Advice for Bike Buyers

So, friends and friends of friends frequently ask me for advice about buying bikes. Usually, I end up writing out a full essay each time. No more. I'll just refer people here. If you have comments of suggestions, feel free to add a constructive comment. Now then, when shopping for a bike...

(1) You should like the people from whom you buy your bike. New bikes come with free service, so you want to find a shop/staff you can build a relationship with. Let's throw this in here too: you should be shopping at a bicycle shop, as opposed to a department store. Skilled staff and quality products are indispensable, and it's good to support local businesses. See if you can find a shop within walking distance (or at worst, riding distance) of your home. (2) You’ll want to test ride several bikes, so be prepared to spend some time doing it. If you can help it, avoid bike shops on sunny weekends in spring and summer. If you can’t get there during the week, go early on the weekend, and be patient if they get super-busy. It’s more pleasant for both parties when the staff can give you their full attention. (3) The first, and potentially most, important thing is that the bike fits you, and that the seat is adjusted so your legs have proper extension. If this isn’t right, nothing else will be either. This is where the knowledgeable and attentive salesperson is useful. (4) This is a GREAT TIME to get into bike riding. The industry has undergone a massive diversification. Companies now routinely make at least half a dozen different TYPES of bikes, not to mention the various gradations of quality. Here’s a nice article with a little diagram that illustrates generally the different postures that are used when riding various types of bikes. Nice diagram! There is no single Best Bike. Rather, each type is better at some things, and not as good at others. Try several, see what you like. Good luck and remember to have fun.

Ah, I need to add an addendum for used bikes and craigslist, etc. Hmm.

Today's notes and links

Peter White Cycles PJW has been the go to guy for dynamo lighting for a long time. Because we're experiencing an expansion, and these lights are getting much more popular, you can probably find someone local who knows the stuff, but this is essential reading for the DIY folks. He also builds good wheels, and that is an understatement. This link should be over on the left there. http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/

Breezer Bikes and Bags Practical bikes and nice bags. I'm particularly fond of their Grocery Pannier and YearRounder Pannier. http://www.breezerbikes.com/

Austin's Yellow Bike Project http://www.austinyellowbike.org/ Someday perhaps I'll put up info on community bike programs. There are lots, probably one in your neighborhood. Go find it.

Oh my. This is about as sexy as bikes get: http://www.moyercycles.com/xa.htm

PaulComp's Thumbies are a super-smart item. I love Paul Components stuff, but it's vury 'spensive. http://www.paulcomp.com/

Makezine has lots of cool and useful things, like this: http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2007/01/how_to_add_a_le.html

Cycling Tattoo Gallery: http://cyclingtattoogallery.blogspot.com/ But, we've got to give props here to Joel Metz: http://www.blackbirdsf.org/chainwheels/

Yanco Pads (and caps) are rad: http://www.yancopads.com/

NAHBS 2008 will be in Portland. I'll try to be there: http://www.handmadebicycleshow.com/

White Industries' VBC (Variable Bolt Circle) crankset is beautiful, practical, and just a damn good idea. If there weren't b'zillions of sweet old cranksets out there, I'd probably buy one: http://www.whiteind.com/VBC.html

The KHS Green Bike, interesting: http://www.khsbicycles.com/09_green_07.htm

Shimano's Coasting project is not quite as practical as I would like, but a good effort, and good intent: http://www.coasting.com/publish/content/coasting/sac/en/home.html I think we need to support the industry's efforts here, oafish though they are.

More later.

Ooh, aah...

Volcanic Wheels:

http://www.volcanicwheel.com/index.php?page=bikehome