Cycling Thread

[rd_aaron]

Alright, first time poster in this thread. Had my bike stolen late last year so I'm looking for a new ride but I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to bikes. I have a decent wellness fund at work, so I'm going to use it this year to buy a bike. Budget is $1000.

I owned a Norco Bush Pilot (hard tail) for about 8 years and it did me well enough. However, I used it about 98% in the city on paths/streets/commuting to work. The new bike will be used similarly. Therefore, I'm thinking perhaps I should switch from a Mtn bike to a hybrid/commuter.

Looking for some bike suggestions. Also, what are good websites for looking up reviews? What shop in Calgary is your favourite/best for hybrids? What tire size should I be looking at? 700C? I have discovered bike tire sizes are very confusing. I'm 6'2", 200lbs if that helps.

In general, what questions should I be asking at the bike shops?

TIA!

[Timbo]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

I don't really care for the "Ziploc" seal system on the platypus, IMO the camelback system in my pack (a large dial type closure on top third of bag is better).

Osprey packs always gets lots of love in MTB fourms - but the last time I bought a CB, the stores I visited did not carry Osprey.

Sport Chek Westbrook has the Osprey Viper for$129.00

[phaneuf_train]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

have you tried snakes and ladders off of ranger summit?

Thanks for the suggestion. I went and rode ranger summit - snakes and ladders - ridgeback - bobcat - strangebrew. Snakes was fun and curvy but I really liked riding down the rocky part on ridgeback. Coming up bobcat sucked, I'm not a fan of climbing, but looking forward to riding down it next time. Seen what I thought was a wolf at the bottom of bobcat. Next time I need to bring more food as I lacked quite a bit of energy.

[TSXCman]

Originally Posted by rd_aaron

Alright, first time poster in this thread. Had my bike stolen late last year so I'm looking for a new ride but I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to bikes. I have a decent wellness fund at work, so I'm going to use it this year to buy a bike. Budget is $1000.

I owned a Norco Bush Pilot (hard tail) for about 8 years and it did me well enough. However, I used it about 98% in the city on paths/streets/commuting to work. The new bike will be used similarly. Therefore, I'm thinking perhaps I should switch from a Mtn bike to a hybrid/commuter.

Looking for some bike suggestions. Also, what are good websites for looking up reviews? What shop in Calgary is your favourite/best for hybrids? What tire size should I be looking at? 700C? I have discovered bike tire sizes are very confusing. I'm 6'2", 200lbs if that helps.

In general, what questions should I be asking at the bike shops?

TIA!

I'm a bit... cheap, so I prefer kijiji over bike shops in this economy. It sounds like a hybrid or a twin-sport would be good for you, should be able to get something under $700 that goes for more at a shop.

I have a Scott Sportster 10, as an example, in which it has mostly mountain bike parts with a front suspension and a bit beefier 700C tires with some tread.

For sizing, you are probably a L or XL, but that part depends on the person. Stopping by a bike shop would be helpful there.

[KTrain]

If your wellness fund doesn't require you to submit receipts (some do) I would suggest Kijiji as well. You'll get more bang for your buck.

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by phaneuf_train

Thanks for the suggestion. I went and rode ranger summit - snakes and ladders - ridgeback - bobcat - strangebrew. Snakes was fun and curvy but I really liked riding down the rocky part on ridgeback. Coming up bobcat sucked, I'm not a fan of climbing, but looking forward to riding down it next time. Seen what I thought was a wolf at the bottom of bobcat. Next time I need to bring more food as I lacked quite a bit of energy.

I have only ridden bobcat once, and the time I rode it I thought it would sure be fun to come down as it is one of the more buff trails int eh area; however, if you were to park in west bragg ride up ranger summit and then over to bobcat and down - I am not sure where would be the best to ride up.

is snakes and ladders one way?

[cracher]

I'm mostly sure everything is officially 2 way at WBC. But S&L is one of those trails... I hate climbing something where I look at it the whole way and think, "man, this would be great coming down". IMO, S&L is a more interesting down than bobcat. Dem switchbacks!

[millhouse11]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

I have only ridden bobcat once, and the time I rode it I thought it would sure be fun to come down as it is one of the more buff trails int eh area; however, if you were to park in west bragg ride up ranger summit and then over to bobcat and down - I am not sure where would be the best to ride up.

is snakes and ladders one way?

A good loop would be to park at station flats, ride Snagmore, up Stick it, down Strangebrew, up Ranger, down Bobcat, then Ridgeback

[dubc80]

Originally Posted by rd_aaron

Alright, first time poster in this thread. Had my bike stolen late last year so I'm looking for a new ride but I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to bikes. I have a decent wellness fund at work, so I'm going to use it this year to buy a bike. Budget is $1000.

I owned a Norco Bush Pilot (hard tail) for about 8 years and it did me well enough. However, I used it about 98% in the city on paths/streets/commuting to work. The new bike will be used similarly. Therefore, I'm thinking perhaps I should switch from a Mtn bike to a hybrid/commuter.

