October 11th, 2010, 12:07 AM | #1 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Justin
Location: Mobile, AL/Memphis, TN
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R/'10 ZX6R/'02 YZ125/'06 DRZ125L/'05 Blaster Posts: 346
|
Bicycles for city riding?
I know we've got quite a few bicycle enthusiasts here, so let me explain my situation. If you don't feel like reading much, there's a short version with no explanation at the end.
I temporarily moved to Memphis, TN a few weeks (or is it months?) ago. All of my bikes are still in Alabama and there's no way to get them here without spending a ridiculous amount of money, not that I'd want to: the drivers in Memphis ALL seem to be clueless idiots and half the people have the seat bent so far back they can't see the road. No one seems to stop at intersections, it's extremely crowded and I don't drive. I can't run anymore because I tore my meniscus in July in an off-roading accident. Most of the time I have to walk with a cane. If I try to run, or even jog, my knee will give out painfully after a few seconds and I fall. This means I have two options: walk or get a bicycle. Of course, I could also bum rides from people, but who likes doing that? I currently live in an area where everything is nearby, so I don't need, I don't want and I don't trust myself with a car. My experience with bicycles is limited to riding around with friends as a kid ramping our Huffy bicycles and going trail riding. I've got money, but I don't want to spend it on a bike that isn't a good value (for instance, a $2000 racing bike). Certainly I could search around on the internet, but I'd rather ask people I know have experience in these matters on a forum that I know is active first. Cliffs: I want a bicycle that is good for sidewalk riding, is speedy, doesn't make me feel like my legs are on fire after 2 miles, and maybe somewhere around $200. Yeah, I'm cheap. |
|
October 11th, 2010, 03:48 AM | #2 |
ninjette.org member
Name: chris
Location: picayune,ms
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 93 kawi gpz500 Posts: 242
|
justin, i would just suggest hitting up walmart and checking out some mountain bikes.
hell had both of my trucks not broken down i would have been glad to help you get your bike(s) up there to ya! usually if you get into a mid-range gear on a mountain bike you shouldn't have to put in much effort. although i can't see you being able to pedal for long if 2-3 seconds of running makes you hit the ground. how about investing in a go-ped? that would be something to think about |
|
October 11th, 2010, 05:13 AM | #3 |
Ninja chick
Name: Allyson
Location: Athens, GA
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 4
MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15
|
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...explorer1.html
I just sold my used one for $150. New they run around $350. This bike is called the Cadallac of bikes b/c it's known for comfort. It's an easy, smooth ride, but being a hybrid, it can take a little beating if you ever go off road too. Check craigslist and see if you can find a used one.
__________________________________________________
Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson |
|
October 11th, 2010, 05:41 AM | #4 |
Livin' the Minimoto Life
Name: Mark
Location: Riding around in TX
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.
|
Bikesdirect.com (cheapest is around $250-300)
Also if there is an Academy near by you can find a cheapo Schwinn road bike for right around $200. May have an equivalent at Dick's or Sports Authority. Cheap mountain bikes (MTB) have some suspension, but I am not sure how good they are. Not to mention you have to work a lot harder on a mountain bike than a road bike on cement. I'd suggest going with the road bike route. Anything with a 700c tire will be much easier to pedal and maintain speed than a mountain bike tire. Then again, MTB's are more comfortable over bumps due to the added tire and the front suspension that many have.
__________________________________________________
--- My IG Page --- My FB page! --- 2022 Honda Navi && 2018 Z-125 Pro |
|
October 11th, 2010, 07:03 AM | #5 | |||||||
ninjette.org guru
Name: Justin
Location: Mobile, AL/Memphis, TN
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R/'10 ZX6R/'02 YZ125/'06 DRZ125L/'05 Blaster Posts: 346
|
Quote:
Quote:
I'll try to explain what happens. Say you're changing direction, you need to twist your leg to do this. If I'm running, I land a lot harder than when I'm walking. The added force is too much for my knee, so I fall. I can't prevent it, I can't see it coming. My knee bends sideways, I collapse and can't walk due to pain rivalling a Charley horse for a few minutes. Quote:
Quote:
Checking that out now, thanks a lot. Quote:
Quote:
Though, as I'll won't be doing any off-roading or stunting, the only bumps I'll regularly encounter are jumping onto sidewalks. Quote:
This will be my primary method of transportation until I move again (sometime between next week and 2012), so having one that's efficient is very important. Thanks for the help, everyone. Input is still appreciated, as my decision isn't made up, though it certainly looks like I may have to spend more than I hoped. |
|||||||
|
October 11th, 2010, 07:14 AM | #6 |
ninjette.org member
Name: chris
Location: picayune,ms
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 93 kawi gpz500 Posts: 242
|
well lets just say, i was born with bad knee's i myself can't run for more than 15-20 seconds without my knees feeling like they are about to snap.
