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people who ride $2000 bikes and wear $300 outfits while riding them

I've had to rethink my attitude about this type of bicycle rider. I used to deride this type of bicyclist. Perhaps I was jealous, maybe of the ability of someone to spend that much on a bike, seemed unnecessary to me, still does. About a month ago I was working on one of my crappy $40 bikes, had it upside down in front of my place on Butler, fixing something, $40 bikes always need something fixed. Some guy was riding by on his really nice bike, wearing the gear, he stopped and asked if I needed any help. I could tell he didn't really want to help me clean the rust off my old Bendix wheel, he was just checking on a fellow cyclist, I said, thanks for stopping but I'm good, totally cool guy. Now I think about these guys, my neighbor is one. He's got a good job and a couple of really nice bikes, he suits up a couple times a week and rides fifty maybe sixty miles. I'm not riding like that, maybe if I did I'd wear something more suited for that type of riding. I know I'd NEED a better bike. I think about these guys and girls and realize these are the people that are going to help change peoples opinions about cycling, they work, they vote, they spend money AND they love cycling and they probably hate being harassed and stuck in auto traffic as much as, maybe more so then I, So ride on you hardcore cyclists, ride on, and thanks for stopping.


timito
2010-04-16 05:33:15

hear, hear


dmtroyer
2010-04-16 12:16:33

Saw my neighbor this morning, I stand corrected, sometimes it's eighty or a hundred miles, go man go.


timito
2010-04-16 13:14:56

sometimes it's eighty or a hundred miles

Sounds like a nice short ride. ;-)


reddan
2010-04-16 13:23:00

Sounds like a nice short ride. ;-)


You randonneurs and your brevets. How do you ever get anything else done?


jeffinpgh
2010-04-16 13:27:23

Well he does ride a bent, he could read a book while riding. Or knit and afghan.


netviln
2010-04-16 13:34:15

You randonneurs and your brevets. How do you ever get anything else done?

There's something else to get done?


Well he does ride a bent, he could read a book while riding. Or knit and afghan.

Neither is going to happen...would cut into my nap time too much.


reddan
2010-04-16 13:36:45

I used to think spandex just looked goofy* until someone gave me a good pair of bike shorts and holy mother of pearl those things are comfortable.


I also had a chance to get on a bike that cost about 10x what the one I've been riding went for, and gad. I did my usual route and was like "how is it that I'm here? this doesn't make sense - I haven't suffered enough to be at the top of this hill." Really something. Not just the low weight, but the whole bike was just sort of connected with itself better, really responsive, felt really good. (After a couple of those ridiculously easy climbs, I started to think that they should pitch high end bikes with a motto like "no one needs to know how bad you suck." Another reason I'm not in marketing.)


*It occurs to me as I write this that they still look goofy. I'm just used to it at this point.


bikefind
2010-04-16 14:06:57

Form follows function.


88ms88
2010-04-16 14:13:16

Unless one is a fit young 20something, the function of all that business down there is better off (shhh) hidden.


edmonds59
2010-04-16 14:22:03

Very cool of that individual to stop to help, thumbs up to him. Hopefully more of the lycra crowd recognizes the value in of folks on $40 bikes as well. I know I try and live that. The more folks on bikes, the better for everyone.

Personally, I go for $2,300 bikes and whatever scrappity outfit I can scratch together.


edmonds59
2010-04-16 14:32:19

There's nothing wrong with spending your hard earned money on a bike, no matter if it's $25 or $3500. I've run into great people on all types of bikes, and jerks on the same.


Just a few days ago I came across a woman with a small child looking over her bike alongside the jail trail... as I rode up to them I saw what I would classify as commuters, joy riders, fitness riders, etc roll right past without asking if they needed help. I don't know if I could pass someone in distress without stopping to see if I could help.


Then there are stories like yours, and that's good!


Cheers to your neighbor, we need more of them.


PS spandex shorts are goofy, but they work just as well when worn under a pair of regular shorts, skirt, or pants :)


pratt
2010-04-16 14:35:16

There's something else to get done?

Touché!


jeffinpgh
2010-04-16 14:36:20

PS spandex shorts are goofy, but they work just as well when worn under a pair of regular shorts, skirt, or pants :)


Or you can just rock the spandex.


