Need to get in shape, I need a great bicycle.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kryz11
  • 39 comments
  • 4,076 views
K

Kryz11

We are all one mind.
Premium
Messages
6,674
Messages
NoxNoctisUmbra
Hey guys, any bike enthusiasts here? I need to get in shape as well have a bit of fun and adventuring. Last time I rode a bicycle was back in Poland when I was below 12 (I'm 24 now). Back then I loved riding my bikes, one of them was very basic when you have to step back on the pedal to brake also i mod it a bit with a fat tire in the back and I rip though muddy corners lol and went cross country with it hahah!

When I got to USA never needed a bike, now I decided to buy one, there are few parks I would love to drive as well it will help me loose some weight and keep in shape.

So it been a while since I was into bikes, but now I have no clue what to get, all I know is I want something like a mountain bike or all terrain bike, any difference between the two? To many choices, I do not know what is a good one what is a bad one. I need something good for paved roads as well nice for off-road for the bike trails in various parks and forests.

How much easier/harder its to ride a all terrain vs road bike on the road, will all terrain will be noticeably slow?

I am 5'10 or 5'11 and weight 179 LBS so I'm overweight.


My goal is once I get in shape I would ride the bike to work (9.2 miles) from time to time. But most of all I wanna have fun!

PS. I even don't know how much I need to spend for a bike? 200? 400? Well nothing over 500 I would guess..
 
NoxNoctis Umbra
I am 5'10 or 5'11 and weight 179 LBS so I'm overweight.
Click to expand...

Not saying your not, but I you could just have a crap ton of muscle on ya ;)

As for bikes, you shouldn't have any issues with riding around on streets with a mountain bikes. Not as fast as a road bike surely, but if it still works just fine for short journeys.
 
Prosthetic
Not saying your not, but I you could just have a crap ton of muscle on ya ;)

As for bikes, you shouldn't have any issues with riding around on streets with a mountain bikes. Not as fast as a road bike surely, but if it still works just fine for short journeys.
Click to expand...

A mountain bike takes more effort to move around than a road bike, and therefore works you out better:D

Just buy the most durable mountain bike you can find.
Comfort suspension on the rear and the fork is a plus:sly:
 
If your eventual goal is to ride 9 miles each way on a daily basis surely a road bike is the only way to go. Commuting that distance on a mb would definitely be a bit slower.
 
Joey's thread asking a similar question would be a good place to start. If you can afford it a Trek 3700 or equivalent from other big brands for $500ish would fit the bill, be all the bike you'll need for years and be reliable. The 2012 bikes will be on sale soon so you may bag a bargain for this years model.
 
Neal
If you can afford it a Trek 3700 or equivalent from other big brands for $500ish
Click to expand...

:eek:500? You can get a good, solid bike at your local thrift store for 50-150 USD

If, of course, you desire something Shiny and New, then I would just follow Neal's advice:tup:

The Trek 3700
trek_bike.jpg
 
chippy1000
If your eventual goal is to ride 9 miles each way on a daily basis surely a road bike is the only way to go. Commuting that distance on a mb would definitely be a bit slower.
Click to expand...

Commuting on a Road Bike feels EXACTLY the same as on a Mountain Bike. They're both very similarly geared, and both, in the right hands can EASILY do upwards of 38mph on flat land. I did it on my way to work on Friday. How do I know this? They set up one of these: [albeit, not this one, but one very similar in nature.]

trafficsafe-radar.jpg


Was the only one passing it, and I pulled 38mph as my top speed.


Besides, a halfway decent Road Bike would cost 700-1000$.
 
bergauk
Commuting on a Road Bike feels EXACTLY the same as on a Mountain Bike. They're both very similarly geared, and both, in the right hands can EASILY do upwards of 38mph on flat land. I did it on my way to work on Friday. How do I know this? They set up one of these: [albeit, not this one, but one very similar in nature.]

trafficsafe-radar.jpg


Was the only one passing it, and I pulled 38mph as my top speed.


Besides, a halfway decent Road Bike would cost 700-1000$.
Click to expand...

Road bikes are easier because of the slim tires. Which you can get for mountain bikes. And you can get decent road bikes much cheaper then that used.
 
machate-man
Neal
If you can afford it a Trek 3700 or equivalent from other big brands for $500ish would fit the bill, be all the bike you'll need for years and be reliable.
Click to expand...

:eek:500? You can get a good, solid bike at your local thrift store for 50-150 USD

If, of course, you desire something Shiny and New, then I would just follow Neal's advice:tup:

The Trek 3700
trek_bike.jpg
Click to expand...

:lol: Actually it's the 3700 disc version I meant rather than the rim brake version.

trek_3700disc_2011_black.jpg


$500 does seem like a lot of money but for me at least it's the minimum you need to spend to get a new bike that has got half decent components, a decent frame and can be ridden on all but the most "extreme" trails. Granted you can get something of similar quality on ebay or the like but you run the risk of buying something that's not been looked after which can be hard to spot even for someone who has a fair bit of experience with bikes. Besides you can't ignore the shiny shiny ;)

It's not easy searching shops over there from the UK but I've just found a Giant Revel 1 for $459.99 reduced from $510 which is very similar to the Trek 3700 Disc.

giant-revel-1-mountain-bike-62829.jpg
 
Last edited:
Don't buy new if you're in that price range, buy used.
 
