Any bicyclist in here?
Any bicyclist in here? I want to get into it. I'm looking for a bike but not sure what to get. I obviously dont need something very expensive, I'm looking to spend 500-750. Maybe someone knows someone who works in a bike shop who can help me out.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Friendswood, TX
I want to start on road, but later if i enjoy doing it i would like to also do off-road. I just think i can get more use out of a road bike at this point, and i really cant afford to buy two bikes. I was thinking about getting a khs cx200 or maybe one of the bottecchia bikes. Any idea?
Thanks for the link.
Thanks for the link.
Yeah people have told me the same thing, but thats a lot of cash. I'm gonna do my best to buy a good used bike before i go put down that much cash. Either of you two ride?
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From: Houston
A good used bike would be a great starter bike and will allow you to sneak into a nice one without breaking the bank. I think my Dads last two bikes cost about $5-6k each to build, but that's just dumb. I bet you could find a good Trek for a good price, their frames have come a long way recently (because of Lance).
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Two of my friends bought bikes for ~$600... both are going strong.
One is a KHS (bought new on ebay) and the other is a K2 (bought at REI). The KHS was a year or two old, but new in box. Both are Sora equipped bikes, both are aluminum frame, carbon fork. We were putting ~70-100miles a week on them for quite awhile.
Personally, I'm a cheap azz. I ride a 1983 Bianchi with campy components. Hey, it may be as old as I am, but we have no problem keeping up with the new bikes. Well maintained older bikes ride just smooth as new bikes. Just depends on whether you mind downtube shifters. My commuter bike is a mid- '80s Fuji converted to Fixed gear.
If cycling is something that you KNOW you will stick with... then go for a better bike... but there's sooooo many people who buy in big time, only to leave the gear rotting in the garage or sell it the following year. ESPECIALLY those who get all crazy about the latest charity ride they heard about.
One is a KHS (bought new on ebay) and the other is a K2 (bought at REI). The KHS was a year or two old, but new in box. Both are Sora equipped bikes, both are aluminum frame, carbon fork. We were putting ~70-100miles a week on them for quite awhile.
Personally, I'm a cheap azz. I ride a 1983 Bianchi with campy components. Hey, it may be as old as I am, but we have no problem keeping up with the new bikes. Well maintained older bikes ride just smooth as new bikes. Just depends on whether you mind downtube shifters. My commuter bike is a mid- '80s Fuji converted to Fixed gear.
If cycling is something that you KNOW you will stick with... then go for a better bike... but there's sooooo many people who buy in big time, only to leave the gear rotting in the garage or sell it the following year. ESPECIALLY those who get all crazy about the latest charity ride they heard about.
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No i dont want to do any houston -> austin runs, i want to ride for me. I enjoy running, i enjoy being outside, i think i will enjoy riding. I will keep searching, if y'all ind any good deals give me a heads up!
Thanks
Thanks
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From: Friendswood, TX
Incase you haven't found it, here's the under $750 road bike thread:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=268941
I bought my mountain bike from bay area schwinn in Pasdena. http://bayareaschwinn.com/
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=268941
I bought my mountain bike from bay area schwinn in Pasdena. http://bayareaschwinn.com/
Last edited by Arachnotron; Jun 5, 2008 at 09:00 PM.
I mountain bike a lot when my schedule permits. I'd probably go a lot more if I had someone to ride with, but I've had a couple close calls riding alone. I have a $300 Trek... it's nothing fancy, but I've beat the hell outta it, and it's still going. I'll worry about disc breaks and lightweight materials on my car, the bike works fine the way it is 
I will admit, a rear suspension would be nice, though.
IMO... mt biking is much more exciting. It's a vigorous way to get back to nature.
I will admit, a rear suspension would be nice, though.IMO... mt biking is much more exciting. It's a vigorous way to get back to nature.
dont start road.. i would start mountian then go to road for a change, i used to ride road bikes and do the long rides like ms150 and stuff like that. The actuall ride was fun but other than that it was pretty boring to ride on the road only all the time, I say drop about a grand and get a nice used mountian bike.. hardtail is better for our area.
http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/708945605.html
like these lol.. jp man but check out craigslist, and pm me if you have any questions
like these lol.. jp man but check out craigslist, and pm me if you have any questions
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 347
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I always knew there were "high-end" bikes, but until I really got into it, I had no idea the kind of change some people drop on them.
