markm75

I'm searching for my wife a replacement mountain bike for rails to trails riding.. she has verbally stated she prefers a bike that doesnt have the seat higher than the handle bars.. the old bike which i'm switching around to give to my 15 year old.. is actually a schwinn from 1990 or so.. still in great shape.. rigid mountain bike.. the seat probably is slightly lower than the handle bars as is right now.. whereas say my schwinn from 2001 is probably even with the handle bars.. both of these 26" rigid.. neither has suspension or anything more modern (heavier older mountain bikes) with say 1.75-1.95" wide tires, nothing too wide as we dont go off trail that much.

Despite what she is after here .. i'm wondering what is considered more the norm.. or what type of bike ideally to strive for.. either way its on a budget.. hoping for a used one or maybe a budget one new.. under $200.. that limits options.. I think from what i've seen, many are using much bigger size tires now.. 29" to 32".. is this accurate.. does it make it that much easier to go further on a trail i would assume? We typically ride 7 to 20 miles on our 26" bikes.. often pulling our 2 year old in a trailer on one of them.

Any suggestions on what the optimal style bike would be (hopefully with a picture as guide for whats meant by that style)?
Sizing wise.. i'm seeing she should probably be on a 17" bike "size" given 5'8 and 29-30" leg length.. she also complains of every seat i've tried to switch out as hurting too much, but thats another issue (she is thinking wider on the seat in the future perhaps)..

I'm a bit behind in whats new these days .. hoping for some input.

Thanks

markm75

I'm guessing she may be after a hybrid.. or for that matter maybe i would want to switch at some point too.. something along these lines?

Like a "Schwinn Clear Creek Step Thru Hybrid Bike".. (cant post a link to it).. locally around $125 in nearly new condition.. comfort hybrid rider i guess.. 21 speed. 28" wheels in this case.

bcpriess

The bikes you already own are a good choice, based on what you've written. Rails to trails bikes need to be able to handle occasional mud in low areas, or locations where the path deviates from the original railway bed and doesn't drain well due to a different construction method, and varying size gravel from crush to 1 inch, again due to differences in trail construction method. The biggest bang for your buck will be tires, saddles, and handlebars. The knobby tires can be too knobby and absorb energy, so you can instead go to a slightly smoother tread like a Continental Double Fighter III, or a Michelin Country Rock, both available in 26in. This will make it roll better while still providing plenty of grip and width to deal with the trail surface. On rails to trails, I don't think you'll notice a huge difference between wheel sizes. 32in is not the norm at all...I think there's a company making custom bikes that size for basketball players. Mountain biking has switched over to mostly 29ers. With the 29er versus the 26er, the angle at which the wheel "hits" a bump is shallower, so you don't feel bumps as much. This is a bigger deal if you're mountain biking or going over rooty single track. On a flat surface, probably doesn't matter much, especially with 2in tires to soak everything up. Speaking of which, 2in tires, or 40mm tires, are about as much suspension as you need on rails to trails. Susp forks aren't necessary and just add weight if you aren't going off road. 28mm tires are on the skinny end for rails to trails, and in my experience begin to feel pretty unstable on loose crushed gravel. As for bars...I'm assuming her old bike you gave to your 15yo has a quill stem? If so, see how high you can raise it. You can also replace the bars with riser bars, or get a longer stem and possibly achieve the fit she is looking for. So you have a lot of options with what you already have.

To answer your "ideal bike" question:

1) Gravel bikes - many have drop bars with the flat part of the bar level with the saddle. HaanJenn by Diamondback is an example.
2) Single speed rigid mountain bikes - Bikes Direct offers a few of these. Marin Pine Mountain is a good example.
3) Flat bar road boke - often have wider tires, upright posture for rails to trails riders. Nashbar has a nice example.

Bill Gem

Retro Grouch 

For economy an old, rigid, mountain bike, provided it's sized right, is pretty hard to beat. That's for almost any casual use. Think of it as being the minivan of bicycles.

