255 miles in so far this year, unfortunately 74 of those were Bacoon so not nearly what I was hoping to be at. Doing first 2 days of RAGBRAI so that will add another ~120. Still going to try to get to around 750 by end of outdoor biking season.
***General Cycling Thread***
- Thread starter Tre4ISU
- Start date
I am always up for riding something new - I don't typically make it south of Erie bike park.
And I've never ridden any of the trails up there. Let's make it happen
Thinking I need to join especially when I see it's metric. Makes my fitness ride today of 38.24 km seem longer.
Plus, even if I am last I'll still own the 70 and over age group.
Seeking CF input - @brianhos , @simply1 and @NWICY gave good input on another thread and I've finally had a chance to do a couple short test rides. Woman, just shy of 5'4 and wanting to get a bike for mostly paved use (road and path), potentially trail but not likely, and likely to pull a bike trailer at some point. I doubt I'll put on crazy miles but there are a lot of opportunities for biking in our area and spouse/kids enjoy it as well. Fittings put me in the small which seems hard to find built in stores based on 3 strikeouts of the 4 places I've gone. Have liked the step-through option.
DH said 500-700 range, CF told me to go higher. Went to try a Trex FX1/2 today but not built out in my size, so I'd like to still try that. Tried the shop closest to me and tried out two - this being the one I liked better. They did sell used but he had nothing available for my size/purposes.
www.jamisbikes.com
It's the Citizen 1 toward the bottom. Anything I should be looking at differently or asking when I go in? I did just notice they aren't disc brake which was recommended. It was comfortable otherwise but I don't really know what I'm evaluating beyond that. There's another bike shop I want to try tomorrow or Tuesday that sells brands rec'd to me by the posters at the top.
DH said 500-700 range, CF told me to go higher
. Went to try a Trex FX1/2 today but not built out in my size, so I'd like to still try that. Tried the shop closest to me and tried out two - this being the one I liked better. They did sell used but he had nothing available for my size/purposes.
Jamis® Citizen®
A sleek frame design and perennial favorite of recreational cyclists. This is what comfort is all about.
www.jamisbikes.com
It's the Citizen 1 toward the bottom. Anything I should be looking at differently or asking when I go in? I did just notice they aren't disc brake which was recommended. It was comfortable otherwise but I don't really know what I'm evaluating beyond that. There's another bike shop I want to try tomorrow or Tuesday that sells brands rec'd to me by the posters at the top.
That step thru would be super handy especially if pulling a Burley or having ro help the kids when you're biking with them.Seeking CF input - @brianhos , @simply1 and @NWICY gave good input on another thread and I've finally had a chance to do a couple short test rides. Woman, just shy of 5'4 and wanting to get a bike for mostly paved use (road and path), potentially trail but not likely, and likely to pull a bike trailer at some point. I doubt I'll put on crazy miles but there are a lot of opportunities for biking in our area and spouse/kids enjoy it as well. Fittings put me in the small which seems hard to find built in stores based on 3 strikeouts of the 4 places I've gone. Have liked the step-through option.
DH said 500-700 range, CF told me to go higher
Jamis® Citizen®
A sleek frame design and perennial favorite of recreational cyclists. This is what comfort is all about.
It's the Citizen 1 toward the bottom. Anything I should be looking at differently or asking when I go in? I did just notice they aren't disc brake which was recommended. It was comfortable otherwise but I don't really know what I'm evaluating beyond that. There's another bike shop I want to try tomorrow or Tuesday that sells brands rec'd to me by the posters at the top.
