BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

You can rent bikes from Golden Triangle Bike and Blade down on the river...they don't have monthly rentals, only daily, but it might be a better road test than a test drive around Trek's parking lot.

I think you get a discount too if you're a BikePGH member.

I think your best bet would be to borrow a bike from a friend if you want to keep it for awhile.

Or get something used and cheap, and just have someone check it over.

What part of town do you live in and where do you need to commute to?

If you've been spending 90 minutes a day in the gym your bones will probably do just fine on a bike.

Thick Bikes tends to have a good selection of used bikes.

Thanks folks for the feedback. @edmonds59, I live in highland park and work downtown. I have not picked a route yet, I was thinking of just trying the riding part first to see how I liked it. Before braving the rush hour.

REI has a generous return policy. Also, to minimize making a mistake ride a lot of bikes and be clear about what type of riding you plan to do. So, if you plan to use your bike for commuting, avoid mountain bikes. Seems kind of "duh", but you'd be surprised how often people don't remember to match their riding plans to the style of bike.

That's a good climb on the way home, so you'll want something with decent low gearing. Good idea to scout it out on a weekend morning first.

Want people to keep an eye out if they spot any good deals?

How tall are you?

Make friends via this message board, and try riding a bunch of bikes. I'd start with a used but reliable inexpensive bike, with plans to trade or sell it or get a 2nd (better) bike later.

Assuming you have the space, I find it very helpful to have a backup bike, in case you don't have time to fix a flat, or have a friend over and want to take a ride, or whatever. Your 2nd purchase becomes the main ride, and the original becomes the backup.

@ Tabby

i wouldnt say avoid mountain bikes...

they have lower gearing for hills and hauling,and fatter tires for a comfier ride.

however, i would definitely stick some commuter slicks on a mountain bike to reduce rolling resistance.

erok has a nice array of bikes, right? his place is convenient to most other neighborhoods in the city, so who better to bring another pittsburgh cyclist into the fray?

Or, eppi could stop by the Flock of Cyclists or Critical Mass and try out a few before we take off?

Yeah, I disagree with "avoid mountain bikes" - "avoid road bikes" is probably better advice.

Actually eppi since Pedal Pittsburgh is Sunday that would be the perfect day to try a test run, there will be bikes pottering around all over town. See if Golden Triangle will do kind of a 24 hour rental, or maybe open early, and spend the day toodling around. You don't have to follow one of the PP routes.

Assuming the weather cooperates, yechh.

I think that "avoid mountain bikes" means avoid low-pressure knobby tires and full suspension.

Try Golden Triangle. The owner's name is Tom. He is a great guy who has helped me out on a few occasions. They don't list long term rentals, but I wouldn't be surprised if he would arrange something. He has decent quality bikes, and they are well-maintained. It never hurts to ask.

If you go down there, watch out for the homeless guy who claims to work there.

Golden Triangle is a friendly place. They rented my dad a recumbent for the GAP for a week for a decent price.

avoid whatever bike isn't suited to your riding conditions. and yes, when I typed that I was thinking of what Lyle just said. a mountain bike very may be what this person needs, I'm not anti MB.

Haha, I've been riding my MTB the past couple days since I don't have fenders on my other bike. Potholes are much more palatable with those "low pressure knobbies" (yes I realize I probably just doomed myself to get a pinch flat on the ride home)...

Avoid the bike section an WalMart

I would just say avoid Walmart in general, but thats just me.

I avoid potholes.

(totally doomed myself to a pinch flat)

Thanks folks, I think I will start with a rental from Golden Triangle and see where things go. I appreciate all the support.

Have fun! Let everyone know how it goes. Lord knows this board will bury you in suppport.

Lord knows this board will bury you in suppport.

And advice. And opinions.

OK so I have a loaner bike from a friend. I took it for a spin last night and figure it will get me to and from work while I settle on a bike, a route and whether or not I will seriously regret my decision.

In the mean time I have increased my commitment by canceling my $300/month parking lease... So as of June 1st I will be ahead of the game

I checked out some bikes at Thick bikes this weekend, Road 3 bikes up and down that hill on 12 st to the church at the top. I hate to say it, but the $1000, bike I tried was seriously awesome, albeit seriously unaffordable.

put the parking money away for 3 months and there's your nicer road bike!

@Cburch That is the plan....

$300/month parking lease?! Holy balls! How does that even exist? Is valet service included?

I think its 250 or so for a lease under my building. And that does include valet ( minus tips, and its good to tip if you dont want your car dripped on or scratched or whatever)

Its actually 320/month and there is no valet. But hey I checked with the building and we have FREE Bike Parking on a rack that is next to the guard station, and FREE showers. So I guess its fate to convert over.

I have a loaner bike and tried a reverse commute yesterday up the Eliza Furnace trail to Panther Hollow, it was great. So June 1 I am all set. Although I am still planning to try a Lawrenceville route too.

The weather next week is looking splendiferous (for now). Just go for it.

Are you at Gateway Center? There's also the little covered nook in the Highmark building for rainy days.