If your wife is looking for a bit more style she might like a hybrid bike with 1.5" tires or one of the new gravel style bikes. That will put her in the crossover SUV class.

mikeoclt

I went through similar search for my wife last year. She tried a couple of hybrids but ended up back on her old faithful rigid Gary Fisher MTB from the early 90's w 26" wheels. Put a Nashbar comfort stem and bars with 2" rise, put a Brooks B72 & carbon seat post, put on conti town & country tires. She is very happy with it again. We put money in it, but she is happy & that makes my life easier.

Milton Keynes

Technically any bike will potentially fit this description.

Personally I'd go for a hybrid. I love riding mine on a rail trail.

MRT2

Under $200 pretty much means used, as $200 doesn't get you anything decent, and you pretty much have to go up to at least $400 for a new, entry level bike, at least if you pay retail. Or, buy online, which can be a crapshoot if you don't know what you are doing.

I wouldn't worry too much about wheel size. 26" wheels was a standard for mountain bikes for a long time, and you can still find replacement tires, tubes and wheels in this size. 700c is the standard for most road bikes and hybrids. 27.5" or 650b is a size that is getting more popular, and falls somewhere between 26" and 700c.

As for the style of bike, look for a bike without suspension. Could be an older hybrid or mountain bike. Stick with models that were decent bikes when new. Trek, Specialized, Bianchi, Giant, Cannondale, Kona, Raleigh, and Jamis are a few examples. Not an exhaustive list. Schwinn and Diamondback had some very fine products, and others that were cheap department store bikes, so learn the difference. Stay away from Magna, Roadmaster, and Mongoose. These bikes pretty much suck, and have sucked for a long time.

fietsbob

Even a folding bike with 406 -42 tyres should be adequate.
the rail bed engineers, have made grading of rail beds very slight, low %

markm75

Thanks all for these tips.. very useful, especially on brands and types.. just trying to get my info back on track as its been awhile since i've looked into used/new.

I guess no matter what she prefers a bike where the grips are at least 2" higher than the seat.. nothing leaning way forward on a straight bar thats for sure..

You mention above to avoid mongoose though.. curious what is wrong with these in general.. as ironically i found one in prime shape on CL nearby here that looks solid/new.. the person says they have new tires (hybrid tires) and a new seat too.. $80.. i think its classified as a "comfort bike", though i've seen hybrids with the same positioning (still unsure what makes a hybrid hybrid vs comfort).. handlebar grips on this one around 4" above the seat (i dont think it will let me post the link yet to show).. Her existing bike (mine from 1990 with 18" frame) sits about 2" higher than the seat, the grips)

The model is "Men's 26" Mongoose Pro Comfort/Mountain Bike".. I could probably get it for $60 so it seems a steal. (the # that can be found via google is 6561429536).

My only concern for her on having yet higher up grips/sitting more straight, is the affect that has on a longer 10-20 mile ride.. i would think leaning forward more would actually be less stress on the back in the longer ride? Maybe not, we only avg like 9 mph i think.

stanman13

My wife had largely the same requirements. I found a Specialized Expedition Elite for her used for about $175 ready to ride, and that was at my LBS, so I know I paid a premium price for it. 26 x 1.95" smooth rolling tires, 3x8 Shimano drivetrain, V-brakes. It does have a suspension fork which she doesn't really need, but I tightened it up as much as possible and she seems to like it. The bike isn't particularly heavy. I have her seat adjusted to the highest point and the bars all the way down; the bars are still higher.

markm75

For some reason my post didnt show..

Thanks all for the suggestions..

Certainly sounds like thats my best bet for my wife (and maybe for me eventually), to go with something that has the grips 2-5" higher than the seat (hybrid/comfort). Only concern is how it affects the body sitting more upright after 10-20 miles vs leaning forward more, or maybe doesnt matter.

Local shop sells giant/cannondale, starting price 400+ so yeah used is better.. these brands i do see locally for 150-275 used.

