With all the bike threads, how to pick one?
 

Seeing all the threads have made me start to think about getting a bicycle.
But how do I pick one? I would be doing just some light riding to see if I like riding. If I do like it, then I may want to try to commute to work a bit (five miles or so).
I do not want to go off road and jump things, and not that interesting in going fast enough to need spandex.

So what is a good starter? I am not going to assemble my own bike, not even interested, so a project bike is not in the cards. And, I don't want to spend big bucks on something I am going to leave rusting in the back yard.

Physically, I am not in the best shape, unless barrel is a good shape to be in. Six foot, 210 or so. I spend 10-12 hours at a desk during the work week, therefore the chair shape I currently own.

What size bike do I need? Metric or standard? Realistically, how much should I spend? I stopped in a local shop, and their frames started at 900 bucks! That wasn't going to happen!

So, recommendations? I live in Portland, so it is a bike friendly town, unless you're riding Division, in which case I will honk at your arse! Narrow two lane street with parking on either side, and there are dedicated bike street two blocks in either direction.

TIA

Tom

I think cyclocross bike. A steel one. One with tabs welded on do you could install fenders and luggage racks. You have all the cards to start riding to work! I'm jealous. IMHO there is no better commuter than a cyclocross bike.

Go to your local bike shop and tell them exactly what are you doing with the bike. You need to tell them you are not interested in racing, sport riding and such. spend 300 bucks and you are golden. They will start with the fit BS. Make sure you tell them you do not want to get fitted for racing or sport riding. Get a bike that fits you and enjoy. I would also check your sporting goods stores. A beach cruiser or a mountain bike will do. I lean toward the the Mtb due to the gears so you can suffer climbing hills.

Portland is a good town to find a bike and see if you like it. A couple comments/ideas:

Spend time shopping around and get "fitted" properly. Nothing will stop you from riding like being uncomfortable on the bike. Try several bikes. Ask friends with bikes for advice and try test riding their stuff.

Bikes generally have decent resale value if you buy something used and don't like it. You can generally sell for close to what you paid. I know you don't want a project, but there is lots to be learned from building your own. Here are some resources for used bikes:

the recyclery

Sellwood Cycle Repair

Community Cycling Center

Citybikes | Portland's worker-owned bike shop

I'd put comfort as a focus for a first bike. Go for a flat handlebar (light mountain bike or hybrid) with some road tires. Coventry Cycles on Hawthorne has a wide selection of utility bikes and recumbents if you want to try something different.

Get a cheap used mountain bike with a rigid, steel frame. They are the best. :)

Diamondback Apex, from the 1990's

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7...b956027d_z.jpg
Downhill Oak Tree Turn Summer 2012 by Max_911S_fahrer, on Flickr

I was in Citybikes today and they had a number of used larger sized road bikes. Their used bike pricing is fair and reasonable. They should get your fit right too. It is flat enough in most of Portland that pretty much any road bike will be geared okay.

Or, you could grab this for $300. It is very likely to fit you and at the price, if you have to resell it, you'll come out even enough. You can raise the handlebar up with a $30 extender, if the current position is too aggressive, and temporarily swap in some used conventional pedals for $20.

Bianchi Road Bike- 59 cm

Seriously, that's a good deal.

EDIT: Nevermind, it is gone. Good deals on CL last <1 day.

PLEASE PLEASE go to several shops and ride as many bikes as you can.

DO NOT HAGGLE the poor shop. The $$$ saved will be ate up in return of poor service in the long run. Trade service for cash.

There is no right bike for everyone. RIDE every bike that fancys you.

I really wanted to buy a Civia Cycles I work in the biz and this is a major competitor to me. One of my dealers haad one in my size. I had the cash in pocket to buy it. I made it down the block and was SOLD on the bike. I made the first right hand turn and changed my mind.


( still might buy one but there will be major changes to suit my needs. The forks degree of angle makes for a souless insulting ride. I would decrease it's rake by 3mm atleast.

Of course, get this and you'll be the coolest guy around - sorry, not being helpful, but it is groovy.

Schwinn Hornet Whizzer with sidecar

God, I would LOVE to have that!!!!

But I also want this....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1340226023.jpg

Step one... what are you going to do with the bike? Good guide here:

How to Choose a Bicycle: Expert Advice from REI

This^^^ is what I did, got a Schwinn Mesa mountain bike (but new at local bike store).

FWIW there is a new bike store at the Washington Square Mall (behind, by the Target and next to payless shoes)

Super nice people and great selection (and they fixed my daugthers junk college bike for cheap)... I'm really liking the Kona mountain bikes they had... but if I bought one I would have to ride it back to Los Angeles :D

That is very cool!

I know you are joking.

But seeing as a Whizzer can barely get out of it's own way I doubt it will go up much (or any) of a hill.

No! No! No! You can get a good bike for $300-$500, the Kona I was looking at was looking at was $500-$600 and more bike than I really need.

Check the links fanaudical posted, they have some nice used high end bike around $500

I have one of these. Electra Ticino 8D, great for around town, thin tires and great gearing. You can buy cargo racks from Electra or Cetma. Sets you back about 7 bills....


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1340234763.jpg

Oh yeah, in Portland FENDERS are a must for your bike!

