The range between hybrid, road, touring

On 14 Jul 2004 23:11:52 -0700, [email hidden] (Reggie)

Quoted message said:

I could also get a great deal on an 85 cannondale from a co-worker
(road bike), or a slightly newer fuji touring bike.

Question 1: Is it worth buying a new bike for warranty and maintenance
purposes?

In the words of a kindly used-bike dealer to me: "You're young.
You're strong. You deserve a *new* bike!"

Some shops give you free periodic maintenance on new bikes purchased
through them. You can take it in to them when the cold weather hits,
have them do all the necessary cleaning & repacking. This is nifty.

You will still have to keep your tires inflated (and patch them if you
puncture!) and your chain lubed yourself.

HOWEVER, if you get a good used road bike THAT FITS YOU for not very
much money, that would probably suit your needs even better. You
wouldn't be out a lot of cash.

I used an old Raleigh road bike--rode it into the ground
(literally..*chuckle*)...and that taught me enough about what I wanted
and didn't want in a bicycle before I dropped half a kilobuck on a
nice new ride.

Quoted message said:

Question 2: Hybrid? Road? Touring?

Touring. You can't carry gear on a modern road bike. The clearances
are narrow. And when they're loaded-up, they won't be as fun to ride.

Since you're going to be commuting, fenders and a rack will be more or
less obligatory. these are tough to mount on a new road bike--but an
older one may have clearance for fenders and space for a rack.

Quoted message said:

Question 3: Specific bike suggestions? I've been thinking about that
trek 7300 or the sirrus. Other advice in the <550 price range?

I ride a Jamis Aurora, and while I don't camp, I love the bike. Fast
enough for my purposes. Drop bars, stable geometry. Rides like a
flying carpet. I got mine on clearance for US $ 450...they usually
list at US$ 600 or so, as I recall. The Fuji Touring is nice, too.

It's all about fit, really. If you're not happy when you sit on the
bike, then the deal's off. If you decide you're more comfortable on
the hybrid then get the hybrid. I don't much like most of them
though, but that's me, personally.

-Luigi

(Reggie) said:

I have read a lot of the posts already on the virtues of a road bike
versus hybrid. I've tried to find someone who's request matches mine,
but I just can't seem to find it. If anyone out there would PLEASE
take a moment to make some suggestions for my forthcoming bike
purchase.

ME: 150 pounds, good shape, 20s.
Experience: Not since the huffy in 8th grade.
Money: no more than 550. (and that's pushing it).
Useage: 3 times X week at 24 miles (12 mile commute). The path to work
is half decent roads, a quarter paved bike path and a quarter of the
worst pavement you've ever seen. Potholes, railroad tracks, its got
everything and there are no ways around it. But I'm determined to
start cycling to work.

Hi,

I commute to work 3 or 4 times a week. The ride is 14 km one way - all
on pavement. Lately, on weekends I ride another 30-50 km.

Quoted message said:

In addition, if i really get into the whole cycling thing, I'd be
interested in touring, if by touring one means putting a tent and a
whole lot of other [censored] on my bike and camping for a week.

The yuppy bike shop down the street suggested a Specialized sirrus,
but some of the posts here have made me wary of the hybrid,
SPECIFICALLY because it's a 24 mile commute, which is just on the
border between what people have said is too much for a hybrid.

I could also get a great deal on an 85 cannondale from a co-worker
(road bike), or a slightly newer fuji touring bike.

Question 1: Is it worth buying a new bike for warranty and maintenance
purposes?

Question 2: Hybrid? Road? Touring?

Question 3: Specific bike suggestions? I've been thinking about that
trek 7300 or the sirrus. Other advice in the <550 price range?

I bought a new Sirrus about two months ago after riding around on a 20
year old Bottecchia road bike for a long time. I bought it for price,
I'm short, and I wanted to try a more upright position.

I'm pretty happy with it. I only miss the drops a bit in a persistent
strong headwind and my times to/from work actually decreased a little.
I think the sirrus may be slightly lighter than my old bike. Right
now, because I'm into biking, I'm wishing I got the Sirrus Sport with
better components. 🙂 I don't go for very long rides so the flat bar
with bar ends suits me fine with no hand or wrist problems so far.
Maybe if you're going on long tours, you'd be missing drop bars.

Michael

Quoted message said:

I hate to beat this dead horse, but my control over the wallet is
killing me all of a sudden, and I need some advice before i drop a
cool 500 and realize I got the wrong bike...

