Going to buy a bike and need advice, recommendations, etc

[Book Lover]

I'm thinking a mountain bike, because I live in a valley with a shared hiking trail less than a kilometer away, and if I also use it to commute in the city (San Francisco), well, I see plenty of girls on what look to me to be large-framed mountain bikes. But help! This is clearly one of those things that's gotten more complicated since I was last looking at riding a bike, 20 years ago. Brands, used, new, tune-up kits... Help a old fat lady out, willya?

[JBoy]

1. Unless you're doing stump-jumping, think about a "hybrid" bike.

A hybrid is mid-way between a road bike and a mountain bike. It's got slightly knobby tires, not big fat tires, and is lighter than a mountain bike. If your trails are relatively smooth, it will handle it fine, and will be way easier to ride on the roads.

Here's what I'm talking about:

Road Bike:


Mountain Bike:


Hybrid:


Best thing would be to visit a "good" bike shop, tell them what you think you want to do with the bike, and they'll explain and show you all the options. If you go when they're not too busy, they'll be more likely to give you the full Bicycles 101. People who work at good bike shops LOVE talking about bikes.

[Book Lover]

3. Thanks so much

This is a way understandable explanation; thank you!

[flvegan]

6. Mountain bike? That bad boy is a downhiller!

[Gormy Cuss]

2. If you want it principally for commuting, get a hybrid.

They're built for commuting and light trail use. A hybrid gives you a somewhat heavier bike than a pure road bike and it's got wheels with a width between road and mountain bikes. That wider tire makes the ride a bit more stable IMHO. The typical tire for a hybrid is more like a road bike, although one can replace the tires with knobby treads for heavier mountain biking. Knobby treads are designed for uneven, unpaved surfaces; street treads for paved.

I'd also suggest going to several bike shops and talking to the staff and taking a few out on a test drive. It's not necessary to spend a lot of money on a bike to get something reliable but bike shops tend to have staff who know about bikes and how to fit you properly, unlike big box stores.

For mostly level commuting by bicycle, a cruiser is good enough. They look like the fixed gear bicycles popular through the 1950s, with fenders and fat tires.


eta: if you're up for it, go to Berkeley and visit Missing Link Coop.
Oh and I've had a hybrid for years. Does fine off road for light duty trail riding and it's excellent as a road bike. The newer ones all have built-in suspension in the fork and/or suspension in the saddle --a definitely plus when navigating potholes and trolley tracks.

[Book Lover]

4. Thanks!

I'm in Pacifica and so might not make it all the way to Berkeley for a while. On the other hand, I'm way intimitated by bike shops locally, seeing as how they're kind of run by young skinny guys who roll their eyes at middle aged women. The bike would see about 60% commuting, 30% beach/low hills/around town use, and the rest up the old Highway 1 trail.

[Binka]

5. You Have Got To Go To Mike's Bikes

They are all over NO CAL and owned by a fabulous lefty named Ken Martin. Here is their website

http://mikesbikes.com/

:hi:

[Gormy Cuss]

7. Ah then,maybe try Summit in Burlingame or Los Gatos.

From your description of use I'd say a hybrid is just what you need. Don't be intimidated because the bike shop staff are "young skinny guys" -- just go to a different shop if you get attitude. The Missing Link is definitely a no-attitude zone -- they love bikes and want to encourage everyone to ride. Beyond that though, there should be low attitude places near you or in the city. I dealt with Summit back when they had a Berkeley store and they were great.

Another place to try is the Performance Bike chain, but their depth of knowledge seems to be uneven. They do have many bikes and are still more informative than buying a bike from a department store. There's a Performance on Brannan street in the city. Don't know if there's one closer to you.

[Book Lover]

9. All very helpful

Thanks so much!

[taterguy]

8. If you're looking for brands, I've been quite pleased with Treks

And I don't know too much about the company but I do know that they've been instrumental in lobbying the government for more funds for bike facilities.

I mostly use them because that's what they sell at my friendly local bike shop.

[Book Lover]

10. I was hoping you'd chime in!

Thanks - I definetly need advice on what brands people like.

[Brother Buzz]

11. Sound like you might be happy with a lightweight hybrid

built with 700c wheels like the roadbikes. That's assuming you would be trail ridding, not rock hopping. Think roadbike with a little fatter tire (700c x 35) and upright handlbars and you have a hybrid. Quality alloy steel frames are more than adequate but there are some good aluminum frames, too. Spend the money for quality tires that will take some offroad abuse and provide some puncture resistance, you won't be disappointed. Run high pressures on the road (100-110 psi) for a better roll, lower on trails for traction and comfort.

[Book Lover]

12. That does seem to be the consensus

The detail in your advice is very much appreciated. So much to learn! Thanks.

[Book Lover]

13. Kick for the night crew (nm)

[cherokeeprogressive]

14. Something sprung on both ends.

And make sure you get a nice thick GEL cover for the seat.

[elocs]

15. If you are looking for pure comfort in bike riding, try a recumbent:

I have a Sun EZ Sport like this, but mine is black. Look at that comfy seat and that nice back. Once you start riding it you will have a smile on your face. No more crooked neck because everything is right out in front of you where you can enjoy watching the scenery. No more numb hands from nerve compression. For me bike riding is all about comfort and the joy of riding.

I've got to say with this bike I have had all kinds of people, young and old, shout out to me, "cool bike" when they see me go by. It's a little harder going uphill, but you have to change your tactic from riding a wedgie (that's what bents call upright bikes--yeah, no more seat up your ass either, unless you like that sort of thing). Going downhill I pass the wedgies because even though my bike is a tank compared to the fast recumbents I am lower to the ground and am more aerodynamic.

Do yourself a favor and try out a long wheel based recumbent because it rides more like a regular bike and is not twitchy like the recumbents with their petals high and above the front wheel. This is a great bike to ride with ease and comfort and to simply enjoy what is around you.