I love my Electra Super Deluxe. Classic looks but fit for an adult. I was also looking at the Amsterdam and the Townie line. Upright seating is so mych more enjoyable for leasurely rides. I've done the stump jumper route and just couldn't see someone with my bigger build on a roadie.

Jim,

What so special about that bike? I know racing and training and bikes used in those situations, but that I have no clue.

Question? How much will you ride? Where? I am in Portland too. If you are just riding a little bit or if you want to check it out, a used steel mt. bike is cheap. It won't fit very well and then you won't ride as much most likely.

If you are set on this (and Summer is a great time to ride in Portland WITHOUT fenders) I would check out a good bike shop. We have something like 56 bike stores last I heard. Lots are great. Lots of great bikes being made now as well.

I am a big fan of the style of bike shown above. An upright city bike with a good gear range. Lots of manufacturers make similar.

Good luck. If you are in Portland proper - your Division comment makes me think you are - it is good riding.

Larry

You really need to decide what type of riding 1st, find a Good shop as others have. Stated. I'm a nut, I have a bike for each of my riding style. Today, I rode my road bike in for my PT

Ride a few before you decide. If at all possible, borrow a bike from an experienced rider who will make sure it fits you decently and go with you on a short fun ride or two. Most people new to the sport, prefer a pretty upright stance on a bike, not all stretched out like you would be on a race bike. The bigger you are (not saying your fat - I'm saying you are a MANLY man) the more comfortable an upright position will be for your arms especially when you are starting out.

My husband is about your height. He has a bike he stopped riding years ago. I had a shop put a "riser" handlebar on it to raise his hand position (put him more upright). He loves it. it made a world of difference in his comfort. I wish you were a bit closer. I'd fit you to the bike and take you on a few short fun rides!

angela

if i lived in portland or somewhere super bike friendly..and could commute to work.

i would buy a Rivendell Atlantis. i would get the full fender treatment. i love this company! the philosophy is pretty grassroots..(pretty sure the "real" philosophy is to free $2000 from me)

this is how i would roll.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1340290698.jpg

shifter..you live in portland!! drop by VANILLA, and see what the cool kids ride!!

i bet the pricetag for this thing is a photograph of a kidney!

i LOVE THIS THING!!
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1340290884.jpg

Thanks for all the info!

I do have to confess, I do own a bike. I have mountain bike that is about seven years old. I absolutely hate riding the thing, and am very temped to find a creative way to rid myself of it. I bought it on a whim, and I think the reason I don't like is that it doesn't fit me well, and is poorly constructed.

I like the idea of City Bikes, I am going to have to check it out. Question though, for those who know, do they have a tattoo minimum to get in the door? Another local shop I stopped by weren't too intested in me due to my lack of tats and desire for more than one speed.

Not knowing exactly how to fit myself to a bike, I really didn't want to walk into a shop and waste everyone's time figuring out I wasn't buying from them. I actually think that is how I ended up with the last bike...

Do I care about the types of brakes? Or is that something I could change later if I wanted? What are the differences on the shifters?

And Vanilla, five year wait as of last year? Ack!

TIA

Quickie bike fit. Wear whatever shoes you bike in. Stand w/ back to wall. Stick a hardcover book between your legs, press one edge of the book against the wall, jam it up until the book's spine hits your public bone. Measure distance from the spine to the floor. That is your "bike inseam". Will be a couple/few inches longer than your standard pants inseam. Traditionally a road bike frame would have a seatpost length, measured from center of bottom bracket to middle of top tube, about 0.67 x bike inseam. As a second check, straddle the bike and see if you can lift it a couple inches before the top tube hits your public bone. Today with sloping top tubes, mountain bike influences, etc, people are riding smaller frames. But that's a reasonable rough start.

I know certain parts of Portland can be "trendy" and if the bike shop you visit gave you tude because of your appearance.

I'm a chubby middle age balding dude with no tats... at the Washington Mall bike shop they were very friendly and helpful, and had a wide selection of city, cruiser, and mountain bikes.

When I'm in the area I hang around Beaverton/Tigard... there is another nice/friendly bike shop down around Canyon drive, near Fred Myer.

my next bike, i am buying in oregon to avoid taxes..

you cant swing a dead cat without hitting a great bike shop up there!

Place by the Washington mall, I guarantee they are friendly:

Home - santiambicycle.com

The other place we went, also friendly and helpful, I see they rent bikes... maybe you could try before you buy?

Bike Gallery | Your local, family-owned bike store since 1974

Do you have a Performance bike up where you are? I think this is a great deal. Scattante R-330 Road Bike - DoorBusters! Up to 70 Percent Off

I don't like big chain stores, but this is a great deal. This is their brand, but their quality is about the same as any other name brands. I am almost sure the frame came out of the same factories as all the others.

They do look good! I now have some more places to check out.

Now I see you can put 50cc engines on some of these. Hmm....

I think there is a performance bike at Mall 205.

You're welcome to come to my place and try some bikes on for size. I'm 5' 11". You may not get much riding done since my bikes all have clipless pedals. But wear rubber soled shoes and you can slip around on clipless pedals good enough to see if the bike fits. Sending you a PM.