I almost always slow down and ask anyone who is working on their bike if they have everything they need or need help. I've got to justify the weight of the small bike reapir shop I'm carrying in one pocket of my messenger bag somehow.. :-)


Meanwhile, the bikes can get way north of $2000 in a snap but the good news the outfits can stay at $300 or even less easily unless you get yourself lost in the Assos section of the catalog and start clicking "add to cart."


If you are in the spandex crowd (welcome!) keep your eye on Sierratradingpost.com. They sometimes get some really nice stuff for pretty good prices.


jeffinpgh
2010-04-16 14:43:16

Yeah, I love the camaraderie, reminds me of my old punk days. Yesterday evening I'm working on a different bike, I bought a bunch of bikes from some guy named Sketch, maybe you know him, they all need fixed, so I'm out there and here comes some guy on a low end "mountain bike" he sees me and comes up on the sidewalk. He has just been in an accident, he didn't have any brakes, absolutely no pads, metal on metal, he was coming down 45th st when he realized he couldn't stop. He laid it down and ended up under a truck, probably a good thing he was drunk and loose cause he was definitely banged up I gave him some pads a wrench, he fixed his bike, then I gave him one of the extra helmets and a cheap light. He wanted some beer money but that's not part of a bike, usually.

It was a real feel good scene, didn't cost me anything, plus he was kind of entertaining in a misogynistic ghetto way.


timito
2010-04-16 14:44:45

awesome


pratt
2010-04-16 14:47:38

It's good stuff. When I'm on the road for hours on end, I prefer not to have my pant leg rolled up and u-lock in my back pocket. If I'm going to a coffee shop or something a couple miles away, I understand how ridiculous it would look if I plopped down in my tights and started clicking away at my laptop. I would leave my helmet on for that for sure.


flys564
2010-04-16 14:51:11

I'm having a set of four hundred dollar wheels built to put on one of my forty dollar bikes. then I'll have a $440 dollar bike. I may honestly buy a pair of Lycra shorts this summer as well.


timito
2010-04-16 15:00:51

There is always the GAS issue. "Gear Acquisition Syndrome." Once you start looking to purchase, there is always more stuff to make you say "Want, want, need, need."


Even though you don't need it. At all.


Has happened to me with guitars. On the guitar boards, they giggle about GAS. "Well... would you take $19,995?"


And if your buddies have the spendy stuff, it is easy to get in a ...um ...measuring competition.


I was at one store and laughed at the $65 water bottle cages. "What? The extra $50 saves you 1/10 of a gram?"


The owner of the shop was unamused.


"If you buy a $10,000 bike..." [interrupted by my guffaw] "you're willing to spend more on just the right accessories."


Me: "One born every minute!"


Bike shop owners are in a position where they have to take guys who buy $10K bikes seriously. I'm not.


Mick


mick
2010-04-16 15:02:15

What about rides like MS150 etc.. I'm sure I'm not going to be the only one in tights.


flys564
2010-04-16 15:04:06

I'm not making fun of Lycra shorts, I've never worn them and since I got old I realize it's ignorant to criticize something you don't know anything about, I will be wearing them this summer, I'm tired of loose sweaty junk.


timito
2010-04-16 15:08:43

lycra is fine, I just tend to wear mine under shorts. :)


pratt
2010-04-16 15:10:10

+1 pratt. My commuter outfit includes lycra under cargo shorts or knickers.


For lunchtime rides, I'll sometimes change my shoes, but otherwise wear street clothes.


For the *ahem* longer rides, I'll usually go full-out spandex and lycra, although I still alternate betwixt wool and poly for the jersey.


Ain't one right answer, ya know?


reddan
2010-04-16 15:15:17

+1 Ain't one right answer, ya know?


pratt
2010-04-16 15:16:33

The past decade or so I've either been a broke grad student or broke college student, and before that, a high school student with no income at all! So calling me a cheapskate would be an understatement, yet I realize the value of buying something made well. For the past 5 years I've been fighting with these horrible Nashbar panniers. They have these cheap hooks that bend, a bottom hook on a little elastic cord that was stretched out after about the first month. The things rattle around, bounce off my bike when I jump a curb, and allow everything inside not in a plastic bag to get soaked whenever it rains, but they only cost me $30! Last week I received some $80ish Ortlieb panniers that I ordered after someone on this board recommended them. I wish I would have spent $80 5 years ago. I can mount them and remove them in literally seconds, they keep my stuff dry as a bone, and they even have a strap so I can carry them around off my bike. If I could quantify the hate I have for the Nashbar ones, it would totally be worth spending the extra $50.


