Any bicycle riders here?

[boots]

Phil, it sounds like you definitley want "fat" tires if you want to get off the pavement. Also, a front suspension fork is wonderful, especially since most of them can be locked out when you don't need them. Full suspension is proabably a waste unless you are on gnarly singletrack a lot.

The newest thing now is 27.5" wheels, which supposedly roll over obstacles better, and actually offer an advantage in climbing hills - makes your low gear seem even lower. The 29's seem too big to most peple, so I think the 27.5 is considered the new norm.

I have had a couple Specialized mountain bikes and loved them both, but there are lots of good ones. I wouldn't hesitate to look a REI's Novara line, as they are usually a pretty good bike for the money.

[Zippy]

I know very little about new bikes. But plenty (too much) about bikes getting stolen. It's part of life in the city, so if you're in that kind of zone, used bikes are your best bet. Just something to think about.

you just live among a band of thieves!! davis is the WORST place ever for a bike, you NEVER see anyone riding a nice bike there, they figure get the crappiest bike that no one will ever steal and leave them unlocked

"Never"? Come on, there are a lot of serious riders with some sweet bikes in Davis. Why all the trash talk?

I was at UCD for almost 12 years - no stolen bicycles, no car break-ins (and I lived in West Sac for some of those years).

[eniam rognab]

just my experience, no mean to trash davis's biker culture, currently it IS a plague, hyperbole's almost always are wrong, you are right...

[Zippy]

just my experience, no mean to trash davis's biker culture, currently it IS a plague, hyperbole's almost always are wrong, you are right...

Thanks.

For those not familiar with UC Davis, it is one of the few universities around, whose campus is closed to motor vehicle traffic. Bicycles rule the roads!

It's always been a sick sort of fun to sit near the bike circles at the beginning of each school year to watch the rookies encounter their first rush hour.

[Zippy]

I know it's an amp group. I'm endlessly surprised by the variety and depth of knowledge people here can demonstrate. I'll roll the dice on this topic. Nothing to lose, much to gain.

I'm thinking about buying a hybrid. I'd like to be able to trail ride...light off road and on road, not real "mountain." I have an old road bike I don't use. (I mean old, like 30+ years old and in need of serious reconditioning to the point where it doesn't pay.) I'm looking for advice. Anyone here know something about this? Thanks.

Back on topic...

I'm within spittin' distance of 60 years old now and still riding road and mountain bikes. I, too, built my road bike from spokes and parts.

Without knowing which "hybrid" you are talking about (or your budget), I'd suggest a hard tail mountain bike. You can always swap out to a more road-oriented tire later on if you feel like you want less rolling resistance.

Disc brakes are a plus - especially if you ride in the rain. If you go hydraulic, check our systems by Shimano as they use mineral oil and the seals last longer.

Given your stated needs, the most simple front shock will suffice for your needs on an entry-level mountain bike. I doubt that you'll see a lock-out mechanism at that price point, but it's really a non-issue. Even road/trail tires at 50-65 psi will take the edge off bumps and potholes for mild trails and bad roads - hybrids running skinnier tires at higher pressures will have less rolling resistance and harsher ride.

Enjoy!

[matt h]

(deleted)

[Phil_S]

Oh, this is just killer! It's my preference to answer many posts individually, but this thing grew like a weed! I wholly impressed by the people who hang out here (again), what they know, and willingness to share. Your generosity is appreciated. I think now I've got plenty to go with.

There was an interesting comment about steel vs. aluminum. I am badly informed, it seems and this is a great eye opener. On a hybrid, weight is not getting trimmed like a road bike, so I guess a little extra weight for metal that will flex a bit is a good trade. I've also managed to figure out that "steel" is probably moly-cro or something like that...really high tech steel.

I'm thinking I'd like to spend ~$600 or so. Less is better, more gets to be a bit of a stretch. No need to go too low. I've got a birthday coming in September (I'm old enough to be vintage), so this is the "opening," I'm going to take advantage. I am seeing lots of bikes at or near that price point.

I'll see if I can get the hydraulic disc brakes and two sets of wheels. You never know what becomes available. I've seen several with lockout forks. On the forks, the question is whether it is a quick lock or not so quick (no big deal either way.) I expect/hope going into the fall season there will be sales at local stores. We'll see. I'll post back when there is some progress, but it could be several weeks.

I am aware of the NCR trail. It is very popular here. Thanks for the mention.

BTW, I still don't get it with the 29'er, but I'll take your word for it!

Phil

[martin manning]

http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikeco ... t?page=0,0

Here's a link to a bike design "app" I wrote a while back. It was created from a road perspective, but it could be used for hybrids.
http://www.os2.dhs.org/~john/Bicycle_Geometry/

[Zippy]

http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikeco ... t?page=0,0

That article kinda jumps right in the middle of the story - I could see it as "blah, blah, blah..." to the two-wheel newbie.

700c is a road wheel (although mine rolls on the archaic 27").

Mountain bike wheels do not interchange with road bikes. The standard has long been 26" - 29" came next. When short people found too many challenges with the 29", and racers wanted to shed more unsprung (and spinning) wheel weight, the 27.5" came into being. Most mountain bikes are still 26" and work just fine for most people.

And yes, most "steel" frames are typically Cro-moly alloys. Aluminum has been around for a long while (I was riding a Cannondale in the late '80s). Composite frames can get seriously light AND stiff, but are susceptible to cracking from rock strikes and crashes.

The good news is that the bicycle industry is especially competitive - meaning that at a given price point, you are generally going to get a similar set of components, and the choice comes down to style and geometry.

I wouldn't worry about getting an extra set of wheels, as there are a wide selection of tire tread types that will likely fill your mixed riding needs.

YMWV.

[martin manning]

Long story short, 27.5 is an adaptation of the venerable 650B, which has been used on European bikes for some time. More reading: http://sheldonbrown.com/650b.html

[Zippy]

The bicycle is an adaptation that has been evolving for "some time".

[matt h]

(deleted)

[Phil_S]

(similarly, the throttle cable of an MGB can be replaced by one.)

LOL, this was a common problem. Snap, no throttle. Every college student who ever had one learned how to do that job. Unfortunately, I was not well heeled enough for a B. I had a Chevy Vega when I was in college and felt lucky enough to have any wheels at all.

[Phil_S]

http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikeco ... t?page=0,0

Here's a link to a bike design "app" I wrote a while back. It was created from a road perspective, but it could be used for hybrids.
http://www.os2.dhs.org/~john/Bicycle_Geometry/

Martin, do you ever sleep? This is really something!

[martin manning]

Martin, do you ever sleep? This is really something!

Thanks. It's been a while since I've looked at it, and I see its usability could be improved a bit with some new tricks and features in Excel, but otherwise it's sound.