Bicycles!

[nycsteve]

I could get an '11 giant roam 1 for $500 brand new. Or the Trek 8.3DS for about $550.

So I guess it comes down to these 2 bikes: '11 Giant Roam 1 ($500) vs '13 Trek 8.3DS and the shops that they are purchased from.

Pros:

Giant Roam 1: Great deal, has "lockout" feature. Shop offers: All new bicycle purchases come with three years of Metro Maintenance, free of charge! They also have about 5 shops across the city.

Trek 8.3DS: THE SHOP is awesome and very helpful. Has 2 locations only. Includes:

1) Free brake and gear adjustments for the life of your bike. *

2) Free ticket to a ride with US Bicycle Shows, when you spend $700 or more on a new bicycle.

3) Free membership to 5 Boro Bike Club, with purchase.

4) A 10% discount on all accessories at time of purchase.

5) Guaranteed satisfaction. If you don't like what you bought, just bring it back within 30 days and we'll return or exchange it. Bikes, clothing, gear - we want you to love your cycling experience.

* includes basic adjustments for standard wear. as cables stretch with age, we usually advise bringing your bike by for adjustments at least once per year. does not include work and replacement parts.

What do you guys think?

Also: That bike looks awesome @Apex Wish you were closer or something, how much are you letting it go for?

[Apex]

I'm asking $400. The HRS has a little flex, as all bikes do. However, apparently I can dish out some torque, and when I lay into the pedals, the bike flexes so much that it changes gears on me. If I ride a bit more laid back, zero issues. It only appears when I really mash the pedals...which happens a lot. lol

[nycsteve]

Great price! Wish I was closer to ya.

I just purchased the 2013 roam 2. just about same features as the 11' roam 1 I believe, maybe a few different components. Frame size is slightly larger at 17". Can't wait to pic it up! Might be able to today

There is also a great deal on this trek 3700 on CL:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/bik/3993519302.html

I think I might get it as well

I can strickly have that one as a trail beater (While I learn) and the roam 2 for when I'm more comfortable and for longer rides. Plus I need something to mess with/disassemble lol

IDK, but this is very addictive!

Edit:

Forgot to mention that my friend also gave me that MTB. Garbage but free! It's a Mongoose xr75. I guess I can use that bike to "pay it forward" sometime in the near future!

I road it home from near my jobs location. I think it will take roughly an hour to get home, a little more at first. I guess I'll have to improve my travel time rather quickly!

[Apex]

Over time, your travel time will improve on its own, without you even knowing it.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

I've got a 2006 reba world cup(full carbon brace and steering crown) disk brake only I think 100mm of travel and was setup to remote lockout both front and rear with one lever. It's got the old standard 1-1/8 steering tube if your interested.

you got my attention. I'll PM you or fbook you if that's easier soon for some more info on it.

EDIT: I fbooked you. Much easier. You know how much I message.

[choneofakind]

WOOOOOOOOOO!!! She finally came home with me, and she's beautiful!! Gonna go rip up my favorite MTB trail because I can't MTB much at school, then likely going to suit up again and get out on the roads with this pretty girl.




I wasn't sold on the paint scheme online, but she's way better looking in person.

Came with 700x25 Giant P-R3 tires that seem to be really 'narrow' 25's. I've read these aren't bad, but I want to molest my 700x23 Gatorskins on there instead because I ride a lot of tar n' chip roads. The 'skins are 'wide' 23's, so it should all be okay. I think.

[nycsteve]

Looks awesome! Goes good with the car too

[Apex]

That is a nice looking ride!

[choneofakind]

Just got back from a ride.


Worth. every. penny.


Steve, that's my new-to-me bicycle transporter you're seeing behind my bicycle. The most exciting feature is the bike rack I was excited for that, I think I'm more excited for my new bike.

[nycsteve]

So the Roam purchase was a bust. Still have no bike

Idk what I should get anymore. I still have a chance with that 8.3DS for $550. But I also think I should just get a used bike with winter coming along... but don't know what or how to check a used bike, plus i wont get any warranty or guaranteeds or service with one.



Chris, that's how you know you're a 2-wheeled lover!

[choneofakind]

The 8.3 ds looks like a solid option to me. Just depends if you like how it feels.

What happened to your roam deal if you don't mind me asking?

[nycsteve]

The roam was supposed to be a "hookup" throigh my friends pops, who happens to work at a bike shop. Well, we had some "miscommunication" and he built up a roam 2, from 2012. I told him thats not what i wanted or asked for.

The 8.3ds is solid. Love it. Just think I need something slightly smaller, but i could be wrong. A qyick test ride with the roam 2 in small felt decent. I think the 17.5" frame of the 8.3 is going to be the closest for me. I'll have them do thw fitting and whatnot. I do have a month to return it, so I think I'll make the purchase. That means I get to bring her home today, but I go on vacation next week...

