Any urban cyclists on the board?  I'm thinking of buying a bike for exercise/exploring purposes, and was hoping maybe someone here could give some insight into gear/routes/riding etiquette/general recommendations/etc...

 

Regarding gear, I want to get something geared (I'm in Cincinnati, which means hills galore) and fairly cheap (since I'll probably lose interest in short order and return to drinking and smoking for entertainment) - but I don't need to go off-road, and don't want to be hunched over all the time.  I'm 6' 1", so I don't know if this Mongoose Placid or this Schwinn Tornado would be comfortable enough...or should I go to a bike shop, or is buying used good enough?

 

I'm also wondering about accessories...what are good helmets, headlights, locks, air pumps?  I can't tell if speedometers and odometers come standard on the bikes or not - if not, are there cheap and reliable ones?

 

Any thoughts/observations are very welcome, and thanks for your help!

I would go to Montgomery Cyc and they will help you pick out a bike. When I got mine they asked tons of questions about my uses and showed me several models, even let me give them a try outside. I am 6'5 so they accomodated that and also that I didn't want to pay too much either. I use them for service and repair and am always extremely, extremely pleased. I am a very picky customer, and they satisfy your every want. I always go to the one in West Chester Township, but I think there is one in Springdale, and of course one in Montgomery close to the Inn off Reading. Even if you don't buy from them, I would recommend a visit.

can't give too many ideas, i pretty much just bought one of the cheap huffy bikes at the store. works fine, although i do need to get new tires..

 

the bikes you listed look similar to my bike, and it is comfortable enough for me

DO NOT go to Montgomery Cyclery! It's the equivalent of going to Best Buy- most of the time you are buying from a disinterested teenager (not always, just most of the time). Most people in Cincy go there mostly because they know the name, since those guys advertise like crazy. I've personally had some bad experiences with them as well, back in the day when I rode all the time. Of course, I'd still go there over Wal-Mart.

 

Go to an independent local shop, who are staffed by people who love cycling and often give you a better deal anyway. The owner of <a href="http://www.reserbicycle.com/">Reser Bicycle Outfitters</a> just across the river in Newport is a very good friend of mine, as are a bunch of the guys working there, so I of course recommend them. Like any good shop, let him know what you have in mind and they will make sure you get matched up with the right bike. There are a few problems with buying used, or buying online, or buying from a department store. The big one is fit- if you don't buy a bike sized correctly to you (it's a lot more than seat high, standover, and wheel size) then it won't be comfortable, won't feel right, and won't be ridden. The other one is assembly and maintenance- a real bike shop only sells bike assembled, and doesn't for it to be so. Most people lack the tools and experience that it takes to correctly assemble a bicycle. A lot of shops, Reser's included, will also give you free tuning for as long as you own the bike, which will save you $30 whenever cable stretch and things go out of adjustment. Reser's also will give you 10% off helmets and whatever else when you buy your bike.

 

Just so it doesn't seem like I'm just pushing my friend's shop, I'd also wholly recommend Bishop's in Milford, Jim's in Deer Park, or West Chester Cyclery. Campus in Clifton is okay, or at least it used to be. I used to go all over the place before me friend opened up his shop, so I've been to most of them at one point or another- but not really for the last couple of years.

I have never been helped by a teenager and the service I did recieve always came from avid cyclists. The only other place I've used is Middletown Cyclery and I was not impressed, that is why I am so taken with Montgomery. I don't use it because of the name, a friend recommended it to me also. Maybe you've had you bad expierienced, but I haven't.

 

Anyway, I would recommend visiting a shop rather than ordering online. Sounds like those other places might help you too.

I'm glad your experiences have been good- I realize it's going to be different every time for everyone. I've had good experiences with them as well as bad. It all depends on who you talk to I guess, the same is true for everywhere.

 

Either way, it's sounds like we definitely are in agreement that a bike shop is the best place to buy a bike.

Yes I am.

 

Maybe its location also.

>The big one is fit- if you don't buy a bike sized correctly to you (it's a lot more than seat high, standover, and wheel size) then it won't be comfortable, won't feel right, and won't be ridden.

 

Yeah the bike I have is slightly too small.  It felt good when I tested it out at the place I bought it from but I soon realized the balance was off and that I was always sort of leaning forward.  I've always had hand numbness on this bike as a result and I ride it every day and have to deal with that.  Also I can't ride it at all with no hands and even one hand is unstable.  Can't wait for something to break so I have an excuse to get a new one. 

 

 

Can't wait for something to break so I have an excuse to get a new one.

