I'm not new to bikes, but am no expert. I ride about 30 miles a weekend (15 miles each day) with my girlfriend - and we both enjoy this. We have very old bikes, Specialized mountain-type bikes (1980's era). We are thinking of getting new bikes - not sure why, as these seem good - here's my question.. if we do, will I really notice any difference between a $250 bike and a $400 bike?
I recall riding my room mates bike in college - he was into this big time, and he had a bike worth about $1500... and all I can recall is it felt like it peddled itself. It was almost effortless. It was a street bike, small skinny tires, Campo stuff all over. I don't want to spend this much.
"Scott C" <[email hidden]> wrote in news:_NQJa.3771$Fy6.2383@sccrnsc03:
Quoted message said:
I'm not new to bikes, but am no expert. I ride about 30 miles a weekend (15 miles each day) with my girlfriend - and we both enjoy this. We have very old bikes, Specialized mountain-type bikes (1980's era). We are thinking of getting new bikes - not sure why, as these seem good - here's my question.. if we do, will I really notice any difference between a $250 bike and a $400 bike?
If you buy a road bike instead of a mountain bike, you will notice a big difference when riding on paved roads.
I'm not new to bikes, but am no expert. I ride about 30 miles a weekend (15 miles each day) with my girlfriend - and we both enjoy this. We have very old bikes, Specialized mountain-type bikes (1980's era). We are thinking of getting new bikes - not sure why, as these seem good - here's my question.. if we do, will I really notice any difference between a $250 bike and a $400 bike?
I recall riding my room mates bike in college - he was into this big time, and he had a bike worth about $1500... and all I can recall is it felt like it peddled itself. It was almost effortless. It was a street bike, small skinny tires, Campo stuff all over. I don't want to spend this much.
comments?
You may or may not. Some $$ goes to lower weight, some $$ goes to better components. You probably won't notice lower weight in the type of riding that you do, but you probably will notice better components.
When I buy a new bike, I always ride more expensive bikes also as a comparison. You can do the same thing when you go to replace your bikes. Ride lots of bikes at different bike shops. If any of the new bikes feel enough better, buy it -- otherwise, stick with what you have 🙂. While you're at it, talk to the sales people about the kind of riding that you do and what you want. Compare their answers and avoid shops that are more interested in selling the latest gadgets or what's on the floor rather than getting you the best bike for you.
Tires can also make a lot of difference. If you use offroad tires and switch to some slicks (1.25 inch or so at 4.5 - 5.0 bar) it will make a lot of difference. For 15 miles a day leisure riding i would stick to MTB's with slicks, it will give a much more relaxed ride.
"Scott C" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:_NQJa.3771$Fy6.2383@sccrnsc03...
Quoted message said:
I'm not new to bikes, but am no expert. I ride about 30 miles a weekend
(15
Quoted message said:
miles each day) with my girlfriend - and we both enjoy this. We have very old bikes, Specialized mountain-type bikes (1980's era). We are thinking
of
Quoted message said:
getting new bikes - not sure why, as these seem good - here's my
question..
Quoted message said:
if we do, will I really notice any difference between a $250 bike and a
$400
Quoted message said:
bike?
I recall riding my room mates bike in college - he was into this big time, and he had a bike worth about $1500... and all I can recall is it felt
like
Quoted message said:
it peddled itself. It was almost effortless. It was a street bike, small skinny tires, Campo stuff all over. I don't want to spend this much.
Hi, more questions than answers. First of all, what kind of riding are you doing/going to do? Are you planning on buying a different style of bike? Road bike? Or another "mountain-type"? If you are going to stay with the same type of bike, then consider putting some money into the old bikes. Upgrading the derailluers, shifters, etc. Putting some high quality/performance tires on suitable for the riding surface, will make a very real difference. I did this with an older road bike and I am totally pleased with the results. Jeff
"Scott C" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<_NQJa.3771$Fy6.2383@sccrnsc03>...
Quoted message said:
I'm not new to bikes, but am no expert. I ride about 30 miles a weekend (15 miles each day) with my girlfriend - and we both enjoy this. We have very old bikes, Specialized mountain-type bikes (1980's era). We are thinking of getting new bikes - not sure why, as these seem good - here's my question.. if we do, will I really notice any difference between a $250 bike and a $400 bike?
I recall riding my room mates bike in college - he was into this big time, and he had a bike worth about $1500... and all I can recall is it felt like it peddled itself. It was almost effortless. It was a street bike, small skinny tires, Campo stuff all over. I don't want to spend this much.
You'll notice more of a difference in the types of bikes than the price. Since all you do is simple leisure rides on road, A mountain bike is too heavy and sluggish for your need.
You may wish to try a ride more suited to your needs. A light duty tourer or "sport" bike may be better. It's a road bike that's designed for the recreational rider, not the racer. The geometry is more "relaxed" making it more stable and comfortable.
These usually run in the price range you mentioned for a decent model. Just stay away from the department stores. A god bike shop will not only set you up with what you need, it will fit you to it as well. And of course, they no how to assemble and maintain the bike properly.
May you have the wind at your back. And a really low gear for the hills! Chris
