New Bike Help
New Bike Help
After riding 48 miles in the past two days, the time has come to finally buy a decent bike. GF and I rented from a local Trek shop (I had a FX3, I believe). I've been toying with the idea of trying to build my own, something of a hybrid. Mainly paved trails and roads with the occasional trail or winter ride (possibly). Is it easier at this point to just buy my own, and make sure it's done right, or should I learn all the inner workings and build my first? I've toyed with the idea of a SS, maybe something along the lines of a Karate Monkey. I find the idea thrilling, but maybe not so much in reality? Any help is appreciated! Budget: Under 1K built, possibly slightly over if I build my own since I can buy parts here and there and don't need to lump in one payment.
Ps, the local craigslist has a SS Karate Monkey right now for $700 OBO, seem legit?
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik ... 27045.html
Side note: Saddle...need a good one too after those last 10 miles KILLED
Ps, the local craigslist has a SS Karate Monkey right now for $700 OBO, seem legit?
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik ... 27045.html
Side note: Saddle...need a good one too after those last 10 miles KILLED
Re: New Bike Help
Oh, and if anyone has any ideas for her, which will be paved trails, some light gravel trails, and road use only, that would be killer.
Re: New Bike Help
Sounds like we want the exact same bike. Karate Monkey is the closest I can find pre built.
"It's such a fine line between stupid, and clever."
David St. Hubbins
David St. Hubbins
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Re: New Bike Help
Also have to consider if you want straight bars or drops... if you go drops maybe Kona Sutra or Salsa Vaya or Surly Straggler. Some of the bikes termed "gravel" are nice for multi use.
Surly ECR, Troll and Ogre along with the Karate Monkey .... and I think Moloko or Jones bars can be added.
Right now I ride a Surly Wednesday..... I can go 4" tires for winter on 26 rims. I can also ride 27.5 or 29's with much thinner tires.... I ride trails, pavement, gravel, snow..... I can also tour as the Surly has a lot of braze ons.....
Surly ECR, Troll and Ogre along with the Karate Monkey .... and I think Moloko or Jones bars can be added.
Right now I ride a Surly Wednesday..... I can go 4" tires for winter on 26 rims. I can also ride 27.5 or 29's with much thinner tires.... I ride trails, pavement, gravel, snow..... I can also tour as the Surly has a lot of braze ons.....
"Go forth, my progeny, grab the world by the balls, squeeze hard and shake vigorously." J. Koch (aka "Swedefreak")
Re: New Bike Help
Thanks! Would building on be difficult? Any specialty tools required? That KM has been haunting my dreams. Not sure if the price is decent but man oh man. I guess I need go decide SS or geared first.
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Re: New Bike Help
If you aren't an experienced rider, I wouldn't recommend SS as a primary bike. Yes, it's cool and low maintenance, but you'll really limit yourself.
Once you have experience and strength, you will know what you can and cannot tackle with SS and plan accordingly.
You'll be surprised how even slight inclines around town become annoying over time on a single speed.
Once you have experience and strength, you will know what you can and cannot tackle with SS and plan accordingly.
You'll be surprised how even slight inclines around town become annoying over time on a single speed.
Re: New Bike Help
Thanks Matt! Now I guess the question is, build or buy and which models to consider. Would swapping out the SS on that KM be too difficult or is it best to start elsewhere and find a KM at a different time?matt.wu wrote:If you aren't an experienced rider, I wouldn't recommend SS as a primary bike. Yes, it's cool and low maintenance, but you'll really limit yourself.
Once you have experience and strength, you will know what you can and cannot tackle with SS and plan accordingly.
You'll be surprised how even slight inclines around town become annoying over time on a single speed.
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- streetracer101
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Re: New Bike Help
It'll cost you a lot of money unless you're a bike tech with tools. You'd probably in the neighborhood of $300 to run the brake/shifter cables, size a chain, install the cranks and tune the bike. Heck, I think my local shops charge more than $100 now just for a standard tue-up.
I second looking at gravel bikes. This is a decent starter bike: https://www.diamondback.com/road-bikes/ ... aanjo-comp
Re: New Bike Help
This bike has zero snob appeal, but it's fun as hell to ride and it won't break the bank. My wife's going to buy one soon to replace her ancient, hand-me-down mountain bike.
The 1 x 8 drive train should provide more than enough ratios for day-to-day riding.
I don't think I'd take it out on single tracks, but it'll probably be fine on unimproved roads.
Raleigh Redux 1
I just bought a low-end, hard-tail mountain bike sight unseen. It hasn't arrived yet, but I"ll update with my impressions when it does.
Diamondback Hook
The 1 x 8 drive train should provide more than enough ratios for day-to-day riding.
I don't think I'd take it out on single tracks, but it'll probably be fine on unimproved roads.
Raleigh Redux 1
I just bought a low-end, hard-tail mountain bike sight unseen. It hasn't arrived yet, but I"ll update with my impressions when it does.
Diamondback Hook
Re: New Bike Help
Interesting fellas! Thanks for all of the help. I guess the easiest thing will be to find a shop with multiple brands and try a few out. See what I like. What I don't.
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Re: New Bike Help
where do you live Alex?
stop in and talk to a shop guy : http://surlybikes.com/index.php/dealers/region/PA
I don;t think building is difficult, but it isn't easy either.... and some of the LBS are good people and great to deal with
"Go forth, my progeny, grab the world by the balls, squeeze hard and shake vigorously." J. Koch (aka "Swedefreak")
Re: New Bike Help
Suburbs of Philadelphia! I'll definitely check out that bike place!justsellbrgs wrote:where do you live Alex?
stop in and talk to a shop guy : http://surlybikes.com/index.php/dealers/region/PA
I don;t think building is difficult, but it isn't easy either.... and some of the LBS are good people and great to deal with
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Re: New Bike Help
Quick update; I narrowed the search down to the Salsa Vaya X9, which is from 2016, after visiting the local bike shop. The LBS had a few, which they recommended for an all around bike. Tried 54 and it was slightly too small so they had a 55 which was perfect.
Took it out yesterday and it was a blast to ride. 12 miles and I can tell this bike is exactly what I wanted. It's a bit heavy being an all steel frame and fork but I'm not looking for speed...yet.
All in package with the "buritto" pack under the seat (tube, pump, patch kit, tire lever), helmet, and a bit of lube for the chain, came right under 2k. If anyone local wants the shop name, drop me a line, but it's nice saving the 6% sales tax when you can go across the border to DE.
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Took it out yesterday and it was a blast to ride. 12 miles and I can tell this bike is exactly what I wanted. It's a bit heavy being an all steel frame and fork but I'm not looking for speed...yet.
All in package with the "buritto" pack under the seat (tube, pump, patch kit, tire lever), helmet, and a bit of lube for the chain, came right under 2k. If anyone local wants the shop name, drop me a line, but it's nice saving the 6% sales tax when you can go across the border to DE.
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- JP Chestnut
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Re: New Bike Help
A cross bike is a good choice. I frequently wish I had one.
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