Bicycles

[nascarfantoo]

If you are interested in something in the $600-$1000 range, BGI, Mathews, and A-1 good choices. I tend to agree with gregkl's post. Discuss with them what your desires are, what you intend to get out of this bike. Kind of like buying a new truck. If you don't plan to tow something, do you need or want a F-350? That price range should get you a good bike to try for fitness reasons.

If you ever want to get into a higher end bike, there are other options that help you there. But no need discussing them until you are ready. Once I started riding over 2,000 miles a year I knew I had to step up a notch. Last few years I have averaged over 4,000 miles.

 

[JokerGirl]

Well, I guess I'll shop around at all the different stores. Maybe I can find one of last year's models for a cheaper price, too.

Now the trick will be figuring out a safe way to bike to school and my job downtown without getting hit or mugged. Once I'm fit enough, of course.

 

[gregkl]

Well, I guess I'll shop around at all the different stores. Maybe I can find one of last year's models for a cheaper price, too.

Now the trick will be figuring out a safe way to bike to school and my job downtown without getting hit or mugged. Once I'm fit enough, of course.

That is a good plan. Matthews used to "specialize" in stocking up on last years models and then sell them at discounted prices. I think it has become more difficult for them due to allocations from mfrs. in recent years, but ask when you are looking. And jump on it quick. January/February are the best times to buy. In March store traffic starts to increase and they are not as receptive to discounting.

 

[74J10]

BGI has a sale in mid March. It will be really busy but you can get a decent deal. I would go in beforehand and figure out what you want and then come back to buy on the sale day. You will likely get better service beforehand. Most employees try to give good service during the sale but it is so busy sometimes it becomes difficult.
I also recommend them over the others but am biased as I worked there in high school. In all honesty, Mathews is good place too, as is Indy Cycle Specialist on the east side. Those are the only ones I really have experience with.
If you have any specific questions let me know, I am still really into bikes and am hoping to buy a new mountain bike with my tax return.

 

[JokerGirl]

Did some looking around yesterday. I definitely really like Matthew's "small shop" feel vs. the new BGI North side store.

The guy helping me there showed me three different bikes.

The Trek 7.3 I've been looking at, the Specialized Sirrus Sport, and the Raleigh Cadent FT2

All three seemed like pretty nice bikes. They're all 9 speeds, and the only real difference I can see between the three is the Raleigh has a carbon fork, whereas the other two have aluminum. I'm not sure it'll make much of a difference for me, though.

Don't know enough to really be able to compare the other components.

Figured I'm going to get on the Hubby's Haro and make sure that I can balance enough to ride their bikes and not wreck, then go back, test them, and go from there.

Any preference on the three he showed me?

 

[gregkl]

Did some looking around yesterday. I definitely really like Matthew's "small shop" feel vs. the new BGI North side store.

The guy helping me there showed me three different bikes.

The Trek 7.3 I've been looking at, the Specialized Sirrus Sport, and the Raleigh Cadent FT2

All three seemed like pretty nice bikes. They're all 9 speeds, and the only real difference I can see between the three is the Raleigh has a carbon fork, whereas the other two have aluminum. I'm not sure it'll make much of a difference for me, though.

Don't know enough to really be able to compare the other components.

Figured I'm going to get on the Hubby's Haro and make sure that I can balance enough to ride their bikes and not wreck, then go back, test them, and go from there.

Any preference on the three he showed me?

The only real difference between the Trek and the Specialized is that the handlebar on the Trek has a rise to it which may be a little more comfortable. Which one felt the best to you?

I would gravitate towards either the Trek or the Specialized.

 

[JokerGirl]

That's kind of where I am with it. I'll need to ride them, although I liked the seat on the Specialized better when I sat on it, but I know that's something that can always be changed.

I'm still leaning towards the Trek, but we'll see once I ride them

 

[gregkl]

That's kind of where I am with it. I'll need to ride them, although I liked the seat on the Specialized better when I sat on it, but I know that's something that can always be changed.

I'm still leaning towards the Trek, but we'll see once I ride them

Sounds good. Seats(saddles) become comfortable by two means:
1. time in seat conditioning to it.
2. Finding just the right seat which is personal to each rider.

I get comments on my saddle all the time because it is super thin with just a bare amount of padding. However, it is the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned.

 

[Colt556]

I didn't read the whole thread but scanned it. I didn't see The Bike Line in Broad Ripple mentioned. Small place on the Monon but has been there forever and pretty knowledgeable. Matthews is great and has been in business foreva! There are some smaller independent shops around the area too that you can check out. Get a bike that fits and has decent components and things like saddles, pedals and handle bars can be changed out later if you don't like them. I'm HOPING to ride more this season but I need motivation! Good Luck.....

 

[JokerGirl]

I had been in contact with Matthews Bikes on their FB page over the last couple of weeks when I was informed they got a couple of the Specialized Vita Sports in stock Friday. They also said I would get 10% off. I went in, rode it, and decided to buy. In the process, Hubby decided exercise was more important than a trap gun to join me with. (I had no influence... I've wanted a trap partner since my Dad moved, so I wanted him to get his shotgun)

We both came home with bikes...Now to really become hardcore. I rode for a half hour this morning and ended up with earaches from the cold the rest of the day.

 

[danielocean03]

Glad to hear Matthews was able to help you out, I bought my specialized there as well about 3 years ago, great shop.

 

[gregkl]

Congrats! Nice pick. It will be warm soon!

 

[terrehautian]

I bought a bike today. Drove by a yard sale where this bike was.













The gears was just serviced. I need to fix the rear tire and probably replace the brake lines. I have always liked older bikes as they were made to last. Best thing is I only paid $20 for it. I may have to put another $40 or more in it, but it will be better then most bikes I can get for what I will have in it. Eventually I may get it sand blasted and powder coated.

 

[SnoopLoggyDog]

Specialized for the win!

 

[femurphy77]

You didn't buy that, you stole it!! Bravo!

+1 for buying other peoples used junk!!

 

[PistolBob]

40 years ago I got that same Schwinn for Christmas from my parents. Mine was banana yellow and my brother got a green one. I bet we rode those things for several thousand miles before we got cars.

 

[terrehautian]

You didn't buy that, you stole it!! Bravo!

+1 for buying other peoples used junk!!

Just for kicks, I asked the owner if she would take 15, she said no. I said 20 was fine but I had to ask. She said it was going to go to her son, but he wanted a mountain bike. She did say she isn't getting anything near what she spent on getting it serviced. As I said, I plan to get new brake lines put on, hopefully get the front upper brake lever fixed to where it works right (sticks right now), and get the rear tire fixed.

wow, thats a classic!!

That is what drew me to it.

 

[dprimm]

Don't repaint it!!! Classic as is.

Just enjoy it.

 

[LEaSH]

Nice patina on the old bike.

I bought a Schwinn like that but it's faded black and taller framed. I ride it around, but really need to true or replace the wheels and get a three piece crankset eventually.

 

[Black Cloud]

I wouldn't change a thing on it. There are a lot of refurbishers out there looking for that bike to bring back to new and make a fortune on it. Do some research.