I also went through the same "i hate lycra" syndrome others have posted about. For years I refused to even try cycling shorts. But I started going on a lot of rides where I was the only guy in street clothing, so when I got a pair for $5 at some bin sale and tried them on a ride the same, "what have I been thinking all these years?" smacked me over the head. What a difference they made. I still wear street clothing biking to work, but if I'm going out on the weekend for a longer ride I'll put on my shorts. I generally look like a giant dork regardless, so that aspect doesn't bother me much.


dwillen
2010-04-16 15:28:54

Wow. After all that and he asked you for beer money too? Classy.


mustion
2010-04-16 15:32:06

I wonder what I've been missing. Like timito and dwillen, I get around on mainly cheap bikes that all need work. (Well, the Raleigh wasn't cheap, but I bought it in 1977.) My parts, clothing and repair budget is minimal. I think I get around OK on whichever of the fleet, street clothes and crappy old sneakers, but, yeah... If I had a really nice new bike with features and performance out the wazoo, and an outfit to match, I wonder what I could really do.


stuinmccandless
2010-04-16 17:05:49

I made the leap from dept store bike to midrange roadbike last year. It is a big difference. I also tend to wear padded shorts under cargo shorts of some sort for riding, I just like having pockets tho.


netviln
2010-04-16 17:19:01

I'd rather see people spending $10,000 on a ridiculous bicycle that weighs less than air than a car. I would love a bike that weighs less than I do. I wish the cash for clunkers program meant that you could trade in a shitty car for a swank bicycle instead. i am pretty sure that no bicycle manufacturers asked for a bailout because they were failing..


lolly
2010-04-16 17:21:48

I cringed when I saw this thread, thinking it would just be bashing those of us that are pretty "serious" about riding, whatever that discipline is. Glad I was wrong.


Bikes are fun! I'm glad everyone agrees on it. Doesn't matter the price. And yeah, nice bikes certainly have their merits. I have some pretty ridiculous bikes in my collection these days, and have ridden literally hundreds of different bikes at one time or another, and the high end stuff is pricey for a reason. You certainly don't "need" it, it won't really make you much faster, but it might make the ride more enjoyable.


And hell, my pretty ridiculous looking collection of bikes is worth way less than what a new family sedan costs. It ain't that extravagant.


bradq
2010-04-16 17:29:24

Oh man. I wish I could have traded in my old broken down car for a sweet set of bike wheels. Also, how are bike shorts? do they ride up your crack? (sorry, no more polite way to ask) I've had some lycra undergarments for running that were uncomfortable like that.


lee
2010-04-16 18:23:22

If you get the shorts with the chamois (padding), they don't seem to get too invasive. I've heard good things about rowing shorts as well, but have not tried them yet.


Bike shorts are also nice for preventing stinging/biting/venom-dispersing critters from heading towards third base unimpeded, if you get my drift.


reddan
2010-04-16 18:37:39

A not so polite explanation for you, Lee :) Bike shorts don't ride up your crack at all, at least the few pair I own. They have a giant, not real flexible pad where your crack is. It feels a lot like what I'd imagine wearing a diaper would feel like, when you're walking around at least. On a bike, it feels like someone replaced your saddle with a $1000 miracle bike seat.


dwillen
2010-04-16 18:39:09

I have a friend who let me ride his somewhat fancy Trek last year and it was the nicest bike I've ever ridden. But even then, the clunky, rusty old 1970s 10 speed I fixed up this spring feels like that same Trek after years of riding my poor, beaten MTB I've had since age 12, and which went from 18 speeds to 0NE quickly after I moved here... it's all perspective.


mustion
2010-04-16 18:52:06

I had the same MTB story for the first year I was commuting mustion, broken into a singlespeed and all


I feel yer pain


Now I have a fairly crappy road bike but it's a massive improvement. Can't wait until I have the funds to drop on something that's actually nice!


