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Just picked up my new bike. What next?

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Old 03-09-09, 01:32 PM
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Steve325
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Just picked up my new bike. What next?

2001 Kona Muni-Mula



I snagged it for $175. I have no idea if this was really a good deal or not, but I'm satisfied with it so far. I'll be doing both a mix of road and trail, mainly road for right now to get into better shape.

My only complaint is the seat! I'm a large guy, 6'1 288 lbs so this little skinny seat on here is taking away my virginity back there. Any recommendations on one?

Also, I'm in the market for a computer. I need something to help me keep track of some miles and speed. Any low cost ones out there?
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Old 03-09-09, 02:20 PM
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I am also a big guy--bigger than you and the same height. My seat is smaller than yours (Bontrager Race) and it hurt like nothin' else for the first two weeks. However, now I can ride for 2 or 3 hours without any pain whatsoever. No, I'm not lying. I don't even think about it. The point I'm making is this. Give it some time, and ride, ride, ride. It will get better.

One thing I notice in the pic is that the front of your saddle is angled down. Not good. It should be level or, if you ride a downhill/freeride (which you don't) it should be angled back.

Edit: Oh, and one more thing. I can't help but notice that that frame looks way too small for you at 6'1". You are going to struggle with fit until you get a different bike.

Last edited by Theologic Bear; 03-09-09 at 02:24 PM.
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Old 03-09-09, 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Theologic Bear
I am also a big guy--bigger than you and the same height. My seat is smaller than yours (Bontrager Race) and it hurt like nothin' else for the first two weeks. However, now I can ride for 2 or 3 hours without any pain whatsoever. No, I'm not lying. I don't even think about it. The point I'm making is this. Give it some time, and ride, ride, ride. It will get better.

One thing I notice in the pic is that the front of your saddle is angled down. Not good. It should be level or, if you ride a downhill/freeride (which you don't) it should be angled back.

Edit: Oh, and one more thing. I can't help but notice that that frame looks way too small for you at 6'1". You are going to struggle with fit until you get a different bike.
Thanks for the advice. I haven't really changed anything besides the seating height. I didn't know that about the saddle, I'll bring that up a bit.

Frame wise I was very unsure of this. I didn't get sized like I should've, but I did do a bunch of online calculators based on inseam and they all seemed to point me into this size frame. I have stumpier legs and longer torso/arms, so maybe this could've influenced why this calculators were giving me this number? Overall, it feels pretty comfortable, but what do I know it's been 8 years since I was last on a bike
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Old 03-09-09, 02:49 PM
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Do you mind saying what size frame it is?
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Old 03-09-09, 02:54 PM
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19.7 inches, 50 cm
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Old 03-09-09, 02:57 PM
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Wow, I must say that I guessed wrong on that. 19.7 inches should be right for you. Hmmm... does anybody else think that frame looks smaller than 19.7 inches, or am I just crazy?

Anyway, it looks really good for a 2001! I looked up the reviews for that model and they are all very good. It seems like a great bike to get into the sport. Get out there and ride like crazy.
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Old 03-09-09, 03:13 PM
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That frame is not 19.7 inches.

Measure from the middle of the crank bolt to the top of the seat tube where the seatpost inserts the frame. I would say 14-15" max
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Old 03-09-09, 06:10 PM
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Nice find there.
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Old 03-09-09, 06:17 PM
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that thing is wayyyy too small if you are 6'1"
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Old 03-09-09, 06:40 PM
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Nice bike. Don't let these bunch of online bike fitting hacks give you a hard time. They're just a bunch of jerks(chelboed). Ride it and have fun.
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Old 03-09-09, 06:44 PM
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You should get a helmet next.
Then you should ride like there's no tomorrow.

It will hurt for the first while... but soon you won't even know.
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Old 03-09-09, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by chelboed
That frame is not 19.7 inches.

