PDA

View Full Version : Need Bike Advice



arivecchi
05-05-2010, 12:00 PM
Is this a good bike and a good price?

http://villagecycle.com/product/09-trek-womens-7100-47531-1.htm

Want to get a bike for this summer. :)

LBW
05-05-2010, 12:13 PM
I dunno about the price, but it's super cute!

wellyes
05-05-2010, 12:30 PM
Treks are great and that's cute! I love that it has the comfort of a cruiser but still has 21 speeds. Whether that's a good choice really depends on your style.

- For easy / flat / paved bike paths, I'd personally go cheaper..... you can probably get an equivelant bike on CL for 1/2 that price.

- For mountain biking, well it's not mean for mountain biking.

- For fitness --- I personally would like to be a little less upright just in terms of hills & getting a little speed.

- For going around the neighbood roads and a few long trips, I think it's a very good choice. Cute, comfortable and versatile. A great "starter" bike.

arivecchi
05-05-2010, 12:53 PM
I know exactly zero about bikes! I would use it in the lakefront trail in the city and in country roads and paved trails in WI. Would this bike be good for that?

mamicka
05-05-2010, 01:06 PM
I dunno about the price, but it's super cute!

I don't know anything about bikes either but :yeahthat:. Most of the trails we ride are - I don't know what it's called but it's like fine gravel. I have a bike that's not as nice as that - the tires aren't the really skinny ones but aren't the real fat ones either. Anyway, my bike is fine for the trails out here so I would think the one you linked to would work great. It's worth saying again, that's super cute!

arivecchi
05-05-2010, 03:01 PM
Most of the trails we ride are - I don't know what it's called but it's like fine gravel. That is what their trails are like too! Good to know it will work on those! I wonder if they live in the same area as you. :)

I thought there were many bicycle connoisseurs here. Hopefully some will chime in (in addition to wellyes). :)

awoodm
05-05-2010, 03:17 PM
I don't really know that much about bikes, but I just bought this one at a local bike shop near me (except mine is purple), and I love it! I paid the same price, so I think it's a good deal. We ride through the neighborhood, the roads around my house, and also trails in the city. We took it out last weekend for a 25 mile bike ride, and it did awesome. I will admit, I mostly bought it because it was cute and I needed a decent bike. I notice you have a DS a little younger than mine, I have the i-bert on the front of it for DS2, and it is a great fit. HTH.

arivecchi
05-05-2010, 03:22 PM
I don't really know that much about bikes, but I just bought this one at a local bike shop near me (except mine is purple), and I love it! I paid the same price, so I think it's a good deal. We ride through the neighborhood, the roads around my house, and also trails in the city. We took it out last weekend for a 25 mile bike ride, and it did awesome. I will admit, I mostly bought it because it was cute and I needed a decent bike. I notice you have a DS a little younger than mine, I have the i-bert on the front of it for DS2, and it is a great fit. HTH. Great to know! Thanks for mentioning that the i-bert works! We have a Co-Pilot Limo for DS1 is DH's bike, so an i-bert for the lil guy would be perfect!

jenmcadams
05-05-2010, 03:43 PM
I might be one of those bike expert types you were talking about. I know a decent amount about road bikes/tri bikes, but have less experience in the whole leisure/cruiser realm of bikes. Based on what you said you're planning to use it for, I think it would work great. As one of the PPs said, you might be able to get something cheaper for your intended purpose (either through CL or a big box store), but the quality from the Trek will be much better. For me, even for cruising with my kids, it seems a little more upright than I would like, but I ride a road bike w/ aero bars and spend a lot of my time in the drops or laid out in the aero bars, so my perspective is skewed :)

arivecchi
05-05-2010, 03:49 PM
but I ride a road bike w/ aero bars and spend a lot of my time in the drops or laid out in the aero bars, so my perspective is skewed :) See, I am so clueless that I have no idea what you are referring to here! :ROTFLMAO:

graciebellesmomma
05-05-2010, 04:03 PM
I'd got to Costco and get a bike. They have Schwinns sometimes and a couple of other brands that are perfect for leisure bikers. My husband got his there. They are usually between 150-200.00. You really don't need to spend more than that.

That being said, check out the Electras, if you want something a little sassier. I had one when we lived on Maui and dh bought me one last summer for my birthday. They are cruisers and really sturdy bikes.

wellyes
05-05-2010, 04:11 PM
As one of the PPs said, you might be able to get something cheaper for your intended purpose (either through CL or a big box store), but the quality from the Trek will be much better.

