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Last post: Nov 13, 2009 8:08 PM by kharms9 RSS
AlisonSpencer70 Rookie
AlisonSpencer70
1 posts since
Oct 24, 2009
Currently Being Moderated

Oct 24, 2009 5:05 AM

Newbie cheap bike Commuter upgrade recommendations?

I am now about 4 months into my initially half-a$$ed decision to convert from skate/transit to bike/transit commuting in SanDiego (  see http://virtualroadkillsandiego.blogspot.com  )  As I have no ambitions for racing or "serious biking"--whether road or mountain--equipment has been based primarily on convenience. Boyfriend's bike purchase--which in retrospect was a clear dodge at introducing me to bikes after a 20yr bikephobia followed by a skating roadrash facial--was a Diamondback Topanga 16in mountain bike bought "off the rack" at a bigbox sporting goods retailer.  Less than half price on sale and coupon-discounted but yes, I know you get what you pay for.

 

While I appreciate the front suspension of said bike, both due to newbie butt and SD potholes, I knew that even as the Happy Gilmore of bikers I needed to make some changes.  So I switched out the giant knobby off-the rack tires for a lighter, smaller, Kevlar-clad, not-quite-full-slicks set that works great although it makes my wideframe "Babe the Blue Ox" bike look like a transvestite linebacker in stiletto heels.  I also added seatpost-mounted rack and huge pannier bags to save me from the daily backpack-related shoulder injury...back blinky light and front basic headlight to be seen in traffic...highpowered rechargeable headlight to actually see where I'm going in dark trail commute...bike "computer" because I love knowing just how slowly I'm ascending that hill...handlebar-end-mounted mirror because I want a clear view of whoever will be killing me in a gory traffic mishap.

 

I know the current "FrankenBike" will only last me so long, and while I have no interest in going to the pricey racing level I am thinking I may have to go to a "real" road bike within the next 6 months or so. Any suggestions for a very cheap and resistant newbie?

Jacobsdad2 Rookie
Jacobsdad2
2 posts since
Oct 30, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
1. Oct 30, 2009 4:33 PM in response to: AlisonSpencer70
Re: Newbie cheap bike Commuter upgrade recommendations?

Check out Specialized and Cannondale websites. Both of these companies have some really good, durable commuter bikes with upright positioning. These will not only be more comfortable, but lighter then the bike you discribed as having currently. You can find one for way less then $800 that will make a nice replacement. Test ride a few at a good bike shop to find one that fits you comfortably and make sure the shop helps to adjust it to you, not the last person that rode it. One other thing, if you need a helmet or other biking goodies(tubes, gloves, etc...), most GOOD bike shops are willing to cut you a deal at time of purchase. It's cheaper to buy with the bike then beg for a deal later.

As for the backpack syndrome, I have commuted to work for a long period of time with no shoulder problems, you just need a good quality pack with nicely padded straps that don't dig into you.

Hope this helps.

piranha333 Amateur
piranha333
8 posts since
Oct 12, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
2. Nov 13, 2009 8:18 AM in response to: AlisonSpencer70
Re: Newbie cheap bike Commuter upgrade recommendations?

Alison,

 

Sounds like you're more of a Gilmore Girl then a Happy Gilmore. Your description of your biking experience is a caotic as the face plant you mentioned!  It's cool though, I totally get what your saying and thats the point.  Specialized, Cannondale, and Trek are great bikes and nobody can take that away. I suggest you take a look at GIANT bikes. For the price, a buyer will typically get "more bike" from a GIANT then the other brands. This is an example: Giant TCR Advanced is their top of the line carbon fiber road bike and you can get one outfitted with nice stuff for $3500. A Trek Madone (top of the line) with the same components will cost $4500. They both get awesome reviews.

 

Look at Giant, Specialized, Trek and Cannondale - choose from those bikes and you won't be dissapointed. All work great, repairable, upgradeable and have different sizes to match the rider. GOOD LUCK!!!!

kharms9 Rookie
kharms9
2 posts since
Oct 2, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
3. Nov 13, 2009 8:08 PM in response to: AlisonSpencer70
Re: Newbie cheap bike Commuter upgrade recommendations?

Right now there's a ton of commuter or "transition" bikes (i.e. transition between mountain and road bike) and they're perfect for commuting. As you know, and started doing, you want to look for "road" tires of the wider variety, and stay away from knobbies. Tires in the 28-35c size is just right (700x28c up to 700x35c). The wider tires will soak up the bumps better and have less tendency to wonder (i.e. follow cracks in the road). Stay away from aluminim frames, they are stiffer which is great for racing but terrible for commuting. You probably don't need drop down bars, slightly upswept bars will allow you to ride in a more upright position.

 

I bought my wife a Felt for $1000 and it's very good quality.

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