Measure from the middle of the crank bolt to the top of the seat tube where the seatpost inserts the frame. I would say 14-15" max
just measured it and it actually came out to 17. I have no idea what this guy was measuring
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Old 03-09-09, 09:01 PM
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Originally Posted by free_pizza
that thing is wayyyy too small if you are 6'1"
I don't understand this, what makes the bike too small and how would this effect anything? I mean, the seat always goes up higher if I happen to grow any taller... Any higher on the very top of the frame and I would have a hard time stepping over it to hop on the bike

I'm a completely newbie here, so forgive my stupiditiy
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Old 03-09-09, 09:03 PM
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Originally Posted by mtnbiker66
Nice bike. Don't let these bunch of online bike fitting hacks give you a hard time. They're just a bunch of jerks(chelboed). Ride it and have fun.
I have been so far, finished up 5 miles a few hours ago and it felt great

Originally Posted by -_RebelRidin'_-
You should get a helmet next.
Then you should ride like there's no tomorrow.



It will hurt for the first while... but soon you won't even know.
Definitely going to look into one, would feel much better!
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Old 03-09-09, 09:07 PM
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The seat could go up higher, but that won't change the length of the top tube. You could give it a longer stem, but too long a stem messes with your steering. Also, raising the seat increases the seat to handlebar drop and puts you into a more aggressive position. But if it feels good, just ride it and enjoy it.

As far as saddle, I'd recommend going to a Specialized saddle dealer and getting fit for a Body Geometry saddle. They'll measure your sitbones and prescribe the correct width for you.
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Old 03-09-09, 10:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Zephyr11
The seat could go up higher, but that won't change the length of the top tube. You could give it a longer stem, but too long a stem messes with your steering. Also, raising the seat increases the seat to handlebar drop and puts you into a more aggressive position. But if it feels good, just ride it and enjoy it.

As far as saddle, I'd recommend going to a Specialized saddle dealer and getting fit for a Body Geometry saddle. They'll measure your sitbones and prescribe the correct width for you.
didn't even think of that. Yeah, it feels comfortable, but then again I've only done 5 miles on it. Going out for an 8 mile trip tomorrow, this should really put it to the test. Usually at the end of the rides either

A) My butt is aching
B) My hands are hurting. I have a horrible habit of gripping the handlebars very hard

On a positive note, just picked up a Cat Eye Mity 8 computer!
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Old 03-10-09, 08:11 AM
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^ you shouldn't have to grip the bars that hard. Pick up a pair of riding gloves, they will help with vibrations and grip as well.
Pretend your holding a tomato in your hand, don't squeeze it to hard, dont want it to explode.
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Old 03-10-09, 09:34 AM
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I ride a 97 Muni-Mula. I'm 5'10.5" and my 18" frame is just at the point that I feel I might want a bigger. 18.5 to 19, max. It's a matter of personal taste and comfort, but I tend to agree on two things: 1)you might find it a touch small as you develop your riding style and 2) You got a great deal on that bike. That's what I paid for mine a few months back.
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Old 03-10-09, 04:41 PM
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That size should about right for you. You might go to your LBS and have them look at the front stem for you to see if it is fitting you ok.

I'd get a "good" pair of bike shorts
Helmet
Gloves
Hydration pack
computer

WWW.jensonusa.com is a good place to shop for items you may need.
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Old 03-11-09, 03:35 AM
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Go to a Specialized dealer and get fitted for the correct width seat.

BTW, the Specialized Sonoma saddle is works very well for MTB.
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Old 03-11-09, 03:13 PM
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I just got a new hydration pack with all sorts of storage at pricepoint for $30. Great prices there, but some of the Sette stuff is pretty cheaply made. The pack is g-t-g, however.
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Old 03-11-09, 03:34 PM
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Wow...17"...I was waaaay off. I'd ride that sukka!
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Old 03-11-09, 05:46 PM
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6'1" and 17" frame is still too short. Can it work..sure. But, ride a 20" frame for awhile and you will niver go back to the 17. You need more room in the cockpit to get properly stretched out. You got a great price on the bike, sell it for a few bucks more and get the correct frame...it's the difference between pain and pleasure....wait, that reminded me of my former gf.
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Old 03-11-09, 07:11 PM
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fit freaks.

If he like the frame, then it "fits" HIM.
A lot of people rid smaller frames, easier to handle
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Old 03-11-09, 08:11 PM
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Rebel, next thing you'll be telling us is that straight guys drive Miata's too....
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