Messages

1

Gear Talk / Looking for a bike

« on: January 01, 2005, 11:56:24 am »

I'm looking to get into "fully-supported" touring.  I would like to get a bike that will last a long time and give me a good ride.  I've already posted on the General forum, but thought I would try here as well.

I know fit and comfort are the two biggest issues, but can you point me at some models to consider?  I've heard the names Trek and Jamis quite a bit.  What models would appear to be a good fit for my specific need (i.e. bikes I should try out)?  Cost is also definitely a factor.  Anything over $1500 means I'll have to put aside any tour goals until 2006, as we're also saving for a newer car this year.  

Thanks in advance for your help.

2

General Discussion / New here and seeking advice

« on: January 01, 2005, 11:21:46 pm »

DaveB:  Thanks for the info.  As it happens, I was looking online at the 1200 and 1500 (I believe they're in Trek's Alpha Aluminum Performance Road line).  I really like the look of the 1500, and for an msrp of $1099 or so, that fits within my budget pretty well.  I'll go back to the bike shop next week and see if they have the bike in stock in my size (56 or 58).  If I find that the bike fits my needs, then I MAY well be able to buy it, train, and go on a multi-day (supported) tour in August/September of this year!  We'll just have to see...

Peaks:  What brand of trailers did you use?  I'm curious, as I might want to EVENTUALLY do some self-contained touring, and I've heard some good things about using trailers.

Happy Riding!

Irish[/i]

3

General Discussion / New here and seeking advice

« on: January 01, 2005, 08:04:33 pm »

Actually I did ask the salesman what I could find in the $1000-$1500 range for a bike I would ride on supported tours, but his reply was along the lines of "you get what you pay for", and he then proceeded to educate me on the virtues of an all carbon-fiber bike, and then showed me the $2800 Trek.  I also told him what my current fitness level was, and he suggested "spin classes" at one of the local gyms during the winter.  

Now that I look back on it, I think the guy was just trying to move that $2800 Trek.  Also, I noticed that the bike shop I visited charges $150-$200 for fitting/adjusting the bike to you specifically.  Is this normal?  I've never bought a "higher-end" bike before, so I wouldn't know.

You mentioned Cannondale and Specialized bikes.  Do you have any specific models in mind that I could do a search for on the internet?  I know the determining factors here will be price and fit/comfort, but some specific model names can get me pointed in the right direction.

One last thing:  THANK YOU for responding.  I'm new to this particular activity and for a while I'll probably be asking questions that may sound kinda dumb to the more experienced folks here.  Please bear with me.  Again, thank you for taking the time to offer advice.

Sincerely,

Irish

4

General Discussion / New here and seeking advice

« on: January 01, 2005, 08:02:45 am »

Hello everyone,

I'm new here and am looking for advice on bicycle touring, specifically the "fully-supported" kind.

I currently live in Bend, Oregon and one of my goals is to do the Cycle Oregon tour.  However I have a lot of work to do first.  One, I need a bike, and based on what I saw on a recent visit to a local bike shop, that is a pretty expensive proposition.  Two, I need to train and get in shape.  

On the bike front, I have been advised that, with "supported" touring, I would do well to get a bike based on the road-racing style--lightweight, maneuverable.  They're also expensive.  The carbon-fiber Trek that the salesman showed me was $2800.  Am I really going to have to spend this kind of money for a bike?  Originally I was thinking of maybe $1000 for a bike. What do you think?

On the training and general knowledge front, I need to do some searching for some good books on cycling--touring in particular.  Any recommendations here?

Thanks!

5

General Discussion / Why are you here?

« on: January 01, 2005, 10:59:00 am »

I'm here because I want to get into bicycle touring and found this site through a search engine.  I'm hoping to make new friends and possibly riding companions later on.