Beginner rider (retired)

On Sun, 14 Mar 2004 16:26:15 GMT, Will Wright <[email hidden]> wrote:

<I have been looking for a cheap or inexpensive bike to
start riding. <Not knowing if I will stick with it, I don't
want to spend much money. < <Today I saw an add for a
"Quasar Bounty" bike at Kmart for under $50. <It looks in
the add a little like a hybrid which is what I'm looking
<for. I live in central Florida right in the hilly part so I
will need <the gearing, 15 on this bike. < <Any opinions or
ideas are welcomed.

50.00 isn't a lot of money to spend on a first date,
particularly if you think there might be a future.

Everybody here loves to ride and knows that you're going to
enjoy it, even if you have to work at it. So go to a
specialist, a local bike shop, because you've earned it.
It'll cost a little more but of course, you're special. If
the lbs doesn't treat you special, go somewhere that does.

On Sun, 14 Mar 2004 16:26:15 GMT, Will Wright <[email hidden]>

wrote in message : said:

Today I saw an add for a "Quasar Bounty" bike at Kmart for
under $50.

You would be better off buying a better quality used bike
from your local bike shop. Good bikes last a long time, and
many people trade them when they've barely been used just
for the latset gimmick. I bought a 3-month-old aluminium MTB
with good components from a bike shop for the price of a
steel X-mart bike; it was barely ridden. The guy had used it
as few times and traded it for a full suspension job.

It is theoretically possible that a cheap X-Mart bike
somewhere in the world might one day be offered which is not
a vile lumpen thing, it just hasn't happened yet to my
knowledge ;-)

--
Guy
===
May contain traces of irony. Contents liable to settle after
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88% of helmet statistics are made up, 65% of them at
Washington University

Will Wright said:

I have been looking for a cheap or inexpensive bike to
start riding. Not knowing if I will stick with it, I don't
want to spend much money.

Today I saw an add for a "Quasar Bounty" bike at Kmart for
under $50. It looks in the add a little like a hybrid
which is what I'm looking for. I live in central Florida
right in the hilly part so I will need the gearing, 15 on
this bike.

Any opinions or ideas are welcomed.

John

Any wheels are better than no wheels. There is however one
danger with going too cheap and that is, it is not half as
much fun riding a crummy bike compared to a decent bike. If
this happens you might never get a chance to get into riding
because you're liable to give it up before you get hooked on
it. I believe riding a bike is about probably and most
surely the most beneficial thing absolutely that aging
people can do. It is very forgiving on joints and bones and
absolutely fantastic for your cardiovascular fitness. Decent
bikes can be had for a couple of hundred probably ( I don't
live in the states) but you will most surely not find them
at Kmart. But as I said from the beginning, if that's your
options, goforit. Monetarily you can't lose. When you've
ridden for a while and realize what a piece of [censored] it is.
Remember my words, throw it away, do yourself a favor and
visit your nearest LBS ( local bike shop ) and make an
investment that will be substantial to your health for the
rest of your life.

You know it's one of those kind of investments you can't
lose on going ahead with. If you think I sound kind of
euphoric it is because I am. I just got out of the shower
after a 50 mile clubride through the sleet, slush and snow.
I'm 53 and I was on the wheel of a dude that is turning 70
this year. After an hour I had to tell him to let some
pressure of of those pedals because we were dropping people
off the back of the paceline. He'd probably have dropped me
too if I hadn't slowed him down.

--
Perre

You have to be smarter than a robot to reply.

"Will Wright" wrote ...

Quoted message said:

I have been looking for a cheap or inexpensive bike to
start riding. Not knowing if I will stick with it, I don't
want to spend much money.

Today I saw an add for a "Quasar Bounty" bike at Kmart for
under $50. It looks in the add a little like a hybrid
which is what I'm looking for. I live in central Florida
right in the hilly part so I will need the gearing, 15 on
this bike.

Any opinions or ideas are welcomed.

John

Bikes from big box retailers (KMart, WalMart, Target) tend
to be poorly assembled from incredibly low quality
components. Find a local bike shop that will take the time
to learn what your needs and wants are, teach you a little
about the different choices that are available, and fit you
to the proper size bicycle. You'll probably spend a lot more
than $50, but you'll get a lot more value for your money,
and find yourself wanting to ride the bike a lot more.
--
mark

Will Wright said:

I have been looking for a cheap or inexpensive bike to
start riding. Not knowing if I will stick with it, I don't
want to spend much money.

Today I saw an add for a "Quasar Bounty" bike at Kmart for
under $50. It looks in the add a little like a hybrid
which is what I'm looking for. I live in central Florida
right in the hilly part so I will need the gearing, 15 on
this bike.

