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  • Getting a bike for my b-day. Budget around $400. Any recommendations?

    8 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]
    07.22.08, 11:32 AM [ Flag ]
    • I just got a Fuji hybrid (Absolute 3.0) for $450. There are less-expensive Fujis (there's a sturdy, very comfortable hybrid for about 300) that are also very nice (especially for city riding), but I went up in price so I could get a lighter bike, since getting a bike in and out of my building is difficult. People like Trek bikes as well.

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      07.22.08, 11:38 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
    • at that price point I'd say first decide if you want a road bike or a mountain bike. (I am not a fan of hybrids. They have the disadvantages of both "breeds" but the advantages of neither.) Once you know what kind of riding you are going to do, find a nice local bike shop. Some will give you free tune-ups for a year -- or for the life of the bike -- it is worth it to them because they want you in the store to buy stuff. I find that the highest end bike shops are often not the best for casual gear. Last year's models can often be had at a steep discount, you should consider that.

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      07.22.08, 11:40 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
      • I posted above. I really should have bought a used bike or an old model, so I agree. I also agree with the local shop advice. My "hybrid" is really more of a road bike with mountain bike handle bars and just slightly wider wheels, which I like for city riding, especially with ds.

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        07.22.08, 11:42 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
        • they often call those flat bar road bikes. The problem is most of the entry level bikes are built more on road frame than a touring frame. For all around city riding (at least in NYC) if you are not looking for speed -- I'd look for a cyclocross bike. If the idea of drop bars gives you the shakes, go Mtn with road tires.

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          07.22.08, 11:51 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
          • I remember that next time. No, I didn't have a problem with a drop bar; I always had a road bike before this, but I need to be prepared to jump off the bike quickly if ds gets into trouble on his bike, and this just seemed better for that. And when I get to ride alone, I do like the speed! Thanks for the advice. My purchase was too spur of the moment (and it's a lot of money for us), so I should have spent more time....

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            07.22.08, 11:54 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
            • My current frame was like that. It was a "bargain" $2,000 frame for $575 -- but it is too small and on centuries I really suffer for it. The cyclocross would have a better standover too. (Like a mtb.)

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              07.22.08, 12:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
              • interesting. The guy at the bike shop insisted that I should have a 15", and I think it's too small. He did order me an extension for the handlebar so that I don't feel as if I'm sitting on a unicycle. My friends do 100+ mile bike rides, but I rarely do more than 20.

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                07.22.08, 12:08 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
                • There are lots of ways to make a bike fit but you can only do so much. They say the pros ride frames smaller than a bike shop would say they need but that is because they want a stiffer bike.

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                  07.23.08, 06:19 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
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