Bicycle experts please weigh in

[whitewaterguy]

I've decuded I need to get back into bicycling. Sitting ona Harley and just riding to the next restaurant isn't cutting it... Need to diversify

So what's the difference between hybrid and dual purpose? And what do I need? I will be 60% pavement and the rest light off pavement.

I'm looking for a quality product preferably not from an Asian sweatshop country, and something known for reliability I'm also looking for a store that has knowledgeable, patient, and non condescending/non arrogant staff and which offers great after purchase service... Anywhere in the Kingston-peterborough-toronto triangle. Although money is not an issue I'm thinking I shouldn't have to spend more than about $3k. Thanks for any and all suggestions

 

[TESLAMotors]

I'm no expert but this video helped me quite a bit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0cVzUos1VM

I was like you in terms of percentage on road/off-road, I ended up with a Giant AnyRoad.

 

[SkyRider]

I'm not a bike expert but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn last night.

I currently ride a --- hybrid 700-38 cc tires aluminum frame. I ride almost entirely on pavement except when I'm drunk and end up in the harbour. I like the larger 700cc rim. The tires are not too wide nor too narrow. Aluminum frame is lighter than steel. Not the most expensive bike but does the job. Less of a thief magnet than a $3,000 bike. --- does not have the cache of a Trek or Giant. I also have a Simcoe urban bike. I use to also have a Specialized bike but it got stolen. I also had a Trek and a Diamondback but sold them because I needed the money.

Check Kijiji for some deals.

 

[fuji]

At the end of the day, what is more comfortable for you on the trips you will actually take? Some places rent bikes. If you don't know whether you will like a hybrid better, try before you buy.

Your riding posture will be different and there is no best answer for everybody. More important then any other factor is that you are comfortable on the bike so that you actually like riding it.

 

[TESLAMotors]

Your riding posture will be different and there is no best answer for everybody. More important then any other factor is that you are comfortable on the bike so that you actually like riding it.

This is why they have bike fittings when you purchase a bike.

 

[big bruce]

A gravel bike also known as a cyclocross bike is the best multipurpose bicycle for most people who will ride a mix of road and trail. If you get into longer road rides you can change the tires to more road specific or get a spare set of wheels.

Don't get caught up in all the hype about carbon fibre frames and stick with aluminum.

 

[t.o.leafs.fan]

I know of a great shop west of Toronto. Is Oakville out of your triangle?

 

[onthebottom]

I would agree with the above comment on cyclocross, I would strongly disagree with aluminum though. No idea of your budget but if you can afford carbon your ass and hands will thank you. I would also get disc brakes.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/cyclocross-bikes/c/B240

Trek is a US company, I think only the high end bikes are still made in WI (my road bike was - by hand).

 

[SkyRider]

I see guys walking bikes to our local shop with broken carbon wheels all the time. If you spend more than a $1,000 get GPS equipped so you can find the bastard who stole your bike.

http://www.wheelbuilder.com/faq.php?q_id=10

Crack in carbon wheel. Our local shop sees this all the time in carbon but almost never on aluminum or steel

 

[TESLAMotors]

I see guys walking bikes to our local shop with broken carbon wheels all the time. If you spend more than a $1,000 get GPS equipped so you can find the bastard who stole your bike

Better get a GPS for most things you buy today then, nothing is cheap these days.


As for carbon or not, I'm grateful as hell that I didn't know the difference nor cared to until after I bought the bike.
As onthebottom mentioned, it's comfortable to ride and the vibrations aren't that noticeable, the best part, it's incredibly light.
I'm not against aluminum either, but I just happened to like a bike that was made of carbon fiber.

 

[Ridgeman08]

Trek

 

[fuji]

This is why they have bike fittings when you purchase a bike.

In my opinion you need to ride a few hours to know what style of bike best fits you. It's not about correct height or making adjustments. He's choosing between completely different styles.

 

[Capital Amatuer]

I have a Diamondback. It's probably 18 years old now, it's heavy, and has big knobby tires. But it's comfortable, doesn't attract attention from thieves, never get flat tires, usually $150. tune-up in the spring and I'm good to go for the season. Generally I ride on the pathways, only on high volume roads when necessary and only those roads with dedicated bike lanes, and always during the daylight. It's a cumbersome bike and I definitely get my work out. I'm thinking I may need a new bike this summer, another mountain bike but this time street tires, I guess they call them hybrid tires.

 

[SexyFriendsTO]

I've decuded I need to get back into bicycling. Sitting ona Harley and just riding to the next restaurant isn't cutting it... Need to diversify

So what's the difference between hybrid and dual purpose? And what do I need? I will be 60% pavement and the rest light off pavement.