@BradQ - I don't know if you read BikeSnobNYC's blog or not but Urban Velo got 2 shoutouts in the past week on there


spakbros
2010-04-16 19:03:00

I killed one set of gears (snapped cable) the first time I went up Main St. in Larwenceville. The bike had been spoiled in flat ol' Ohio...


mustion
2010-04-16 19:08:23

This thread. I like it.


robjdlc
2010-04-16 19:36:27

I am one of the cheapest people around, so the type of people that rush out and buy the best item available bug me (in anything not just cycling). More then likely you will not get 2x the enjoyment out of a $1,000 bike vs. a $500 bike.


Saying that, I have ridden on group rides where people have had much nicer bikes then I would ever think about buying and they are cool. The more people out there riding the better.


igo
2010-04-16 21:39:14

Very cool, timito.


I see bicycles that same as I see motorcycles (anything on two wheels for that matter). We all go through the same stuff everyday, no matter what you ride.


Almost everyone spends their money on something. Who I am I to criticism what they like. Plus, considering how much money some people sink into alcohol and other drugs, $2,000 isn't much, and is a much healthier purchase.


ndromb
2010-04-18 15:34:34

I'm pretty new to cycling - rode all of the time until high school, then just kind of lost my mind for it for about 20 years. A couple of friends who are pretty serious about it re-ignited my interest a couple of years ago, when all I had to ride was a 20-odd year old mountain bike I bought off a friend 15 years ago, and never really rode anyway.


My first several rides were in street clothes alongside my buddy on his road bike, and his snappy gear. At first I thought it was a little much, but then he explained the practical implication - polyester wicks moisture, which means no more soaked and heavy shirts. The chamois is a nice bit of extra padding and for some reason the tightness feels good on the thighs. Plus the chamois fits beneath what look like cargo shorts.


My wife and kids got me some gear for Father's day two years ago, so I wore it at first because they got it for me (you guys with kids will understand that), but then after the first ride, I totally got it - it was way more comfortable, and practical. It was some stuff from REI, probably $60 total for the chamois/shorts set and two shirts.


Now, I just wear street clothes if I run to the market, but for those opportunities when I get the chance to go for a couple of hours on the weekend, i'm glad I have the gear to get sweated-up in - plus my bottom appreciates it too.


(PS - I eventually upgraded from that mountain bike that now feels like a 40 lb. behemoth to a cyclocross bike I bought off a very cool dude I met on Craigslist. It was a couple of years old, but I got it for probably less than half what I would have paid)


atleastmykidsloveme
2010-04-18 16:08:33

I really need to ride one of these bikes, yesterday I was riding my basket bike down Butler when some guy passes me on a real nice bike, we exchange pleasantries and then he blows past me, I catch him at the next light, around 45th. I say to him, "man, nice bike do you mind if I draft you for a bit. Dude cut through that strong head wind and dropped me off at Doughboy, I felt like tying a rope to him.


timito
2010-04-18 16:09:07

I fought that same headwind the whole way to town on the jail trail and then mercifully had it as a tailwind back up to Garfield.


That isht was for real!


spakbros
2010-04-18 17:08:28

bibs + shammy cream are the only way to go.....and the other great thing about spandex is that it doens't matter if it rains


re: jail trail headwind: it was BRUTAL yesterday even with my chin on the bars!!


binbash25
2010-04-19 17:10:04

4th on the brutal headwinds yesterday. Did 58 mi in that misery, got it bad on the jail trail early, then later working my way back from Creighton along the Allegheny back to town for about 15 mi. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.


quizbot
2010-04-19 17:34:44

A group came by on Butler, ten? fifteen?, taking up about as much space as one of those obnoxious Sunoco gas behemoths. 53 feet. I think they were going faster but I'm not sure. I thought, That's Great what an awesome representation of bicycle as transportation and fun. It'd be near impossible to say "I couldn't see that". You know, cause sometimes bikes are hard to see. I was also thinking how I'd like to get behind them and just coast to the zoo. It sucks trying to draft a Sunuco truck. Plus, they never go to the Zoo.


timito
2010-04-21 04:09:46

I have a hate growing into love relationship with gear.


I started in 2008 with a very heavy mountain bike from amazon (between the bike itself and the rack on back it's around 50-60 pounds), and only rode in street clothes. I strongly resisted the idea of getting any more gear, or as I called them at the time "toys." (Partially because money was rather tight at the time and partially because I was trying to simplify my life at the time.)