Luigi de Guzman said:

On 14 Jul 2004 23:11:52 -0700, [email hidden] (Reggie)

Quoted message said:

I could also get a great deal on an 85 cannondale from a co-worker
(road bike), or a slightly newer fuji touring bike.

Quoted message said:

Question 2: Hybrid? Road? Touring?

Touring. You can't carry gear on a modern road bike. The clearances
are narrow. And when they're loaded-up, they won't be as fun to ride.

Since you're going to be commuting, fenders and a rack will be more or
less obligatory. these are tough to mount on a new road bike--but an
older one may have clearance for fenders and space for a rack.

Agreed. Why not buy a bike designed for what you want to do?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Question 3: Specific bike suggestions? I've been thinking about that
trek 7300 or the sirrus. Other advice in the <550 price range?

I ride a Jamis Aurora, and while I don't camp, I love the bike. Fast
enough for my purposes. Drop bars, stable geometry. Rides like a
flying carpet. I got mine on clearance for US $ 450...they usually
list at US$ 600 or so, as I recall. The Fuji Touring is nice, too.

It's all about fit, really. If you're not happy when you sit on the
bike, then the deal's off. If you decide you're more comfortable on
the hybrid then get the hybrid. I don't much like most of them
though, but that's me, personally.

For just a few hundred dollars your choices really increase...

I think the Fuji is a couple hundred over what you want to spend, but
it's a nice bike. You may be able to find either it, or the Novara
Randonee from REI, on clearance, especially in a month or so.

Pat

Luigi de Guzman said:

Quoted message said:

Question 3: Specific bike suggestions? I've been thinking about that
trek 7300 or the sirrus. Other advice in the <550 price range?

I ride a Jamis Aurora, and while I don't camp, I love the bike. Fast
enough for my purposes. Drop bars, stable geometry. Rides like a
flying carpet. I got mine on clearance for US $ 450...they usually
list at US$ 600 or so, as I recall. The Fuji Touring is nice, too.

I second the general touring recommendation and specific Aurora
recommendation. However, they list for $730 these days, which IMO is still
a good deal. That's what I paid. If it fits you, it's a great bike.

I think you might have a hard time finding a good new bike for less than
$550.

Reid

On 14 Jul 2004 23:11:52 -0700, [email hidden] (Reggie)

Quoted message said:

Useage: 3 times X week at 24 miles (12 mile commute). The path to work
is half decent roads, a quarter paved bike path and a quarter of the
worst pavement you've ever seen. Potholes, railroad tracks, its got
everything and there are no ways around it. But I'm determined to
start cycling to work.

In addition, if i really get into the whole cycling thing, I'd be
interested in touring, if by touring one means putting a tent and a
whole lot of other [censored] on my bike and camping for a week.

All of the above sounds to me like a textbook case of needing a
tourer.

Quoted message said:

Question 1: Is it worth buying a new bike for warranty and maintenance
purposes?

For fit purposes if nothing else. Even if you don't find the right
bike at a shop that will fit you properly and well, at least you can
research on your own (using groups.google.com and such) and have
different sizes available, as well as the option of insisting the
shop change a stem or whatever before you buy.

Quoted message said:

Question 2: Hybrid? Road? Touring?

Touring.

Quoted message said:

Question 3: Specific bike suggestions? I've been thinking about that
trek 7300 or the sirrus. Other advice in the <550 price range?

A Jamis Aurora is approximately in your price range new.

Quoted message said:

I hate to beat this dead horse, but my control over the wallet is
killing me all of a sudden, and I need some advice before i drop a
cool 500 and realize I got the wrong bike...

It's important not to buy the wrong bike, especially when it's such
a big part of your budget.
--
Rick Onanian

Reggie said:

I have read a lot of the posts already on the virtues of a road bike
versus hybrid. I've tried to find someone who's request matches mine,
but I just can't seem to find it. If anyone out there would PLEASE
take a moment to make some suggestions for my forthcoming bike
purchase.

in doing my own personal research, there are even more subsets that i
never thought of. to me, a comfort bike is basically a mountain bike
with skinnier tires. i did that with my mongoose mountain bike, and it
was ok for years, but the wheels are still small and the gearing is too
low.

ok, so now im thinking about gettting a road bike. the last one i had
was a schwinn "world"- entry level back in '84. so i check out the LBS's
and do research online, and find out what i REALLY want is a comfort
road bike. check out the giant ocr3, or the trek 1000c

Quoted message said:

ME: 150 pounds, good shape, 20s.
Experience: Not since the huffy in 8th grade.
Money: no more than 550. (and that's pushing it).
Useage: 3 times X week at 24 miles (12 mile commute). The path to work
is half decent roads, a quarter paved bike path and a quarter of the
worst pavement you've ever seen. Potholes, railroad tracks, its got
everything and there are no ways around it. But I'm determined to
start cycling to work.