I had found this one on CL (6561429536) 26" Mongoose Pro Comfort Switchback AZ for $80 with new hybrid tires and a seat.. i know it was mentioned to avoid this brand.. but curious why.. (this one does have shocks in the front but maybe thats still ok).

kingston 

I bought my wife one of these Americanos for leisurely rides. She loves it.

katsup

It is a low quality bike and is referred to as a BSO (Bike Shaped Object) around here. Parts on these types of bikes are not known to last and may need constant adjustments. The bike may also be heavy and feel sluggish. Your wife's current 1990 Schwinn is probably a better bike.

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bi...561429536.html



Edit: Not all Mongoose bikes are bad, but it is difficult, especially for beginners, to pick out the good ones among the bad.

MRT2

Extremely poor quality bikes. Actually barely bikes. More like toys. Cheap and disposable. You can often get them new for a little more than $100 at Wal Mart or Target.

Iride01 

The big things to consider, IMO, IMO... are:

• what is the riding surface. Get the appropriate tires.
• How often are the stops where you can at least get water if not a convenience store or burger joint.

As previously posted, they are very flat with low grades. If the rails to trail you are doing is asphalt paved like the 44 mile trail south of me, then any bike will do.

UniChris

UniChris

Yes, the stops can be important, too. Rail trails often skirt town centers and go through industrial areas (they were the tracks that those are on the wrong side of...), so opportunities to drop into a store without a substantial detour off the trail could be 15 miles apart even in nominally built-up areas, which is more significant for some riders.

I like to have enough bottles that I can get my money's worth (and maybe a hand/face wash) from a gallon or 3 liter of water... which is often cheaper than buying a 1 or 1.5 liter bottle anyway. Of course that's simpler when riding with someone else.

For some reason rail-trail infrastructure seems to rarely include water fountains or bottle filling stations, even in areas that obviously have municipal piping, and even when other amenities like a repair stand are offered.

Another surprising one was the bike store a half block from a major rail trail, that is closed on Sundays. Though fortunately the time I left my food and electrolytes on the kitchen table when setting out on a long ride was a weekday, so they were there for me then! Peace from rampant commercialization is a nice thing, but sort of feel like rail-trail sponsorship with signage by local cycle or food business would be something the managing agencies should look into.

Bill Gem

markm75

I'm not finding a whole lot to pick from in the local Pittsburgh region as far as used goes (for under $200).. but thanks to everyones comments I think maybe i'm narrowing the search down, at least to the name brands that should be more solid than what i originally thought. As far as the trails we ride on, yeah around here there isnt much grade, though there are a few that get steeper in parts, but nothing even a 7 or 8 speed couldnt be used for.

On craigs I found a Schwinn, however, i think it may be more "walmart" grade quality than true Schwinn like I have in the other two bikes from 01 and 90.. unsure..
CL 6573473686.. its a Schwinn Cimarron Designed for Women "W" series.. 17" tube which i think is the right height for my wife 5'8, 30" length, more so than the 18's.. However, he is asking 180.. i think thats original retail back in 2007.. most of these seem to go for around 40-60 tops.. of the few reviews i've found, some are solid while others warn not good for more than around town/breaks in 2 months etc. So unsure if this mode's quality is ok..


My biggest fear on the "cheaper" units is that we get 15 miles on a ride and something breaks to the point we are stuck.

Also on craigs 6585729506 there is a Raleigh C30 Cross Sport hybrid, they claim it has a 17" seat tube but it doesnt look it.. for $180 this one does match up, assuming the 17 is correct but i dont think it is.

Would anyone also advise Against going to a place like Dicks or Dunhams for a "new" bike.. even if the name brand matches up? Though i'm not seeing the brands they had in the past, right now i'm seeing "Nishiki", solid reviews but noone mentioned this brand on here.

The one model they used to have it appears, was.. Diamondback Wildwood Classic Comfort.. I'm seeing these on amazon for $259, or ebay for $179.. I'm assuming these are "ok", but the question is, assembly/warranty.. not sure if something breaks how you deal with a warranty issue in that first year.. i do like local shop ability to honor the warranty and yearly upkeep (but for us paying $400 is too high for the amount we will likely ride)... any thoughts here.. would a local shop be willing to "finish" the assembly if i get stuck on brakes or similar, do a check.. i'm guessing they may but for an another hundred.. so at that point its at most a $350 bike anyway (so I should have looked new at the local shop if i end up needing assembly/checking).