Last edited:
Thanks guys for the info. Yes Im bit overweight, I am not build so and I got some extra fat on belly and chest.
I think for now Ill stick with a mountain bike. Later I will switch to a Road bike once I get into good condition and use it for work primary. But now Mountain Bike will be perfect.

Seems now Ill buy something around 500 range. Those Treks look nice, and as well disc brakes are cool too, so it seems. I don't want MUD in the way on the rim and I loose stopping power.

Ill stick with brand new since I rose my range of money now.

Hmm Few more suggestions I found quickly on Amazon. What you guys think of these as well? Better then Trek? Worse? Some of them have rear suspension as well, as well disc brakes seems good for price.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref...721,k:mountain+bike&sort=reviewrank_authority


I went to Mountain Bikes and click on by User Rating, Some of the bikes look nice, you think any are good?

Many of them say 26 inch model, thats the rim size? Also is 26 inch normal bike size? I dont want anything too big or too small.


Also this is the route I can take for work, it will be very pretty driving next to the river !
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=6...3g&mra=ltm&dirflg=b&vpsrc=6&t=h&z=14&lci=bike




Oh and Tomorrow or Tuesday, I will be going to 2 Bike Stores that are close by, Ill see what they got for around 500 bucks.
 
Last edited:
Diamondback is fine from that list but Trek, Specialized etc are better.

Don't buy from amazon, go to a proper bike shop. Even an online bike shop is better as they will very likely set it up and check everything over.

At this price only get a hardtail (just front suspension), a full suspension bike will be rubbish and heavy unless you spend close to $2000.

26" is the wheel size which is normal for mountain bikes but you need to get the right frame size for your size which is another reason to buy from a proper bike shop.

Hope that helps.
 
Personally, and I know that there are plenty of people that will disagree with me (Edit: Neal half agrees :p), I don't see the point of suspension if you're planning on riding solely, or even just mainly, on roads or trails. My non-suspensioned, 12 year old GT Outpost has been outfitted with 1" wide slicks (originals were 2-2.5" Velociraptors), toe clips and an aerobar and can easily cruise at 15-20mph with no issue.

Point is, you don't need to spend a lot of money on a bike if you're simply going to ride around for a bit of exercise. If at some point you feel like you've "outgrown" it and want/need more, then I'd likely look for a higher speced model. Until then, I'd pick up something in the $200 range to make sure you actually enjoy biking and will ride it consistently.
 
TB made a good point as well. As well Neal, well Ima go to those two bike stores tomorrow, lets see what they got, I'll update what I seen there and what not.
 
Actually in a way I fully agree with TB. The point of suspension is to let you ride more "extreme" terrain and stay in control, it will be more comfortable but even the best downhill bike will rattle your fillings on the really rough stuff. What really really grinds my gears (GTP/biking pun FTW) is cheap and ultimately useless suspension that some bike manufacturers feel the need to produce because they know people think it looks good. We all grew up without suspension on our bikes (assuming you're as old as me and TB) and used to ride down steps and try and do jumps without breaking the bike if not ourselves. Ignoring the rant the point I'm trying to make is buy a good quality bike that is appropriate for how you'll use it rather than one that looks like it could tackle the Alps yet only costs $100.

Good luck at the shops, trust you instincts if you think they do/don't care about what they're doing.
 
Yeah thanks! True, maybe front suspension is good, as well disc brakes. But rear suspension? is it really necessary? most things my ass would be off the seat and use my legs as shock absorbers when going though rougher terrain.
 
NoxNoctis Umbra
Yeah thanks! True, maybe front suspension is good, as well disc brakes. But rear suspension? is it really necessary? most things my ass would be off the seat and use my legs as shock absorbers when going though rougher terrain.
Click to expand...

Rear suspension is never truly necessary. And the only way you'll ever get a really GOOD full suspension bike is by paying upwards of 800$.. There are some rear suspensions that just don't do anything and are actually detrimental to your riding posture, just by the way they were designed.

A good rear suspension will hopefully be designed to not compromise the distance from the top of the seat, to where the pedals are. i.e. Like a motorcycle's. See below for a very simple example that I drew up in paint.
decentrearsuspension.jpg


Front suspensions aren't always necessary. But most people tend to prefer having one anyways, as it makes for a smoother riding experience.

I myself, prefer a solid frame, and a solid front fork.
 
Yeah if I think more of it, could be useless, i go though rough terrain i will feel it either way , as well I can be more stable with full solid frame right?

But lets say I find a bike tomorrow that i like but has a front suspension, should I avoid it? Or go for it? How can i tell between a good one or bad one?
 
Hey Man.. no need for a rear suspension.. plus is more moving parts and it will slow you down.. I have about an 10 year old GT 2.0 avalanche w/Disc brakes.. is about 13 KG.. is a good bike. i put over 7.XXX km on it for the time i had it.. Top Speed 76 km/h (47.22) mph
 
Last edited:
NoxNoctis Umbra
Yeah if I think more of it, could be useless, i go though rough terrain i will feel it either way , as well I can be more stable with full solid frame right?
Click to expand...