Any opinions or ideas are welcomed.

If you want to make sure you will _not_ stick with cycling,
buy this bike. You will quickly find something else to do.

A real hybrid bike, with reliable, up-to-date parts, can be
found in any bike shop for $350-$400. The difference is more
than the price indicates.

A "15"-speed bike has to have very, very obsolete parts.
No reputable bike with a 5-sprocket screw-on freewheel
(which is what this must have) has been made in 20 years.
The brakes will not work. Does that sound like it is worth
the money?

To contrast that, a moderately-priced hybrid from a real
bike shop will have either 24 or 27 gears. There is
actually a bit of difference between the two, since the 9-
sprocket cassette (integral with the hub, rather than the
obsolete screw-up type of the K-mart bike) is a newer type
than an 8, but either will be durable and more than
adequate for what you need. The brakes will be a work of
art in comparison with the K-mart bike, and will stop you
reliably for many years. The tires will be better, you will
actually be given a chance to find the size that fits you,
and to top it off the bike-shop bike will weigh 10 pounds
less that the K-mart special.

--

David L. Johnson

__o | The lottery is a tax on those who fail to
understand mathematics. _`\(,_ | (_)/ (_) |

Quoted message said:

I have been looking for a cheap or inexpensive bike to
start riding. Not knowing if I will stick with it, I don't
want to spend much money.

You're looking at about $400 US for a decent bike, a serious
pump, and a serious lock. That's the minimum you'll need to
get started, IMHO.

Everything else can come later, but you aren't going to be
doing yourself any favors with a $50 Xmart bike. I should
tell you that I've been commuting for years on a $60 bike,
but it wasn't a $60 bike when it was originally sold.

I'd be looking at bikes like the Jamis Coda Sport if I were
you.

It's more expensive than the $400 target but it's a very
good value and it will prove a reliable steed.

The standard pump is a Zefal HPX, it is by far the best.
Works with both Presta and Schrader valves.

The standard lock is a Kryptonite, model depends on your
security requirements.

These three items will be the base on which you build your
most exellent cycling career.

--

_______________________ALL AMIGA IN MY
MIND_______________________ ------------------"Buddy Holly,
the Texas Elvis"------------------ __________306.350.357.38-

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

[email hidden]__________

I would recommend that you seriously re-think your idea to
buy a x-mart bike.

1st. If you end up enjoying biking you'll want a better
quality bike within a short time. Then you'll end up buying
another bike and in the long run it will cost you more money
that just buying the correct bike to start with.

2nd. A better quality bike will make riding MUCH more
enjoyable. For example, LBS bike are typically lighter than
the x-mart bike. This will make going up hill's much easier
and thus more enjoyable.

3rd. Another benefit is the quality of the bike. X-mart
bike are notorious for being badly put together. Unless
your experienced with bike maintenance I would suggest
sticking to a LBS.

4th. I would look for something with 700c tires like a
hybrid or road bike. I realize that this isn't a major
factor but it will certainly help you average speed. Trust
me, I've been there and done that.

BTW, since your from Central Florida I would suggest looking
at Orange Cycle in College Park. They have the best
selection in the area and the best prices, IMHO. I would
also suggest that you take a look at the hybrids to start
with since they are much less expensive than a road bike.
Take a look at the Specialized Crossroads or Raleigh C30.
They may cost more than the x-mart bikes but it will pay off
in the long run.

Dan.

"Will Wright" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have been looking for a cheap or inexpensive bike to
start riding. Not knowing if I will stick with it, I don't
want to spend much money.

Today I saw an add for a "Quasar Bounty" bike at Kmart for
under $50. It looks in the add a little like a hybrid
which is what I'm looking for. I live in central Florida
right in the hilly part so I will need the gearing, 15 on
this bike.

Any opinions or ideas are welcomed.

John

Quoted message said:

A real hybrid bike, with reliable, up-to-date parts, can
be found in any bike shop for $350-$400. The difference is
more than the price indicates.

Even $350 is a little on the high side for a good entry
level LBS bike.

orangecycleorlando.comshowitem.cfmOpen ↗
archtype=custom&Catalog=34&sort=price

Dan

<< You're looking at about $400 US for a decent bike, a
serious pump, and a serious lock. That's the minimum you'll
need to get started, IMHO. >>

The OP might want to drag a savvy friend along to check pawn
shops for older style steel mtb's with rigid forks, like the
Specialized Stumpjumper. I have noticed more than a few of
these nice bikes for sale in good condition for about 150$.
Makes for a very strong, serviceable, and no-nonsense
bicycle. Slap some slicks on there and you got your hybrid.

