advice

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Antmatrix
ok i just decided that i want to take up cycling. Am a college student with little money, and am wondering if anyone knows what kind of road bike i should get that is good enough for a beginner and not pricey. Thanks

Visit your local bike shops, and tell them what kind of riding you intend to do. (mileage etc.) Some of them even have bulletin boards where locals will post bikes they want to sell for cheap. You may want to 'plug' your self in to this fit kit on the Competitive Cyclist web site to get a feel for what size bike you should consider if you go this route...

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/

There is a 'fit calculator' on this site that should help, but understand it is geared for more of a competitive/racing cyclist. Of course a good LBS will properly fit you as well.

thanks, i will do that today!

Yes,
the local bike shop will be your best bet. (They are salesmen so don't get caught up in the passionate sales pitch!!) Find a cyclist around campus or in the shop to chat with. They will be more than happy to talk about their passion! Find out what kind of riding/local roads and conditions you want to ride. Like mentioned above make sure you get the correct size and it fits you well. You'll want to pick up some riding shorts right off (there really is no substitue for a padded shorts). Check out the big catalog online companies for there brands (IE Nashbar).

Basically just what was said above. Look around and learn all you can. Make sure to get what will fit your type of riding. It'll save an upgrade or change of bikes in a couple of months.

Ride Lots!!

Have a look at the classifieds forum, they might have something too. Take a look in your local bike shop, If you see something you like compare the prices with something similar on the forum.

We need to know more about your financial situation. Unfortuantely, cycling is likely one of the most expensive sports to get started in, when you consider bike, helmet, shoes, pedals, shorts, jersey... lah de dah. You will likely REALLY have to hunt and peck if you are trying to get started for under, say.... $500. You have to be realistic and smart, and really know what you are looking at and for. I would just keep asking questions here on the board. There are a lot of knowledgable people here that would be willing to help out. Don't be daunted by the pricetags at the shop. There ARE deals out there, you just need to find them. Best of luck, but be ready. Cycling stuff is NOT cheap.

Chris

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by funknuggets
Unfortuantely, cycling is likely one of the most expensive sports to get started in, when you consider bike, helmet, shoes, pedals, shorts, jersey... lah de dah. You will likely REALLY have to hunt and peck if you are trying to get started for under, say.... $500. Y Cycling stuff is NOT cheap.

Chris

Hooey!!! Clearance sales,thrift stores and pawn shops. Even without that cycling is cheaper than most other things,cuz the road and paths are free.

Just to proliferate our argumentative start...

compare cycling to running, swimming, lifting weights, soccer, rockclimbing, football, lacrosse, hockey, basketball, cricket, badminton, checkers, volleyball, mud wrestling, darts, horseshoes, kite flying, jump roping, kickball, softball.... and you WILL find that the general startup cost is MUCH higher than most sports. Now consider the cost of your time going to said pawn shops, online, bikeshops and garage sales and the opportunity costs are much higher. Continuing to cycle after you get the initial investment, however is pretty darn affordable. This guy said he is getting started, not trying to find the average cost per minute.

Chris

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by funknuggets
Just to proliferate our argumentative start...

compare cycling to running, swimming, lifting weights, soccer, rockclimbing, football, lacrosse, hockey, basketball, cricket, badminton, checkers, volleyball, mud wrestling, darts, horseshoes, kite flying, jump roping, kickball, softball.... and you WILL find that the general startup cost is MUCH higher than most sports. Now consider the cost of your time going to said pawn shops, online, bikeshops and garage sales and the opportunity costs are much higher. Continuing to cycle after you get the initial investment, however is pretty darn affordable. This guy said he is getting started, not trying to find the average cost per minute.



Chris

I've bought absolutely rideable bikes of several types for $10-20 at garage sales within my own subdivision. Where one goes from there is personal choice as to other 'required' equipment. A good jumprope can cost as much or more.

well i talked to my local bike shop and he should be a couple of bikes that are some what affordable. $599 was the cheapest, someone said pawn shops and lawn sales, what should i look for, like if its any good or can be fixed?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Antmatrix
someone said pawn shops and lawn sales, what should i look for, like if its any good or can be fixed?

Rotate the tires, check to see how true they are, if the tires have quick releases, remove the tire from the frame, and check for excessive play in the hubs. Whats the condition of drive train? Teeth on the chain rings and cassette sharp and pointed? If this is the case, you will need to replace them. Ride the bike and shift it through the range of gears... (Any skipping?) Look at the cables, (Brake and gear) any signs of them fraying? This should get you started...

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Cipher
Rotate the tires, check to see how true they are, if the tires have quick releases, remove the tire from the frame, and check for excessive play in the hubs. Whats the condition of drive train? Teeth on the chain rings and cassette sharp and pointed? If this is the case, you will need to replace them. Ride the bike and shift it through the range of gears... (Any skipping?) Look at the cables, (Brake and gear) any signs of them fraying? This should get you started...

Better yet, buy pristine ones that have spent their lives as garage ornaments.

i think this thread may have turned into severe tight [censored] territory:p

What sort of riding do you want to do? If its just commuting then getting something old will do you fine but if you want to train and ride seriously then I would suggest you want to look for a bike which has got STI index shifting, decent wheels and a lightish frame.

In that case look for a secondhand or clearance Giant OCR 2 or 3 (depending on budget) or Trek 1000 or 1200 etc

So give us a bit more info and we can try and help you out !

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Duckwah
i think this thread may have turned into severe tight [censored] territory:p

What sort of riding do you want to do? If its just commuting then getting something old will do you fine but if you want to train and ride seriously then I would suggest you want to look for a bike which has got STI index shifting, decent wheels and a lightish frame.

In that case look for a secondhand or clearance Giant OCR 2 or 3 (depending on budget) or Trek 1000 or 1200 etc

So give us a bit more info and we can try and help you out !

well i want to ride for a hobby and a good source of exercise. I wish i could get a really good bike. For now i will just get what i can afford and see how it goes. I started to buy some gear(shorts, jersey...no shoes yet, which is pricey at times. I want to thank everyone, and i will be back for sure when i have some more questions!

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Antmatrix
I want to thank everyone, and i will be back for sure when i have some more questions!

Anytime mate. That's what were here for, to give and get advice.