Looking for some bike suggestions. Also, what are good websites for looking up reviews? What shop in Calgary is your favourite/best for hybrids? What tire size should I be looking at? 700C? I have discovered bike tire sizes are very confusing. I'm 6'2", 200lbs if that helps.

In general, what questions should I be asking at the bike shops?

TIA!

I'd go check out this bike for myself, but it's too big for me.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-mountain-bike...ationFlag=true

Good deal and fits what you're looking for. I'm pretty sure this is a 2015 model and was selling at Bow Cycle for about $999 or so when I looked at it last year.

[Flames0910]

Originally Posted by rd_aaron

Alright, first time poster in this thread. Had my bike stolen late last year so I'm looking for a new ride but I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to bikes. I have a decent wellness fund at work, so I'm going to use it this year to buy a bike. Budget is $1000.

I owned a Norco Bush Pilot (hard tail) for about 8 years and it did me well enough. However, I used it about 98% in the city on paths/streets/commuting to work. The new bike will be used similarly. Therefore, I'm thinking perhaps I should switch from a Mtn bike to a hybrid/commuter.

Looking for some bike suggestions. Also, what are good websites for looking up reviews? What shop in Calgary is your favourite/best for hybrids? What tire size should I be looking at? 700C? I have discovered bike tire sizes are very confusing. I'm 6'2", 200lbs if that helps.

In general, what questions should I be asking at the bike shops?

Trek 7.1 ~ 7.4 FX or something similar would be a good starting point. Great commuter option. Not quite as relaxed as some of the hybrids out there as it's a little more fitness oriented, but definitely more versatile. Was my first "real" bike from Ridley's in Kensington and I loved it (until it got stolen).
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bi...p/1323010-2016

Tell them exactly what you said here and they'll find something that suits your needs. They're all good bikes in that price range.

(I understand the temptation to get a deal on Kijiji, but if you've got the budget and you're not sure where to start — spend the money and get something you'll be happy with. Don't risk something that's not quite right or a poor fit for your body type. Just my two cents )

[rd_aaron]

Thanks for the replies. I really like Kijiji but I'm not confident enough to know what to look for/whether it would be a good deal or not. I'll take a look though. I think as long as I got a bill of sale it would pass.

I was looking at those Treks. What do you think about the 8.3DS? I like that it has front shocks and disc brakes.

[Flames0910]

Originally Posted by rd_aaron

Thanks for the replies. I really like Kijiji but I'm not confident enough to know what to look for/whether it would be a good deal or not. I'll take a look though. I think as long as I got a bill of sale it would pass.

I was looking at those Treks. What do you think about the 8.3DS? I like that it has front shocks and disc brakes.

Depends how much you plan on going off road.

If you're mainly riding on roads and pathways the suspension and larger tires with aggressive tread will slow you down. But if you're thinking you might be on bumpy trails and rough terrain, or you have a bad back, then you'll appreciate those features.

Personally, I'd avoid the suspension for something in the city. Easier to ride, and easier to maintain. But I'm an inner-city, latte-sipping millennial so it's really a question of whatever fits your needs best — why not try them both?

(also, bike swap is this weekend. might be worth a look: http://albertabikeswap.ca/location/calgary)

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by rd_aaron

What do you think about the 8.3DS? I like that it has front shocks and disc brakes.

I took a look at trek's website and to me at that price point that shock is likely not going to do a whole lot except add some weight - they will likely have little in the way of "small bump" sensitivity.

you first really need to decide where you are going to ride this bike. if you are sticking mostly to paved pathways, and possible a gravel fire road then what do you really need shocks for?

I would say skip a bike with shocks and try and find something with better brakes and components

[Bigtime]

Nothing like a 29km/h headwind to start the day. Can it at least stick around and give me a push this afternoon?

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Bigtime

Nothing like a 29km/h headwind to start the day. Can it at least stick around and give me a push this afternoon?

It was a beautiful tailwind coming in today! Not looking forward to the rain and headwind on the way home...

[Bigtime]

I wouldn't mind rain, picked up some rain booties at MEC so I am fully decked out for the wet stuff now.

[Fuzz]

I never trust the forecast, so left my rain stuff at home

[Northendzone]

I did not feel like battling the wind this morning, so I was lazy and drove to work - was the first time driving in over a week - felt weird.

[habernac]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

I took a look at trek's website and to me at that price point that shock is likely not going to do a whole lot except add some weight - they will likely have little in the way of "small bump" sensitivity.

you first really need to decide where you are going to ride this bike. if you are sticking mostly to paved pathways, and possible a gravel fire road then what do you really need shocks for?

I would say skip a bike with shocks and try and find something with better brakes and components

Shocks are a waste of time and energy on a bike that will never leave pavement.

[KTrain]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

I did not feel like battling the wind this morning, so I was lazy and drove to work - was the first time driving in over a week - felt weird.

I had my gear on ready to go and as I was locking the door it started raining. I changed and drove in. It was pouring by the time I arrived so I'm glad I didn't but it looks alright now.