When can I expect riding to become enjoyable?
11-17-20, 12:39 PM
#228
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There's a small single-track on my commute, and several near the river where I ride for entertainment. But importantly, the pavement around here is awful, and the sidewalks are worse. The suspension fork has worked well for me so far. I'm not interested in running fat tires, prefer something around 1.5", with a bit of side traction, is perfect for the routes I'm usually on.
You can get cheaper and better by nixing the front suspension demand.
Why buy a bike for the "small single-track on [your] commute" when that is not what is needed anywhere else? You can ride single track without a front suspension (and without a full suspended bike). That's what people did before they were a thing.
Yea, no problem taking my time - been doing that for a long time LOL. I keep checking out the Trek Dual Sport and FX models. I like the frame on the FX better, just not sure if it's going to get me through the crappy surfaces I'm on a lot.
Nothing is perfect of course. I'm sure whatever I end up with I'll be tweaking it a lot. Already did that with my current main ride, which is a 2001 Trek 8000. It's a FUN ride. My real fear is I'll buy a new bike, and won't like it as much.
Edit: Just from one manufacturer (Giant), 700c, flat bar, and front sus:
Four on this page:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bi...heel-size=700c
Two on this page:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bi...ity-and-hybrid
And, finally, sixteen on this page (hardtail MTBs - so not 700c):
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bi...bikes/hardtail
That's just from a single, one, manufacturer, and the prices are from cheap (or at least not much) to very expensive. T
here are loads out there.
Last edited by CargoDane; 11-17-20 at 12:48 PM.
11-17-20, 02:50 PM
#229
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Yeah, it is funny to me, front suspension on pavement. When I started, "mountain biking" meant a bike---regular, rigid diamond-frame bike---with 1.6 or 2-inch tires. "Suspension" wasn't a thing---and we rode the same trails I now ride with full suspension (at least the easier ones.) We were a Lot slower ... but I sure developed better riding skills trying to wrestle a "normal" bike over those obstacles.
A good fat-tire rigid bike should be able to handle Any kind of pavement, considering people used to bomb rock gardens and root fields and sand and mud and whatever on them .....
But, as @CargoDane notes, there are plenty of suspension options.
Also ... you can mount a 1.5 slick on a 650b rim .... or even a narrower tire, depending on the rim width.
A good fat-tire rigid bike should be able to handle Any kind of pavement, considering people used to bomb rock gardens and root fields and sand and mud and whatever on them .....
But, as @CargoDane notes, there are plenty of suspension options.
Also ... you can mount a 1.5 slick on a 650b rim .... or even a narrower tire, depending on the rim width.
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11-17-20, 02:54 PM
#230
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Just out of curiosity, what's wrong with the trek 8000? I looked online and it seems like a good bike Aluminum frame, suspension fork ... stick a tall stem and riser bars on it and ride away.
11-17-20, 03:00 PM
#231
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I don't see a problem either. The kind of bike he wants is absolutely everywhere. It's just a matter of sizes and how cheap or expensive the components and frame material should be.
11-17-20, 03:12 PM
#232
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Do not ride on the sidewalk. Seriously, you're not a small kid.
You can get cheaper and better by nixing the front suspension demand.
Why buy a bike for the "small single-track on [your] commute" when that is not what is needed anywhere else? You can ride single track without a front suspension (and without a full suspended bike). That's what people did before they were a thing.
Won't be a problem at all.
If you know what you want, and you're making an informed decision based on needs mostly and wants secondly, you can make a good choice so it will actually be an upgrade.
Edit: Just from one manufacturer (Giant), 700c, flat bar, and front sus:
Four on this page:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bi...heel-size=700c
Two on this page:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bi...ity-and-hybrid
And, finally, sixteen on this page (hardtail MTBs - so not 700c):
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bi...bikes/hardtail
That's just from a single, one, manufacturer, and the prices are from cheap (or at least not much) to very expensive. T
here are loads out there.