I've seen trucks going to rides and counted the bikes on the back.... EASILY worth more than the truck carrying them.
Also, the number of people on BForums with bikes worth more than their cars is amazing.
I do all road... I ride with a couple friends, and we try to change it up some. In the Texas section of BF some of us started doing "free agent rides"... basically, those of us who aren't on a team, aren't loyal to one bike shop's weekly ride... and we try to gather at different locations around houston to ride. Bascially, get out and see other parts of town with someone who knows that area.
My favorite ride is starting in Katy, and heading into downtown.... I prefer that over all the two lane blacktop back roads out to brookshire and back.
I've seen trucks going to rides and counted the bikes on the back.... EASILY worth more than the truck carrying them.
Also, the number of people on BForums with bikes worth more than their cars is amazing.
I do all road... I ride with a couple friends, and we try to change it up some. In the Texas section of BF some of us started doing "free agent rides"... basically, those of us who aren't on a team, aren't loyal to one bike shop's weekly ride... and we try to gather at different locations around houston to ride. Bascially, get out and see other parts of town with someone who knows that area.
My favorite ride is starting in Katy, and heading into downtown.... I prefer that over all the two lane blacktop back roads out to brookshire and back.
I always knew there were "high-end" bikes, but until I really got into it, I had no idea the kind of change some people drop on them.
I've seen trucks going to rides and counted the bikes on the back.... EASILY worth more than the truck carrying them.
Also, the number of people on BForums with bikes worth more than their cars is amazing.
I do all road... I ride with a couple friends, and we try to change it up some. In the Texas section of BF some of us started doing "free agent rides"... basically, those of us who aren't on a team, aren't loyal to one bike shop's weekly ride... and we try to gather at different locations around houston to ride. Bascially, get out and see other parts of town with someone who knows that area.
My favorite ride is starting in Katy, and heading into downtown.... I prefer that over all the two lane blacktop back roads out to brookshire and back.
I've seen trucks going to rides and counted the bikes on the back.... EASILY worth more than the truck carrying them.
Also, the number of people on BForums with bikes worth more than their cars is amazing.
I do all road... I ride with a couple friends, and we try to change it up some. In the Texas section of BF some of us started doing "free agent rides"... basically, those of us who aren't on a team, aren't loyal to one bike shop's weekly ride... and we try to gather at different locations around houston to ride. Bascially, get out and see other parts of town with someone who knows that area.
My favorite ride is starting in Katy, and heading into downtown.... I prefer that over all the two lane blacktop back roads out to brookshire and back.
I do want a mountain bike as well. I would want to go on some trails but maybe later this year.
Right now I'm riding up and down the long streets in my neighborhood. Canal, Wayside, and other smaller streets. Its fun, i like it, and the motorist arent too crazy around here. SO far i have only rode in the morning cause there is less cars. I live five miles from my job so the ultimate goal is to ride too and from work but i would have to leave my house like at 5:15 to get there in time.
I'll post up some pics when i get my camera back.
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If you ride to work, your riding will improve ten-fold.... just being on the bike everyday makes a huge difference. My new job is too far away... but I'm looking to drive 1/2, and then ride the rest. I have too many excuses to not ride after work otherwise. 
In houston.... best time to ride is at night. We do alot of 9 or 10 o'clock starts.... traffic dies down, and it's only humid, not hot. But the next morning always comes too early. Oh yeah, once you get more in shape, and ride faster, traffic is even less of a concern... at least for me.
Seats... everyone has a preference... give it a shot for awhile, but don't be afraid to get a different seat.
And yeah, wait a little for the clipless shoes/pedals.... you'll have a better chance of not toppling over while stopped at a stop light... though I've seen MANY do it.
In houston.... best time to ride is at night. We do alot of 9 or 10 o'clock starts.... traffic dies down, and it's only humid, not hot. But the next morning always comes too early. Oh yeah, once you get more in shape, and ride faster, traffic is even less of a concern... at least for me.
Seats... everyone has a preference... give it a shot for awhile, but don't be afraid to get a different seat.
And yeah, wait a little for the clipless shoes/pedals.... you'll have a better chance of not toppling over while stopped at a stop light... though I've seen MANY do it.