So, I want to get into biking this summer…It will be used pretty much to get me around the city…I would like to stay around 200.00…

 

Honestly I really have no idea what I am looking for…

$200? It'll definitely be used. What city are you in? You'll want a road bike an I bought a brand new KHS Green model from their urban series.

 

 

It ran me $315 after taxes. Then you'll need a helmet ($30+) and a U-lock combo ($50). For night riding a front and rear flashing light (white-front, red-rear, $24 for both). Kevlar lining for your tires is a good idea ($16) as is a pump for flats ($35) and gloves in case/when you fall off to prevent the displeasure of picking out pieces of asphalt out of your hands ($25+) and a front headlight for dark roads at night ($25). Important is your height and you should neither be able to lock your knees when sitting nor have them too bent. Riding either way for a long time will damage your knees, so get this done right.

 

I almost forgot the most important part of urban biking; don't be afraid to take the lane! And remember to signal with your left hand for turning/changing lanes and stopping. Know your route and stick to 25MPH roads where possible. Lastly, stay off the sidewalks.

I'm also interested in a new bicycle, but haven't bought one for 10 years. Keep the suggestions coming....

I'll be in Cleveland/West Side...

 

As for height I am 5'10...I don't mind buying used, I pretty much assumed I would probably have to...Like I said, I have no idea what to look for or in a bike...

 

But keep the suggestions coming...

I've had two bikes (cannondales) in the last 20 years. They cost more but are well worth the extra $$. I found the one I have now on ebay for $500.

 

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/

From the Ohio City Bicycle Co-op:

 

City Bikes:

These are the original version of what are now being marketed as "hybrid bikes." They feature turned-back, city (or "falcon") handlebars for an upright position; three, five or ten speeds; and are already equipped with fenders (and often with a rack). A city bike is a good compromise between speed and stability; comfort and responsiveness; and durability and economy. In this category we have many inexpensive models, several collectible classics, and a few newer "hybrids." Priced from $60 to $250, most around $100.

 

Our goal is not to just get bikes sold and out the door; it's to help people use them. We are happy to advise you on strategies to get the most out of your bike, and urge everyone to take advantage of the classes offered with each bike purchase. To help you start using your bike right away, we do sell a limited selection of basic practical equipment like lights, locks, racks, fenders and helmets, but also encourage you to get to know your local bike shop for the wide selection of accessories and services they offer.

Those Cannondales look spiffy.

 

Just for fun, here are Bianchi's urban bikes for 08. They seem to be very well known and respected as a brand, but they're at least more than double what you're wanting to spend.

 

 

IMO, here is the best urban bike money can buy right now <a href="http://bicycleworldandfitness.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&ID=2563">Felt Racing - X CIty</a>.  This is way out of the $200 price range, but its worth every dime.

 

Keep in mind, I may be biased here due to Cincinnati's hills, but the really nice advantage of this bike is the rear internal gear hub.  What does this mean?  NO DERRAILEURS.  One of my biggest pains running my bike as a daily commuter was the fact that about every 100 - 200 miles I had to spend an hour or two messing around with the derraileurs getting out of adjustment.  This is less of an issue with higher quality components, but still, not cool.  Also, really cranking uphill with a bike with derlrs. it was far to easy to get gear skip, and this totally kills your uphill momentum.  The X-City solves all those problems.

 

I do not own one now (I ride a Specialized mountain bike converted to single speed), but my good friend has this bike, and we trade off from time to time.  Were I buying new today, this is what I would get.

I suggest going to visit Mitch at Shaker Cycle (located at West 5th and Jefferson in Tremont). He's a little kooky, but no one will give you a better deal. He has lots of great used bikes and he knows his stuff. He also won't overcharge you. He'll tell you what's worth cheaping out on, and he'll tell you what's worth spending the money on.

 

If you go in and tell him you have $200 and you want to be fully outfitted in a bike, he'll put a package together.

