Education We Like to Ride Bicycles

If only... I might just mod my old me thinks.

 

I wish I wasn't at school for another term as I would do that, but moving away within 6 months will cause me to be far away from the goodies of buying from a local store. I can still go sit on some and get their opinions though.

I keep thinking that buying all the parts separately online will be better for me as I can get the better items from each category. Like building a computer. Is this not the case? Is there a "newegg" site for bike parts, so I can sort by most reviewed, top rated, etc.?

 

Your going beyond my limited experience now but mountain bikes are getting quite complicated mechanically now and I believe the build it your self route will be more expensive. I have seen people on other forums say it's more cost effective to buy a complete bike and sell the components you plan to upgrade.

 

KrazyKid, have a look at this site for advice and reviews http://www.bikeradar.com/

You'd be better off buying a complete bike from scratch unless you already had a vast amount of components. There are sites that allow you to build to certain specs like Ribble www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ but you can't always sit on these and get an idea as they have no customer store.

 

For fast fireroads like that I'd personally seriously consider a 29er (29" wheels), which will feel a little smoother and roll a little faster. I'd also consider saving weight and going rigid with some fat tires to soak up the gravel, but most would be happier on a hardtail probably. Make sure the suspension can be locked out for when it's not needed.

You might also consider dropping a couple of front chainrings (the smallest would certainly never be used on tracks like that, while the middle might not either), which would mean you could drop the front shifter entirely.

Finally, look into tyres carefully. I doubt you want tyres with huge tread, instead ones with a smoother centre to reduce drag in straight lines, but knobbly sides to grip in the corners would be best suited (trust me this makes a big difference on paved roads and relatively smooth tracks like those linked.

There's almost too many makes to mention. But first get yourself out and test ride a few different varieties including the more classic 26" wheel bike and the newer 29ers. Report back and we can help you further. Also a hardtail is perfectly fine for all types of trails, maybe not quite as quick through the really harsh downhill sections, but still perfectly usable. I'd personally always stick to hardtails, but that's just me as they suit my riding style. A full sus wouldn't suit the tracks you'll be riding.

 

Boom! Newest pony is a Specialized Stumpjumper Evo 29er. Try saying that quickly. Behind is a BMC Team Machine.

Cycling is actually taking up too much of my time (and money). In fact it's whats brought me back here. Need to find some space (and cash) for these things so I'm having to get rid of the PC setup as it's taking up valuable real estate.

 

I got a new bike for commuting in London.





That stumpy looks great, would really like to have a go on one of those. I've just ordered a 2013 Trek Fuel EX9, can't wait.

identikit, I know what you mean about it taking too much time and money. When I get the new Fuel I will have seven bikes, really will be time to start selling a few.

 

Nice bike very 60s esque. Just waiting on delivery of a trek remedy 9 myself

 

Wow Jamie, back again! Not seen you round these parts for a while.

Trek EX9 sounds fun - is it the 9.0 or the upgraded mental editions?

 

Im going to pick up a bike when I get down to uni.

It'll probably be one of the Btwin ones from Decathlon.

I'm half and half between a hybrid and the Triban. I've not been on a bike for 10 years so I was thinking maybe get a hybrid and cycle around for a couple of months and then pick up the proper road bike and join Hounslow and District Wheelers .

 

It's the 9.0 which is the aluminium frame with the best components. The models above it all have carbon frames which I'm not into.

Yeah I thought I'd pop in and show off my new bikes, it's pretty much all I care about these days

 

Hopefully should be getting a Carrera Vulcan MTB soon

 

Nice bikes both of you!

 

Yeah, just got rid of a Fuel Ex 7 myself, although nothing on it was stock anymore. I've got 2 more cyclo-cross bikes hibernating in the garage waiting for the new season. Time to bust out some tubular glue next weekend.

 

2012 29ER Sport Mamba? $750 at my local bike shop. I have absolutely no idea if it is the right fit for me or if it is overkill. Reading some reviews said the frame is great but the parts are cheap. Other models the owner suggested to me: 3900 Disc , 8.5 DS... I am confused. Personally I liked the Mamba as I feel it is rugged enough to withstand my abuse. My problems in the past have been routinely breaking pedals and bending back rim.

 

My bike Scott Addict R3 (2010)


edit: Lance Armstrong stripped of all his Tour de France titles and banned for life.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/19369375

 

Have you tried riding a 29er yet to see if you like it? You should definitely do so, because you might not like how it feels. You might also find that companies charge a premium for their 29ers, because they are still a relatively new thing. With your budget, sticking to 26" wheels might make more sense, because you might get more bike for your money, with a better frame and better components. I simply suggested 29ers as something you should look into.

I'm a little out of touch regarding modern components (my bikes hail from the mid nineties with mostly early 2000 components lol), but I see Alivio components in the spec sheet for the Mamba, which have never been that great. Not entirely sure what's available in your price range though, especially in the US?

May I ask how you went about routinely breaking pedals and buckling rims? Are we talking cheapo plastic pedals? And were the rims buckled due to crashes? If so, the bikes your looking at will come with good quality metal pedals which should never break (bearings might wear eventually), and there's not much you can do about buckling wheels in a crash (I buckled mine a while back), other than making sure the spokes don't loosen and taking the bike into a shop if they do.

 

Jesus ****ing christ, now that I finally got a new rear wheel, a working derailleur (and even got a cheap second hand Hd hero), the Boxxxer said "NO!" and stopped working. ****. Just **** it all.

Anyone got ideas for a new hobby? I'm just so fed up with stuff failing all the time.

 

Nice bike Jamie! You bought it like that? What bike is it?

I've been contemplating buying a Schindelhauer Siegfried. I would like a clean looking simple, light, low maintenance bike for getting to the city. I like the single speed on this one (makes a nice sound) and love the belt, no grease! Also the details on these bikes are incredible. Downside? A bit pricey.. more expensive than my Specialized road bike... kind of silly.

 

yes, it's standard. It's a Trek 5th District, pretty cheap and basic bike for bashing around town. It's been great, really enjoying riding it, though the components aren't really of the quality I usually ride. The bars or stem seem to flex when I want to put power down and there is an annoying noise coming from the freehub area that I want to try and get rid of.