I'm looking for a quality product preferably not from an Asian sweatshop country, and something known for reliability I'm also looking for a store that has knowledgeable, patient, and non condescending/non arrogant staff and which offers great after purchase service... Anywhere in the Kingston-peterborough-toronto triangle. Although money is not an issue I'm thinking I shouldn't have to spend more than about $3k. Thanks for any and all suggestions

Check out this place. It's one of my favorites. I have been skiing and mountain biking all if my life and I think you will have a good experience there.
http://www.skiisandbiikes.com/

 

[MattRoxx]

Will you be riding on your own or with a group?
I've got a few bikes. The Kona Jake CX is my "go anywhere, do anything" ride. Great for commuting on the road, riding on dirt, even on snow with the right wheel/tire. It's got a rack for holding a couple of panniers, and can use fenders if you're going to be riding in the rain, snow, or on mud.
I've done a few century rides on it, been all over the Lower Don Trail and paths. The newer model has disc brakes and will cost around $1200-1500. There's a carbon version, Jake The Snake that is around $3000 but it's more than you need unless you plan on doing some cyclocross races (which are a hell of a lot of fun!) .
Trek, Giant, and Specialized have similar CX bikes. What you should do is go to a local bike shop, put down your credit card and take at least 3 bikes out for test rides ( 15-20 minutes each), before making a decision.
Each one has different geometry, fit, and comfort level and that's more important than which name is on the downtube, or the colour of the frame.

Spending over $1000 should get you some store benefits, so ask about them.
1. Discount on other items bought at the same time (helmet, shoes, accessories etc) or later
2. Free fitting and
3. free tune-ups (either set amount or for the first year).

The free fitting is important. The store will set up the bike for you when you buy it and it will feel comfortable, but you need to put in some hour-long rides before you go in and get it properly fitted.
Pedals also matter, and if you've never ridden clipless before, the pedal/shoe combo is another topic of discussion. And it won't help you find your bike but the Garmin Edge 200 is the best bang-for-the-buck GPS cycling computer currently available.

http://www.konaworld.com/jake.cfm



For longer rides, club rides and triathlons I also have a nice carbon road bike but it doesn't seem like what you're looking for.

 

[TESLAMotors]

Will you be riding on your own or with a group?
I've got a few bikes. The Kona Jake CX is my "go anywhere, do anything" ride. Great for commuting on the road, riding on dirt, even on snow with the right wheel/tire. It's got a rack for holding a couple of panniers, and can use fenders if you're going to be riding in the rain, snow, or on mud.
I've done a few century rides on it, been all over the Lower Don Trail and paths. The newer model has disc brakes and will cost around $1200-1500. There's a carbon version, Jake The Snake that is around $3000 but it's more than you need unless you plan on doing some cyclocross races (which are a hell of a lot of fun!) .
Trek, Giant, and Specialized have similar CX bikes. What you should do is go to a local bike shop, put down your credit card and take at least 3 bikes out for test rides ( 15-20 minutes each), before making a decision.
Each one has different geometry, fit, and comfort level and that's more important than which name is on the downtube, or the colour of the frame.

Spending over $1000 should get you some store benefits, so ask about them.
1. Discount on other items bought at the same time (helmet, shoes, accessories etc) or later
2. Free fitting and
3. free tune-ups (either set amount or for the first year).

The free fitting is important. The store will set up the bike for you when you buy it and it will feel comfortable, but you need to put in some hour-long rides before you go in and get it properly fitted.
Pedals also matter, and if you've never ridden clipless before, the pedal/shoe combo is another topic of discussion. And it won't help you find your bike but the Garmin Edge 200 is the best bang-for-the-buck GPS cycling computer currently available.

http://www.konaworld.com/jake.cfm



For longer rides, club rides and triathlons I also have a nice carbon road bike but it doesn't seem like what you're looking for.

Thanks for the Garmin suggestion, I wasn't thinking about something like this yet, but it sounds like good bang for the buck.
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/categ...-edge-200-gps-enabled-cycling-computer-45160/

 

[TESLAMotors]

They're certainly not gel pads. lol That's why you get shorts/pants with a chamois.

 

[SkyRider]

I had a Marin (named after Marin County in California) as well. Nice bike. Sold it because I needed the money.

BTW: An 18 year old Diamondback will probably last forever. Built like a tank and just as heavy (all steel frame).

BTW2: You get the best prices in the Winter. Can you wait 8 months?

 

[SkyRider]

They're certainly not gel pads. lol That's why you get shorts/pants with a chamois.

One can always change the saddle and/or the seat pole. Also, get front or front and rear shocks. Don't overdo it, or your neighbours will call you a "girly man".

 

[Lou Simone]

Nice Made In Canada bikes - Good quality
www.devinci.com