 

I bought my commuter bike from him, and it's been great. That was a year ago. I spent $60. I also have a nicer bike that I wouldn't want to drive through the Flats on a regular basis nor would I want to leave it locked up somewhere outside for eight hours for fear it would get stolen.

BTW: Important things for bike commuting: Fenders, lights, repair kit, basket or rack to hook up something more fancy for lugging purposes.

 

If you don't know how to change a tire tube, ask your bike dealer to show you.

 

Another good resource is www.bikeforums.net.

^ The only thing I disagree with is the fenders... I don't find them to be essential.  Riding in the rain or wet, you will get wet, period.  Keeping road splatter off your clothes?  Well, I find I need to wear rain pants anyhow to be dry enough at work, so why lug the extra weight? 

People probably won't believe me but I've been doing long distance biking since I was about 10 and have never had a flat tire.  Thousands and thousands of miles. 

I've had a few in about 50,000 total miles since I've been tracking my miles (started tracking about 8 years ago).  Unfortunately, one was 48 miles from the nearest town, with no spare tube. 

 

edit - I just checked my bike log, and indeed, I've had 2 flat tires in slightly more than 50,000 miles.

So, I want to get into biking this summer…It will be used pretty much to get me around the city…I would like to stay around 200.00…

 

Honestly I really have no idea what I am looking for…

 

If you're riding on city streets, I'd definitely recommend a road bike.  They're more versatile than mountain or hybrid bikes, and you'll actually feel better riding in traffic.

 

Jar, you're in OB near Brookside, right?  Let me know if you'd want to go biking sometime this summer.

 

the above suggestions are fine, but honestly, the important thing is to buy the bike that is right for you.  whatever that means, do research and think about what you want to do on a bike. 

 

fit is important!  google information on how to find out what size bike you need.  the nicest bike in the world can be wrong for you if it is too big or too small.

 

fenders are a necessity.  if you ride on city streets, fenders protect you and your bike from flying debris kicked up by your tires in any road conditions.  in the rain, they help you avoid swamp ass.  rain is the number on excuse for not riding your bike...fenders are the number one answer to that excuse.

 

bike lighting is required by law if you are going to ride at night.  both front and back.   

 

buy a helmet!  if you have a ten dollar head, buy a ten dollar helmet.  my head is considerably more expensive, so I bought this kind of helmet:

 

http://www.bicycle.net/2007/giro-helmet-helps-saves-man-head-when-he-gets-run-over-by-truck 

 

if you want a nice bike, think of it as an investment in your health and the environment and you will be better able to justify the pricetag.  beware of cheap bikes.  consider buying a used bike.  your price range excludes most new bikes, but that is not a bad thing.  the bianchi and felt bikes listed above are expensive, but they are also made in taiwan. 

 

everything I wanted to know about bicycles I learned from the late Sheldon Brown.  his website is a wealth of information for the novice bicyclist:

 

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/ 

 

 

If you're riding on city streets, I'd definitely recommend a road bike.  They're more versatile than mountain or hybrid bikes, and you'll actually feel better riding in traffic.

 

I set up my mountain/hybrid frames with road tires, singlespeed, etc.  I like the mountain frames a bit better than most of my street frames because I have had a few street frames get seriously torqued in spills... That said, if I had to ride on wide knobbys all the time, a streetbike would be my immediate choice, except, for the notable lack of curb hopping ability of really skinny road tires.

fenders are a necessity.  if you ride on city streets, fenders protect you and your bike from flying debris kicked up by your tires in any road conditions.  in the rain, they help you avoid swamp ass.  rain is the number on excuse for not riding your bike...fenders are the number one answer to that excuse.

 

I still think a rain suit is a better answer than fenders.  You can strip it off and no matter what you have to wear to work, its dry and protected.  Fenders prevent swamp ass, rain suits protect everything.

 

everything I wanted to know about bicycles I learned from the late Sheldon Brown.  his website is a wealth of information for the novice bicyclist:

 

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/ 

 

Best site out there with tons and tons and tons of great info. 

