Author Topic: Bicycles  (Read 440 times)

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Mac

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Bicycles
« on: September 10, 2016, 08:37:06 am »
Call on my PennyCan-onites

Getting a bike is becoming a new priority for me. I use to be a bike riding mofo, but haven't for 30 years or so (except our leisure bike ride in Florida this past May).

So I went to Dicks and REI and couple local bike shops. They are soooooo different today. Well, a bike is a bike, but it has evolved.

A co-worker just so happened to clue me into Boeing Discounts. Currently they have 40% discount on Diamondbacks. So I'm doing due diligence and finding out everything I can about bikes today and in particular Diamondbacks. All roads seem to point to the dual (road/city) bike. Diamondback has the Trace line and I'm liking the Trace Sport. So with the discount, I can get it delivered for about $390.

Huge problem. It just went out of stock. Expected inventory will be Dec 12, 2016. Apparently it was a big hit and now is the time to buy bikes? Knowing myself, a little bit, getting this bike in the middle of winter, probably will be buzzkill.

I was wondering if any of you folks have wisdom as to what you heard is good. Maybe I should focus my attention on another brand and model?

My intention is to ride along the roads and paths (never off road). I want to be comfortable. I want it to be light. It's really that simple. Oh, and I don't want to pay a lot for it.

The goober I talked to at Diamondback suggested I look at the next model up... Haanjo (holy crap... at Lamborghini prices)

2016 Trace Sport

« Last Edit: September 10, 2016, 08:39:16 am by Mac »
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Mac

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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #1 on: September 10, 2016, 08:45:46 am »
And...

Seriously, I'm loving the cross bar re-design. At least being lowered.

So what is the difference between men and women's bikes today? I see the Calico line (womens) and the HaanJenn Metro (Combining female-specific touchpoints and our Endurance Geometry, the aluminum frame and steel fork absorb road vibrations while you ride in a comfortable, upright position. Flat bars and ergonomic grips add familiar controls and confidence.)

Would I look like a fool purchasing one. I honestly am not noticing a difference. Paint scheme? Tires?

HaanJenn Metro




Calico Sport

« Last Edit: September 10, 2016, 08:49:04 am by Mac »
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Chiprocks1

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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2016, 10:39:49 am »
I love bikes. Ride them all the time and this thread is perfect timing as I'm currently shopping around for a couple of replacements for myself. Personally, instead of getting an all purpose bike, I'm actually looking to get a Beach Cruiser for the beach and casual rides around town and I'm also looking to replace my Mountain Bike as the frame is  c r a c k e d  and will cost as much as a new bike. We have a ton of bike shops within walking distance, each offering up something different from the next. Since this is going to be pricey for the two bikes, I too go above and beyond to make sure I've done my homework before dropping any cash on them. FYI, those bikes you are looking at are great. There really isn't much difference between Men and Woman's bikes other than size, i.e. bigger frames. And when it comes to Beach Cruisers, they have tell tale signs that let you know which is a Man's bike and which is a Woman's Bike.
« Last Edit: September 10, 2016, 10:42:46 am by Chiprocks1 »
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Mac

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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2016, 04:03:32 pm »
Awesome Chip, tell me more. What are the tell tale signs?

I went to Dicks agAin this afternoon to check out the Wildwood Comfort bike. I think it's is more in line with your Beach Cruiser?

I really don't need a sport bike. Something that can handle hills.

What extras should I consider? LED front and back safety lights? Bike bag?
« Last Edit: September 10, 2016, 04:05:16 pm by Mac »
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Chiprocks1

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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2016, 07:07:06 pm »
When it comes to Beach Cruisers, look at the top bar of the frame (referring to the bar that runs from the seat to the handlebars). On Men's bikes, it's straight or slightly curved upward, on Women's Bikes, there is a dramatic slope where the bar slopes toward the pedals and then back up to the handlebars. This design is to accommodate dresses and skits. As for the other stuff, it depends on when you plan on using your bike. If it's going to be just in the daytime, I'd skip on the LEDs. If you plan on riding to the store (with shopping in mind), I'd look into getting a basket. Carrying that sh*t while riding a bike is a pain in the ass. Most important of them all, invest in a U Lock and / or one of this big bulky cable locks. Don't skimp and get the thinnest one because it's the cheapest. The fatter the better. I learned the hard way and had someone cut right through one and stole my bike. The good ones will cost around $30-40. Avoid the ones in the $15-20 range. They suck.
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Mac

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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #5 on: September 10, 2016, 09:01:35 pm »
I completely forgot about a lock. Great idea.

Thanks for the other info.
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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2016, 10:00:05 am »
The bike I rode in Florida, was a simple 1 speed fat tire, frame and seat. Is that a beach cruiser?
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Chiprocks1

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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #7 on: September 11, 2016, 02:00:52 pm »
The way you describe it is how I would describe a Cruiser. It's a plane frame, big tires, no frills. Most Cruisers tires also come in in different wash colors on the side of said tires. Most common would be white, but Red and Green are also popular as well.
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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #8 on: September 11, 2016, 04:17:44 pm »
Well, there was a ton of places with a ton of bikes in every conceivable Florida color of tires and bikes.

Like I said, I'm leaning more towards that comfort bike, but I still need the gears. Very hilly in these parts.
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Chiprocks1

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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #9 on: September 11, 2016, 06:01:00 pm »
They have Cruisers that come with multiple gears to tackle said hills. These are more niche than any other. So, you will have to ask if they have one already assembled or if they can modify an existing Cruiser for ya.
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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #10 on: September 11, 2016, 06:40:13 pm »
Good advice. Thanks.
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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #11 on: September 12, 2016, 07:19:36 pm »
Incredibly busy at work. Summer cold currently... And pissing me off.

But at night I'm reading like a mofo about beach cruisers. Man I'm loving what I'm seeing.
I really need to get on one with multiple speeds... Because of our hills. But the weight of the bike has me a little concerned. For going up hills. For storing in the garage, and for throwing it in the back of the SUV on occasion.

I'm just digging the retro look. The classic styling. The comfort.

Once I start to feel better, I need to go visit some local shops. So what they have. Or as Chip suggested, work one that suits me.
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Chiprocks1

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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #12 on: September 12, 2016, 07:54:35 pm »
Another thing to keep in mind, tell them you have your eye set on a certain bike at another shop. They will meet your price most likely to get the sale.
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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #13 on: September 13, 2016, 12:06:11 pm »
8 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Fat Tire Bike


I'm looking into getting a Fat Tire Bike. The downside is that they are usually $100-300 more than a basic, regular tire bike.
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Re: Bicycles
« Reply #14 on: September 13, 2016, 04:25:08 pm »
I read through that article with great interest. Saying damn you Chip... For introducing yet another option I didn't know about.

I think it has a couple of things going against this route. As one of the commenters said, a low inflated tire is so much harder to ride. One speed is definitely out for me.

I'll still check em out. Give it a go and explore the option. Ya never know.
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