsive.

It's going to set you back about $1600 - $1700 though.

They make a $1000 version with the same ride feel and geometry, but about four pounds heavier called the Satellite.

Both of these bikes are really fun to ride, built well, and are worth the investment.



If you're planning on spending alot of time in the saddle, buy the nicest bike shorts you can afford. cycling clothes are designed to wick moisture away from the body quickly, keeping you cooler on a long ride. You can get mountain bike shorts that don't look skin tight but still have padding.

 

[andycapps]

Yeah I need to take it to a bike shop because it's slipping gears and making some strange clicking noise. I tried fixing it myself with no luck, I dont think a quick tune up on it costs too much.

Just chiming in here, but I know you're from the Columbus area as well.. I suggest checking out Third Hand coop. They can probably show you how to fix it for free. You can also look into what kinds of complete bikes they have there or build your own for next to nothing if you want.

I have a Torker U-District single speed that I got off someone on Craigslist a few weeks ago. Love the bike so far.

 

[outunderthestars]

I'm moving in a month and want to get a bike for city riding. Totally recreational riding in a small city with friends for fun. I've been looking at the Trek Belleville. I just love it's old time look but it's heavy as hell. Does Trek make pretty good bikes?

The Belleville is a wonderful bike. I sold quite a few of them and everyone who bought them has loved them.

 

[bucknuticus]

Just chiming in here, but I know you're from the Columbus area as well.. I suggest checking out Third Hand coop. They can probably show you how to fix it for free. You can also look into what kinds of complete bikes they have there or build your own for next to nothing if you want.

I have a Torker U-District single speed that I got off someone on Craigslist a few weeks ago. Love the bike so far.

Oh cool, thanks! will check it out for sure.

 

[outunderthestars]

^ Get something like this: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/schwinn/schwinn_letour_legacy.htm

Solid bike, good components, sturdy, etc.

But you will need a jersey and cycling shorts when you ride a bike like that... it's much more comfortable, especially in the current hot weather. No need to look like a racer: just get a solid colored jersey and black bike shorts. Recreational riders of all ages and abilities use them. You can upgrade to clipless pedals but it's not necessary.

I really cannot disagree with you more about bikes direct. The bike companies they sell are low quality. They lure people in with good components but put them on a terrible frame. Once it arrives the customer will need to spend $150 - $200 to have the bike tuned up and professionally fitted, and then they have to hope that it actually fits them.

Then the customer has a third rate bicycle with next to no resale value, and has only saved maybe 10% - 20% off what they would have spent on a quality bicycle, instead of a bike shaped object.

For example, the bike that you linked to does not have a replaceable derailleur hangar. This is standard on almost all bicycles. What this means is if that bike crashes or is knocked over onto its right side, the derailleur is going to bend/break the frame. Now you're out $200 to $300 for a new frame and $100 in labor. On a normal bicycle you'd pop on a new hanger for $15 and be on your way.

There are dozens of little details like this that separate the bike shaped objects on bikes direct and the real bicycles sold at bicycle shops. There is a reason why none of the bikes sold at bikes direct are sold in shops....

 

[andycapps]

Oh cool, thanks! will check it out for sure.

You're welcome, good luck!

 

[GamePnoy74]

Hey Bicycle GAF.

Having recently moved to London, I'm looking at getting my first bike in about 15 years. I'm going to go check out this sucker tomorrow, it's a Specialized Langster Monaco, on offer for about £250.

I don't have a terrible amount of experience, so are there any specific things I should be looking out for apart from the obvious, like a cracked frame?

I remember when this single-speed/fixed gear bike came out a few years ago with this WRC Lancia Martini-inspired paint scheme...I wanted it but Specialized didn't want to release it in the US =(

 

[thezerofire]

you know, I think I'll try the $10 for risers over $120 for a fitting, holy shit that's a lot.

 

[kiryogi]

Alright, been thinking about getting a bike. (It's been over a decade at least) Went to some proper bike shops and for the range I'm looking at (400-550 or so) and wanting it to be practical/all around. I was recommended the Trek Bodega http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/dual_sport/ds_series/bodega/#). I ran the idea that I was interested in maybe doing the STP marathon (Seattle to Portland) eventually and they said it's possible with tire modification. But realistically, I'd get a proper road bike or something if I really did end up going to that marathon.

In any case, yay or nay Bike-GAF? Some reviews I saw were saying that for the extra 100 or so that I'd be better off with the Trek Kaitai. (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/dual_sport/ds_series/kaitai/#)

Then on the even cheaper end there's the the Giant Revels...

 

[andycapps]

Here's my bike. Got some new yellow handlebars that replaced the black ones the guy had on before me. I think it looks pretty decent. Need to replace the inner tubes I think. The back one was pretty flat last night and it'd only been a week since I'd ridden it last.