I still think a rain suit is a better answer than fenders.

 

a rain suit does not keep road crap off your bike.  fenders look awesome and are shiny. 

 

no fenders = lamesauce.  fenders = awesomesauce. 

 

you are defeated...admit it! 

 

Hah, now that is funny ;)

 

Nah, I wipe the bike down after riding in the rain anyhow (as everyone who respects their bike should, fenders or not ;))

everything I wanted to know about bicycles I learned from the late Sheldon Brown.  his website is a wealth of information for the novice bicyclist:

 

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/ 

 

I was sad to hear of his death. Although I never met him in person, I did exchange a few emails with him and regarded him as the authority on English Roadsters and on custom-creating utilitarian bikes for everyday urban use. Harris Cyclery has been my source for tires and parts for my thirty-plus-year-old Raleigh DL-1 city bike for several years.

If you have a rear rack you don't need a fender.

 

I'm bit surprised by all the worry over rain.  I went 4 years without a car, riding my bike daily, never wore anything special.  Then again I don't have any friends who are into biking constantly telling me about gear and gizmo's.  I like not knowing what I'm missing out on.

 

I was also surprised by people's nervousness in the Cin Weekly article about riding in traffic.  I suppose since I did it as a kid all the time I don't even think about it.     

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fenders.html

 

victory is mine!

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fenders.html

 

victory is mine!

 

Heh, this is true... Always good to quote the definitive source! 

 

Seriously though, if you are using the bike for all the time commuting, you really should be wiping it down after riding in the rain.  I am not convinced that my chain got any less grime from rain riding with vs. without fenders - also I wipe it down and wax fairly frequently.  As far as derailleurs, GET RID OF EM.  As far as lower races, well there is no contesting that (and bottom bracket for that matter).  But these parts, they all will need replacing after time. 

 

Screw fenders, its just more weight!  (or not, if you don't do day to day maintenance)

Screw fenders, its just more weight!

 

o rly?

 

SKS P35 Fenders 700c

 

    * Stainless steel hardware

    * 35mm

    * 504g

 

while 504g is in essence more weight, it is not MUCH more weight.  it is far less weight than say, the entire bicycle, which you may end up pushing or carrying home because you think fenders are not cool.  and as I mentioned above, fenders are totally cool, in fact fenders are covered in awesomesauce.  honestly, resistance is futile. :shoot:

So how many people here ride with a helmet?

 

I understand the 10 dollar head thing and according to my student loans my head is worth a little bit more...

 

 

 

 

Does anyone have any experience with The OCBC?

 

 

I am going to head over to see Mitch at Shaker Cycle on Thursday, does anyone happen to know the hours there, google isn't much help with this one...

 

Hah!  I ran across Mitch randomly while riding my still not properly set up bike!  He's a bit of a crotchity jerk, but I kind of liked him anyway (birds of a feather, I guess).  He's kind of condescending, but in an honest way.  You'll learn about bikes by talking to him.  Of course, he is still promoting his services and products- his prices are supposed to be great.  Have fun!  I do think it will be a good place to stop into.  I don't know the hours though, so sorry.

 

I bought the nicest helmet I could find (may be worth more than MY head), but I think the difference in price has more to do with weight than with the level of protection- they all meet the same federal standard.  Messes up my hair something fierce, but I think I will mostly be riding for exercise and to explore, so I can always take a shower afterwards.

 

My bike is a hand me down from my 6'6" uncle, and waaaay too big.  If I scrape together enough cash, I will have to trade in for something sized to me.

 

What is the advantage of going to a single speed set up? 

regarding mitch...proceed with caution.  his shop is usually a mess.  the hours are like: open during the day.  stop by and knock if it is locked.  he lives upstairs.  his manner is a little abrupt.  to say the least.  my experience with the ocbc was completely positive.  if you want to learn how to do things, like get your hands dirty and actually fix stuff, and build your bike from the ground up, then yes, ocbc is your joint. 

