Finally... something I can talk intelligently about!
I agree with Todd. If you can help it, do not buy a Hybrid bike. Hybrid
bikes are built entirely for comfort and price. That sounds great, but
don't get sucked in unless you are looking for something disposable.
Hybrid bikes are like the Honda SUV... its pretty much assumed that you will
never see dirt with it, but you have that, "If I really wanted to go
off-road, I could" feel-good feeling in the back of your mind. Because
these bikes set you more upright, the frame geometry is quite different than
a traditional mountain bike, and is more prone to breakage; not to mention
that the quality is less than satisfactory. Couple this with the crappy
parts usually used to build these, and you have... a disposable bike that is
good for nothing more than cruising your neighborhood.
If you are concerned about ride comfort, follow Todd's instructions below,
and have a bike shop exchange the stem for something a little shorter and
with a steeper angle than what comes stock. You can also get a softer seat.
A good rule of thumb is the $400 rule. If you actually plan to ride the
bike on anything other than asphalt, you need to spend at least $400;
otherwise, you will spend at least that much replacing all the cheap parts
and constantly getting it tuned. As well, A front shock on any bike less
than $400-500 is gonna be worthless. You would be better off buying a nicer
bike without a front shock, and then putting a decent one on later when you
feel you need it.
If you honestly feel that you are gonna ride this bike off-road, and you
will get your money's worth, take my advice and spend at least $700-1000.
You will save money in the long run and have a much nicer riding bike.
// Mike Eynon
// Chief Technology Officer
// OnTh Wireless
// "The Wireless Database Company"
// 1366 Bulb Ave
// Santa Cruz, CA 95062
// stingray@onth.com
// 831.588.2388 (cell)
// 831.621.9402 (voice mail & fax)
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-ba-autox@autox.team.net
> [mailto:owner-ba-autox@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Todd Stiers
> Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2001 12:28 AM
> To: ba-autox@autox.team.net
> Subject: Re: Mountain Biking in Marina?
>
>
> Hi,
>
> Hey, something us non-M3ers can comment about!
>
> I own several bicycles each costing more than my autox car,
> (Hail Darth Rabbit!) but I've never considered a hybrid because
> they are such a compromise in functionality. They are slow on the
> road AND on the trail.
>
> I'd recommend a mountain bike, then consider changing/altering
> tires depending on the terrain you ride. If you like the rough
> and hills, you are set. If you want some go or spend lots
> of time on the road, put on smoothies. If you want some real go
> and/or distance, grab a road bike (it does make a huge difference).
>
> Try Shimano LX (off road), or Shimano 105 (road) or better components
> if you can (especially derailers/shifters).
> Be more concerned about how bike fits your body than the gadgetry,
> materials,
> paint job and even price. An ill-adjusted saddle height, top-tube length
> or annoying saddle can take the fun out biking pretty fast. As a male of
> the species returning to biking after time away, I'd recommend that you
> PLAN
> on trying several saddle types if you can. Padded shorts help too, but
> the
> shape of the saddle and where it lands are more critical than the
> padding.
>
> Don't forget a snell helmet with lots of holes and a visor,
> -Todd
>
> ps: I only know localish Berkeley shops - I'd recommend Missing Link
> on Shattuck and Velo Sport on Martin Luther King. Watch out buying used
> (look for damage/bent/worn frame parts) and potentially hot stuff.
>
> ps2: For the price of a few extra cubic inches, you can own a Ferrari
> (or Hummer) equivalent in the bike world.
>
>
> Smokerbros@aol.com wrote:
> >
> > So, there's a new bike in my future. Not having bought one for
> a long time,
> > or EVER in the case of a hybrid type (I think that's what I
> want...) I have
> > no idea what to consider. It'll be mostly on city streets for daily
> > exercise, some trails if there's another Marina ride or similar in the
> > future, and of course, AAS course rides (obligatory autocross content.)
> >
> > Any ideas? I don't want to spend a whole lot of money, as
> there are many
> > expensive projects to consume cubic dollars on the Firebird...
> >
> > TIA
> > CHD
>
> --
> Todd Stiers
> tas@darthracing.com
> http://www.darthracing.com
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