 

Leave it unlocked, and maybe someone will steal it. :wink:

mrCharlie, I have to totally disagree with you.  Montgomery Cyclery is a bike shop and nothing close to a Sports Authority, Dick's, Toys R Us, etc... I had great success at Montgomery Cyclery, they are a locally owned bike shop and they specialize in bikes.  They will pick out a bike that fits you and they usually include free maintenance for life if you buy the bike from them.  If not, then try to get them to throw that in, most bike shops include that.  If you decide not to shop at Montgomery Cyclery then at least go to a local bike shop and buy the bike there.

 

For bikes, stick with Giant or Trek.  I personally prefer Giant, but both make fantastic bikes.  My wife & daughter have Giant bikes and they love them.  I am currently riding a GT before they went bankrupt and I believe crappy Pacific bought them.  My next bike with definitely be a Giant.  They offer great mountain, comfort & road bikes at a reasonable price.  Stay away from the "Wal-Mart" brands like Swinn, Pacific, Huffy, Mongoose, etc...

 

My daughter has the Giant Lil Pudd'n... great kids bike and she is a cutie on it:

 

My next bike will more than likely be a Giant Iguana.  Disc brakes, mid-range mountain bike with quality shocks plus I love the look:

Retails for around $450-$499

 

If that is too pricey that have mountain/comfort bikes half that price. 

 

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp

Me and monte agreeing, whoa.

Monte- I was probably a little harsh against Montgomery Cyclery, but I had more than a couple of bad experiences with them back in the day (mostly service/warranty issues). Of course, it's been probably ten years since I've dealt with them, so it wouldn't surprise me if things have changed (I think it's different owners now.) There was always a difference between the different stores as well. As I said above, they definitely beat a toy or department store, but based on my experiences I just can't recommend them. I guess the best advice to try a few different places and see what works for you.

:-D My favorite city bike – ideal for terrain with only moderate hills, but probably not well-suited to Cincinnati's hills. It's pretty mangy-looking, but I keep it in good mechanical shape. I think the ugliness turns away would-be thieves. The chain guard got bent years ago; maybe I'll get around to fixing it one of these days.

 

 

It's a Raleigh DL-1, vintage 1970, with 28-inch x 1 1/2 –inch tires, Sturmey-Archer 3-speed gears and rod-operated (roller-lever) brakes. It's typical of the standard utility bike of its era in much of Europe and Asia. A Scotsman told me that this was the model once commonly ridden by policemen and postmen in England.

 

 

 

The large wheels, long wheelbase and low frame angles make it very stable, and it rides comfortably on rough surfaces and brick streets. That made it ideally suited for my work commute when I worked at GE. I used to ride this bike to work year-around, in my younger, bolder, perhaps more foolhardy days. I learned that Sturmey-Archer gears won't shift at -17 degrees F.

 

They quit making these in Europe probably thirty years ago, but they're still made in India and some US bike shops import them.

I think with all the hills around here, and my not-very-athletic physique, that lots of gears will probably be helpful.  Of course, I imagine my low gear will primarily be "walking next to the bike" gear...but I've gotta say, Rob, you look like an ass-kicker in that picture, with your black jeans and long sweatshirt and that "don't even try it" look...

 

I think I'm going to go to Reser in Newport, because I can walk there - my wife and I were talking about walking to T. M. Berry Park to see the new sculpture thing that I think Grasscat posted on earlier, then over to Newport for a movie, so I'm going to walk down to Reser as part of that.  Won't be buying anything yet until I save up a little cash, but I can figure out what might work...plus we'll be close enough to Riverside Korean to stop in for a meal!  Fantastic food there...

If all else fails, just go to Wal-mart and ask for help. They wear shirts that say "May I help you?," that means, I am knowledgeable, no?

... Rob, you look like an ass-kicker in that picture, with your black jeans and long sweatshirt and that "don't even try it" look...

 

Hmmm....   I get that a lot, and I'm actually quite easy-going. Maybe I need to get some photos of me wearing pink and holding kittens or playing with puppies. Where's my PR consultant? :wave:

You have interesting sign poles in Ft. Wayne. I have never seen signs mounted on black pipe.

If all else fails, just go to Wal-mart and ask for help. They wear shirts that say "May I help you?," that means, I am knowledgeable, no?

 

No what ever you do, don't step foot into that store.  In fact never go to Wal-Mart again.  You can find a bike at a bike shop for around $100-$150.  If you are going to buy a bike, buy one at a bike shop.  I would recommend something a little higher end but ultimately you need to buy something within your means and that can be found in a bike shop. 

