Bicycles-recommendations?

[Tom_Mary_Lou]

Thinking of getting new bicycles. We are older now & certainly don't need a gagillion speeds. Any recommendations would be appreciated. THX

[winnietrey]

delete

[Markiemark32]

PastorCharlie wrote:
If a "big box store" sold a top level Trek would it still be a bad deal?

Depends:

If they sell the same way they currently sell bikes,yes would be a bad deal. Because you would not get fitted to a correct sized bike, or potentially a incorrect type bike for youe intended use, it would be put together incorrectly, and you would not have a mechanic to take it back too to help with issues & ensure it works properly, with real use.

or

If price is your only concern, then you got a good deal, but maybe not the right bike.


Markiemark:C

[mich800]

PastorCharlie wrote:
If a "big box store" sold a top level Trek would it still be a bad deal?

I am not sure what you are implying. But the answer would be no. The only problem is many of the major bike brands require the bikes be purchased at an authorized store (bike shop). You cannot even purchase them online. This is to ensure the consumer is fitted correctly and to protect the dealer network.

[PastorCharlie]

If a "big box store" sold a top level Trek would it still be a bad deal?

[RVcircus]

Dennis M M wrote:
Go to a competent bike dealer and get a properly fitted bike! You will be lot happier with that than one from Walmart. They will not try to up-sell you and will fit you with the most economical bike for your needs. A comfortable fit is the more important than anything, including price.

Trek has some reasonably priced, well built bikes. We have a couple of older Giant's, that we use in AZ in the winter. We bought a pair of Trek's a little over a year ago, but leave them home rather than abuse them. They are head and shoulders above the Giant's in quality, performance, and comfort.

+1 on a local bike shop. I'm a former bike mechanic and the quality of bike (and hopefully service) you get will be far greater that a big box store. Look at any leftover deals from the previous year and make sure they fit the bike for you. You may spend a little bit more, but you can get something that you'll truely enjoy roding in the $250-350 range or cheaper if you can get a deal.

[PAThwacker]

We bought two specialized rock hoppers. For light duty trail rides, and towing the kids. Hardtail, manual disc brakes, and front shocks. Junk compared to my 25 year old gt rts-3


Previous owned: I had trek antalope 850, trek single track 930, GT RTS-3 full suspension, cannondale jekyll 3 (carbon fiber, full suspension, lefty shock, hydraulic disc brakes)


The jekyll was lost during my towing accident.

[atwowheelguy]

Anybody like electric pedal-assist bikes?

[Jagtech]

We bought a "Cruiser" - type bike from Walmart. Quality seems OK, certainly not up there with the really pricey bikes... but then it was only $75.00. And its perfect around the campground and on gravel roads, with its fat tires and comfy saddle. Of course' in the unlikely chance that someone should steal it, we're not out much cash.

[IAMICHABOD]

WeBeFulltimers wrote:

Bird Freak wrote:
Wife and I both have Townies as well as 6 other friends. All have been flawless for several years and very comfortable. Yes we do ride a lot.

Same here. Don't waste your time/money on Walmart (cheap) bikes!

X2 the Townies have it all over the cheap Wally World type bikes.

[Gjac]

mich800 wrote:

Gjac wrote:

Tom/Mary Lou wrote:
Thinking of getting new bicycles. We are older now & certainly don't need a gagillion speeds. Any recommendations would be appreciated. THX

It would be good to hear from the OP again on how they will use the bike, but from the original post it sounds like they want a bike to ride around the camp ground on dirt roads. I have a Jamis 24 speed Mtn Bike that I have had for more than 20 years which was over $700 back then. I have gone through multiple chains and gears sets. Has the Rock Shox on front which no longer work. Now at 68 I want a little more upright position to ride in. Also have an old Bianchi 21 speed road bike. The head broke twice on that bike and no longer ride it, even with Areo bars being bent over for long periods was uncomfortable. Mid 50's I could do 100 miles/day but not any more. One thing a lot of people don't realize it a lot of the cost that goes into a higher end bike is weight reduction. More money does't mean stronger and lasting longer, only lighter weight and better performance. So based on your age, general physical condition how you will use the bike, I see no problem with buying a $200 bike Mtn Bike from Dick's or Walmart. The Mtn bike is the most versatile just get one with an adjustable head or short head set so you can sit more up right to take some pressure off your lower back.

The weight part is not accurate. If you purchase an entry level bike from a bike shop it will not be light. In fact you may not find a large difference in net weight between that and a cheap big box store bike. But the component spec will be much better, easier to keep tuned, and reliable. Any big weight differences will more than likely be in the crappy wheelset on the cheap bike.