Have about 600 miles so far this year, down from 1300 at this time last year. Not sure why, but I think biking to work (17 mile round trip) has taken some energy and motivation away from me riding longer over the weekends.
that bike is fine for what you described. Id actually prefer the rigid fork if I’m sticking to pavement. The 2 has an adjustable stem which is the main feature you might miss but if you found it comfortable than not necessary and you can always add it later. The internal cable routing is a nice touch for their low end model. Tourney derailleur is nothing special. Make sure you get a free first tune up after you stretch the cables. And try to bring it in every year or two for service.Seeking CF input - @brianhos , @simply1 and @NWICY gave good input on another thread and I've finally had a chance to do a couple short test rides. Woman, just shy of 5'4 and wanting to get a bike for mostly paved use (road and path), potentially trail but not likely, and likely to pull a bike trailer at some point. I doubt I'll put on crazy miles but there are a lot of opportunities for biking in our area and spouse/kids enjoy it as well. Fittings put me in the small which seems hard to find built in stores based on 3 strikeouts of the 4 places I've gone. Have liked the step-through option.
DH said 500-700 range, CF told me to go higher
Jamis® Citizen®
A sleek frame design and perennial favorite of recreational cyclists. This is what comfort is all about.
It's the Citizen 1 toward the bottom. Anything I should be looking at differently or asking when I go in? I did just notice they aren't disc brake which was recommended. It was comfortable otherwise but I don't really know what I'm evaluating beyond that. There's another bike shop I want to try tomorrow or Tuesday that sells brands rec'd to me by the posters at the top.
Thank you, I didn't know what most of the stuff meant and just don't have the time right now to do deep dive research as I'd like. I think he had the 2 there as well so I could go back and try that to see. They are very convenient location so tuneup shouldn't be a problem. Dh took his there earlier this year.
I bought a generalized hybrid bike, Specialized Sirrus I believe, that I kind of regret. It's just kind of boring to ride. It's not particularly made for anything.
There's been some good single track trails put in and I'm thinking of switching it out for a 29" hardtail.
There's been some good single track trails put in and I'm thinking of switching it out for a 29" hardtail.
If you buy this from a box store vs a bike shop, double check everything to make sure it is setup right.
Seeking CF input - @brianhos , @simply1 and @NWICY gave good input on another thread and I've finally had a chance to do a couple short test rides. Woman, just shy of 5'4 and wanting to get a bike for mostly paved use (road and path), potentially trail but not likely, and likely to pull a bike trailer at some point. I doubt I'll put on crazy miles but there are a lot of opportunities for biking in our area and spouse/kids enjoy it as well. Fittings put me in the small which seems hard to find built in stores based on 3 strikeouts of the 4 places I've gone. Have liked the step-through option.
DH said 500-700 range, CF told me to go higher
Jamis® Citizen®
A sleek frame design and perennial favorite of recreational cyclists. This is what comfort is all about.
It's the Citizen 1 toward the bottom. Anything I should be looking at differently or asking when I go in? I did just notice they aren't disc brake which was recommended. It was comfortable otherwise but I don't really know what I'm evaluating beyond that. There's another bike shop I want to try tomorrow or Tuesday that sells brands rec'd to me by the posters at the top.
I split time between my road bike and a hybrid and hybrid/fitness is what it seems would be good for you. The Trex FX series did not fit me quite right either but checked all the other boxes for general use. Found a Specialized Sirrus with discs which has been my go to fitness ride bike. Ride that early in the year (or if extended or not great gravel) and switch to roadie when I feel I've gotten in better shape.
I'll be the contrarian here, for the money the model(s) you are looking at seem like glorified old people comfort bikes (and you're are NOT an old person). 700 x 35C tires seem on the fat side for paved travel. Something like 700x32mm is a more general "not too fat" and "not too narrow" choice. I get peeps are getting bigger tires but I don't get it for mostly paved riding,. My hybrid is 700x30C, comfortable but still roll decently.
The 2020 entry level Sirrus step through is available online via Specialized but after quick search they, like everything else, are sold out in stores for current year.
Sirrus Step-Through – Women's Spec
We understand that fitness bikes can get a bad rap. Most of the time, they err on the side of value over performance, which leaves YOU feeling in betwee...
The Erik's Bike shops in Madison has Sirrus step throughs. Worth a look IMHO.
