cyclonic

[jfb]

I'm thinking about buying a bicycle to replace the bicycle I used to never ride. These days, I often make short trips from my apartment--from a few blocks for groceries to a 2-mile drive to the cafe. And I'm not getting much exercise. Two birds, one stone. If I get really ambitious I might try commuting to work.

So far I've been to one shop, for about five minutes. I was attracted to the Townie because it's cute, and marketed to newbie/casual cyclists who want comfort. I like being comfortable. I was also considering a foldable bike, both for intermodal routes (bike to the bus, say, or bike to the cafe and get a ride home) and because we don't have a lot of space at home.

Anyone have any recommendations or advice?

Comments

[greyaenigma.livejournal.com]

I like my bike.

The one thing I wish about my bike is that I'd sized it more carefully. It's a tad too large. But it's not a big deal.

[jfb.livejournal.com]

What kind of bike do you have?

[greyaenigma.livejournal.com]

A hybrid Novarro from REI.

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

Go to a reputable local bike store and get them to measure you. There's something called a fit-kit (or different names for different types) and that'll give you a good idea of what you want for frame size. stem reach, stuff like that.
Most people seem to like the more upright position of a mountain-style setup, with flat handlebars (tho' I have no idea why...) and finding something at a place that'll allow you to change components if you want would be really nice because you might end up truly hating the seat, for the most obvious instance, and it'd be nice to be able to exchange it for another.
Giant has a good price/performance ratio. Sometimes Specialized does, too.

[jfb.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Yeah, I'm getting lots of recommendations to go to a reputable bike store and basically let them advise me.

There's one on my way to work....

[chrismwage.livejournal.com]

Talk to me after I get our 25-year-old $20 sears cruisers running.

After that I will probably have a recommendation .. of some sort.

my bike

[(Anonymous)]

I bought a Breezer Uptown last Spring and I really really really love it. I got rid of my car, and just use this. I like it because it has lights powered by the wheels and comes with fenders and bells and chain guards and I'm not in a hurry, so I don't care if it's a little heavy, but that might be annoying if you have to carry it upstairs. It also has a neat little quick lock for the back wheel if you are just running in to grab a coffee or the atm or something. They have some different models, which I think involve different lights or fewer gears, and it looks like they also have folding bikes. I can't say enough good things about them.

I have a grocery basket that snaps onto the handlebars, and then I got a coffee cup holder that hooks on the handlebars too. Awesome. Anyhow, their website is breezerbikes.com.

kendra

Re: my bike

[jfb.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely look at these. I like convenience and stuff.

2 miles?!!?

[artname.livejournal.com]

Walk, you lazy bastard.

Re: 2 miles?!!?

[jfb.livejournal.com]

It's a nice walk, if you like auto dealerships. But who has the time?

yo yo yo

[chxlips.livejournal.com]

hey... use my bike, it's just sitting in my room and i never ever use it... I'm totally not a bike person, and it has a super cool lock too. I'll tell you about it tomorrow.

your favorite other person who lives at the house you live at but you rarely see

Re: yo yo yo

[(Anonymous)]

actually, speaking from experience, it really is a nice walk...

Re: yo yo yo

[(Anonymous)]

go down kiely, then through the backstreets to safeway... there are a few trees... I swear

Re: yo yo yo

[jfb.livejournal.com]

Wow, that would be awesome. I mean, I might still buy my own bike eventually, but if I can use your bike then I'll know if I'm serious about biking before I spend the money. Cool.

Bargain bikes

[(Anonymous)]

Hi Erik -- Here in Minneapolis, I'm told bikes are available at very low prices (I think in the $10-30 range) at police department auctions which are held once a month or so. I guess they collect bikes that are stolen, or maybe impounded from illegal parking locations?, and if they go unclaimed long enough they're sold off this way. Could be a way to get a bike at 90% off. I bought my current bike, a circa-1975 Schwinn, used from Penn Cycle a couple of years ago for about $130. Love, David Scheie