 

oh, I actually ride with my helmet on every time!  the doof hat is very stylish.  embrace it.  I bought the same giro helmet listed above.  it is very comfortable. 

just picked this up a few weeks back for my daily commute and general getting around the city:

 

 

definitely above your (and my) budget, but as long as it doesn't get stolen, the components will be reliable for quite a while.

“It feels really strange to have a truck run over your head.”- best line from the helmet article.

 

while 504g is in essence more weight, it is not MUCH more weight.  it is far less weight than say, the entire bicycle, which you may end up pushing or carrying home because you think fenders are not cool.  and as I mentioned above, fenders are totally cool, in fact fenders are covered in awesomesauce.  honestly, resistance is futile. :shoot:

 

504g is more than a lb of weight, by comparison, my rain suit weighs 300g (and I only carry it on days when the forecast has some chance of rain).  IF I could get easily removable both front and rear fenders, I might consider it.  That said, I don't walk my bike because of rain, like ever...  You also have to remember, that I am a bicycle minimalist.  If it doesn't absolutely have to be on my bike, its not on my bike (I fully admit I am kinda nutty like that).

 

As far as the helmet question, I wear a city helmet that looks more like a bulked up black ball cap than a helmet.  I wear it on almost all rides.  I have lights as well, but those only get put on when I will be doing night riding.

I bought a bike like this in January.

 

 

My friend inherited it from his deceased uncle, but had no desire to ever use it.  He sold it to me for $400 in like new condition.

 

Did you try Craig's List for bikes, Jar? 

I have nothing but nice things to say about the Bike Coop. I would throw them in the mix when looking. They also serve innercity kids-teaching them to ride , repair and maintain bikes. They care about the environment and the neighborhood. They would never sell you a bad bike (bikes are used). I got my Schwinn '76 Breeze cruiser  from them. Athletically and mechanically it is a beauty( but it is too heavy for me)

[...]

What is the advantage of going to a single speed set up? 

 

Simplicity. No cables or levers or twist grips, less machinery to get gunked up with road crap. If you ride in very cold weather, the more complex chain path makes it noticeably harder to pedal because the oil gets stiff.

 

For ultimate simplicity in a single-speed setup, rig up a Bendix coaster brake and you can eliminate the rear caliper brake. The coaster brake doesn't lose its grip when the rims are wet, either.

 

A geared hub is a nice compromise; the gears are all internal and protected from weather, and need no derailleurs. The old reliable is the 3-speed Sturmey-Archer AW hub; put a few drops of oil in it every year or so, and it'll run forever without any attention. It provides an adequate range for most city riding. New ones from Shimano have up to 7 speeds, but they're heavier and expensive. A three-speed doesn't like to shift in extreme cold, either, but when it warms up you still have the functionality.

 

while 504g is in essence more weight, it is not MUCH more weight. 

 

I'll second that. Weigh yourself and the bike and see how much difference a pound makes, percentage-wise. I doubt you'd notice it when riding.

 

Simplicity.

 

Nuff said ;)

 

A geared hub is a nice compromise; the gears are all internal and protected from weather, and need no derailleurs. The old reliable is the 3-speed Sturmey-Archer AW hub; put a few drops of oil in it every year or so, and it'll run forever without any attention. It provides an adequate range for most city riding. New ones from Shimano have up to 7 speeds, but they're heavier and expensive. A three-speed doesn't like to shift in extreme cold, either, but when it warms up you still have the functionality.

 

Of note, the 3 speed doesn't provide enough gearing for truly hilly cities such as Cincinnati.  If I had the loot, I'd go with the 7 speed around here, in a flatter city, there's no doubt that I'd go 3 speed.  (That is, if I were of the mind to actually add weight to my bike ;) 

 

Edit - Actually, on the hub note, if I really had the money I'd probably go with a continuously variable rear hub instead of the 3 or 7 speed...