I'd definitely check Craigslist anyway. I got a Trek for $100 on CL. It was a hybrid. New retail hybrids are a little more expensive than the one you're looking at. It was in great condition, but about 8 years old. So a little heavier than a new bike would be, since frames seem to get lighter every year. But still, great price and a great bike.

The trick to buying a used bike is making sure you buy the right size. Rough guidelines here: http://www.trekbikes.com/faq/questions.php?questionid=63 and of course test drive anything before buying whether new or used. My DH is a bike guy so he was able to take care of tires, gears, etc. when I started up. But if you're not as comfortable with that a bike shop will give a good-condition used bike a maintenance update and fitting for about $50.

arivecchi
05-05-2010, 04:16 PM
The problem with CL is that I am not knowledgeable enough to tell what is good and what is garbage.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/search/bik?query=women

I am 5'6" so I think I need a 16.

wellyes
05-05-2010, 04:36 PM
Ohhhhh - nearly the same as the one you were lookingn at - http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/bik/1725863755.html Negotiate down!

KrisM
05-05-2010, 04:46 PM
I don't know much about bikes, but I have that style in a Specialized that's about 8 years old now. I love being upright as it is really easy on my back. I got rid of a mountain bike that just left me sore after riding it.

arivecchi
05-05-2010, 04:55 PM
Ohhhhh - nearly the same as the one you were lookingn at - http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/bik/1725863755.html Negotiate down! thanks! let me see where lisle is. i have no idea!

NN317
05-05-2010, 05:20 PM
The problem with CL is that I am not knowledgeable enough to tell what is good and what is garbage.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/search/bik?query=women

I am 5'6" so I think I need a 16.

Your height is not the only thing that dictates what size bike you would ride. Your inseam and reach will also be a factor. I used to manage a bike shop for a few years, so I do know that getting fitted correctly when you choose a bike is extremely important, for comfort & safety.
If you can, go to a local bike shop and have them fit you on a style you like (such as the comfort hybrid you linked) and test ride it. That way, you will know what size you do need and if you enjoy sitting upright while riding even if you do not purchase right away. The adjustable stem on that model can be moved lower or higher, depending on your preference, in case you want to switch it up for different types of riding.
I hope that helps!

WatchingThemGrow
05-05-2010, 06:51 PM
Something I read when I was researching kid bikes is sticking out in my head... Excitement about the bike increases the likelihood the owner will ride it. A black bike would not be fun. If you can get to a store, try that one out and find that it fits well, you should get it!

Happy Mother's Day!

wellyes
05-05-2010, 07:01 PM
A black bike would not be fun.

Or if you're a different personality, a black bike is the epitome of AWESOME :jammin:

Honestly $350 for a professionally fitted, new Trek is a good price and a good investment. Only if you really think you'll be riding regularly, of course. Having a really nice bike DEFINITELY makes a difference in whether or not riding is comfortable -- and therefore whether you'll use it.

It's a perfect Spring week where I am, but biking is out for me this spring due to PG. I am very jealous!

arivecchi
05-05-2010, 08:51 PM
I do love the robin blue one available at the bike shop, plus the store is right by me whereas the CL one is about an hour away (assuming no traffic). I am very lazy about driving, so I may just opt for the bike shop one. Will keep you posted. Have to discuss with DH this evening! Thanks for the advice!

squimp
05-05-2010, 09:21 PM
I ride all sorts of bikes and love those cruisers - if you're a new biker they can be much more comfortable than a Mtn bike or road bike because you aren't hunched over. If you were going on hills or dirt I might look at something else, but for slow and flat that's perfect.

Trek makes great bikes. That one would match my DD's. :) The Electras are often much more expensive in my looking. If you can get it fitted at a shop and have them give you free or cheap tune ups over the years, heck yea, I'd get it.

WatchingThemGrow
05-05-2010, 09:22 PM
Or if you're a different personality, a black bike is the epitome of AWESOME :jammin:

It's a perfect Spring week where I am, but biking is out for me this spring due to PG. I am very jealous!
Yes, I guess that is true! I just :heartbeat: my yellow Cannondale with a butterfly on the seat - with front and rear suspension. DD wants her new Specialized to be yellow to match mine.

IKWYM about not being able to ride while PG. DH was strict about it, and I've been pg for a looooong time. No more, though!

arivecchi
05-05-2010, 10:06 PM
I am getting the blue one! Woohoo! Happy MD to me!!! :yay:

arivecchi
05-07-2010, 01:17 PM
Is the Trek Vapor helmet a good one? That is what they recommended at the bike shop for me.