The general lack of appreciation for rigid-forked trail
bikes is a nice thing sometimes for those of us who
love them.

I would add to the OP's list: the ability to fix a flat. Get
a traditional patch kit and tire levers and carry an extra
tube. It ain't hard. Follow the directions in the kit, not
those seen on usenet, and don't forget to find and pull the
offending article out of your tire before putting the tube
back in. So many new bicyclists are stymied by punctures, I
think it is the number one reason that new bikes tend to sit
in their respective garages for years unused.

Robert

Quoted message said:

The OP might want to drag a savvy friend along to check
pawn shops for older style steel mtb's with rigid forks,
like the Specialized Stumpjumper. I have noticed more than
a few of these nice bikes for sale in good condition for
about 150$. Makes for a very strong, serviceable, and no-
nonsense bicycle. Slap some slicks on there and you got
your hybrid.

True. If you have the experience you can put a bicycle on
the street for as little money as you have contacts and
opportunity. If you're mechanically inclined you'll never
spend a dime on bike shop labor.

It helps to have good equipment, though, and the basic
tools. This guy is not an experienced cyclist, so it makes
sense to not confuse him with a plethora of options.

Quoted message said:

Follow the directions in the kit, not those seen on usenet,
and don't forget to find and pull the offending article out
of your tire before putting the tube back in.

An excellent point. Probably the major maintenance issue and
very succinctly described. Also to be mentioned is keep the
tires pumped up, that's the secret to fewer flats and
happier riding.

--

_______________________ALL AMIGA IN MY
MIND_______________________ ------------------"Buddy Holly,
the Texas Elvis"------------------ __________306.350.357.38-

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

[email hidden]__________

"R15757" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

The OP might want to drag a savvy friend along to check
pawn shops for

older

Quoted message said:

style steel mtb's with rigid forks, like the Specialized
Stumpjumper. I

have

Quoted message said:

noticed more than a few of these nice bikes for sale in
good condition for about 150$. Makes for a very strong,
serviceable, and no-nonsense bicycle.

Slap

Quoted message said:

some slicks on there and you got your hybrid.

Yes, a mid-80s hardtail is an excellent all-rounder. In
fact, if the OP lives in the Seattle area, I have one on
hand to sell him.

--
Warm Regards,

Claire Petersky
Please replace earthlink for mouse-potato and .net for .com

Home of the meditative cyclist:
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If you want to go cheap, and still get adequate quality,
many bike shops should have decent entry level comfort bikes
or hybrids for around $200.

Don't know about Florida, but a lot of shops here in
Connecticut still seem to be having sales at this time of
year. I was in a shop last week looking for a specific bike,
but I also looked around at their other offerings. There was
one hybrid for only $190, and there were a couple more in
the low $200s. That's really not too much to pay for decent
frame materials and professional assembly.

MP

Will Wright said:

I have been looking for a cheap or inexpensive bike to
start riding. Not knowing if I will stick with it, I don't
want to spend much money.

Today I saw an add for a "Quasar Bounty" bike at Kmart for
under $50. It looks in the add a little like a hybrid which
is what I'm looking for. I live in central Florida right in
the hilly part so I will need the gearing, 15 on this bike.

Any opinions or ideas are welcomed.

John

"Will Wright" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have been looking for a cheap or inexpensive bike to
start riding. Not knowing if I will stick with it, I don't
want to spend much money.

Today I saw an add for a "Quasar Bounty" bike at Kmart for
under $50. It looks in the add a little like a hybrid
which is what I'm looking for. I live in central Florida
right in the hilly part so I will need the gearing, 15 on
this bike.

Any opinions or ideas are welcomed.

John

Never buy a department store bike. You will not learn to
love cycling! Buy the best used bike your finances will
allow. If you don't like cycling, or buy a better bike
later, you can get most of your money back. If you know what
size bike you need to get, (one that will not leave you in
painful misery), try ebay. Try these links:
sheldonbrown.comhandsup.htmlOpen ↗
rivendellbicycles.comrr stems.htmlOpen ↗
rivendellbicycles.comrr raisestem.htmlOpen ↗

Check the classifieds or better yet the local bike club
newsletters (If you use the newspaper classifieds, have a
knowledgable cycling friend for advice).

Believe me you can get a much better deal on a quality used
bike than anything you can buy new at an X-mart.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"May you have the wind at your back. And a really low gear
for the hills!"

Chris Zacho ~ "Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman"

Chris'Z Corner geocities.comczcornerOpen ↗