I’m 6’2" with a 35" inseam. I’m planning on going mtn biking/touring with it. I was thinking of taking it with a BOB trailer and going bicycle camping (like the Continental Divide Trail) at some point… but mostly plan to just do routine mtn biking. In other words, I don’t need a super-great competition bike. I need one for comfort (for long-distance rides) but also able to ride and keep up on regular mtn bike rides.
What would the best mtn bikes for me be?
You’re going to want a hardtail if you’ll be pulling a trailer, and definitely front suspension if you’ll be doing long rides, a longer seat post, with either a high rise stem, or a riser bar, or maybe both, after all comfort is the most important part of the trip, and you don’t want your neck and back to be stiff and sore after a good ride, just your legs. Some semi slick continental tires will do you good also. Rocky Mountain Bicycles are the way to go to get a quality ride, hand built in Canada! check them out at http://www.bikes.com
I’ve been riding a friend’s road bike which weighs 10-11 kg and now want to buy my own. I think a hybrid would be more suitable for my situation, but is there a substantial weight increase I need to consider? I’m a beginner cyclist, height 165 cm, weight 55 kg.
As in road bikes, weight is affected by price. In general, at about the same level of quality, you can expect a hybrid to weigh 1-2 kg more than a road bike. However, a road bike is more efficient, due to lighter wheels with narrower, higher pressure tires, as well as a more efficient riding position, so the hybrid will feel heavier and less responsive than even the difference in weight would indicate. There are road bikes with flat bars that might interest you, they are just as light and responsive as a regular road bike, with a more aggressive position than a hybrid. Height and weight are really not important, a shop will help you choose the size that fits you.
I’m looking into getting a touring bike. Should i get fitted for the right frame size or is it the same for all bikes ?
There is no industry standard for bicycle sizes. A 52cm bike from the same manufacturer but a different model from your current bike might not fit you at all. Get fitted for the right frame size. A 52cm frame would be a good place to start trying bikes on, but it is just a start.
HTH
Ok, so I’ve decided I’m getting a Hybrid bike, because I will/want to be going on pavement a lot, but I also want the capability of going on terrain. I don’t know much about bikes, just that I ride them and love it! So, I want to know what are some good manufacturers/ hybrid bikes.
Also I’m on a tight budget, so keepin’ it low would be nice.
The bike business is very competitive. Any two bikes at the same price point are very likely to be equivalent values. Buy the bike, not the brand. Go to your local bike shop and see what they have to offer in your price range. Test ride the bike. Then go to other bike shops and test ride what they have to offer. One bike will fit you better and feel better than the others. Buy that bike regardless of the name on it. It is the one you will ride and enjoy the most.
HTH
I am looking to buy a used women’s hybrid bicycle until I save up for my dream bike, but I have no idea what used bikes are worth. With other bikes, I usually find comparable bikes by googling, but it was pretty impossible with the Peugots.
This is the bike:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/1312402937.html
Please help!
The ones I have seen are mainly the men’s version and they seem to be going for anywhere between $250 to $300 with a few between $200-$250, but most closer to $300. If after you inspect the bike and find it is as advertised and meets your criteria, you can haggle or not as you choose, but over all the price listed sounds pretty fair. The description sounds like this owner cared well for the bike. Very few folks actually keep the original manual and they are usually the ones who do keep their bikes in top shape.
The best advice you can get for your particular situation will be at your local bike shop.
They can explain different things to you and MOST shops won’t try to "hard sell". Go in with an idea of budget (something round $300… new or used) and educate yourself.