Once I started doing about 10 miles a day, I was convinced (due to chaffing) to get some cycling underwear... but still resisted anything other than street clothes. But, right before my big bike trip, I was talking to someone and they stressed rain gear and jerseys. So for a good long while I cycled in a jersey, cycling underwear and jean shorts, but still used regular old sneakers on my feet and no toe-clip or clipless pedals.


At the start of the trip, someone lent me a hydration pack, and that made a huge difference. Then about 1/3 of the way through my trip, I developed really bad bruises across the arch of my both feet because my sneaker soles weren't stiff... so I relented AGAIN and got some cycling shoes. Also, the bike I used on the trip was a 2007 Trek Hybrid, weighing about 24 pounds...on the second day I vowed to get a better bike when I got back. (Although, I *almost* changed my mind when crossing a mountain top and having the wind nearly blow the bike out from under me.) And after watching someone with clipless pedals, vowed to get myself some of those as well.


So now, better bike (entry-level road bike weighing about 22 pounds), clipless pedals, hydration pack, cold weather gear, mtb shorts, compass, etc. I guess I'm slowly turning into a gear junky. In fact, in the last 6 months, I've probably spend more on my bike than my car by a factor of 2-3x. (Which since I spend 2-3x times as much time on my bike as my car, I guess makes sense.)


I don't know that any of that allows me to do anything I couldn't do before... it just makes the whole process a bit more enjoyable.


myddrin
2010-04-21 13:37:12

Myddrin, you have just outlined the exact perfect way to approach equipment; ride, ride, ride, then look for equipment to improve the ride as the needs reveal themselves. Not to dump money up front on things that may or may not improve your ride.

You may be a genius.


edmonds59
2010-04-21 18:56:51

I think cycling shorts are the exception to that approach.


joeframbach
2010-04-21 21:11:13

I ride mostly in street clothes. But I buy a lot of rayon, silk, or polyester microfiber. A bit of wool, but it makes me itch. Silk in winter, Rayon & poly in the summer.


A nice thing about silk is that cheap silk is still silk. Cheap Polyester? Usually isn't worth it.


Cotton actually does prety well in the summer, too.


Mick


mick
2010-04-21 21:44:48

I've owned in succession a nice mountain bike, a ludicrous Target bike (on a summer internship), a $10 ten speed, a very used mountain bike that was nice after a total cleanup (internship again), a nice mountain bike, and now a pony. (Maybe less $ than a real pony, unsure.) They all got me places but the pony folds up for peak-hours T commuting which is sweet. Do jeans with spandex content count though?


sprite
2010-04-21 22:49:53

I've been trying to spend as little as possible, which results in me getting awesome gear like the $1 rearview mirror titled "THE REFLECTOR ON BICYCLE" from a Hong Kong based eBay seller.


mustion
2010-04-22 01:29:52

I also scored a sweet Under Armour bicycling jersey from Southside Goodwill last week for $3.99. It's even in yinzer colors!


mustion
2010-04-22 01:34:41

I think people who dig fancy gear (or more exactly, very fancy bikes) are not trying to be officious or superior, but they do often seem flummoxed at best or mildly offended at worst when you try to tell them that your priorities in riding might be a bit different from theirs. Just yesterday AM on the North Shore trail, a young man on what looked to be a pretty nice bike rode up beside me and said "Raise your seat 3 inches and it will be a lot easier." It's not that I disagreed with him, but it's just not possible, and I told him so. When I did, he suddenly became a bit touchy. "Good luck!" he said 2 times, in the same tone of voice you would use on someone fishing for musky in a goldfish bowl. This was completely uncalled for. Yes, I ride a cheap bike (99 buck Wal-Mart mt bike). I do so for reasons of, (a) my own budget, and (b) more importantly, not wanting the thing to get lifted as soon as I park it anywhere in town. Yes, the bike is heavy, it's a tad small for someone my size (I'm 6'4"), and yes, down the road, I am going to get something that is if not "nicer," certainly better for my physical frame. But I have only been riding since summer of last year, but I have been riding faithfully in good weather, to the point where I have lost almost 30 pounds, my BP is down, my energy is up, I feel great, I have fun cycling. So, point is: I am not trying to be the fastet or the most efficient--and in fact, to some extent, I *want* it to be a little hard, ie, to feel like and be, well *exercise*. I am not in a race and I don't especially care if I look cool. My knees or back do not hurt (and in fact, they feel much better after having dropped 30 pounds!), but if they started to, I would just get the bigger bike sooner. So, chill! There's no need to say "Good luck" to me like I am trying to climb Mt Everest in a business suit or something.


