What should I buy for road use?
I haven't cycled for years and want to cycle to/from work (Mosman Park/City) to get fit and lose 5kg but don't like the cost or fragility of road racing bikes and would prefer a mountain bike with jumbo slick or very shallow tread tyres.
Can you recommend what features I should be looking for (I am 183cm and 85kg) e.g.
- do I really need suspension (front/rear) or is this just something else that will need maintaining?
- frame size/type/as small or as big as possible?
- disc brakes should provide extra stopping power, but are they work it? What brands should I be looking for?
- what type of gear/drive system should I be looking for?
- are gel saddles worthwhile?
- lighting/reflector systems recommended
- slick tyres recommended (I used to have jumbo slicks on an old mountain bike)
- best place to get all of these (via this club and its members?? eBay?? cycle shop??)
I want something that provides quality components and is reliable and robust, not the latest light-weight trendy gizmo for zillions of dollars. It doesn't have to be the fastest road mountain bike available either. Ideally it'll be a couple of years old and a good second hand buy.
I have been told to look for a second-hand Giant.
Your comments and input would be appreciated.
Many thanks,
Aaron
Bikes for the urban environment
The best bikes for commuting are "flat bar sport hybrids" (no one really has a standard way of naming these.) For reference we are talking about bikes like the CRX in the Giant range. http://giantbikes.com ... obviously other manufacturers have their own versions.
These are better than MTB's (mountainbikes) for commuting as the Sport bikes combine some features of both Mtb and Road bikes.
- they are lighter than MTB, but more robust than racers.
- they have large wheels, which roll easier, but use wide tyres for reliability.
- they have a riding position that is less agressive than a racer, but more aerodynamic than a MTB.
- they have mounting points for racks and carriers so you don't need to carry stuff on your back.
As for disc brakes, these are unnecessary for commuting bikes, a standard V-brake is substantially cheaper and quite effective when adjusted right.
Suspension is wasted energy when commuting. Suspension is additional weight. If you choose to have the suspension active while commuting, it will - by it's very nature - move up and down to absorb bumps. This movement happens at the expense of forward motion.
A good quality leather saddle is significantly better than GEL - but also significantly more expensive. Maybe just be sure to wear knicks (padded shorts).
Disclaimer: - I reserve the right to have strong opinions about bikes and to believe that all other people are wrong - at least on this topic. Doesn;t mean you should believe me though.
dave
Further feedback please...
Many thanks for your help Dave.
I have had time to do some research over the web and using the current edition of "Australian Cyclist" (recommends the Apollo Exceed).
So I will be looking for a flat-bar city/urban bike with aluminium frame and carbon fibre forks, but no suspension or disc brakes e.g. a Giant CRX 2 can be had (new) for $875.
Does anybody no of any comparative testing of urban/city bikes done by cycling magazines or web-sites? Which are the best makes?
What type of wheels should I be looking for - 700c or 26". Similarly what tyres (Michelin Pilot City?).
Do you all find leather saddles more comfortable than gel? (I thought gel was meant to be more comfortable than leather).
Where can I best get bike clothing and accessories? - is eBay OK?
Which lighting is best - LED?
Many thanks,
Aaron
Flat bar racer the go ...
A flat bar racer seems like a good choice for you. Only go for suspension if you plan to take a bike off road (or over gutters). My only advise is to test a few different brands of bike when purchasing. Most larger bike shops will have a couple of different options on the floor. They all have their own good and bad points, and at the end of the day it is you who has to ride the bike, not the bike-shop dude or your mate who's with you in the shop. Comfort should be your main priority for commuting (not too stretched out over the handle bars, or too cramped). Speed will come as your fitness increases. As for lights, while I don't have any myself, I hear that you shouldn't go too cheap on lights - the cheap ones pack it in pretty quickly. I assume you will commute rain-hail-shine, so you should go for a waterproof option. Not much to offer, but good luck.
Try a few things.
Head down to a bike shop and try a few things out. Take a Flat bar out for a spin. I also recommend a Giant Perigee ( http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/lifestyle/1136/28958/ )
Frame is closer to a MTB feel than Road.
It has Suspension that can be locked out, runs Shimano XT gears and Raceface Handlebar and Stem.
Mavic wheels with 23C tyres round out a light, quality package.
RRP $1195 Very good value!
As usual I'll plug my shop, Wembley Cycles. 1/334 Cambridge St Wembley. 9387 3708.
Dave
Saddles
There have been numerous discussions about saddles within this forum - also on MTB review sites etc....
I think the two things to bear in mind are 1)saddles are individual - what suits me may/not suit anyone else. 2)not all saddles are equal.
The reason I recommended a leather saddle is that they are constructed differently.
a) A gel saddle is constructed on a solid base, trusting the padding to make the damn thing tollerable. This is the cheaper way to make saddles.
b) A leather saddle is built to flex under the riders weight - ideally supporting the riders "sit bones". (see http://www.specialized.com for more info on how Specialized achieve this)
c) BROOKS saddles take this one step further, by removing most of the frame and suspending the leather between the front and rear.
All these options - and ones not mentioned - have pros and cons. Ride it and see.
dave