If all else fails, just go to Wal-mart and ask for help. They wear shirts that say "May I help you?," that means, I am knowledgeable, no?

 

No what ever you do, don't step foot into that store.  In fact never go to Wal-Mart again.  You can find a bike at a bike shop for around $100-$150.  If you are going to buy a bike, buy one at a bike shop.  I would recommend something a little higher end but ultimately you need to buy something within your means and that can be found in a bike shop. 

 

Not very good at picking up sarcasm, eh?

NO you are not very good at displaying it.  It is the internet, if you are joking put a wink smiley after your post.

^I figured you realized we arn't big Wal-mart fans around here, and the last part asking about the shirts would have been a pretty stupid assuming question.

^Yeah, winkies are helpful, though, especially if one is just scanning through, reading things quickly...

 

I'm thinking the $100-$150 range is great, because I don't know if I'll actually stick with riding regularly or not.  I'm not really good at doing anything that isn't very fun just because I think I ought to...so I love hiking and walking, but walking regularly for exercise gets old, since I can only go so far in the morning...a bike would open up a whole world, relatively speaking.

 

So then, if I'm still interested in riding regularly by, say, next summer, I can upgrade to a higher-end model then, and give my old one to my brother or a friend or something...and if I'm not, then I'd rather have a cheap bike gathering dust than a pricey one!

 

I'm going to Reser's tomorrow - my wife and I will either be walking there (depending on the weather), or I'll just drive down there...I'll let you all know how it goes!  I'm sure you're all waiting with bated breath!

my wife and I were talking about walking to T. M. Berry Park to see the new sculpture thing that I think Grasscat posted on earlier,

 

Surprisingly, it wasn't me.

There's a bike shop on McMillan and Clifton, by UC. Independently owned and dedicated to bikes. I think it's called Campus Cyclery.  There's also one further up Clifton towards Ludlow called BioWheels.

 

    I bought mine at Campus Cyclery. It's a Koa mountain bike. I had them take the off-road tires off and put smoother street tires on. I also ordered lights, fenders and a luggage rack. I almost always use the luggage rack. Total cost was about $800.  I've been riding this bicycle for 10 years. I had to replace the plastic pedals with steel ones. The mountain bike does well on Cincinnati streets, with it's big tires, low gears, and heavy brakes. It will not win a road race, however, and rides of 25 miles or more become uncomfortable.

 

  The best bike is the one you use the most. I wouldn't count on a cheap one lasting very long.   

Eigth & State, I think you need to post a pic of it. :)

 

    I'd be happy to if I had a server to post it on. In fact, I have a lot of pictures I'd post if I had a server to post it on.  :wink:

 

    I'll go take a picture of the bicycle right now.

http://www.pbase.com is a good server for hosting photos.  They give you a 30 day trial for free to try it out.

You have interesting sign poles in Ft. Wayne. I have never seen signs mounted on black pipe.

 

'Tis a street light post:

 

 

^I see.

 

I should have posted this here. Riverviewer, this one is defiently for sale:

 

Hmmm...I think I'm a little tall, would have to get that rear height adjusted...

 

Actually, I picked out the model I want - it's a comfort bike (I'm way into comfort), with wider tires, seat suspension and tire suspension, eight gears, etc...I forget what it's called but it's around $280 or so...so right now I'm just setting money aside, and I'll probably buy it before too much longer...of course, I don't know if it's wisest to decide to take up bicycling just as the weather starts to get cold...not a whole lot of encouragement...but probably better now than putting it off, and putting it off...

You could pick up a magnetic resistance trainer and mount the bike on it to gradually work on getting in shape for the winter. Then, you'd be ready for the hills when spring arrives. That would also help you make sure any kinks are worked out on the bike, and you're fully accustomed to the way it feels before you get out on the street.

Ach, if I had any willpower, that would probably be a fantastic idea.  But there's no way I'd ever actually use the bike without the payoff of views and feeling like I was moving somewhere...I've always been able to do physical labor all day long, but never able to sit in a room and lift weights or run a treadmill or anything like that...no willpower...

A rev talking to a cat, hillarious.

^I have absolutely no idea what that means.

Your avatars.

Ah...sorry, I'm slow.

So, the wait is over...I finally bought a bike!