I do see the Performance Americano Twenty-one Speed Comfort Bike on Performance Bicycles as well.. for around $219 new.

jefnvk

If she is comfortable on the Americano, go for that. Tourney equipped is plenty good for MUP riding. Performance is pretty good about backing up their products, at least in my limited experience.

I wouldn't necessarily dismiss Dicks or Dunhams. In all reality, any Tourney equipped bike is going to be of the same quality and price point. Just know a lot of bikes they sell there are not really any better quality than Wal-Mart level.

markm75

I would think she would be ok with that, hard to tell without testing it i guess.. there is a performance bike shop near me, but the reviews are sketchy on how they support their bikes, especially lower cost ones.. maybe i'd be just as well off to have it shipped, but that boils down to how hard it is to put together and if i can do it without needing to take it to a shop to begin with.. I have a bike repair stand and the proper tools though.

Is this the general gist.. in terms of parts on a bike.. to make sure they have at least Shimano or Shimano tourney etc, part quality?

Checked with dicks.. they definitely only carry that brand Nishiki.. and they only warrant their stuff for 30 days.. you pay $30 per year extra for added coverage and a yearly tuneup (which at my trusty local shop a tuneup is $35 with no wheel true.. $65 with true.. and i've not done the true on any of my bikes ever, which is probably bad).

Checking with the local shop again, they confirmed they stock 2017 Giant Sedona comfort bikes at $390 plus tax (which would include a twice a year standard tune, $35 value for the lifetime).. i should probably take my wife and have her sit on one of these to confirm the 17" / comfort is the right fit first and go from there.

Back to the two on craigs that were cheaper.. i guess i'd trust that Schwinn (with i think Shimano derailleurs at least) over the previously mentioned mongoose.

kingston 

If you have a performance nearby there is no reason not to get it at the shop. They will set it up for you, which is more than you get if you have it delivered. I would be very skeptical of negative online reviews. I'm sure their service after the sale is fine as long as you are a reasonable person. It will definitely be better than a sporting goods store with no mechanics.

MRT2

I would say no to Dick's and Dunhams. At least in my area, they are not much better than Wal Mart or Target, and have little to no after sales support. And, no to Nishiki. It pains me to say this as I owned a Nishiki in high school back when Nishiki was, like Panasonic and Fuji, a quality Japanese brand. No more. Now it is just a name they slap on cheap and disposable bikes, for the most part. It is possible there are Nishkis that are not bad, but most of them are really bad, so don't take the risk.

markm75

Yes that is certainly true.. i checked with them, they dont offer any sort of "warranty" on the bike though, anything breaks you have to call the manufacturer.. i always thought the other local shops covered this.. They dont include a yearly tuneup, their tune up cost is about $80 for everything including truing (vs my other shop at around $60 and closer).

i guess in terms of assembling these, i'm not too worried if it ends up being a different one from online like the Diamonback Wildwood Classic or maybe the women specific Diamondback 2017 Serene Classic Women's Comfort Bike which is 179 via jenns bikes on ebay (if no stock on the americano or dont go with prebuilt used), for the most part.. where i run into issues sometimes is tuning the derailers, in which case i'd just take it to my other shop for a $35 tuneup.

The diamondback serene pricing at 179 seems too good to be true (most likely will end up going this route, though maybe through aventuron as the ebay seller seems to ship broken/used as new).. has shimano tourney on it as well. I would assume a 1 year warranty from the manufacturer. My concern is how to put this on the bike rack on my van, it lacks a center bar, i think an adapter may be needed? (edit, i think a $25 swagman bar is the answer there, seems like an annoyance each time but i guess its the way).. I guess later on if i want to switch to a more upright bike such as this, i should maybe consider the Wildwood classic (but it only goes to 19" not 20" like i have now at my 6'6 height, whole other story)