Need advice on Bicycles
 

Well, I want to slowly start biking, a lot. If that makes sense. I'm going to be moving to an area close to where I live now, but I will be much closer to the mountains, and I've checked, and there seems to be plenty of biking and hiking areas.

Anyway, I'm looking to spend $700-$1000 on a lightweight bike. I am aiming to ride at least every other day for a few miles a day. I don't know anything about them so I wanted to see if there was anyone here on that can chime in :tiphat:

sub'd

Nobody rides bicycles here?? lol

Wear a lot of protective gear

i got a dahon speedp8 30th anniversary black edition a few months ago. thing kicks arse. :tup:

it's a folding bike so it doesnt take much room in the garage, i can carry it around in my car if needed. ive been riding it on some gravel trails, no issue with stability even though it is a folding bike. it's about 25lbs and 8speeds. pretty quick too.

im probably going to get me the dahon formula next and give my p8 to my kid who is almost outgrowing his bike.

California have some nice trails...so I'm assuming you're looking into mountain biking?

I used to be an avid biker so I might be of some help.

I can help you out but you kind of need to be more specific. Road or dirt? Commuting or recreation?

I ride a Cannondale Evo and do about 100+ miles a week. I also commute form time to time which is 7 miles each way. I can fit the bike in my Z as well. I don't ride my mountain bike as much but i have a cannondale RZ120 Lefty.

Need advice on Bicycles
 

What kind of bike would fit in the Z? I want to buy it.

Big thing is to go to a professional bike shop and get one that fits you correctly. If it's not comfortable, you won't ride it. Bikes are kinda like clothes - every brand fits different and you have to find the one that fits you.

Other than that, most of the major brands (Trek, Cannondale, etc.) are similar anymore - made in China or Taiwan. Used to be that there were some differences in quality (Cannondale, USA made, etc.) but that's all gone now. Find a decent one in your price range that fits you well.

I'm actually a USA Cycling certified coach. :) I'd be happy to help, but you won't get anything truly "lightweight" in that price range unless you go used. I just sold a 22lbs bike for $1000 to a friend and feel like I gave it away!!

If your going to be riding trails often it's best to save a little money and get a bike with a component set that can handle the abuse. I like to stick to the rule of Shimano SLX(mountain) 105(road) equal or better. LMK if you have questions or PM me and I can give you my cell

My Fuji was just a bit over that price range, carbon forks. Not sure the total weight on it but it's been a great bike.

I have a fuji tri-bike and a cannondale caad9 with sram (upgraded the derailleurs to force rest is rival)

As other's have mentioned it's all about fitment. Here's an analogy used here a lot, do driver mods. Likewise with bikes, it really won't matter which bike you get to start (aslong as it fits and is designed for you use eg trail, road, etc) as long as you ride it and build up your skills.

I would avoid anything carbon if possible to start. Get a nice alluminum frame... they can take more abuse and are still fairly light.

Cannondale (made in USA) is my biased pick. I probably wouldn't advise their CAAD frames though. They are designed for speed and not so much ergonomics comparatively. Then again coming from a tri-bike, the CAAD felt great.

Let us know which bike you end up getting!

Well with all that the only thing I can suggest is a road bike can fit in the back of the Z with only the rear tire off. A mountain bike needs a rack and there are only three options for that (Seasucker, Boofsquire-out of business, hitch-haven't seen one yet).

so wat do you do in the winter time in IL? icebiking? :ugh2: use snow tires on your bikes? :ugh:

or do what i did and still use the skinnies in ottawa winters... let's just say there was a lot of slippery moments but made me feel so cool. and cold.