I've run into this attitude the two times I have tried to get my bike tuned up, as well--and I suppose it's another reason I get on my high horse about it now. It has been hard to find a place where I can take the bike for a fix-up without being told "You're better off getting an new one, dude." Can *I* be the judge of that, please? Luckily, I think I've found a place.


And BTW--the guy on the trail yesterday was not wearing an helmet! :-) (I didn't say anything, though!)


rubicon
2010-04-22 11:27:32

sorry about typos above, especially with "a" and "an"; I was typing very fast! (Gotta get on the trail!)


rubicon
2010-04-22 11:29:17

Good for you Rubicon! Kudos for the weight loss and sticking with it even though you ride a 'crappy' bike. Whether a 'hipster' or a 'lycroid' or somewhere in-between ultimately we are all out there for the same reasons. To use your words "I feel great, I have fun cycling". That's what it's all about. Ride on.


88ms88
2010-04-22 12:06:14

Usually, shop guys arent trying to be rude when they give guff about fixin up dept store bikes. A lot of times dept store bikes use weird components/odd shaped bearings/generally cheaper stuff, that either shops dont carry, or by the time they replaced it, you would have paid the same 99 bux as it would have cost you to get a new dept store bike.


I will say, I would recommend getting a bike better for your frame sooner than later, although your knees are feeling better now, too much riding with a low seat will wear them out pretty quick.


netviln
2010-04-22 12:29:09

And BTW--the guy on the trail yesterday was not wearing an helmet! :-) (I didn't say anything, though!)


I was just thinking of this last night was I riding through shadyside.


I automatically give non-helmeted riders a very wide berth, and ignore anything they say. (I try to mental replace their voice with the sound of the adults talking in the Charlie Brown cartoons.)


That is very snobbish, I realize. I'm sure they are good people, but I think if you get something that basic wrong then there's not much point in my listening.(*)


I am very touchy about helmets. For a year and a half I worked with people with traumatic brain injuries here in the Pittsburgh area. Including one person who was hit while crossing the road on his bike, with no helmet. I've seen what can happen, and no matter how careful you are there is always the chance that something will happen completely out of the blue.


And let me add my voice to the chorus: Great work on the weight loss! Speaking from experience, the weight will really start to melt off as the weather gets nicer.


---

(*) I actually had a bike shop owner that I was buying a bike from (the one I keep at my Mom's house) try to talk me out of buying a helmet. I *almost* walked out of the store, but instead just gave him what I hope was a withering look and said "I like my brains where they are, thank you very much."


myddrin
2010-04-22 12:39:53

rubicon, don't let the dude get you down. Just the fact that he came on with a directive instead of a gentler approach shows some kind of superiority complex. I ride beaters all the time, on purpose, and I have the titanium frame road bike and lycra at home for when that is appropo.

I'm pretty sure if a doof like that was in Amsterdam and was trying to struggle home with a bag of groceries and a six pack on his "nice bike" and lycra with the junk poking out, he would be getting the REAL goofy eyeball from the 100,000 locals over there.

Keep ridin.


edmonds59
2010-04-22 13:14:44

and in fact, to some extent, I *want* it to be a little hard, ie, to feel like and be, well *exercise*.


Don't worry about that. As long as you want it to be a little hard, it will be. I've never known anyone who gave up cycling because it got too easy.


Just the fact that he came on with a directive instead of a gentler approach shows some kind of superiority complex.


Not necessarily. There's just not that much time to sugarcoat something at a stoplight, and keeping the tip short and simple is all you can do. It's not a complex to recognize that you have some ability to make life better for the guy who might be where you were yourself, years ago.


He was trying to help. I would rather accept his good intentions at face value than try to slander him.