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/nuvinci.html

 

I'll second that. Weigh yourself and the bike and see how much difference a pound makes, percentage-wise. I doubt you'd notice it when riding.

 

Again, I may be nutty about this, but I am all about the absolute minimum.  Anything I don't have to carry is energy I have to move me from point A to point B.  All said, I've removed about 7 lbs from my bike, and I certainly notice that difference.

For ultimate simplicity in a single-speed setup, rig up a Bendix coaster brake and you can eliminate the rear caliper brake. The coaster brake doesn't lose its grip when the rims are wet, either.

 

coaster brakes fail, they have always been poorly designed.  I prefer fixed gear with front and rear calipers.  in this way, I am able to manage my speed with my legs and with the brakes.   

 

I may be nutty about this, but I am all about the absolute minimum.

 

well, your tenacity is surprising.  I checked out your bike on your blog.  consider the weight of the frame you have converted to single speed.  to me, that makes your statements about weight rather puzzling.  the tubes on that thing are massive.  it looks like you converted a mountain bike.  not to mention the front shock on the fork, which is completely silly for urban cycling, probably weighs more than most fenders.  add to that, you are rolling on huge tires.  size down to something skinnier, and you will reduce a ton of drag. 

 

all that said, you are at least honest about what you are doing...you are a nut.  and I accept that fine, bicycles are about customization, so there really is no right or wrong. 

 

:speech:

Heh, thats just one of the bikes in the stable, the daily commuter.  Yeah, it does have huge tubes, and the tires are also larger than they could be (but its a trade off here, I still ride in places I probably shouldn't).  That front fork is absolutely the next thing to go (the stupid suspension seat post shown in the picture is already gone for a savings of 1.2 lbs, WOO HOO).  100% agreed on the suspension on city bikes -- USELESS.  That front shock so bothers me... But like you said, it is indeed a converted mountain bike.

 

The frame for me is a trade off.  I'd love to have a frame that weighs as little as my road bike, but I've been bashed by drivers, buses, and stupid maneuvers riding down stairs and the like (see reason for the conversion on that bike).  Heck, I think my road bike fully dressed weighs less than the frame of my commuter.  But, I wouldn't leave my road bike locked up outside of work unless I was well insured (I lost my first carbon frame this way in a matter of 15 minutes inside of my work - before I could even get to my desk where I can look out the window to where I lock my bike).  I've completely torqued my share of frames, and for the daily beater that I am not afraid of locking up pretty much anywhere, it works for that purpose.  There is still more weight to lose though!

 

Note - that my statements about weight are about removing weight, and simplifying the bike.  As you can see, for at least that ride, I started with a very heavy machine.  Its not just the absolute weight, its the "zen" of the ride type deal too.

 

Eh, I'm just a nutter about bikes and playing around with em... But its FUN!

 

But, back to bike buying advice - go to the local shops, get PROPERLY fitted for a bike, and try em out.  We can all disagree about what we must have on a commuting bike, and as you can see, there are all sorts of things you can do to add or remove features that you discover are useful to you.  But watch out, its addictive (*see above*)  ;)

So how many people here ride with a helmet?

 

I do wear a helmet every time I ride. I know there's a huge anti-helmet coalition out there, and those who will point to the fact that we're one of the only countries that has such a large contingent of helmet advocates, but I don't let that bother me. Yes, most accidents the helmet will not do anything. But just in case I'm in one where the helmet is needed to protect my noggin, it's worth it to me.

 

 

I am going to head over to see Mitch at Shaker Cycle on Thursday, does anyone happen to know the hours there, google isn't much help with this one...

 

 

He's open all the time. I would call first (216.685.2453). The store's phone rings to his cell phone. I've never had him tell me it's not open. If he is closed, I think he just walks downstairs and opens up.

