The all about Bicycling thread

Go to a bike shop!

They will be able to answer all these questions and more, plus you'll likely be able to test out some models and select whichever one is most comfortable for you. Hybrids and flat bar road bikes, both of which make good commuting bikes, will generally run in the $400-$700 range. An entry level road bike generally goes for between $700 and $1,000.

I know I've mentioned this before, but buying a bike from a reputable shop ensures that the bike will be put together safely and correctly by qualified bike mechanics, which is—or at least should be—a no brainer. Additionally, many shops have maintenance agreements for bicycles they sell, where you can bring them back for discounted upkeep for the duration of your ownership of the bicycle.

 

Martian you are probably going to have to deal with a bike shop.
There are great deals to be had on used bicycles but that only works out when you have a good feel for what you want, and already know your size and fit and some basic bicycle mechanics.
If you have a cyclist friend who could help you with fit parameters and help check mechanical soundness then yes you can get a great deal on a used bike. Bikes, especially high end ones, lose value rapidly. They are worse than cars.
But if you don't have a friend who knows bikes, and can go do the looking with you for used ones, then find a good shop. Toronto has many.

 

My next bike will be a recumbent trike as well. I haven't found one the checks all of my boxes yet. But, I like the seating position a lot better. And my neck/shoulders are having problems with all the miles I put on my mountain bike and tri bike. The big issue is riding in traffic. I need one where my head is at least 40 inches off the ground. The center of gravity is quite high then, and taking curves at speed can be a problem. But, being too wide and too low are deal breakers for me. And even then, pot holes and big rocks in the road that I can easily avoid with my current bike become an issue with three tires all tracking different paths.

 

@Martian, the type of bike you buy is all about what you are going to use it for. If you are only going to use it for commuting (ie no trails or long road rides at high speed) I'd get either a comfortable hybrid or a commuter. As you will be mostly riding city roads, I would suggest something with a straight handle bar as it gives you more control and keeps you more upright (good for keeping an eye on things). If you go the route of a straight bar, get some bar ends. You will thank me.

That said, buy the lightest bike you can afford. You might think that steel frame bike looks great, so what's a few extra pounds? But if you have some hills to ride you are going to be wishing it was lighter. Before too long, you will find yourself buying a lighter bike.

As for sizing, there are a number of charts and things online that will tell you what size frame you should get... it's all based on a combination of height, inseam and type of bike.

While I would suggest getting clip-less pedals, I know they are not for everyone. At the very least get some simple toe clips. Flat pedals alone are only good for pushing down. With clips, you get to pull up... makes for easier hills and more efficient riding.

 

I feel like cycling season is finally off the ground for me here.
Cold damp spring and then a sinus infection made for a late start.
My last 3 days have had some really nice rides.
Saturday I rode for over 3 hours, figure 50+ miles, all hills and valleys. Nothing flat.
At that point I realized I'm actually in shape despite the late start.
Sunday went to mom's.
Monday rode my dirt road/cyclocross bike for 2 hours, almost exclusively on dirt roads. Also lots of climbing and descending.
Today took a nice relaxed recovery loop around a local lake, about 25 miles.
Feeling really good now and ready for a great cycling season.

Who else has been out?

 

We don't really have seasons here, so I never stopped going out.

Two weeks ago, I was on a stag weekend that started with a day of cycling in the jungle. The morning was a lot of climbs and some berm heavy downhill runs. Exhausting. The afternoon was the best. We rode for an hour or so on these really flow-y trails that I almost never see in the jungle. It was a great day of riding.

If the rain holds off today, I am going to ride some of my local trails this evening, before it gets too dark.

 

Thanks for this. DaddySquirrel is researching all this and he's looking at a handlebar seat for BabySquirrel when she's 1. He bought one for his brother and I wondered what it would be like to use.

This is the one he bought his brother and will probably buy for BabySquirrel:


It looks awkward to me.

 

The single best thing we got for our kids when they were infants/toddlers was a Burley trailer.
We used it mainly as a stroller; my wife loves to walk and was able to take the kids with her.
You can also attach it to your bicycle for a stable, safe platform for your baby.
And most recently I have added the X/C ski attachment. That got quite a lot of use the last 2 winters.
I thought I was in shape from plain old X/C skiing. You should try it with 40 pounds of kid and Burley strapped to you!


'

 

This looks like it might be a good solution:



I used one that was attached to the back of my bike for my son, but I was never happy with it. The centre of gravity was off. I had one that straddled the crossbar for my daughter and it was much better.

I agree that the trailers are probably best, but I never felt safe using one. Too many idiots driving cars.

 

Rode our bikes up the old train line to the causeway. Lunch in Malaysia and back.

It was a great ride and it poured rain on us just enough to cool us off.

 

Lunch in Malaysia sounds pretty cool!

 

Beef noodles and an ice cold beer.

 

Up early for a ride in the Nature Reserve. Ride cancelled because it's pissing with rain.

#sadtrombone

 

Keep it classy.

 

Wow what the F is up with that?