You can get cheaper and better by nixing the front suspension demand.
Why buy a bike for the "small single-track on [your] commute" when that is not what is needed anywhere else? You can ride single track without a front suspension (and without a full suspended bike). That's what people did before they were a thing.
Won't be a problem at all.
If you know what you want, and you're making an informed decision based on needs mostly and wants secondly, you can make a good choice so it will actually be an upgrade.
Edit: Just from one manufacturer (Giant), 700c, flat bar, and front sus:
Four on this page:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bi...heel-size=700c
Two on this page:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bi...ity-and-hybrid
And, finally, sixteen on this page (hardtail MTBs - so not 700c):
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bi...bikes/hardtail
That's just from a single, one, manufacturer, and the prices are from cheap (or at least not much) to very expensive. T
here are loads out there.
Thus my original "hard to find" comment.
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11-17-20, 03:30 PM
#233
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Some folks, I hear, have bought bikes by mail. Some folks have ordered bikes on the internet, and had then delivered.
Not all bikes are available that way ... but if you have been riding long enough to know exactly what you want, you are the perfect long-distance buyer.
Again ... I didn't see what was wrong with the old Trek. Just old?
Not all bikes are available that way ... but if you have been riding long enough to know exactly what you want, you are the perfect long-distance buyer.
Again ... I didn't see what was wrong with the old Trek. Just old?
11-17-20, 04:07 PM
#234
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Seriously, now it's just that nothing is n close vicinity to where you live? I bought my Dahon Smooth Hound from Germany (because that was the only place which had it) (I live in Denmark). I bought my Bullitt by phone (although, that does only have one frame size), and my Ti Omnium was a frame I custom ordered to my specs, picked a size, and then picked it up on my Bullitt and rode home with it where I assembled the thing. I fiddled a little with different stems, but that was it.
As Maelochs said: Buy it online or have your dealer get one home for you.
I'd also like to ask the same question he asked: What's wrong with the Trek?
11-17-20, 04:21 PM
#235
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Seriously, now it's just that nothing is n close vicinity to where you live? I bought my Dahon Smooth Hound from Germany (because that was the only place which had it) (I live in Denmark). I bought my Bullitt by phone (although, that does only have one frame size), and my Ti Omnium was a frame I custom ordered to my specs, picked a size, and then picked it up on my Bullitt and rode home with it where I assembled the thing. I fiddled a little with different stems, but that was it.
As Maelochs said: Buy it online or have your dealer get one home for you.
I'd also like to ask the same question he asked: What's wrong with the Trek?
As Maelochs said: Buy it online or have your dealer get one home for you.
I'd also like to ask the same question he asked: What's wrong with the Trek?
I'm not in Germany, so maybe you have better luck. Used to be REALLY easy to buy a descent bike around here before the COVID lockdowns, but not so much these days.
11-17-20, 04:27 PM
#236
Member
I concur with others, a bike fit may do wonders to make it more comfortable. The proper padded shorts will also help a great deal with comfort issues. They make them to just look like normal shorts if the spandex thing isn't something your're into. I love being "out there", I love recording the rides and uploading to Strava a picking the data apart even though I accept that I'll not likely get any faster overall is it fun to try to make new PB's on segments. I love the "shiny new toy" thing with bikes. I even enjoy just going out and having leisurly rides when I don't care about performance. I also have a great friend I ride with frequently to mix things up. You can also try gravel riding or maybe even Mtn biking. Best of luck, hope it works out for you!
11-17-20, 04:29 PM
#237
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Some folks, I hear, have bought bikes by mail. Some folks have ordered bikes on the internet, and had then delivered.
Not all bikes are available that way ... but if you have been riding long enough to know exactly what you want, you are the perfect long-distance buyer.
Again ... I didn't see what was wrong with the old Trek. Just old?
Not all bikes are available that way ... but if you have been riding long enough to know exactly what you want, you are the perfect long-distance buyer.
