Getting a bike!

After many months of thinking about it and searching... I'm finally getting one! I met a mama in town the other day who makes freak bikes and she seems serious about hooking up something functional/practical for trade. If that doesn't work out in the next couple days, I think I'm just gonna buy a cruiser. Yay!

I plan on using this as my main source of transpo around our little town - grocery trips, bookstore, etc. I'm fairly certain I'll do okay with it, because I've been relying on the vehicle less and less and walking more lately. (We have only one vehicle for two of us, and DH works full time while I work @ home) I've gotten accustomed to walking 6-7 miles in a day quite often. I figure with a bike I can get the same stuff done, but at least a bit quicker than on foot. And since I'm using a different set of muscles, I might still have enough energy at the end of the day to walk the dogs a mile or two.

Anywho. I'm not posting this just to brag - I need advice. I know I want a 10-speed (or 7-speed if that's what I can find) cruiser, not because they look cool but because the handlebar style will allow me to sit straighter instead of hunching over. Those also look like they've got better, nice wide seats which is always a big plus! I need a basket/rack type thing to hook up too. I think a rear basket would be better to start with? It's been a long time since I've ridden, and it seems like putting weight behind me is less likely to interfere with my concentration and more importantly steering. I've seen two kinds of rear racks: those that hook up from the back wheel, and those that hook up beneath the seat to the post. I'm broke, so I can't afford anything schmancy here, but I plan to USE the hell out of it... so which kind might be better do you think?

 

I know nothing about bikes, so I'm not even going to pretend to know what I'm talking about and help you decide... but that's awesome!!! My hubby and I are looking foward to moving to a bike-friendly town within a year or so and I can't WAIT to get me a cruiser

I think a rear basket is definitely a better idea if you plan on transporting groceries and such. Don't know anything about where it's better to hook it up from though. So yes. This post was pointless

 

lol, no problem! I've been fantasizing about having a bike for months now... our town is not exactly "bike friendly" either though... (I REALLY miss Oregon on this count!) There's no sidewalks or even shoulders on most roads anywhere. But I think I'll feel a little safer on wheels going a little faster, more with the flow of traffic I guess... than I do traveling the same roads on foot!

The one thing that's "bike friendly" about this town is that it's small. Everything is within 3 miles of our house (and everything not within that space is usually a 30-45 min drive into Nashvegas). Like I said, I've gotten used to walking it a lot lately, so I know all the back-roads etc. to take, and with wheels my errands will just go that much faster.

Ag, I wish this chick would get back with me! She seems really serious and hooking up a trade w/glass would definitely be easier on the wallet... But I don't want to wait!

 

That is great! I hope you get your bike. What about a do-it-yourself bike cart? It might do you better than just a basket. http://www.motherearthliving.com/issues/motherearthliving/diy/DIY-Bike-Trailer_443-1.html


I have been thinking about getting a bike as well but I really don't know much about them any more. I have not ridden one in over 10 years. I don't really know where to go to get one or what to even look for. Anyone have any suggestions?

I wish places were more bike friendly. It is such a great way to get around for short trips. The main road I live off of has a wide shoulder with signs that it is a designated bike route. Unfortunately any road off that main road is not very bike friendly.

 

I'm going to advise against a cruiser for the simple fact they are cumbersome after a while. People get tired of lugging them around. I used to work in a bike shop. Heard that story many times.

For long term comfort, get a decent mountainbike. With 21-28 speeds, you'll find a few you like. Besides, you can ride them in the woods and stuff!

A reluctant second choice would be a crossover bike. Kinda half mountain bike half cruiser.

Bikeshop links: http://www.mountainbikingonline.com/bicycles.html


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How do you mean "cumbersome"? I'm just remembering the last time I rode around my mountain bike gave me back-aches from leaning forward to the bars all the time. cruisers seem more comfortable and laid back, like I could sit up straight to ride.

True, it wouldn't be as good for trails. But I like hiking trails, with my dogs anyway... I don't know if I'd be into it on wheels. It wouldn't be as conveniently shaped for bringing on the road... but at the moment it looks like we won't be reentering that phase of life for a while.

I'm not trying to be contrary, I'm just explaining my reasoning. Any advice or further info you could offer with you expertise is appreciated!

 

Cruiser bikes have a bulky design. Reminds me of the huge old Caddys that used to be all over the road.

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=cruiser+bikes&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=1

Sorry you had a bad experience with mountain bikes. Most likely, it was not set up for your personal body size. If you have to reach too far or you're squeezed up too tight, you're going to get tired pretty quick.

Very important to get a bike that fits. Like anything, your body will adjust to any position after a while. I rode road bikes for years before converting to mountain bikes. They are far more comfortable than the old 10 speed type bikes from a few years back.

And believe it or not, hard seats will make your bum feel better than the soft ones they sell. Especially on longer rides. Takes a few months to break them in though.

Cruisers aren't bad bikes, but people sometimes outgrow them. Just keep that in mind before committing to one.


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idk I've had mountain bikes for a great many years and only cos they were the easiest to get, that is got them next to nothing. I find them cumbersome, if I had the money i'd get a road bike. An aluminum frame would be lightest and based on that less cumbersome, but you pay more.

