Motorless bikes. Wotz da drill?

[Gremlin]

hmmm, I rode bicycles for years, raced em competively on the road, and I have a custom built one too...

First up... I don't tend to trust the warehouse. I prefer bike stores, but I have never trusted bikebarn, after one screwed up a mates bike...

Suspension - depending, you may not have much choice. I think all bikes now come with front suspension. Most have rear suspension. Unless you are riding off road, you don't need it, and I never had it, preferring the response of a rigid frame.

Brakes - The standard now is "V-Brakes".... not actually a v tho, more like a square upside down U. Powerful, and plenty good. You won't be buying high up enough to get disc brakes...

Gears - Don't get something called gripshift (section of the rubber handle bar grip). Its nicknamed gripshit for a reason. iirc, most mountain type bikes (as opposed to road bikes ie race) have the gear shifts on/under the handlebar... Thats fine.

If you haven't ridden for a while, trust me, you WILL get a sore arse, if you do enough distance. You will want a comfortable saddle on your bike. Some will buy an aftermarket one, with gel in it. A bit poofter... but hey, if you want it... whatever.

Buying shop new will be more expensive than second hand, but you will be able to trust the shop etc, and know its in good condition. Secondhand, you may not be sure, maybe a cracked frame, shoddy brakes... but it will be cheaper.

Bikes come in different frame sizes as well...

edit: some more answers...

changing gear - you have to be peddling at the time. The cable operated gear shifter controls a guide (or derailleur sp) that simply moves the chain sideways, and pushing into onto another cog (chainwheel (front) or sprocket (rear))

suspension does make the bike a softer ride... some brands use a suspension piece under the saddle

[Blackbird]

I have a mountain bike (Diamondback Topenga) which I diligently cycled 24 km a day to work on for 3 years all in the name of fitness. Trouble is, Tokoroa is at 1100 ft altitude and winter cycling at 6.30a.m in -5 degrees is no fun at all. You arrive with snot all over your face and never really warm up properly unless you dress like the Michelin man. Then there's the mandatory shower after you arrive at work unless you want a decreasing circle of friends. All these preparations take way too much time. However, after years of non-cycling, having front suspension was a revelation - far less shock loading on aged wrists and elbows.

Yes, they are good fun if you discount the time I fell off and pulled 2 ribs off their mounting points, but I'd stick to going and fetching the Sunday paper on it. That might just about keep your wife off your back

[Street Gerbil]

I ride a bike 1.5 hours a day to keep myself from absorbing unwanted pounds and to keep Mrs. Street Gerbil happy. My recommendation - get yourself a so called "fixie" (i.e. a bike with a fixed gear, where in order to move you need to turn pedals all the time, like on kids bike). Get a cheap frame off trademe and order a fixie rear wheel from any decent bike shop. Since you won't be able to waste your time coasting (while erroneously thinking that you are exercising) it will only take 30-45 minutes a day. Don't repeat my mistake and watch for your kneecaps!
Good luck!

[WINJA]

winja needs a garage painted and a pile of wood cut , see next weekend ixion

[Swoop]

The exercise value of peeking through windows is still the subject of scientific controversy.

But running away from angry husbands, burns LOTS of energy... particularly if they are holding a big sharp knife...

[Coyote]

A few tips:

-Cheap suspension up front can be handy for going over potholes and kerbs, just takes away the initial shock

-Stay away from 'Milazo' (main warehouse brand). Poorly put together, crappy parts, something will go wrong shortly after buying it

-Avoid Grip Shifts like the plague. 'Butterfly' gear shifts are much better

-If you're not doing hard riding, don't fork out more money for a lighter frame. No point

-Chrome = Bling. Bling = Fine ho’s

-Rear shocks absorb pedalling power, best to avoid them (they however do have bling factor)

-Make sure you can stand over the frame. You don't want it being high enough to 'knock yourself' if you come off the seat`

[Meanie]

rooting is good exercise , get a hotter wife

Hell get several wives bloody expensive but youll loose the pounds fast

[Coyote]

Anyone of these would suit you


I actually quite like the second one

[Mr. Peanut]

Here's something I had in mind, hey Ixion stand here for a sec will ya mate....

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...Arobot+chicken

[Rosie]

If you just want something to get you to the pub and back, I would just get a 2nd hand 10 speed (road bike type thing, like they used to have in the 80's). Not as many complicated bits to worry about compared to most mountain bikes, and they are much nicer to ride on the road.

If you want a really good workout, and live somewhere not exceptionally hilly, you can just take the gears off, leaving you with even fewer moving parts.

If you get some cans of paint from repco and give it a really daggy paint job (see attached), people are less likely to steal it.

And if you decide the push biking thing isn't for you, you don't end up with an expensive toy taking up space in the garage.

If you do want a newer bike, I would go to several bike shops and chat to the staff about the sorts of things you want, to get an idea of what all the nice shiney features are, and what would suit the kind of riding you want to do.

[inlinefour]

However I could not afford a good bike so I brought cheaper shitters and they tended not to last very long. Used to keep me trim and in better health. I also need to hook right back into it. Have got the bike that I should not be able to break so its time to force myself back into it. After yesterdays ride Im still feeling it slightly today. Ive even been eating less for the last year, helps, but bugger all once your metabolism slows down...

[Oakie]

As an alternative you could do what I did. Buy yourself an exercyle. I know you don't actually finish up at a pub ... but even better than that ... when you've had enough you just stop, get off and you're home. Nothing worse than being all shagged out with a sore arse and still 3km from home. I'm not even going to mention punctures, sudden rainstorms or kamikaze dogs.

I've actually got mine set up in the garage in front of an old TV so I can watch a doco or something as I pedal off the kilos.

Just a suggestion.

[Street Gerbil]

If you just want something to get you to the pub and back, I would just get a 2nd hand 10 speed (road bike type thing, like they used to have in the 80's). .

I concur. Can't think of a better workout bike. In fact, I would probably get it for myself (but Mrs. Gerbil definitely won't approve a 5th bike in the house).

[crashe]

errrrrrrr just get one of those exercise machines...

You know where you have it in the lounge and you can pedal to your hearts content and still watch tv and have a beer all at the same time... and no matter if its pissing down with rain, you will still be dry... except for the sweat pouring off you...

Then you wont get a ticket for drink riding on a bicycle.




I have a mountain bike hanging in my garage, been there for ummm a number of years now going no where fast. (warehouse one)

[MidnightMike]

If you just want something to get you to the pub and back, I would just get a 2nd hand 10 speed (road bike type thing, like they used to have in the 80's). Not as many complicated bits to worry about compared to most mountain bikes, and they are much nicer to ride on the road.

I went for a ride on one of those from a garage sale a few months back, scared the shit outta me when i was goin about 50k down hill to realise the brakes didnt work properly