Through rough terrain, no.

For the riding I believe you'll be doing a simple front suspension mountain bike like the ones previously posted will be fine.
 
Hey man.
I have this bike- Trek 7.1 FX. I bought it used on craigslist last spring for like $150. Retail is like $450 or something.
It is an awesome bike. It's lightweight, sturdy, and quite comfortable. I normally ride paved and small rock paths and it handles well. I ride anywhere from 15-30 miles on it without an issue.
I too am about 5'11'' and about 160lbs. I think I picked up the 21" version. It fits me perfectly. I think I have about a 32" inseam.
 
I would suggest going to a local bike shop and letting them help you out since you haven't been on a bike in a while. They'll let you test ride so you know your going to enjoy the ride of the bike. Each brand rides a little different and if you end up with the wrong size bike it's going to make the experience less enjoyable. Hybrids are becoming pretty poplular these days which is basically a little bit mountain bike and a little bit road bike. A good bike shop will be able to explain the differences in the different types of road bikes based on what you plan to ride more of.

Some shops sell used bikes too. You can get a better bike for your money if you go used you just have to be smart about it and make sure you getting it from someone who knows bikes.
 
NoxNoctis Umbra
Yeah if I think more of it, could be useless, i go though rough terrain i will feel it either way , as well I can be more stable with full solid frame right?

But lets say I find a bike tomorrow that i like but has a front suspension, should I avoid it? Or go for it? How can i tell between a good one or bad one?
Click to expand...

I rode BMX (no shocks at all) for almost two years, and recently switched to a 26" hardtail similar to the one in Floats' avatar. For me, rear suspension isn't necessary at all, and neither is front really, but it is nice. I would say go for front suspension only, as I'm enjoying having the little bit of cushion without all the lost pedaling energy of a full suspension set up.
 
Just came from a store, one was Cadence Cycling and its just way too expensive store with only two mountain bikes starting at 800 bucks. Another store I vised was Human Zoom. seems they have more reasonable prices and huge selection. We talk about the Trek bikes as well Cannondale I got up on few of the models and what not. Seems for what I wanna do he told me to get a 29 inch wheels models. So far the most bike im interested in is Cannondale Trail SL 29'ER 4 (Medium frame). seems very solid, with disc brakes front adjustable suspension as well pretty comfortable to sit on. And that this Cannondale for that price is way better over the Trek bikes he had and bit more durable. The guy did mention to be that rear suspension is not needed for these kind of bikes, and that I would have to spend 800-900 minimum for great rear suspension bike, but thats out of my league so you guys are right about not needing rear suspension. So for 600 bucks? Good deal? Seems whatever you guys mentioned to me the guy mentioned as well so he seems legit and not bull__t me around.

This is the bike from the official website http://www.cannondale.com/catalog/product/view/id/16897/s/2011-trail-sl-29er-4/category/86/

Price is 800 bucks. the one in store its same one in silver with 720 but with discount of 120 so its 600 in store.
So far seems like nice buy.

c_2011_1fs94_slv_3.png
 
Last edited:
That would be a great bike, but honestly, that seems too expensive to me for what you want to do. I'm sure you would be happy with it, but I think you could also be happy for $400-$500. And I'm not sure about the 29" wheels, seems too big for my taste. Just my opinions though. 👍
 
That sounds expensive. Why a mountain bike? I don't exactly understand them unless you plan on taking it off the path. Kinda like a SUV, utility that never gets used. I like the newer hybrid models. It uses good parts of a cruiser bike and a road bike so you can ride streets and paths without worry. It's light and it has bigger tires than a mountain bike so you can ride longer and father and lose more weight.
 
Oh I will goo off-road mostly on bike trails. We have some great parks with bike trails here. the tires on it seems bit less aggressive so the guy said on street it can be very smooth ride. But at same time since they are 29 over 26 it has more actual grip on the surface.

I do might take the bike once in a while to work, not every day. Probably on the weekends especially when waiting for bus is always 25-35 minutes waits at bus stop on the weekends.
 
NoxNoctis Umbra
Oh I will goo off-road mostly on bike trails. We have some great parks with bike trails here. the tires on it seems bit less aggressive so the guy said on street it can be very smooth ride. But at same time since they are 29 over 26 it has more actual grip on the surface.

I do might take the bike once in a while to work, not every day. Probably on the weekends especially when waiting for bus is always 25-35 minutes waits at bus stop on the weekends.
Click to expand...

Right on. 29 over 26. Are you talking width of the tire or diameter or height?
 
I ride my crap mountain bike to sailing practice which is 10.2 miles away from my home with many hills.
It takes me about 50-60 minutes.
I could do it no problem first time and I was way out of shape then.

I do get passed by people on road bikes.
But mine was twenty bucks at a garage sale. It's a great work out, but not too hard.

I believe that you get benefits for riding your bike to work in some cases, so you may want to look into that. Not sure though.
 

Latest Posts

Back