[Apex]

Personally, I tend to like a bike on the smaller side, regardless of what bike shops tell me. I found this out riding mountain bikes. I could go up to a 21....but the 19 just feels right to me.

[nycsteve]

I thought I would too, but I felt too cramped on the 15.5. The Roam 2 is sorta in between the 15.5-17, but felt...... weird. The 17.5 felt pretty darn good, although I'm not sure I'm too comfortable trying to touch the floor with the balls of my feet while on the saddle.

Nonetheless, I'm very excited to be picking up my bike later! I think I'm going to have them install a rear rack too.

Where do you guys get your gear from online? Gotta start getting it commuter ready and so I'm just going use some bungee cords with the rack for now. I need gloves very soon too.

Will update you folks after pickup.

Pics to come either tonight or tomorrow after a nice morning ride.

[choneofakind]

I'm with mark. I'm on the tall side of the intended range for my MTB but i like it because I have more clearance for important parts if I have to hop off without warning. it's also easier to whip around.

Some stuff I get from nashbar.com. But if I'm in town and in the bike shop anyway, I'd much rather spend a few dollars more (within reason) and buy stuff from them. Like my speedometer on my new bike. I could have saved some money and bought it online and installed it myself, but this way, I picked up the bike and it already had a speedo attached and set up for me. I got what I wanted and they got a little more business. Win win

[nycsteve]

Cool, thanks. The 8.3DS is freakin awesome! Loved the ride home, practically effortless! Was a blast, more feedback tomorrow.

[choneofakind]

I feel so accomplished. And to think I did this wearing nothing but spandex and a block of foam with a bunch of holes in it.



If any of y'all are looking for a really great aluminum frame roadie, definitely give the Defy a look. It was well worth my money and is very comfortable without sacrificing performance like snappy turns, responsive during climbing, and vibration damping. The spec sheet is impressive for the price. I'm already very happy with my purchase and I've only ridden the thing for 50 miles. Still having to get used to the idea that it's mine for good!!

[Apex]

Oh, and my online places include: xxxx(.com)
Amazon
Pricepoint
Nashbar
JensonUSA
Universalcycles
Performancebike
REI
Sunandski

And also the good LBS. There are two very close to me now, and one a bit further away.

[nycsteve]

Wow! Really nice 20-25mi ride this morning

Had the Topeak Rack installed on purchase! I had a messenger bag on me, while I strapped the small water bottle bag to test out the bungee cords + rack. Didn't notice it at all. Now I have to start adding more weight and a larger bag to see the difference. Also purchased a helmet (wish they would've thrown one in for free), but I can't complain since all items at time of purchase received a 10% discount

My test run for commuting to work turned out decent, although a better test would have been to do this on a weekday in rush hour traffic. HRM recorded exactly 1hr with about 400cal burned! My return trip was slightly 10 minutes longer, but the route was longer as well.

My injuries couldn't hold me back from exercising forever.!

I will continue to support my LBS, just wanted to see where I can shop online for those things they don't have, or items they won't budge on price. Some items are just too expensive to pay full price on

Thanks to all of you on this thread for all the help, especially (in no particular order): @choneofakind @Apex @rojoracing53 @massacremasses @Oahull

[choneofakind]

Great pictures!! Looks great.

Isn't it a great feeling when you get a new bike?!?!

[Oahull]

Way to go! Lookin good!!

[Apex]

Like it! I'm going to start converting my roadie over to a commuter (removing the rack, lights, etc. from the MTB). Once that happens, the HRS is officially going on the market (posting all over the place to sell).

It is a Topeak rack for disc brakes, but who cares. As long as it holds stuff. I also got an Ortileb pannier, and a collapsible bag that is like a grocery bag. Figured that would be great for shoes for when I ride to church.

[massacremasses]

looks good!

[rojoracing53]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

I feel so accomplished. And to think I did this wearing nothing but spandex and a block of foam with a bunch of holes in it.



If any of y'all are looking for a really great aluminum frame roadie, definitely give the Defy a look. It was well worth my money and is very comfortable without sacrificing performance like snappy turns, responsive during climbing, and vibration damping. The spec sheet is impressive for the price. I'm already very happy with my purchase and I've only ridden the thing for 50 miles. Still having to get used to the idea that it's mine for good!!

Nice

upper 50's are no joke and take a steep hill with a good tailwind. Did you already calibrate you odo via gps?

[choneofakind]

Nah, I just set the speedo to the right distance for a 700x23 tire. Then I measured it on my own. Since they matched up, I didnt worry about GPS'ing it.

