Bicycle advice

[Inky_Wretch]

I used to ride quite a bit. Mountain bikes mainly. I'm wanting to get back into it, but haven't been in a bike shop in years.

I'm thinking I'll use it for some light commuting. Maybe over to the grocery store. Mainly streets, but I'd like some flexibility for off-road use.

So before I turn on the Batlight for Idaho, anybody bought a bike recently?

 

[MartinEnigmatica]

Inky, having worked at a bike shop and still being pretty attentive to the industry, you can PM me any time. But please don't buy a Huffy if you're going to ride quite a bit (sorry, Buck!).

I'll add that there are bikes specifically geared for commuting, and they vary quite a bit in price range. There's a happy middle ground between skinny-tired speed freak bikes and knobby-tired mountain goats; that's probably what you'd want to look at.
There, still, there are a lot of options in price, frame material, etc. For instance, if you don't want a lot of fuss, a singlespeed or three-speed could be the thing. If you want to go to some longer rides on occasion, and throw in hills, a more extensive gear set might be needed.
But here's a definite piece of advice: find a good, local bike shop, because that will be your best asset.

 

[Flying Headbutt]

Mine is a Trek 7200 and I love it.

 

[MartinEnigmatica]

But please don't buy a Huffy if you're going to ride quite a bit (sorry, Buck!).

Hey, ten bucks. Can't be beat.

That is true. For 10 bucks, I'd buy a Huffy just to ghost ride it into a brick wall.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Inky, having worked at a bike shop and still being pretty attentive to the industry, you can PM me any time. But please don't buy a Huffy if you're going to ride quite a bit (sorry, Buck!).

I'll add that there are bikes specifically geared for commuting, and they vary quite a bit in price range. There's a happy middle ground between skinny-tired speed freak bikes and knobby-tired mountain goats; that's probably what you'd want to look at.
There, still, there are a lot of options in price, frame material, etc. For instance, if you don't want a lot of fuss, a singlespeed or three-speed could be the thing. If you want to go to some longer rides on occasion, and throw in hills, a more extensive gear set might be needed.
But here's a definite piece of advice: find a good, local bike shop, because that will be your best asset.

Thanks Martin. I'm going to hit a couple local shops on Monday to see what they've got on the used racks.

I may just stick with my old Stumpjumper hardtail. Thing is ancient and weighs a ton. But it's serviceable, I guess.

 

[KevinmH9]

I bought a Fuji a few years back. It's mainly for road use, but I got it used ($600) and in still very good condition. Still have it and still love it. I'm thinking about buying one of the new Treks soon, though.

 

[Sam Mills 51]

Inky, having worked at a bike shop and still being pretty attentive to the industry, you can PM me any time. But please don't buy a Huffy if you're going to ride quite a bit (sorry, Buck!).

I'll add that there are bikes specifically geared for commuting, and they vary quite a bit in price range. There's a happy middle ground between skinny-tired speed freak bikes and knobby-tired mountain goats; that's probably what you'd want to look at.
There, still, there are a lot of options in price, frame material, etc. For instance, if you don't want a lot of fuss, a singlespeed or three-speed could be the thing. If you want to go to some longer rides on occasion, and throw in hills, a more extensive gear set might be needed.
But here's a definite piece of advice: find a good, local bike shop, because that will be your best asset.

Thanks Martin. I'm going to hit a couple local shops on Monday to see what they've got on the used racks.

I may just stick with my old Stumpjumper hardtail. Thing is ancient and weighs a ton. But it's serviceable, I guess.

Still have and use an older Cannondale. No suspension, but very light, dependable and well worth the reasonable price.

 

[mustangj17]

I own two Trek's. I love them both.