 

Saved up some money, then went to Reser Bicycle and put down a deposit on an Iron Horse Adventure:

http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/bikes/index.asp?ID=35

 

...large enough for me, adjustable seat, shocks, 3x8 gears, adjustable handlebars, etc.  It costs $280...it was supposed to be in last week sometime, but they'd ordered a ton of bikes for their stock, so they had mine ship with those at the cheaper and slower shipping rate.  Then it didn't show up on the truck on Monday...by Tuesday they found out that the warehouse never shipped the bike, and it would be next week before it came in.  So, rather than making me wait, they offered to give me the next model up for the same price - the Adventure LX:

http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/bikes/index.asp?ID=34

 

It's got better wheels, better shifters, better shocks, more shocks, better crank, better gears, better pretty much everything - it retails for $500!  I guess good things come to those who wait...

 

So I tricked it out with a rear light (brake-light style, with an "on" setting and a "flashing" setting), a front light, an odometer, and a cute little bell!  It's illegal to ride a bike on the streets in Ohio without a bell or a horn, and I wanted to be street legal!  Then a helmet and some chain lube...brought it home on Wednesday, then Thursday was beautiful weather...

 

...and I got stuck at work late...damnit...

 

Anyway, thanks to all for their suggestions - Ink, Mr. Charlie, Rob, Monte, and anyone else I'm forgetting...now I just need to ride the damn thing!  Probably not tonight - don't want to have my first bike ride in years be after dark, because I'm pretty clumsy as it is...but I should be able to avoid rain tomorrow and try it out.

OK it is becoming bike season again and I have been shopping for bikes.

 

Does anyone have any feedback about Marin Bikes?  I was looking at them at Campus Cyclery.  How is the customer service at Campus Cyclery?  I also have a buddy moving downtown and was wondering what were the other bike shops close to downtown?

 

http://www.campuscyclery.com/

 

http://www.marinbikes.com

I got a Marin Larkspur a few years ago.

Do not get an aluminum frame. Too rigid.

The components do not seem to be too good. I have had to replace the fancy hand shifter thingies twice in 3 - 4 years.

Chains & gears wore down in that time & needed replacement.

Brake mechanism is always getting gunked up.

Overall, I am not too thrilled with it.

It is a cheaper model, I don't know how the more expensive ones fare.

I got it at Bio Wheels who left Clifton for the far east somewhere.

I have dealt with Campus Cyclery once in that time & they were ok.

They have a tendency (or they used to) to try to sell you what they want & not what you want. If you are not sure what you want, tho it may not matter.

Yeah I have been leaning toward a Giant Iguana but have given Marin a thought since I was in the store 3 weeks ago.

I had a great experience at Reser Bicycle Outfitters on Monmouth - they were very nice and helpful to a novice.

Yeah but they are in Kentucky and I am bias and would rather have my bike sale be in Ohio :)

Is Oakley Cycles a good store?  I am thinking about either buying a new bike or repairing my existing one, and this store is only 5-10 minutes from my house.  Plus, this would give me a good excuse to eat at one of the great restaurants in Oakley Square.  :)

Ahhh, thanks for the reminder.  I need to check them out.  Does anyone know what bikes they carry?  Giant, Trek?

I know this thread is a little old but I need some help. I think I'm going to buy a bike this weekend. I'm not sure where to go but I found out that there is a shop in Fairfield (I live in Hamilton) so I'm going to stop by there. Also if anybody wants to fill me in on biking etiquette I'll take it. I'm a runner at heart and haven't rode a bike since I was a kid but my bones in my legs can't seem to take the beating anymore so I'm going to switch over.

Here ya' go! Can't beat the price, and I'll bet no one would steal it!

I know this thread is a little old but I need some help. I think I'm going to buy a bike this weekend. I'm not sure where to go but I found out that there is a shop in Fairfield (I live in Hamilton) so I'm going to stop by there. Also if anybody wants to fill me in on biking etiquette I'll take it. I'm a runner at heart and haven't rode a bike since I was a kid but my bones in my legs can't seem to take the beating anymore so I'm going to switch over.

 

http://www.bikewebsite.com/buyingabike.htm

 

 

http://bicyclesafe.com/

I know this thread is a little old but I need some help. I think I'm going to buy a bike this weekend. I'm not sure where to go but I found out that there is a shop in Fairfield (I live in Hamilton) so I'm going to stop by there. Also if anybody wants to fill me in on biking etiquette I'll take it. I'm a runner at heart and haven't rode a bike since I was a kid but my bones in my legs can't seem to take the beating anymore so I'm going to switch over.

 

What kind of bike are you looking for, and for what purpose? Around the town use, trail use or on-road use?