In addition, if i really get into the whole cycling thing, I'd be
interested in touring, if by touring one means putting a tent and a
whole lot of other [censored] on my bike and camping for a week.

The yuppy bike shop down the street suggested a Specialized sirrus,
but some of the posts here have made me wary of the hybrid,
SPECIFICALLY because it's a 24 mile commute, which is just on the
border between what people have said is too much for a hybrid.

I could also get a great deal on an 85 cannondale from a co-worker
(road bike), or a slightly newer fuji touring bike.

if you dont like, you can resell. but will it fit?

Quoted message said:

Question 1: Is it worth buying a new bike for warranty and maintenance
purposes?

nt for me. i do all my own work, and usually not much is ever needed.

Quoted message said:

Question 2: Hybrid? Road? Touring?

Question 3: Specific bike suggestions? I've been thinking about that
trek 7300 or the sirrus. Other advice in the <550 price range?

I hate to beat this dead horse, but my control over the wallet is
killing me all of a sudden, and I need some advice before i drop a
cool 500 and realize I got the wrong bike...

look at the giant ocr3 and trek 1000c, and see if thats more your style.
might be too sporty?

In terms of sizing-- if someone purchases a bike that's slightly too
big, can bike shops size them to where they need to be? As I've said,
I'm really starting from the ground up here on knowledge. Having read
some of these responses, I'm starting to think that I'm gonna have to
be willing to get into the 650 range. So if that older fuji touring
worked out, that would be money. But what are the odds it fits
perfectly....

RJ

Thanks for help, please keep it coming.

Luigi de Guzman <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

On 14 Jul 2004 23:11:52 -0700, [email hidden] (Reggie)

Quoted message said:

I could also get a great deal on an 85 cannondale from a co-worker
(road bike), or a slightly newer fuji touring bike.

Question 1: Is it worth buying a new bike for warranty and maintenance
purposes?

In the words of a kindly used-bike dealer to me: "You're young.
You're strong. You deserve a *new* bike!"

Some shops give you free periodic maintenance on new bikes purchased
through them. You can take it in to them when the cold weather hits,
have them do all the necessary cleaning & repacking. This is nifty.

You will still have to keep your tires inflated (and patch them if you
puncture!) and your chain lubed yourself.

HOWEVER, if you get a good used road bike THAT FITS YOU for not very
much money, that would probably suit your needs even better. You
wouldn't be out a lot of cash.

I used an old Raleigh road bike--rode it into the ground
(literally..*chuckle*)...and that taught me enough about what I wanted
and didn't want in a bicycle before I dropped half a kilobuck on a
nice new ride.

Quoted message said:

Question 2: Hybrid? Road? Touring?

Touring. You can't carry gear on a modern road bike. The clearances
are narrow. And when they're loaded-up, they won't be as fun to ride.

Since you're going to be commuting, fenders and a rack will be more or
less obligatory. these are tough to mount on a new road bike--but an
older one may have clearance for fenders and space for a rack.

Quoted message said:

Question 3: Specific bike suggestions? I've been thinking about that
trek 7300 or the sirrus. Other advice in the <550 price range?

I ride a Jamis Aurora, and while I don't camp, I love the bike. Fast
enough for my purposes. Drop bars, stable geometry. Rides like a
flying carpet. I got mine on clearance for US $ 450...they usually
list at US$ 600 or so, as I recall. The Fuji Touring is nice, too.

It's all about fit, really. If you're not happy when you sit on the
bike, then the deal's off. If you decide you're more comfortable on
the hybrid then get the hybrid. I don't much like most of them
though, but that's me, personally.

-Luigi

"Reggie" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

In addition, if i really get into the whole cycling thing, I'd be
interested in touring, if by touring one means putting a tent and a
whole lot of other [censored] on my bike and camping for a week.

The yuppy bike shop down the street suggested a Specialized sirrus,
but some of the posts here have made me wary of the hybrid,
SPECIFICALLY because it's a 24 mile commute, which is just on the
border between what people have said is too much for a hybrid.