Also, any recs for a helmet for the dictator (15 months old)? I am getting a Co-Pilot Limo for him.

doberbrat
05-07-2010, 02:20 PM
yes its a good bike and a good price provided it fits you well. women tend to have short torso's which makes bike fittings tough.

for dd1 we have a giro Me2

I dont know what helmet I have I think its a specialized but might be giro. just try one on and see how you like it.

I need to get a new hybrid and get my fat A riding again!

WatchingThemGrow
05-07-2010, 02:25 PM
A helmet that fits you well and matches your bike should be just fine!

BTW, I saw a bike similar to your on top of a car at TJ's yesterday. Seriously, even if you don't actually ride it, the mood lift of thinking about it or setting it outside to let others see is enough fun. :)

arivecchi
05-07-2010, 03:12 PM
I got this one in black. Seems kinda boring.

http://villagecycle.com/product/10-trek-vapor-51247-1.htm

arivecchi
05-08-2010, 09:22 PM
Update. I am super duper excited. I went on a ride today. This is what I got.

Bike:

http://villagecycle.com/product/09-trek-womens-7100-47531-1.htm

Helmet (in white/silver):

http://www.amazon.com/Giro-Indicator-Sport-Bike-Helmet/dp/B000BO3CZU[/URL]

Co-Pilot Limo:

[URL="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000G1YO2I/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=3375251&s=sporting-goods"]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41V0D72ACRL._SL500_AA300_.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:pageControllerObject.launchZoom(zmUrl);)

Two helmets for the boys: A Trek Vapor Youth Helmet for DS1 and a Bern Nino for DS2.

Thanks for all the help!

MelissaTC
05-08-2010, 09:49 PM
Congrats!!!

DH and I just got Schwinns yesterday at Wally World. Took them out today on the greenway and park paths and what fun! I hope you enjoy yours as much as we did today. I totally forgot how much fun riding a bike can be!!

bubbaray
05-08-2010, 09:56 PM
but I ride a road bike w/ aero bars and spend a lot of my time in the drops or laid out in the aero bars, so my perspective is skewed :)


OP, time in the drops is the bottom of the curved road bike handles where the brakes are (have you seen the Tour de France?) and aerobars are things you rest your forearms on, pointing outwards. Some are just rests, others have shifters at the ends.

http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://getaero.com/Images/BikeFit_Leg-Torso400w.gif&imgrefurl=http://getaero.com/TT_Fit_Protocol.html&usg=__bmkwC64XTBwnLbXHUllszz9YQyA=&h=360&w=400&sz=59&hl=en&start=4&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=OeMT6EHSZ0MNmM:&tbnh=112&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Daero%2Bbars%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3 DX%26rlz%3D1R2ADFA_enCA346%26tbs%3Disch:1

bubbaray
05-08-2010, 09:56 PM
I am getting the blue one! Woohoo! Happy MD to me!!! :yay:


Congrats! :)

arivecchi
05-08-2010, 10:38 PM
Congrats!!!

DH and I just got Schwinns yesterday at Wally World. Took them out today on the greenway and park paths and what fun! I hope you enjoy yours as much as we did today. I totally forgot how much fun riding a bike can be!! You are right. SO much fun!


OP, time in the drops is the bottom of the curved road bike handles where the brakes are (have you seen the Tour de France?) and aerobars are things you rest your forearms on, pointing outwards. Some are just rests, others have shifters at the ends.

http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://getaero.com/Images/BikeFit_Leg-Torso400w.gif&imgrefurl=http://getaero.com/TT_Fit_Protocol.html&usg=__bmkwC64XTBwnLbXHUllszz9YQyA=&h=360&w=400&sz=59&hl=en&start=4&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=OeMT6EHSZ0MNmM:&tbnh=112&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Daero%2Bbars%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3 DX%26rlz%3D1R2ADFA_enCA346%26tbs%3Disch:1 Aha! Thanks for explaining this!

jenmcadams
05-09-2010, 01:26 AM
You are right. SO much fun!

Aha! Thanks for explaining this!

Your new bike looks awesome...sorry if I sounded obnoxious in my earlier reply abou drops and aerobars...I didn't see this thread again until tonight or I would have answered your ??

arivecchi
05-09-2010, 09:16 AM
Your new bike looks awesome...sorry if I sounded obnoxious in my earlier reply abou drops and aerobars...I didn't see this thread again until tonight or I would have answered your ?? Not at all! I was just curious what it all meant!