I'm pretty sure if a doof like that was in Amsterdam and was trying to struggle home with a bag of groceries and a six pack on his "nice bike" and lycra with the junk poking out, he would be getting the REAL goofy eyeball from the 100,000 locals over there.


counterfactual hypothetical. Use the best tools for the task at hand.


Rubicon, I'd never sneer at someone for not having the "fashionable" equipment, but heed what netviln said. If you wait until it starts to hurt, you're already injured. A bike that fits you properly will let you ride longer, burn MORE energy, and reach your health goals sooner.


lyle
2010-04-22 13:57:44

Form follows function. Don't ride the wrong bike only because it was cheap. Function comes first; look at bikes that fit, then look at prices.


joeframbach
2010-04-22 14:12:36

Sometimes $99 bikes can't really be tuned up, or simple replacement parts end up costing more than the bike itself, throwing good money after bad. Some shop guys mean well but end up coming off as jerks.


While it might not be the easiest thing to find a decent used bike your size, there won't be a lot of buying competition at the 6'4" end either.


bradq
2010-04-22 14:44:31

I would submit that there are better ways to help someone than barking instructions, then being snide when someone doesn't instantly accept your genius.

Numerous times I have taken a moment to tell someone "your seat looks a little low, you might be more comfortable with it higher", something like that. Just basic civility, which seems to be a bit thin these days. Either offer something constructive and informative, or be on your way.


edmonds59
2010-04-22 15:47:21

First off, thanks to everyone for the kind and encouraging words! I really do feel like a fish out of water with all this at times; I can remember being a kid and I just hopped on a bike and that was that, and I never had to think about ergonomics, logistics (changes of clothes, etc). So, I am learning, no biggie. And certainly, I hope I am not so self-serious that I don't realize that I probably *do* make for a pretty comical figure, toting along in a rather labored fashion on my cheapie bike, generally wearing a jean jacket in the morning, with thermals under gym shorts, etc! Yeah, I'm a dork! Guilty as charged! No prob!


And yes, in fairness to the young man yesterday, I think his original intent in saying something to me was not at all to be a jerk, and in fact I am convinced that his intentions were quite good (and the whole experience sure beats the heck out of a few of the weirdos I have encountered on the Sharpsburg rail trail! LOL). But I stand by my assessment of the way he reacted to my response; this is where edmonds59 has it right. Granted, it was all in the tone, but I have been on the planet 40 years and I am not too defensive by nature, so I am pretty sure I know when someone is patronizing me--and believe me, that dude was patronizing the heck outta me. But even as far as that goes, I didn't make the post to air a greivance (though it was strangely cathartic to tap it out, truth be told!); instead, I was just offering a take on "bike elitism" or "bike snobbery" (or at least things that come across that way, even if not intended) from someone pretty new to the game.


I appreciate the tips about a higher seat, and I am taking them under advisement, believe me. But *I* am impatient by nature, so it's a risk I am willing to take--ie, the benefits I have gotten so far have outweighed (by far) the potential of hurting myself. And had I taken my time to find "just the right bike" last June/July, I would not have made the progress I already have, etc, or at least not as much. And I believe in listening to my body. So far, so good with that. I don't plan on pushing it, but I think this bike will do while I take my time to find a bigger one.


BTW, does anyone have any recs on stores and/or brands for a guy my size? Again, I am only interested in (a) it being a hybrid, and (b) the ergonomics--the bike doesn't have to be mega-awesome other than that. I want something I can lock downtown and not worry about, frankly. Am I dreaming to think I could get something in the 300 buck range, max? Any tips would be MUCH appreciated!


rubicon
2010-04-22 16:36:32

Rubicon-- I'm also 6'4" and got a Trek 7.3FX at the Trek warehouse sale in February. I can't recall the specific frame size but it fits me way better than the mountain bike I was previously riding around town. I used to have the seat extended all the way out, and having the right size bike has made a big difference.


ieverhart
2010-04-22 16:41:59

300 is pushing it. used yes, but not new. you should be thinking about the 500-600 range as the minimum to spend if you want a geared hybrid. you can get them for cheaper, but the quality will barely be above a dept store bike.


in the meantime swing over to your favorite lbs and get a new, longer seatpost and some nice skinny semi slick tires (i am assuming you are running the knobby tires that came stock from the dept store). it will be a pretty cheap and very effective upgrade. and if you feel like the riding is getting to easy, its just time to ride faster!


cburch
2010-04-22 16:43:42

As for locking downtown, as long as you rlock your bike right, (ulock with cable through the wheels to a solid structure) you should have no problems. Generally the only bikes stolen in pittsburgh are ones locked poorly or not at all.


this is about the best deal in ulocks. Its what I use as well as many of the members here. Amazon also has it for about half what you can find in stores around here.


http://www.amazon.com/OnGuard-Bulldog-5015TC-Bicycle-Security/dp/B000FL3E9I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1271955206&sr=8-2


300 would be tight for a new bike. 350-400 get you to the next tier which are generally much better components.


