**Official Bike Riders Thread**

[Jimi47]

Originally Posted by Gonz

I know this thread seems like it died, but I'd like to get into cycling and don't really know where to begin.
I've been getting pretty big into my health lately (doing Insanity workouts, dieting, taking supplements) and I'd like to add cycling to that list of things.
I, of course, have to start with the purchase of a bike. I see that they can go upwards of thousands of dollars and that's not the kind of money I'm trying to spend. Especially being a first timer at this stuff, however I will spend a couple hundred dollars.

What am I looking for in a bike?
Does anyone have any recommendations for a bike?

Are you planning on road cycling or mountain biking?

Scour the web for reviews on your local bike shops. Pick out a few and see what they have for an entry level. (Ask about previous year models for a decent discount). If your pretty sure you are going to stick with it, you might even step up a level or two, but an entry level bike from a decent shop will server you for several years if need be. Be aware that they don't make much on most bikes, but on the accessories they have a pretty good mark up. You might not be able to swing much of a deal on a bike, but if you buy other items at the same time they should be able to sweeten the deal.

[Gonz]

Originally Posted by Jimi47

Are you planning on road cycling or mountain biking?

Scour the web for reviews on your local bike shops. Pick out a few and see what they have for an entry level. (Ask about previous year models for a decent discount). If your pretty sure you are going to stick with it, you might even step up a level or two, but an entry level bike from a decent shop will server you for several years if need be. Be aware that they don't make much on most bikes, but on the accessories they have a pretty good mark up. You might not be able to swing much of a deal on a bike, but if you buy other items at the same time they should be able to sweeten the deal.

Thanks, going to do this tomorrow hopefully.

[berman1125]

i am hooked on riding

[Dave G]

I'm off for my lunchtime ride right now

[mr.MikeD]

Dusted off the road bike after a long winter. Nice little 40 k ride to start the season. Feels good man.

[mr.MikeD]

Busy thread...
Tour of Alberta starts this week, some big names here, Cadel Evans, Peter Sagan. Just did 115 k on the roads where I thought they might be training but didnt find any pros.

[Jan-Willem]

Ride a bike to work every day on a city bike. Do have a road racing bike that I'm not using enough...

[jackisback24]

I actually went mountain biking this past weekend with the Mrs. in the backwoods of NH. Pretty scenery, fresh air abounds but I'm always waiting for a bear to come running through the woods. Anything goes in the backwoods of NH.

[mr.MikeD]

Watching the pros in person is amazing, the top riders are way fast. Very short prologue today.
http://tourofalberta.ca/site/results/

[mr.MikeD]

Originally Posted by jackisback24

I actually went mountain biking this past weekend with the Mrs. in the backwoods of NH. Pretty scenery, fresh air abounds but I'm always waiting for a bear to come running through the woods. Anything goes in the backwoods of NH.

Nice, mountain biking is awesome.

[HR Pufnstuf]

Just picked up the Giant Roam 3. I'm so stoked to get riding again.

[mr.MikeD]

The fact that I've made half the posts on the last page (2 years ago) of this doesn't bode well, but any cyclists hanging around? Anyone planning any races or granfondos? I put a bunch on kms on the trainer this winter and am shooting for a personal record distance summer. Not sure what that number will be, and will be tough with 6 month old but that's the goal. I've signed up for a 7 days stage mountain bike race in July so definitely need some time in the saddle before then.

[jcc522]

Yup! I finally got a rack for my Jeep. Sooooo much better than removing the front wheel and dropping the saddle to get it inside.

I'm hoping to find some local riders and join for a relay race of some type. What do you ride?

[mr.MikeD]

Nice. Yeah, if the easier the logistics things are, throwing the bike in the truck etc, the more I ride. Finding some people to ride with is key, way more fun in a group.
I've got few years old Specialized Roubaix road bike, all carbon and a Santa Cruz 5010. Those are main ones, have couple of "back ups". The right number of bikes N+1 to max of D-1. N is the number you currently have, D is the number that leads to divorce.

[jcc522]

Originally Posted by mr.MikeD

Nice. Yeah, if the easier the logistics things are, throwing the bike in the truck etc, the more I ride. Finding some people to ride with is key, way more fun in a group.
I've got few years old Specialized Roubaix road bike, all carbon and a Santa Cruz 5010. Those are main ones, have couple of "back ups". The right number of bikes N+1 to max of D-1. N is the number you currently have, D is the number that leads to divorce.

Awesome. I'm on a Specialized Stumpjumper now. I miss riding in Hawaii.

[JRS1386]

I am looking for a good, decently priced road bike. I have been getting back into running, but I am looking to incorporate biking into my exercise repertoire. Also, I can bike to the grocery store or to the Y and other places that are within a mile of my house instead of driving

[snake911]

Hey, other cyclists on Ants! I rode a 200k Brevet this spring and did the Lost and Found Gravel Race last weekend (DNF on the 100 mile course when I dislocated a couple ribs). Awesome to see cyclists on here.
For the person looking for a bike to get started on, visit your local bike shop (or REI) and tell them what your plans are and how much you want to spend. They will get you set up. You want to build a relationship with a local shop/mechanic. You will need them. I'm biased but a Giant or Specialized dealer would be a good bet, solid production bikes with good components for very good prices. If you are just getting into riding, don't get an aggressive carbon race bike. Something with more relaxed geometry will suit you better, and well made steel will treat you very well. A specialized sequoia would be a solid choice for a fitness/transportation bike. You can do well with aluminum but the ride can be a little harsh.
Good luck!

[jcc522]

Bikes are <3