Put the basket/rack behind the seat as oppose to the side of the rear wheel, it'll be better balanced with heavy loads.

 

My mountain bike is an Aluminum framed Cannondale. $1100. And that was almost 10 years ago. I'm about ready to upgrade. I've rebuilt this one twice now.

If you find a mountainbike cumbersome, you've either : #1 Had a cheap and heavy bike between your legs, or, #2 don't have the leg power to make them perform. I ride 300+ days of the year. And I've been doing this for several decades now.

Ride a titanium bike someday at a shop. It will almost read your mind and respond accordingly. Magical.


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Hmm, I can see both your points. The thing is, like I said, I'm pretty broke. If we do end up buying one it'll be in the next few days and we couldn't possibly afford more than about $100. It's true that all the mountain bikes I've found within that range are really heavy. And at the very least I'll need to replace the seat, get a rack, and a lock. It's not the "hardness" of the seat that worries me, but the narrowness. I've had a lot of tailbone pain lately (I think I might have endometriosis, but no telling for the uninsured!) and a wider "saddle" style seat that would allow my weight to distribute across my but would be much less painful.
I did find a 7-speed cruiser for $100 that already has a seat I think will work. So that might be the best option for me right now. If I grow out of it and want something more versatile... I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, I guess.

Have you had any experience with those rear racks, made of heavy plastic, that connect from the seat post? That's all I can seem to find locally - only $17... but I'm worried it would turn out flimsy. It seems like pretty strong plastic though. For now I'll just rig up whatever container I can come up with for a basket to cut down on expenses. I'll also probably make up something for myself in the way of a saddle bag for extra, small stuff.

Any recommendations on the best kind of lock to get for pretty cheap? I'd love to have a helmet, too... but I can't find one that'll fit around my dreads.

 

Have you checked craigslist, there are always bikes available... at least in my area. You can get a nice bike for a good price.

 

i ride a mountain bike (giant boulder se) and for me, its quite comfortable but i can see what you mean about being able to sit upright, it can be nice. i get the upright posture whenever i go downhill on a road by riding with no hands lol. i like my bike because its pretty good on the trails but it can get me around town comfortably because it has a pretty basic frame shape. it can do whatever i want and i like the versatility.
are there hills that you will have to climb in your town? unless its really really flat, i wouldnt reccomend a cruiser. even gradual inclines can be a total bitch with them. unless they have enough (and easy enough) gears.
i would suggest a 10-21 speed bike with a simple, triangle shaped frame (try craigslist?) with a wide, spring seat (bike shop or thrift store maybe) and a pair of tall handlebars to get you sitting upright. thats the setup my mom had and it worked great.
good luck anyway

 

Those square 5 gal buckets work as great waterproof cargo panniers. Thats 2 cu ft of space!


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I personally find alot of tools while riding the bike. Half the stuff in my toolbox are road finds.

Found a couple of pipes, bag of weed, bag of pills, cash, wallets, etc.

I find far too many stringes too, unfortunately.

My tires occassionally find tacks, nails, staples and such. I use a tube sealer called "Slime". It will seal most small punctures. I always carry a patch kit and air pump too. A spare tube can save you too. I hate having to push a bike several miles home.

I live near several deserted beaches within a half hour ride of me. I'm going there later today. We have a big storm system coming in, so its a good day to go beachcombing.

With a mountainbike, I can ride or walk the entire mile long beach with ease.



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It was a good trip, as is evidenced by the current sig pic. This cave is only visible from an angle. Most walk right by it. A good place to have a puff and watch the ocean mist swirl through the trees.

Got home just ahead of the rain.


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That is really cool, xexon!

 

I agree, mountain bike for sure. I have a 24 speed mountain bike and have ridden up to 40 miles no problem. Great investment!

 

If you don't mind looking like a homeless person, you can find bikes in the garbages or lost somewhere, where somebody threw it away. They are old, crappy and need to be fix.

All you need is some basic tools so you can use it. The number one tool, the -motherfuckin- hammer, so you can get all your gears straight, like the wheels. Some muscles to put the shit up straight. Always keep your hammer in your backpack or whatever, and you can go everywhere... just like on every other bikes.

The shit is REALLY broken, find another one. People throw away everything. You can change bike atleast 3 times a year without actually looking for them for no money. They are everywhere.

This year I've found a speed bike and I used it everywhere, in the mountains (yeah I've been doing some downhill with it, never broke), some trails, all the bike needed was some hammer smashing on the wheels to get straight back up. My friend had a mountain bike and fucking broke everywhere we went. And you know how my bike broke?!? The girl I work with at the farm roll backward into it by accident because I've let it on the field. Never changed anything on it, and trust me, the bike was very old.

And what's more about it. If your bike looks like crap, you'll never get stealed. One time we let our bikes in the forest, the other bike got stolen, not mine.

THAT is the cheap and logic way to go. And there is no waste, you can be sure the bike was fully used before it goes to the scrapyard and it's not there because the person that bought it just don't like it anymore.

You look stupid on theses bikes, but who's stupid?!? I'm not wasting any money. Hehehe, cya hippies on cannondale.