Well, I'd say that 12 mile each way isn't even close to what is 'too much'
for a hybrid. My daily workout ride is about 20-25 miles, and I vary the
bike and route to keep it interesting. Sometimes it's all pavement on the
road bike, sometimes it's a mix of pavement and dirt roads on the hybrid.
In the same conditions, the hybrid slows me down about 2 mph on average. I
also take the hybrid out for some fairly intense MTB trail riding from time
to time (and haven't broken any bike or body parts yet)

That said, if you're possibly interested in touring and not in trail riding,
a tourer is probably a better fit. You might also consider a cross bike for
a bit more off-road capability than a tourer (and if you prefer straight
over drop bars).

Quoted message said:

I could also get a great deal on an 85 cannondale from a co-worker
(road bike), or a slightly newer fuji touring bike.

Question 1: Is it worth buying a new bike for warranty and maintenance
purposes?

Depends on what's a 'great deal' but my road bike is an '80's Nishiki and
maintainence is minimal. If the used bikes are in good condition (and
assuming they fit well), I don't see any reason not to go that way.

Mark

Here's another point of view.

Buying bikes is a bit of a [censored] shoot. Shops will be happy to give you
anything or even well-meaningly try to steer you away from something you
want.

I'm 6"4" but have been lucky enough to find used road bikes that fit. After
4 years they needed lots or repairs so I bought a new Cannondale touring
bike in Jumbo size. This is a seriously BIG bike, and very strong and very
light. The shop wanted me to try a smaller fame but with my experience I
stuck to my guns. The way it's set up stock, it's a bit too big, so of
course I love this ride just the way it is. When I get wound up on a
straight it feels much faster than all my other bikes. If you're thinking of
650 wheels you might love a bike that's too small.

I also bought mtbs and one of them is my heavy duty freighter and bad
weather ride, the other good for off road and wacky winter ice & snow
commuting.

I still have the old road bikes and they ride nice. One's back on the road
because I didn't have secure parking at work. If you're thinking of
commuting, that's actually the first consideration, before anything else,
you will lose parts or all of your bike to thieves. Thank gosh I can bring
my bikes into the office and can ride that gorgeous huge touring Cannondale
with no racks and a courier bag.

I guess I'm saying you are not the person some salesperson assumes you are.
Listen to them but buy what you know you want because you will enjoy it and
so it will always be useful.

Doug

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

Quoted message said:

In terms of sizing-- if someone purchases a bike that's slightly too
big, can bike shops size them to where they need to be? As I've said,
I'm really starting from the ground up here on knowledge. Having read
some of these responses, I'm starting to think that I'm gonna have to
be willing to get into the 650 range. So if that older fuji touring
worked out, that would be money. But what are the odds it fits
perfectly....

RJ

Thanks for help, please keep it coming.

Luigi de Guzman <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

On 14 Jul 2004 23:11:52 -0700, [email hidden] (Reggie)

Quoted message said:

I could also get a great deal on an 85 cannondale from a co-worker
(road bike), or a slightly newer fuji touring bike.

Question 1: Is it worth buying a new bike for warranty and maintenance
purposes?

In the words of a kindly used-bike dealer to me: "You're young.
You're strong. You deserve a *new* bike!"

Some shops give you free periodic maintenance on new bikes purchased
through them. You can take it in to them when the cold weather hits,
have them do all the necessary cleaning & repacking. This is nifty.

You will still have to keep your tires inflated (and patch them if you
puncture!) and your chain lubed yourself.

HOWEVER, if you get a good used road bike THAT FITS YOU for not very
much money, that would probably suit your needs even better. You
wouldn't be out a lot of cash.

I used an old Raleigh road bike--rode it into the ground
(literally..*chuckle*)...and that taught me enough about what I wanted
and didn't want in a bicycle before I dropped half a kilobuck on a
nice new ride.

Quoted message said:

Question 2: Hybrid? Road? Touring?

Touring. You can't carry gear on a modern road bike. The clearances
are narrow. And when they're loaded-up, they won't be as fun to ride.

Since you're going to be commuting, fenders and a rack will be more or
less obligatory. these are tough to mount on a new road bike--but an
older one may have clearance for fenders and space for a rack.

Quoted message said:

Question 3: Specific bike suggestions? I've been thinking about that
trek 7300 or the sirrus. Other advice in the <550 price range?

I ride a Jamis Aurora, and while I don't camp, I love the bike. Fast
enough for my purposes. Drop bars, stable geometry. Rides like a
flying carpet. I got mine on clearance for US $ 450...they usually
list at US$ 600 or so, as I recall. The Fuji Touring is nice, too.

It's all about fit, really. If you're not happy when you sit on the
bike, then the deal's off. If you decide you're more comfortable on
the hybrid then get the hybrid. I don't much like most of them
though, but that's me, personally.

-Luigi