What I am trying to say is that Al and Carbon frames are lighter and much more expensive than steel frames as well as Al wheel sets and other components made from Al or carbon for performance bikes. My friend has a $5000 Graphite epoxy Mtn Bike that is much lighter than any box store steel framed bike. Both will take you around the CG just fine.

[WeBeFulltimers]

Bird Freak wrote:
Wife and I both have Townies as well as 6 other friends. All have been flawless for several years and very comfortable. Yes we do ride a lot.

Same here. Don't waste your time/money on Walmart (cheap) bikes!

[mich800]

Gjac wrote:

Tom/Mary Lou wrote:
Thinking of getting new bicycles. We are older now & certainly don't need a gagillion speeds. Any recommendations would be appreciated. THX

It would be good to hear from the OP again on how they will use the bike, but from the original post it sounds like they want a bike to ride around the camp ground on dirt roads. I have a Jamis 24 speed Mtn Bike that I have had for more than 20 years which was over $700 back then. I have gone through multiple chains and gears sets. Has the Rock Shox on front which no longer work. Now at 68 I want a little more upright position to ride in. Also have an old Bianchi 21 speed road bike. The head broke twice on that bike and no longer ride it, even with Areo bars being bent over for long periods was uncomfortable. Mid 50's I could do 100 miles/day but not any more. One thing a lot of people don't realize it a lot of the cost that goes into a higher end bike is weight reduction. More money does't mean stronger and lasting longer, only lighter weight and better performance. So based on your age, general physical condition how you will use the bike, I see no problem with buying a $200 bike Mtn Bike from Dick's or Walmart. The Mtn bike is the most versatile just get one with an adjustable head or short head set so you can sit more up right to take some pressure off your lower back.

The weight part is not accurate. If you purchase an entry level bike from a bike shop it will not be light. In fact you may not find a large difference in net weight between that and a cheap big box store bike. But the component spec will be much better, easier to keep tuned, and reliable. Any big weight differences will more than likely be in the crappy wheelset on the cheap bike.

[FLGup]

+1 Trek Pure. They are forward pedal models with big A seats. Easy to pedal, sit on and your back doesn't hurt when you're done. Built great and about $400. I agree on a good bike shop.

[winnietrey]

Gjac wrote:

Tom/Mary Lou wrote:
Thinking of getting new bicycles. We are older now & certainly don't need a gagillion speeds. Any recommendations would be appreciated. THX

It would be good to hear from the OP again on how they will use the bike, but from the original post it sounds like they want a bike to ride around the camp ground on dirt roads. I have a Jamis 24 speed Mtn Bike that I have had for more than 20 years which was over $700 back then. I have gone through multiple chains and gears sets. Has the Rock Shox on front which no longer work. Now at 68 I want a little more upright position to ride in. Also have an old Bianchi 21 speed road bike. The head broke twice on that bike and no longer ride it, even with Areo bars being bent over for long periods was uncomfortable. Mid 50's I could do 100 miles/day but not any more. One thing a lot of people don't realize it a lot of the cost that goes into a higher end bike is weight reduction. More money does't mean stronger and lasting longer, only lighter weight and better performance. So based on your age, general physical condition how you will use the bike, I see no problem with buying a $200 bike Mtn Bike from Dick's or Walmart. The Mtn bike is the most versatile just get one with an adjustable head or short head set so you can sit more up right to take some pressure off your lower back.

Don't disagree with you all that much, but some of those department store bikes are built so darn cheap, I just think for a couple hundred more you can get something that will really last. Depending on your intended use of course. Nothing worse than trying to fix a broken down bike.

Interesting you mention your Jamis, I had a Schwinn high Sierra for 20 plus years. Was very reluctant to up-grade. But I will say this bikes have come a long, long way. Now that I have the new one, that old Schwinn feels like such a sled. I would never go back.

[shakyjay]

rockhillmanor wrote:
I'll just add not to buy a bike with the fat all terrain tires.

If you are just going to pleasurably bike ride the narrower tires are easier to ride.

My first bike had the typical fat knobby tires that most come with from the big box stores.

What a DIFFERENCE when I got rid of that one and bought a bike with narrow plain tires.

I used to think the same thing however just like the bikes themselves there is a real difference in tires as well. The Fat Franks on my wifes bike not only provide a comfortable ride but they roll as easily the narrower tires on my bike. There are lower quality fat tires and there are some of a higher quality. Just like the bikes there is a world of difference between the two.