 

[outunderthestars]

Alright, been thinking about getting a bike. (It's been over a decade at least) Went to some proper bike shops and for the range I'm looking at (400-550 or so) and wanting it to be practical/all around. I was recommended the Trek Bodega http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/dual_sport/ds_series/bodega/#). I ran the idea that I was interested in maybe doing the STP marathon (Seattle to Portland) eventually and they said it's possible with tire modification. But realistically, I'd get a proper road bike or something if I really did end up going to that marathon.

In any case, yay or nay Bike-GAF? Some reviews I saw were saying that for the extra 100 or so that I'd be better off with the Trek Kaitai. (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/dual_sport/ds_series/kaitai/#)

Then on the even cheaper end there's the the Giant Revels...

The bodega and Kaitai are both excellent bikes. While they would not be ideal for the STP, buy the bike for how you will ride 99% of the time, not the 1%. You could rent a road bike for that kind of trip. Also, I believe both bikes you are looking out have a lockout on the fork, which will make the bike ride more efficiently for a long ride.

 

[perryfarrell]

I really cannot disagree with you more about bikes direct. The bike companies they sell are low quality.

Fair point, sure. I agree that going to a bikeshop and snagging a bike of a reputable brand is preferable to getting one from bikesdirect. I also agree that frame > components.

BUT... It's more that I'm trying to discourage people from going to Wal-mart to buy a $2-300 knock-off. Instead, they could get a better deal on bikesdirect.

You have to admit that, at least for some models, you CAN get decent value for your buck there (even tho they unfortunately take away lots of business from the small, locally owned bikeshop).

 

[outunderthestars]

Fair point, sure. I agree that going to a bikeshop and snagging a bike of a reputable brand is preferable to getting one from bikesdirect. I also agree that frame > components.

BUT... It's more that I'm trying to discourage people from going to Wal-mart to buy a $2-300 knock-off. Instead, they could get a better deal on bikesdirect.

You have to admit that, at least for some models, you CAN get decent value for your buck there (even tho they unfortunately take away lots of business from the small, locally owned bikeshop).

I wouldn't wish a walmart/target bike on my worst enemy. I would tell them to look for a local Fuji/Raleigh dealer. The prices are a bit lower than the mainstream brands but are still quality machines. I like to refer to Fuji and Raleigh as the Kia of bicycles: quality machines at a slightly lower price.

 

[gkryhewy]

The bodega and Kaitai are both excellent bikes. While they would not be ideal for the STP, buy the bike for how you will ride 99% of the time, not the 1%. You could rent a road bike for that kind of trip. Also, I believe both bikes you are looking out have a lockout on the fork, which will make the bike ride more efficiently for a long ride.

Hey thanks for the recommendation before; we ended up going with the Brompton over the Dahon. Now it's just a matter of the long, hard wait for the b-spoked order to arrive (no 3-speeds in stock here in Philly).

 

[Ethics Gradient]

First I was researching internally geared commuting bikes, now I'm on to cyclo-cross bikes with steel frames. Has anyone ridden something similar to this?

http://www.surlybikes.com/bikes/cross_check_complete/

I finally picked this up. Coming from a mountain bike, it feels so liberating. The ride is smooth and it picks up speed so easily. I just need to get used to the brakes being all the way up front.

 

[outunderthestars]

I finally picked this up. Coming from a mountain bike, it feels so liberating. The ride is smooth and it picks up speed so easily. I just need to get used to the brakes being all the way up front.

Welcome to the Surly fold. Might I suggest a Bike Mustache to go along with it?

Hey thanks for the recommendation before; we ended up going with the Brompton over the Dahon. Now it's just a matter of the long, hard wait for the b-spoked order to arrive (no 3-speeds in stock here in Philly).

your wife is going to love it. That bike is way more fun than it has any right to be.

 

[kiryogi]

The bodega and Kaitai are both excellent bikes. While they would not be ideal for the STP, buy the bike for how you will ride 99% of the time, not the 1%. You could rent a road bike for that kind of trip. Also, I believe both bikes you are looking out have a lockout on the fork, which will make the bike ride more efficiently for a long ride.

The Bodega doesn't unfortunately >_< At this point, I am aiming for the Kaitai. But there's also the Trek 8.3 DS (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/dual_sport/ds_series/8_3_ds/#) that looks mighty tempting. Although it has more options like disc brakes, supposedly the Kaitai has better quality parts according to the bike shop. And finally, if I was willing to go all out and have something really genuine, there is the Trek Utopia. But at that point, I'm told it's more meant if I was gonna use it for fitness and not just causal riding.

 

[thezerofire]

As for bikesdirect, the only thing I can say for sure is that the Windsor The Hour may not be the highest quality bike you can get, but it's pretty damn solid for the price. I love mine.

 

[Captain Pants]

I picked up a Crosstrail today. I love it. I haven't ridden anything other than my 20 year old Hard Rock, so this is an amazing step up.