Try Thick bikes in southside, iron city bikes. There is always rei, especially when they send out the 20% off coupon.


netviln
2010-04-22 16:56:12

Thanks guys. I already have a U-lock, a Kryptonite. Can I buy the cable on its own? Also, (pardon my ignorance!) what does rei stand for?


rubicon
2010-04-22 17:06:57

recreation equipment internationalk or somethign liek that. Its over in southside works and one in robinson. Yes you can get just a cable for about 5-10 bux I think. Thick also has good condtion used bikes too, and there is always freeride if you wanted to build your own bike for well under 100 bux.


netviln
2010-04-22 17:10:25

cburch didn't come right out and say it, but go to Thick Bikes on the south side. It should be your new favorite bike shop.

Btw, how about the next time I see a Lycroid on a carbon fiber Orbea Orca on a mixed-use trail, I shout "get on the road, it will be a lot easier!".


edmonds59
2010-04-22 17:44:25

well i didn't want to just say it since i kind of have a bit of a personal stake at the monster drawing, sunday register running, sometime mechanic guy there...


but yeah, thick is freaking awesome for budget bikers, also for crazy gear heads like me (we carry intense now!)


and edmonds, you should for sure yell that. if i was within earshot id probably fall over laughing...


cburch
2010-04-22 17:57:59

Naw, never would, my mama raised me better. Mama rode a very polite Fuji Mixte.


edmonds59
2010-04-22 18:01:38

Thanks again, guys. As luck would have it, I have to be near the Southside this evening, though my previous committment butts up close to the 6pm closing time of the shop! With any luck, I can take a peek, though. I'll let you know.


rubicon
2010-04-22 18:48:07

a lot of times the shop is still open for a while after 6. however, they will be out of there pretty quick tonight. its polo night. worth stopping by though. if chris is still there he will do his best to walk you through your basic options and get a feel for what you want and can afford even if he cant stay to sell you something right then and there.


cburch
2010-04-22 19:04:46

I don't think anyone answered this:

what does rei stand for


Recreation Equipment Inc. A large retail chain (technically a co-op that rebates to members)selling camping, climbing, kayaking, cycling, skiing etc. gear. Local stores are at the Soutside Works and out in Robinson Twp.


jeffinpgh
2010-04-22 19:56:58

+1 for Thick or other local shops by the way.


jeffinpgh
2010-04-22 19:59:37

You can use that 20% REI coupon on bikes too?

*kicks self repeatedly til it hurts*


@rubicon: you don't say how much you weigh now - not that you have to - but it does make a difference. If you talk to a sales rep, make sure they've sold to large people before, and maybe ask their shop staff the same question.

Equipment that is designed for 150-lb racing cyclists isn't going to last long under a 300-lb rider.


lyle
2010-04-22 20:51:07

Speaking of heavier riders- I am one. Anyone know a good place around here to find bike pants for big people? I hate mail-ordering, because one company's L is anothers XXL, and returning and trying different sizes is a big hassle. Most places around here don't seem to stock anything in my size. I've tried REI, Pittsburgh Pro, Gatto, and even various sporting goods stores like Dicks and Dunhams. I used to have several that I got at the Gatto on Penn, when that was still there, but I wore all of them out :-(.


jz
2010-04-23 11:28:58

You can use that 20% REI coupon on bikes too?


Yep, but only on their Novara house brand. That sweet Raleigh Clubman is still full price...


reddan
2010-04-23 11:48:46

You can use the 20% coupon on anything that is full price, just not on any sale item ( anything that ends with 93 or 83 cents). You should be able to use it on the clubman as well.


netviln
2010-04-25 21:12:52