And yeah, big down hill and lots of pedaling.

[BRad704]

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

She'll looks something like this


I'll post pics of the build in a few weeks when it'd done

I rode a buddy's rigid SS Niner almost identical to that pic. Coming off of an hour on my hard tail 26", that was WEIRD. I felt like I was 7' up in the air.

[Apex]

Thinking about getting a cheap computer for the roadie. I have a Polar computer (fork mounted sensor), just can't remember where the mount is. Ugh. I don't want to spend cash on a new computer.

I have my Garmin Edge 500, but it is kind of a pain to use when I am just running errands.

[Apex]

Originally Posted by BRad704

I rode a buddy's rigid SS Niner almost identical to that pic. Coming off of an hour on my hard tail 26", that was WEIRD. I felt like I was 7' up in the air.

Wow...I'd pimp that ride!!

[nycsteve]

Originally Posted by Apex

Like it! I'm going to start converting my roadie over to a commuter (removing the rack, lights, etc. from the MTB). Once that happens, the HRS is officially going on the market (posting all over the place to sell).

It is a Topeak rack for disc brakes, but who cares. As long as it holds stuff. I also got an Ortileb pannier, and a collapsible bag that is like a grocery bag. Figured that would be great for shoes for when I ride to church.

Awesome. I just ordered some slightly padded short liners and the Ortlieb Panniers (Back Roller Classic in red)from amazon (slightly cheaper, plus LBS will take over a week to get them ) and I have the Topeak Rack already installed! Keep my locks at the rack at work until I start school Thursday, which the pannier should already be in so that will make it that much easier to travel with. Need some uneasy to pick locking skewers for tires and seat (although this hard ass saddle will do more damage to the thief lol). Now I'm looking at lights and a bell... yes a bell

Commuting today was pretty fun, and I went out my way and stopped at the LBS for these items. Corrected the pressure on my tires too. Cycling is fun and the added cardio is awesome. Can't wait to fully recover so that I can exercise and ride more.

P.S. I soooooo want to go camping using the bike!

[Apex]

Camping via bike....man that would be awesome! Expensive, but awesome. Essentially you are an ultra-light backpacker when you go via bike.

I don't see why many bash the bell. It is much easier than constantly say/yelling "on your left" while on the bike trails. I need one for the Trek 1.5...since that just became the commuter. The other bells I have are for risers, not drops.

[nycsteve]

Sometimes I have to say something a little more expletive laden to some folks

I also need tools and such. I started looking for a pack that has most of the tools I need but I can't seem to find it. I guess I just have to assemble a pack one tool/piece at a time? I'll need tubes, tools (?) patch kit and I guess a small portable pump. I'll have to take a look at the one you mentioned earlier.

[Apex]

http://www.parktool.com/

All your tool needs in one place.


I always keep this on me when I ride:
http://www.parktool.com/product/rescue-tool-mtb-3

[rojoracing53]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Nah, I just set the speedo to the right distance for a 700x23 tire. Then I measured it on my own. Since they matched up, I didnt worry about GPS'ing it.

And yeah, big down hill and lots of pedaling.

after 42mph pedaling doesn't do anything

[rojoracing53]

Originally Posted by Apex

Thinking about getting a cheap computer for the roadie. I have a Polar computer (fork mounted sensor), just can't remember where the mount is. Ugh. I don't want to spend cash on a new computer.

I have my Garmin Edge 500, but it is kind of a pain to use when I am just running errands.

Cateye in post #670 or similar are good little computers. I think they have one for like $20-25 with a wire or like $35 for wireless. I stopped using my wireless bike computers when I started riding a night because my super powered headlight blocks the wireless signal. Now I just use a garmin forrunner GPS watch for every sport.

[Apex]

A cateye computer that I have on my cargo bike was having issues. I had to move it from the stem to the top tube. Now the signal is strong. If it has issues again, I know the battery is going dead.

[kmanlyst]

I ride a GT Sensor 4.0, not many places here in Columbus to really use the bike for its intended purpose but it is helping me get back in shape.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by kmanlyst

not many places here in Columbus to really use the bike for its intended purpose

You sir, need to check out the Cleveland Area Mountain Biking Association page.
http://camba.us/wp/

There's a few places within a reasonable drive of you.

[kmanlyst]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

You sir, need to check out the Cleveland Area Mountain Biking Association page.
http://camba.us/wp/

There's a few places within a reasonable drive of you.

Thanks!

[rojoracing53]

Currently right in the middle of building my new single speed and I'm not sleeping till its done.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

Currently right in the middle of building my new single speed and I'm not sleeping till its done.

If you need a break, snap some pics of that Reba for me and measure the stem