Personal computing discussed
Moderators: renee, Captain Ned
Spyder22446688 wrote:I've been a long-time runner, but am looking into getting into road biking for exercise and travel. I might even want to try out a triathlon someday. Anyways, I don't know a whole lot about the sport and about biking equipment in general. Does anybody have a good website, magazine, or book to point me towards to help orient me? I'd like to get tips mainly on good biking parts, frames, and equipment. General bike maintenance and advanced riding tips would also be appreciated. I'll have some disposable income in the next year, and would like to purchase a solid starter bike.
david00214 wrote:You'll have to let us know what budget a "starter" bike is for you.
david00214 wrote:I'd start off with a regular road bike (no tri-bike, cyclocross, or hybrid).
david00214 wrote:What kind of shape are you in? And do you want to ride in groups and/or compete? Runners usually take to cycling very well.
torax wrote:The Trek 1000 and the Specialized Allez lines are very nice entry-level bikes. Look around for "last year's" model.
Spyder22446688 wrote:I was originally thinking around $1000 for a bike and equipment, but it's starting to sound more like $1500 if I want to be well-equipped. What's worse, a newbie with cheap equipment or "that guy" who knows nothing and yet goes out and buys all the best stuff (while using it all wrong)?
I grew up with only mountain bikes, but have quickly learned that the weight of a mountain bike frame in addition to the rugged tires makes asphalt cycling a real chore. So yeah, I am definitely looking for a regular road bike, but I don't want something so fragile that it can't take bumps or occasional gravel. Speaking of gravel, is it possible to get road tires that are slightly beefier than the super-skinny road tires?
What's worse, a newbie with cheap equipment or "that guy" who knows nothing and yet goes out and buys all the best stuff (while using it all wrong)?
torax wrote:
Another thing to look for would be a double crank (two sprockets in the front) instead of a triple crank. Since you're in good shape, you won't use the smallest front sprocket on a triple, and triple front derailleurs usually require a lot of adjustment to keep them shifting properly.
flip-mode wrote:I am going to chime in with a few thoughts of restraint:
First, the intended purpose was exercise and travel, so carbon frames and shaving every ounce off isn't really important. I'm not saying disregard materials entirely, just be reasonable about it.
Second, with respect to being a noob or not - so what. My bike has three cogs in the front, but I ride it a lot more than a guy I know who has a Lightspeed - full titanium frame, top of the line gear shifts and brakes, just plain old top of the line bike. He rode his bike to work the other day; first thing I did was squeeze his tires - they were way low on air. So he has this super spiffy, image whore, 18 pound bike with only two cogs in front but doesn't know how to inflate his tires.
I do advise that you get a good bike. A bike will last ten years with ease if taken care of. Get a good bike. Just don't worry about how many cogs it has in the front, carbon fiber, or whether or not you look like a noob, given your stated uses. If you turn into a pro bike rider, you will end up getting another bike regardless.
Triples are also a dead giveaway you're a "noob". Like it or not...
Spyder22446688 wrote:I may be in physical shape, but I definitely need to start reading to understand what cogs, forks, and derailleurs are, not to mention which brands and types are best for my needs.
Thanks again for the wealth of information. Once I read up, I'll have about 100 more specific questions, in addition to suggestions about the parts I am looking at.
Spyder22446688 wrote:I may be in physical shape, but I definitely need to start reading to understand what cogs, forks, and derailleurs are, not to mention which brands and types are best for my needs.
Thanks again for the wealth of information. Once I read up, I'll have about 100 more specific questions, in addition to suggestions about the parts I am looking at.
Spyder22446688 wrote:I may be in physical shape, but I definitely need to start reading to understand what cogs, forks, and derailleurs are, not to mention which brands and types are best for my needs.
Thanks again for the wealth of information. Once I read up, I'll have about 100 more specific questions, in addition to suggestions about the parts I am looking at.
Spyder22446688 wrote:Boy, I just ran a half-marathon yesterday, and the thought of a 35 mile bike ride without the rough impact on my knees and ankles sure does sound delicious.
JJCDAD wrote:I hope this isn't considered a threadjack...
If a person wants to bike for exercise, why all the emphasis on expensive things that make it easier?
I ride my cheapo Schwinn mountain bike ~20 miles on streets/sidewalks/bike trails and I really feel like I got a good workout when I'm done. At no point in my ride do I ever wish I could go faster because frankly it's scary. If my bike was lighter and easier to peddle I'd have to go farther/longer to get the same workout no?