Again ... I didn't see what was wrong with the old Trek. Just old?
When I get that bike with what I want, I still won't be satisfied and I'll want to do something else with it, a different part, some accessory to go with it, almost certainly a different seat or pedals. Just the way it is.
11-17-20, 04:31 PM
#238
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I'm not in Germany, so maybe you have better luck. Used to be REALLY easy to buy a descent bike around here before the COVID lockdowns, but not so much these days.
11-17-20, 04:43 PM
#239
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So I have been riding 8-10 miles for almost 3 weeks now, almost every day. I will be going to every other day primarily due to elbow pain issues, as well as thigh soreness. But I digress. In all honesty, there is nothing I enjoy all that much about it. I want to quit the first couple of miles almost every single time. Somehow, I've manage to always complete the predetermined route, usually with a bit of tiredness.
I thought I'd enjoy the scenery of streets and trails I've never seen before. Nope. I thought I enjoy getting out a lot more having been shuttered in during the pandemic. Not so much. And I genuinely hate with a passion every overpass and underpass that I have to go through. But even having said all that, I have a strong compulsion to keep going every single time and especially before the ride begins. I've never cut off a ride earlier than I planned. I feel forced to ride before the journey begins so it's certainly not a lack of motivation problem. Which is a bit unusual because knowing myself I could have easily given up for good after the first few days/a week.
I don't have any plans to quit any time soon. I'm not sure if I do it for the fitness. I think definitely to some extent. I don't think I do it just to play with the shiny new toy. So I guess all that is background for should I expect to get to a place where I like it more? Would a much better bike make it more enjoyable? I currently ride a 3 speed entry level bike. I think enjoy it for the most part but don't have a comparative basis.
I thought I'd enjoy the scenery of streets and trails I've never seen before. Nope. I thought I enjoy getting out a lot more having been shuttered in during the pandemic. Not so much. And I genuinely hate with a passion every overpass and underpass that I have to go through. But even having said all that, I have a strong compulsion to keep going every single time and especially before the ride begins. I've never cut off a ride earlier than I planned. I feel forced to ride before the journey begins so it's certainly not a lack of motivation problem. Which is a bit unusual because knowing myself I could have easily given up for good after the first few days/a week.
I don't have any plans to quit any time soon. I'm not sure if I do it for the fitness. I think definitely to some extent. I don't think I do it just to play with the shiny new toy. So I guess all that is background for should I expect to get to a place where I like it more? Would a much better bike make it more enjoyable? I currently ride a 3 speed entry level bike. I think enjoy it for the most part but don't have a comparative basis.
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11-20-20, 10:33 AM
#240
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So I have been riding 8-10 miles for almost 3 weeks now, almost every day. I will be going to every other day primarily due to elbow pain issues, as well as thigh soreness. But I digress. In all honesty, there is nothing I enjoy all that much about it. I want to quit the first couple of miles almost every single time. Somehow, I've manage to always complete the predetermined route, usually with a bit of tiredness.
I thought I'd enjoy the scenery of streets and trails I've never seen before. Nope. I thought I enjoy getting out a lot more having been shuttered in during the pandemic. Not so much. And I genuinely hate with a passion every overpass and underpass that I have to go through. But even having said all that, I have a strong compulsion to keep going every single time and especially before the ride begins. I've never cut off a ride earlier than I planned. I feel forced to ride before the journey begins so it's certainly not a lack of motivation problem. Which is a bit unusual because knowing myself I could have easily given up for good after the first few days/a week.
I don't have any plans to quit any time soon. I'm not sure if I do it for the fitness. I think definitely to some extent. I don't think I do it just to play with the shiny new toy. So I guess all that is background for should I expect to get to a place where I like it more? Would a much better bike make it more enjoyable? I currently ride a 3 speed entry level bike. I think enjoy it for the most part but don't have a comparative basis.