i think back in 02-03 i bought me a mongoose MTB it was bright orange.. i loved that bike! sadly it only lasted about a year due to excessive use and hard use at that.. i road trails, city streets levee's and even did some bmx dirt courses. i ended up snapping the forks in half due to all the wheelies i did i guess lol. boy did that crash hurt but never the less it was a very comfy ride on all surfaces and conditions. always kept it in 3rd gear seemed like the easiest softest pedaling gear. very similar to this one: |
|
October 11th, 2010, 07:17 AM | #7 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Justin
Location: Mobile, AL/Memphis, TN
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R/'10 ZX6R/'02 YZ125/'06 DRZ125L/'05 Blaster Posts: 346
|
Quote:
Last futzed with by Flow; October 12th, 2010 at 10:17 AM. |
|
|
October 11th, 2010, 09:20 AM | #8 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
Let me preface this by stating that I own a Bike Shop. I am in full agreement with most of what was posted. A Hybrid or Comfort Bike would be my recommendation. A Comfort Bike is a Hybrid with front suspension. Both have 700 wheels. You will not find one in Wal-Mart. Mart bikes are not Mountain Bikes. They are cheap, heavy, Chineese bikes with really low end components. For all practical purposes, they are a disposable bike. Few shops will work on them. (I do, but it is charity work. Our migrant Blueberry rakers use Mart bikes for transportation). The Schwinn you see at the Mart is not the same as the one you see in a bicycle shop. What I recommend is that you visit some bike shops and comparison shop. I recommend Cannondale, Marin, Breezer, Schwinn World, Specialized, Giant, Trek, and GT. These are your most popular Hybrid/Comfort bikes. Most bike shops give you a year's free tuning--a good thing, because your cables will stretch some in the first month requiring a readjustment of your shifters. Hope you find this helpful.
__________________________________________________
Ninjette, Sold. New Bike: 2010 Honda NT-700V/VA, 73 Honda 550, 74 Honda 550 |
|
October 11th, 2010, 08:20 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Mark
Location: Portland
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): Cheap Italian Suit. Otherwise known as Dew Kitty Posts: A lot.
|
I'm biased...
...I have a road racing bike. I love it, and haven't, nor plan on, racing it. Mine's a Cervelo, but they are minimum $1000 used. However, I used to own a very early 80's Peugeot that can be had used easily for $200.00.
After a year to a year and a half of riding, you can cruise on these bikes @ 20 plus mph on the flats, so you can get a great work out in, AND get to where you're going relatively quickly (noticed I said, 'relatively') Anywho, hope this helps. |
|
October 12th, 2010, 09:30 AM | #10 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
Mark, Portland, OR is a very bike friendly city--so is Portland ME, for that matter. My preference is also a Road Racer. I have two modern ones- An Eddy Merckx and a Fuji, and two vintage Univegas. I try to ride every day.
__________________________________________________
Ninjette, Sold. New Bike: 2010 Honda NT-700V/VA, 73 Honda 550, 74 Honda 550 |
|
October 12th, 2010, 10:19 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Justin
Location: Mobile, AL/Memphis, TN
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R/'10 ZX6R/'02 YZ125/'06 DRZ125L/'05 Blaster Posts: 346
|
I've said it before, but not on these boards -- if I grow old, Alex is the kind of old I'd like to be. Thanks for everyone pointing me in good directions. Right now my #1 possibility is a Marin Corte Madera. Does anyone have experience with this bike?
Looking at the specs (what little I understand of them) and a $350 price tag it doesn't seem too bad. |
|
October 12th, 2010, 05:55 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
Flow, That's a very good bike. Get the right size, and you are in like Flynn. Marin has always made fine bikes that are underappreciated. They prefer to make good bikes to spending $$$ on advertising.
