Bike

[DolfanBob]

I need some advice on what kind of bike that I should look into. You guy's have inspired me to check into doing this. I only work six miles one way to my job. I have lost several pounds over the last year by walking and I think that bike riding would do me a even better benefit with cardio and more weight loss.

I really would like to start out not having to spend three hundred plus dollars and find out that this just isnt for me. Having said that. I have been checking out Craigslist and the prices vary greatly. Problem being is there are Mountain bikes, Road course bikes, off road bikes. 15, 12, 10, 8 gear bikes. It is far more complicated than I ever imagined it would be.
Do I need to get the whole bike riding outfit and a backpack for my work clothes, helmet, glasses etc. etc. etc. ?

[carltonplace]

I need some advice on what kind of bike that I should look into. You guy's have inspired me to check into doing this. I only work six miles one way to my job. I have lost several pounds over the last year by walking and I think that bike riding would do me a even better benefit with cardio and more weight loss.

I really would like to start out not having to spend three hundred plus dollars and find out that this just isnt for me. Having said that. I have been checking out Craigslist and the prices vary greatly. Problem being is there are Mountain bikes, Road course bikes, off road bikes. 15, 12, 10, 8 gear bikes. It is far more complicated than I ever imagined it would be.
Do I need to get the whole bike riding outfit and a backpack for my work clothes, helmet, glasses etc. etc. etc. ?

For daily commuter use I recommend a hybrid, which is basically a mountain bike style frame with street tires.
Mountain bike tires are too fat and require extra work to move, street tires promote less friction and less stress.

You might also look into a "townie", but I would recommend against single speed.

For commuting take these things into account:
Comfort: is the seat comfortable, are the handle bars in a comfortable arrangement so they don't make your arms tingle over time?
Versatility: can you commute and also take this bike for a joy ride on the weekends. Can you add baskets or panniers for carrying cargo?
Fun: Is it fun to ride?
Upkeep: Is it easy to maintain?
Pride: Is it a heap, or are you proud to be seen on it?

This one is important: Storage - Keep the bike where you can see it. out of sight is out of mind for a commuter bike...make sure the bike is as accessible as your car so you can easily make the decision to opt to ride over drive.


Modified to add:
I forgot to mention weight...if you have to carry it upstairs or onto a car or bus rack make sure it's easy to carry with one arm.

[Red Arrow]

I really would like to start out not having to spend three hundred plus dollars and find out that this just isnt for me.

Most of the guys here try to stay under $1000.   I haven't heard of anything serious in the $300 range but then I am not looking. 

[Conan71]

I'd written a reply earlier, but my router fritzed and when I tried to re-send it deleted.  I was hoping Carlton would chime in with his two cents since he and Ed W are the two most avid commuters on here.  I think his recommendation is right on for you as far as bike type.

I ride a lot but what works for me might be horribly uncomfortable to you.  Please resist the urge to buy a bike off Craigslist in hopes it will save you money.  If you'd been riding for some time and had a better idea on selection, I'd say "go for it".  You actually have a better chance of ending up not liking biking because you don't know what a proper fit is supposed to feel like and the bike you buy turns out is way out of tune.  Spend a little extra to get a bike you know fits properly.  Otherwise you are now in the same boat as the guy who sold you the bike on CL: you have a bike which does not fit and you are out $100 or $200.

Two people I'd recommend you go see are:

Tom Brown at Tom's Bicycles.  Sure, he's got high end stuff, but also lower end and may get trades occasionally.  I've known him for over 20 years now and he's probably the most conscientious shop owner I've met.  He's usually at the 68th & Peoria store.  You can mention I sent you in.

G. Oscar Herron at G. Oscars: 1623 S. Main St. Tulsa, 582-1711.  I had business downtown at lunch and thought I'd check to see what he's got on hand for you.  He's got a couple of good, lightly used hybrids which might be perfect for you.  When I think of good used bikes, G. Oscar's comes to mind.  He can be a little aloof, don't let that put you off.

As far as bike clothing: get a comfortable seat and you won't need padded bike shorts.  I am an advocate of wearing a helmet on the bicycle.  Curb strikes on the noggin are a beotch.  Main thing is, find wear what breathes well when it's warm out and something that will keep your pant leg out of the chain when it's cooler weather.  Fortunately, we've got a shower here at work, so I can actually get in a full-on work out prior to work and clean up before I get to my desk.

You are also welcome to send me a PM if you have more questions.

[heironymouspasparagus]

As far as bike clothing: get a comfortable seat and you won't need padded bike shorts.  I am an advocate of wearing a helmet on the bicycle.  Curb strikes on the noggin are a beotch.  Main thing is, find wear what breathes well when it's warm out and something that will keep your pant leg out of the chain when it's cooler weather.  Fortunately, we've got a shower here at work, so I can actually get in a full-on work out prior to work and clean up before I get to my desk.

I want to work where you work!  I tried to get a couple of previous employers to put in a shower - to the point of paying for and installing it myself!  That is GOLD!

[rdj]

Find the absolute best saddle you can afford and then spend a little more. 

[Conan71]

We even have a full apartment with a working kitchen, a jacuzzi tub, & bedroom. The kitchen is nice, easy to have hot lunch when you don't feel like going out.

[nathanm]

I suggest visiting Tom's and trying a few out. I got a Giant hybrid from him for around $450 a few years back. (he was kind enough to build it that day, even!) It served me very well when I was using it on a daily basis and still serves me well now that I ride it much less often than that. IMO, you want something with street tires, you want something light, and you want something with gears if your route involves hills.

[heironymouspasparagus]

That's sweet!  We have a restaurant with a decent selection at pretty good prices (less than going out), but would rather have the smaller kitchen type thing.  Just can't do it with this many people.

[DolfanBob]

Awesome ! I knew you guy's would come through. Thanks.

[nathanm]

We even have a full apartment with a working kitchen, a jacuzzi tub, & bedroom. The kitchen is nice, easy to have hot lunch when you don't feel like going out.

It's probably for the best none of my clients have actual bedrooms at their office; they'd probably have caught me napping too many times to count by now. The showers are still nice for those days that turn into two, though. Luckily there's less of that these days.

[Conan71]

Dolfan, probably not your ideal starter bike:

http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/nor/2896467643.html

[Teatownclown]

lickshaws....

[DolfanBob]

Dolfan, probably not your ideal starter bike:

http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/nor/2896467643.html

Dude your a nut. Only you could find a bike to make me laugh.

[Ed W]

As noted, a bike has to fit right, otherwise you won't ride it for long.  Would you buy a pair of shoes just because the price was right? (The question only applies to the men in the group!)

Try some of the shops and ask for fit advice and whether they have any used bikes available.

I'll write more later....gotta do chauffeur duty for SWMBO and her understudy.