2021 Specialized SIRRUS 2.0 STEP THRU | Road Bikes - ERIK'S Bike Shop, Snowboard Shop, Ski Shop | Bike, Ski & Snowboard Experts
The 2021 Specialized sirrus 2.0 step thru is available as one of our many Road Bikes. Check it out!
I split time between my road bike and a hybrid and hybrid/fitness is what it seems would be good for you. The Trex FX series did not fit me quite right either but checked all the other boxes for general use. Found a Specialized Sirrus with discs which has been my go to fitness ride bike. Ride that early in the year (or if extended or not great gravel) and switch to roadie when I feel I've gotten in better shape.
I'll be the contrarian here, for the money the model(s) you are looking at seem like glorified old people comfort bikes (and you're are NOT an old person). 700 x 35C tires seem on the fat side for paved travel. Something like 700x32mm is a more general "not too fat" and "not too narrow" choice. I get peeps are getting bigger tires but I don't get it for mostly paved riding,. My hybrid is 700x30C, comfortable but still roll decently.
The 2020 entry level Sirrus step through is available online via Specialized but after quick search they, like everything else, are sold out in stores for current year.
Sirrus Step-Through – Women's Spec
We understand that fitness bikes can get a bad rap. Most of the time, they err on the side of value over performance, which leaves YOU feeling in betwee...www.specialized.com
The Erik's Bike shops in Madison has Sirrus step throughs. Worth a look IMHO.
2021 Specialized SIRRUS 2.0 STEP THRU | Road Bikes - ERIK'S Bike Shop, Snowboard Shop, Ski Shop | Bike, Ski & Snowboard Experts
The 2021 Specialized sirrus 2.0 step thru is available as one of our many Road Bikes. Check it out!www.eriksbikeshop.com
View attachment 100582
Erik's is where I hoped to go next couple of days so this is helpful
My 2 cents - my wife is similar height and has a similar step thru bike but couldn't pull **** (kids trailer) with it. She also had a FX and while it was the perfect bike for her, she didn't like she couldn't keep up with me on a CX pulling a trailer. So she got a road bike (still have the step thru) but she isn't a roadie or much of a cyclist so she doesn't see the benefit from it. We ride bikes now on long or short rides to go get a snack and beer and she will ride either bike dependent on distance.Seeking CF input - @brianhos , @simply1 and @NWICY gave good input on another thread and I've finally had a chance to do a couple short test rides. Woman, just shy of 5'4 and wanting to get a bike for mostly paved use (road and path), potentially trail but not likely, and likely to pull a bike trailer at some point. I doubt I'll put on crazy miles but there are a lot of opportunities for biking in our area and spouse/kids enjoy it as well. Fittings put me in the small which seems hard to find built in stores based on 3 strikeouts of the 4 places I've gone. Have liked the step-through option.
DH said 500-700 range, CF told me to go higher
Jamis® Citizen®
A sleek frame design and perennial favorite of recreational cyclists. This is what comfort is all about.
It's the Citizen 1 toward the bottom. Anything I should be looking at differently or asking when I go in? I did just notice they aren't disc brake which was recommended. It was comfortable otherwise but I don't really know what I'm evaluating beyond that. There's another bike shop I want to try tomorrow or Tuesday that sells brands rec'd to me by the posters at the top.
That said - I think the FX or something equivalent would be what you would benefit from. If you are used used to drop bars - look at a gravel style road bike with 38 mm tires. No fork, too much bobbing when pulling.
What I've done and seen more common here pulling kid trailers is find a old 26" trek or Spec rockhopper with a rigid fork for under $100 (tough now), spend another 100 (maybe more) getting it cleaned up with new rubber / brake pads, cables, housing. Mine has since been converted to a SS kids school commuter bike that won't die.
I will probably never buy new again unless I get my dream custom Ti mountain bike which will never happen. Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace/Pink bike have all the goods, just be patient.
This sounds like a good excuse to tell spouse he has to pull the trailer all the time lol. His isn't very fancy either I think. A Raleigh something he got and sat most of the past 10+ yrs until Covid. He had a Marin get stolen end of freshman yr at ISU.