I worked in bike shops from the time I was 13 until I graduated high school. When I left for college, some thankless @sshole stole thousands of dollars worth of bicycles from my garage. So my three favorite bikes are gone, and now I am left with an old school 1998 FSR frame with an long travel suspension kit on it. So I am on my way to start building it up again, but I need tools. Does anyone have a headset cup press, or a bottom bracket tool (for an ISIS crank). Or does anyone know of a bike shop around Cincinnati that would let me come in for an hour or so and build the bike up. I am about to drop some money to buy all the parts, but if I can avoid buying 150 bucks in tools that would help my cause.

Talk to the guys at Campus Cyclery.  I lost my bottom bracket tool, and I went to them to buy a new bottom bracket and they kindly let me replace it there in the shop.  I have some tools, chain tools, and rear cassette tool, etc, but no headset cup press unfortunately.

Thanks for the info, I'll check 'em out. Anyone on here go for urban ride's on the mtb's? That and downhill racing were always my favorites.

So how many people here ride with a helmet?

 

I do wear a helmet every time I ride. I know there's a huge anti-helmet coalition out there, and those who will point to the fact that we're one of the only countries that has such a large contingent of helmet advocates, but I don't let that bother me. Yes, most accidents the helmet will not do anything. But just in case I'm in one where the helmet is needed to protect my noggin, it's worth it to me.

 

 

I used to not wear a helmet until the bolt holding my seat down snapped and I thought I broke my jaw on the Towpath pavement last year.  Ever since, I've thought that the inconvenience of wearing a helmet is nothing compared to the possible serious damage that can be done if I fall off again and hit a different part of my head.  As they say, better safe than sorry. 

 

I'd recommend gloves, too.  If you're going to fall for whatever reason, your hands will be protected.  You don't know how valuable they really are until they're taped up and you can't use them for a week.  :-P

 

Thanks for the info, I'll check 'em out. Anyone on here go for urban ride's on the mtb's? That and downhill racing were always my favorites.

I used to ride my mountain bike all about Atlanta when I lived there--I have NOT had good luck on road bikes. I found the mountain bike more conducive to getting where I wanted quickly; road clogged, jump on the sidewalk, if that's a mess, back on the street. I used to ride a Specialized Rockhopper but like so many others it was stolen. I live in Oxford now and there's actually a Trek dealer, but in a couple of weeks is the surplus auction where Miami sells the stuff it no longer needs, like abandoned bikes. They are usually pretty hammered but you can get one for cheap, too. Check your local university, they may do something similar.

I like the mtb's alright, but I find something in between best for urban commuting (just my preference).  For long distance rides, there I have to use my street bike. 

 

I do like to get off the beaten path if I can, I also dig biking down the steps when its possible ;)  But after the last accident, I think I'll be avoiding that!

My only bike is a Specialized Globe which I bought in January replacing my mountain bike which was stolen.  The only thing I did with it was get toe clips and put a rack on the back.  It's definitely lighter than a mountain bike and has no suspension but I miss not being able to jump up the curbs aggressively.   

 

I had a really nice ride home after work tonight around 11pm from NK across the suspension bridge then up the Vine St. hill to my apartment.  People think you're insane if you tell them you ride late at night through the city when really it's typically very pleasant.  I always ride slowly at night.         

 

 

Alot of you are reporting getting bikes stolen.  Did you leave them unlocked, use a chain, or a u-lock?  I'm trying to figure out how much protection is worth the cost and weight.  Those u-locks seem awfully cumbersome to have to lug around.

^Friend of a roommate "borrowed" my bike at 7am while everyone was asleep...rode it right out the back door and that was the end of it. 

I am from DC, and we would hop on our bikes around 9 or 10 at night, ride a couple of miles downtown, wreak some havoc, then hop the metro back uptown. I'm not looking to commute (I already live/work downtown), I just like to tool around and jump on/off stuff. I'm gonna order parts within the next week. We'll have to get an UO urban ride together for the summer.

Left it in a closed garage . . . the Giant and the Cannondale gone, the Huffy was left behind.

Chained to a street post in front of my work.  Chain was cut moments after I went in to work. 

Amazing how many people walk around with bolt cutters.