__________________________________________________
Ninjette, Sold. New Bike: 2010 Honda NT-700V/VA, 73 Honda 550, 74 Honda 550 |
|
October 12th, 2010, 06:11 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Mark
Location: Portland
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): Cheap Italian Suit. Otherwise known as Dew Kitty Posts: A lot.
|
Yes, Alex. I agree. Good job on the constant riding. I am 49. I have ridden 850 miles so far this year. Very much fun.
|
|
October 12th, 2010, 06:22 PM | #14 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Josh
Location: Richmond VA
Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Posts: 627
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
'08 Bonneville Black sold->'08 Ninja 250R | OES Swingarm Spools | EBC HH brake pads | reflector delete | no-cut brake light modulator | DIY fender eliminator |
|
|
October 12th, 2010, 06:45 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Justin
Location: Mobile, AL/Memphis, TN
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R/'10 ZX6R/'02 YZ125/'06 DRZ125L/'05 Blaster Posts: 346
|
It isn't, I actually live in a "nicer" part of Memphis, not that that says much. Smooth sidewalks, just the occasional curb to hop onto.
|
|
October 12th, 2010, 08:32 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dan
Location: JerZ
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 05 Ninjette Posts: 131
|
Check out used bianchi's and felt's 2001-2007ish. There's always great deals on them around NYC, dunno about elsewhere. Both manufacturers went big on entry level models a few years back so you get a lot of bang for the buck used at around $300-400.
|
|
October 12th, 2010, 09:15 PM | #17 |
Ride this!
Name: Mike
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 78
|
Caution to online buyers of bicycles: Be wary about shipping your bicycles through UPS!
|
|
October 12th, 2010, 11:28 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Keven
Location: San Diego
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250 Green, 00 R6 Posts: 160
|
Alex is on the money, im no shop owner but am a tech. Do yourself a favor and buy something from almost anywhere but walmart. I unfortunately see lots of those bikes and it sucks having to tell people they can buy a brand new one (crappy one) for less then it will cost to fix the p.o.s.
Don't worry a ton about brands except for the brands (quality) on the components. Didn't read the specs on that particular marin but we're a dealer and I think they make good bikes for the money. I could go on but just shop around, test ride what you can and find one you like and fits you well. It's a good time to buy, all our 2010's are on clearance. Bikesdirect is a decent option but it's nice to be able to shop in person and expect to pay a shop to put it together. Ok, sorry for the novel. Good luck. |
|
October 12th, 2010, 11:51 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Cab
Location: Miami Beach
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Blue 10 250r Posts: 697
|
Local thrift shop, might even find something cool.
|
|
October 15th, 2010, 04:26 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
For sure. It really cleared the cobwebs. Rode 6200 miles this year on all my bikes--I add up the totals on each. All the odometers get zeroed on Jan 1. Yesterday I had to stop for a bunch of turkeys wandering around in the roadway (the feathered variety) It was fun watching them trying to figure out what this thing in the garish costume was. It is hunting season, so all the animals and fowl are everywhere while our camo clad rambos roar around the woods on their ATVs. I wonder what the point of the camo is? Some things are beyond my limited understanding. The last time I wore camo was in Vietnam. I have not had a desire to have anything camo since.
__________________________________________________
Ninjette, Sold. New Bike: 2010 Honda NT-700V/VA, 73 Honda 550, 74 Honda 550 |
|
October 16th, 2010, 03:56 PM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: brent
Location: NOVA/ LYNCHBURG
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 93 ninja 250 Posts: 111
|
chiming in as the bike Mechanic. you definitely want to go with a bike-shop brand as 98% of the time when a wal-mart bike comes in, it costs more to fix it than it would be to replace it. remember that a used quality bike is still a much better buy than a new junker.
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
I live in Bangkok City , Thailand The city has a traffic jam on top of the world. | iTorn BKK | New Members | 18 | February 24th, 2015 01:24 AM |
[motorcyclistonline] - MottoWear City X Riding Jeans | MC TESTED | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | February 22nd, 2015 02:00 PM |
[RoadRUNNER] - City Escape: Québec City to? the Charlevoix Area | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | June 17th, 2014 03:01 AM |
Video of me riding in the city | jeffb502 | Riding Skills | 10 | May 6th, 2014 12:19 AM |
[hell for leather] - Trials riding on the streets of Guatemala City | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | January 31st, 2011 03:10 PM |
|
|