Dave
I will be moving to a new area down at the beach for college and will need a way of getting around to classes.
I have always been interested in cycling and have in the past considered a racing bike.
But this is college and my bike might be possibly stolen. What type of bike will be best for this situation and could someone point me towards some brands?
Answer
As I did for myself, kids, and nieces over the years, go garage sailing or garbage picking. Find something in reasonable working order, all the better if if it doesn't look like much. Flashy is bad if you don't want to attract the eye of the local ne'er-do-wells. Put some time (clean running gear, repack bearings) and a few bucks into parts (new tires, tubes, maybe a chain) to make sure its going to be reliable.
Speed is irrelevant for getting around campus. An MTB, or something heavy duty is better. Knobby tires don't flat as easily as your lighter weight touring and racing tires.
As I did for myself, kids, and nieces over the years, go garage sailing or garbage picking. Find something in reasonable working order, all the better if if it doesn't look like much. Flashy is bad if you don't want to attract the eye of the local ne'er-do-wells. Put some time (clean running gear, repack bearings) and a few bucks into parts (new tires, tubes, maybe a chain) to make sure its going to be reliable.
Speed is irrelevant for getting around campus. An MTB, or something heavy duty is better. Knobby tires don't flat as easily as your lighter weight touring and racing tires.
Need suggestions in buying a new bicycle?
Steve
I'm looking to buy a bike so I could ride along with my kids (4 and 7 years old). I'm thinking that a mountain bike would be better than a road bike, due to its versatility. However, I have very limited knowledge in brands, features, wheel sizes, suspensions, etc... I don't want to spend more than $600 on a new bike. Can you offer some suggestions to assist/guide me in shopping for a new bike?
Answer
Start by reading "How to Choose a Bicycle" on this link - http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bicycle.html
I seriously doubt you NEED a mountain bike. Don't buy what you want - buy what you NEED. If you'll be riding on streets & light off road (groomed) trails you don't NEED suspension at all. A comfort and/or hybrid bike would work just as well & be easier to ride. Suspension parts soak up or 'zap' your energy. With every stroke of the pedals part of your energy is lost or soaked up into those suspension parts. Knobby off-road tires slow you down.
Features? Double wall rims and an 8 speed "cassette" rear cog - not a 7 speed "freewheel". The hub (axle) on the cassette is MUCH stronger. Too many good brands to recommend just one or two. See your local bike shop. Tell the salesperson "where & how" you plan on riding. What you NEED the bicycle to do for you.
Extensively test ride a few. The one that rides & just plain feels the best - buy it!
Start by reading "How to Choose a Bicycle" on this link - http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bicycle.html
I seriously doubt you NEED a mountain bike. Don't buy what you want - buy what you NEED. If you'll be riding on streets & light off road (groomed) trails you don't NEED suspension at all. A comfort and/or hybrid bike would work just as well & be easier to ride. Suspension parts soak up or 'zap' your energy. With every stroke of the pedals part of your energy is lost or soaked up into those suspension parts. Knobby off-road tires slow you down.
Features? Double wall rims and an 8 speed "cassette" rear cog - not a 7 speed "freewheel". The hub (axle) on the cassette is MUCH stronger. Too many good brands to recommend just one or two. See your local bike shop. Tell the salesperson "where & how" you plan on riding. What you NEED the bicycle to do for you.
Extensively test ride a few. The one that rides & just plain feels the best - buy it!
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