I thought I'd enjoy the scenery of streets and trails I've never seen before. Nope. I thought I enjoy getting out a lot more having been shuttered in during the pandemic. Not so much. And I genuinely hate with a passion every overpass and underpass that I have to go through. But even having said all that, I have a strong compulsion to keep going every single time and especially before the ride begins. I've never cut off a ride earlier than I planned. I feel forced to ride before the journey begins so it's certainly not a lack of motivation problem. Which is a bit unusual because knowing myself I could have easily given up for good after the first few days/a week.
I don't have any plans to quit any time soon. I'm not sure if I do it for the fitness. I think definitely to some extent. I don't think I do it just to play with the shiny new toy. So I guess all that is background for should I expect to get to a place where I like it more? Would a much better bike make it more enjoyable? I currently ride a 3 speed entry level bike. I think enjoy it for the most part but don't have a comparative basis.
11-20-20, 04:35 PM
#241
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rydabent has the answer: a recumbent trike...even more fun and enjoyable is if you throw a E motor on it!
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11-21-20, 12:13 AM
#242
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If the OP rides only rural roads with wide shoulders, go tadpole trike. If the OP dos any urban or dense suburban riding .... roll the dice.
I have wanted a trike for years but I will not decrease my survival chances by dropping below most cars' hood line. I would need to build an elevated light bar throwing retina-searing lumens before I would trust my life in a trike in traffic .....
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11-21-20, 07:21 AM
#243
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11-21-20, 08:49 AM
#244
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The added benefit with a recumbent is that if you ride in traffic no car can see you--you could almost pass underneath some SUVs and pickups.
If the OP rides only rural roads with wide shoulders, go tadpole trike. If the OP dos any urban or dense suburban riding .... roll the dice.
I have wanted a trike for years but I will not decrease my survival chances by dropping below most cars' hood line. I would need to build an elevated light bar throwing retina-searing lumens before I would trust my life in a trike in traffic .....
If the OP rides only rural roads with wide shoulders, go tadpole trike. If the OP dos any urban or dense suburban riding .... roll the dice.
I have wanted a trike for years but I will not decrease my survival chances by dropping below most cars' hood line. I would need to build an elevated light bar throwing retina-searing lumens before I would trust my life in a trike in traffic .....
11-21-20, 08:51 AM
#245
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Me too! I rode a 'bent trike around a parking lot years ago and thought it would be great as I age and lose faculties. However, I had to drive into town a few days ago and encountered a fellow on a very low 'bent. He apparently fancied himself a "character," with all sorts of stuff hanging from the bike and his person. Nevertheless, he was surprisingly hard to see, even in small town traffic. Out on my normal rural roads he would likely be squashed by a dually pulling a horse trailer.
11-21-20, 02:59 PM
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I'm not there yet....
11-21-20, 06:33 PM
#247
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If I had 130 miles of good trails or even good, low-traffic roads I would be all over a trike.
11-22-20, 07:17 PM
#248
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if you don't like to ride a bike don't, if you want some exercise try something else, walk, jog, run, play tennis, many many options out there, I recall back in the 80's and 90's so many people complaining about going to aerobics classes, it seemed the only reasons they went were for the community (a good reason) and for vanity wanting to look good. let it go, find something you like
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11-23-20, 08:46 AM
#249
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I think I have found what you stumble over, Gene99, so let me rephrase the first paragraph of the folllowing post - part bolded is where I think you went wrong:
So, here's another try at that first paragraph:
I live in Denmark. We have plenty of cobble stoned streets here. Other people than racers and wanna-be racers suffer or find something uncomfortable or having to stand so my fillings won't shake loose. And I don't need to pretend I like to suffer or some other idiotic machismo.
So, there. More clear now?
So, here's another try at that first paragraph:
I live in Denmark. We have plenty of cobble stoned streets here. Other people than racers and wanna-be racers suffer or find something uncomfortable or having to stand so my fillings won't shake loose. And I don't need to pretend I like to suffer or some other idiotic machismo.
So, there. More clear now?
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