Author Topic: My Arse is killing me  (Read 1067 times)

Svend

  • 4-6 Year Member
  • 1000 Posts
  • ****
  • Posts: 1107
Re: My Arse is killing me
« Reply #30 on: July 04, 2012, 06:14:02 am »
Byron, buying a bike online will require some assembly.  It will be delivered in a big flat box, which means the bars will be turned sideways, pedals and saddle will be off, wheels off, etc..  But setting it up is nothing major -- install pedals and saddle; set stem; adjust brake and shift levers.....that kind of thing.  If you are mechanically challenged, you might want  to take the time to learn about all this stuff, as you will be doing a lot of adjusting and tweaking to get the fit right.  And it is definitely worth the time to get it right.

So....consider buying from your local bike shop, as they can do all this for you and redo it if it doesn't suit you.  They will also (if they are a good shop) take the time to fit the bike correctly -- saddle position, stem length, bar height, etc..

Re. 29ers -- real ones are dedicated mountain bikes.  I ride mine on the road occasionally, but only when it's with friends or family who don't have mountain bikes.  It performs OK on the road, but the geometry, fit of the bike (shorter top tube length than a road bike), wide knobby tires, heavy front fork, etc., really don't lend themselves to road riding.  It is just not efficient, and way slower.  OTOH, if you are tall, ride 80% to 90% off road, esp. on open cross country trails, then a 29er would be the ticket.  If not, then you should consider a different bike.

My brother rides a cyclocross bike (a real one, not a comfort cruiser).  He rides 80% on road, 10% gravel rail trails, and 10% easy single track off road.  He loves it.  An extremely versatile bike.  I have ridden his bike on road, and it is fast and light and agile.  You would be amazed at what some people can do with these bikes off road.  I often see guys riding these on the smooth double track trails of our local forest, and just for a lark I have ridden some of the race courses set up in the park -- FUN!  A few of these videos will give you an idea of what kind of terrain they are made for:

http://www.cxmagazine.com/video-highlights-elite-women-2012-usa-cycling-cyclocross-nationals-bill-schieken
http://www.cxmagazine.com/videos-petitesreines-hoogerheide-french-nationals
http://www.cxmagazine.com/jeremy-powers-koksijde-course-preview-video-2012-cyclocross-world-championship

Cheers, and have fun in your hunt.