Bicycle Ideas

[farmin4u_98948]

Been thinking about getting a bicycle for pavement, forest roads and moderate single track. I’m not gonna get crazy but would like to setup for success not failure. I looked at a specialized rock hopper yesterday in Yakima. Looked great for off road. I’m not sure that those tires would be very good for roadwork.  Maybe I’m asking to much out of one bike. Thanks Members.  Paul

[JKEEN33]

You can get a set of slicks for riding on the road. Makes a huge difference when riding on the road. Easy to change around tires once you have done it a few times.

Get the best bike you can afford you won’t like or use the cheap bikes. Lots of used quality bikes for great prices. Mine is an upper end bike that I bought mid 90’s. Still a great bike.

[Kit Carson]

Turner89 gave me a good suggestion while bear hunting last season.
Buy the best used bike you can afford and take it to a bike shop for a "tune up" and make it just a little better for off road and logging roads.

Nothing fancy but nothing too extravagant.

[Bofire]

REI and most bike stores will let you ride a few.
Carl

[Cylvertip]

Make sure the frame fits you.  The general Costco/ Walmart bikes may have a smaller frame, where you can get a larger frame to fit your body size from a more high end bike.  REI has options.  The difference will show up in seat height and angle your will need to lean over for reaching the handle bars.  I used  a Costco bought Mongoose full suspension for years, but realized the ergonomics were pretty bad.  I stepped up a notch to an REI bike with a frame to match my height/ inseam.  The ergonomics are like night and day. It was 4 times the cost but a far more comfortable ride.   

[scotsman]

I seriously agree that you will find a great bike by looking at CL used bikes, by owner. Bikes just a few years old depreciate in price dramatically but have she same geometry and materials as current bikes. And look especially for bikes that have already been modified by knowledgeable owners. Lookmformdisc brakes, large tube diameter, at least 24 speed gearing. Front susoension is mandatory but rear suspension causes problems pedaling uphill - that means you want a ‘hardtail’. Here are a few I found in a 10 minute search.

[farmin4u_98948]

I seriously agree that you will find a great bike by looking at CL used bikes, by owner. Bikes just a few years old depreciate in price dramatically but have she same geometry and materials as current bikes. And look especially for bikes that have already been modified by knowledgeable owners. Lookmformdisc brakes, large tube diameter, at least 24 speed gearing. Front susoension is mandatory but rear suspension causes problems pedaling uphill - that means you want a ‘hardtail’. Here are a few I found in a 10 minute search.

Thankx for the input

[Special T]

I used to commute from the marrymore park redmond to Magnusson park via mountain bike. I started off with my dirt tires and transitioned to a set a V style street slicks. Massive grip on a turn and very low resistance on a straight run. Quick disconnect wheels made the change a snap. A road bike would have made the commute easier bit I lost a lot a weight doing it the hard way.

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[Calvin Rayborn]

I seriously agree that you will find a great bike by looking at CL used bikes, by owner. Bikes just a few years old depreciate in price dramatically but have she same geometry and materials as current bikes. And look especially for bikes that have already been modified by knowledgeable owners. Lookmformdisc brakes, large tube diameter, at least 24 speed gearing. Front susoension is mandatory but rear suspension causes problems pedaling uphill - that means you want a ‘hardtail’. Here are a few I found in a 10 minute search.

 

[MHWASH]

Went to a couple bike shops this week, and I think I'm ready to purchase next weekend. There are two that I'm considering

A new Trek Marlin 29er with hydrolic disc brakes for $430 with a year of service.

A used Specialized 26er that has been converted to disc brakes for $250.

I guess I'm asking if the 29s are worth the extra $?

[Jason]

I would say having a 29er is nice but I would jump on 26er if the price was right.

[Screaminreelz]

I went fairly cheap on my bike and honestly the ONLY thing i have issues with is braking so a minor upgrade this summer I'm hoping will do the trick. Factory brake pads are not sufficient at stopping when you have wet conditions and carrying a heavy load. OH and make sure you check your tire pressure when you are fully loaded before going into the woods. I carry a hand pump and patch kit just in case!

[syoungs]

I like my trek marlin 29er. the 29" in general is a great thing to have.

The trek uses what they call g2 steering geometry, and it limits your choices in forks if you wish to upgrade. the stock ones are not great, I would say bad actually.

I am going to be putting a solid fork on mine soon, just a little more legwork to find one with that geometry, but not a game changer.