Road Cycling · Public discussion

Newbie, second bike

Shaananigans · 2014-07-10T07:20:32+00:00

Hi all, I've been reading old threads trying to absorb information. Folks seem pretty friendly so I thought I'd do my official obnoxious newbie post. Decided to buy my first road bike last year, purely as a means to commute. Ended up paying $80 for a Schwinn Sprint around October, which has lasted me until, well, now. Probably would've lasted me a bit longer if I had taken better (or any) care of it, but that's water under the bridge... In the market for a new bike. My budget caps at about $800. The bike will be used primarily for commute around DC, but I also want to do rides from DC to Baltimore and Philadelphia. I probably won't be doing any upgrades in the first year, until I learn more about what I'm actually doing. Not sure if that's relevant information, but it seems like mods/upgrades are a big deal 'round these parts. Would anyone mind giving some input on bikes that meet my general basic standards? Or at least helping me figure out what to look for? I'm still learning all the lingo and what not. Very confused as to if steel, carbon, or aluminum is better (subjective?). I know weight is a factor. No idea what my current bike weighs but I'm thinking around 30 lbs. Also, I'm about 5'5 and 120 lbs. That seems to put me around the 50-52cm/20" range. Could I get away with kids bikes by any chance? One last thing: this may be a stupid question, but are there bikes with no gears that allow for freewheeling? I'm thinking a "fixie," but with a freewheel capability.

Started by Shaananigans · 10 July 2014 · Last activity 12 July 2014 · 10 posts · 931 views

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01 / Original postNewbie, second bikeShaananigans · 10 Jul 2014 02 / This pagePosts 1–10Page 1 of 1 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #10oldbobcat · 12 Jul 2014

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Original section: Road Cycling
Published: 10 July 2014
Last activity: 12 July 2014
Original author: Shaananigans
Posts: 10
Discussion status: Public discussion
Total views: 931
Views / 30 days: 0
Topics: Single-speed and fixed-gear Bike fit Cyclocross Internal gear hubs Saddle height Steel frames

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Original post
Shaananigans
Archived post

10 July 2014, 07:20 UTC #1

Hi all,
I've been reading old threads trying to absorb information. Folks seem pretty friendly so I thought I'd do my official obnoxious newbie post.
Decided to buy my first road bike last year, purely as a means to commute. Ended up paying $80 for a Schwinn Sprint around October, which has lasted me until, well, now. Probably would've lasted me a bit longer if I had taken better (or any) care of it, but that's water under the bridge...
In the market for a new bike. My budget caps at about $800. The bike will be used primarily for commute around DC, but I also want to do rides from DC to Baltimore and Philadelphia. I probably won't be doing any upgrades in the first year, until I learn more about what I'm actually doing. Not sure if that's relevant information, but it seems like mods/upgrades are a big deal 'round these parts.
Would anyone mind giving some input on bikes that meet my general basic standards? Or at least helping me figure out what to look for? I'm still learning all the lingo and what not. Very confused as to if steel, carbon, or aluminum is better (subjective?). I know weight is a factor. No idea what my current bike weighs but I'm thinking around 30 lbs. Also, I'm about 5'5 and 120 lbs. That seems to put me around the 50-52cm/20" range. Could I get away with kids bikes by any chance?
One last thing: this may be a stupid question, but are there bikes with no gears that allow for freewheeling? I'm thinking a "fixie," but with a freewheel capability.

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Volnix
Archived post

10 July 2014, 08:53 UTC #2

Why on earth are you thinking of a fixie for commuting? [IMG]files.cyclingforums.combig smile.png[/IMG]
Very similar thread btw: [IMG]files.cyclingforums.comwink.png[/IMG]
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t/500343/question-on-a-bikes/0_30

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Shaananigans
Archived post

10 July 2014, 14:58 UTC #3

Thanks for the link to that thread.
RE: Fixies for commuting--tehehehehe! I never switch gears on my current bike so it seemed a bit pointless. No? Okay. *sits quietly*

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alfeng
Archived post
10 July 2014, 19:45 UTC #4
Quoted post said:
Originally Posted by Shaananigans
Thanks for the link to that thread.
RE: Fixies for commuting--tehehehehe! I never switch gears on my current bike so it seemed a bit pointless. No? Okay. *sits quietly*

Why not strip your current bike frame & rebuild it as a Single Speed bike?
If your Schwinn Sprint's rear wheel uses a Freewheel, then preferably you (or, your LBS) can simply re-dish the wheel so that you can use it with a BMX Freewheel.
I think that the most (?) difficult part about a Single Speed is figuring out what size chainring & what size Freewheel to use.
Since you know the gearing which you prefer, you just need to buy a Freewheel with the appropriate number of teeth ...
- I recommend ACS Freewheels ... you can buy them at www.danscomp.com & (of course) other places.
- choose one which uses 3/32" chains
- You will need to remove the current Freewheel which means you will need a Freewheel tool.
Alternatively, you can get a set of ready-to-use Single Speed wheels on eBay from $100+ to the sky-is-the-limit.
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Shaananigans
Archived post

10 July 2014, 22:49 UTC #5

alfeng,
I wouldn't mind taking up that project once I learn more about bikes/have the time/have the money to replace basically everything. But for now I'd rather just buy a new bike and pick up other projects on the side.

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Volnix
Archived post

10 July 2014, 23:15 UTC #6

Quoted post said:
Originally Posted by Shaananigans
RE: Fixies for commuting--tehehehehe! I never switch gears on my current bike so it seemed a bit pointless.
Weeell... [IMG]files.cyclingforums.combig smile.png[/IMG] Fixies are probably much more pointless. (Says the guy who has a crush on a fixie gal [IMG]files.cyclingforums.comlove.png[/IMG].)
If the bike is gonna be used for some touring, or varying commuting loads, or windy situations, a few gear ratios might help. [IMG]files.cyclingforums.comwink.png[/IMG]

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alfeng
Archived post
11 July 2014, 01:54 UTC #7
Quoted post said:
Originally Posted by Shaananigans
I wouldn't mind taking up that project once I learn more about bikes/have the time/have the money to replace basically everything. But for now I'd rather just buy a new bike and pick up other projects on the side.

Turning a vintage bike into a Single Speed primarily involves removing the excess components ...
1. remove the derailleurs & shifter + attached cables
2. swap out the Freewheel with a Single Speed Freewheel whose tooth count suits the gearing you want (you can always change it if you need-or-want an easier or "harder" gearing)
  - OR, simply re-lace the rim onto a BMX-or-"Track" hub OR, buy a ready-to-use Single Speed wheelset off of eBay
3. shorten the chain (buy a GOOD chain tool if you don't already have one)
4. ALMOST DONE ...
Check the brakes ...
Put air in the tires ...
Adjust the saddle height (if necessary).
DONE!
You can find an article at www.sheldonbrown.com which will provide more information.
You can make the bike nicer with different components in the future OR leave it in the comparatively primitive state described above.
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alfeng
Archived post

11 July 2014, 01:59 UTC #8

BTW. The base model of the JAMIS CODA (MSRP <$550) is the bike I would probably buy if I didn't have a bike and wanted one which could be used for all-around, general riding ...
PLUS, could be updated with standard components and/or converted to a Drop Bar bike without too much effort.

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Shaananigans
Archived post
11 July 2014, 05:13 UTC #9
Quoted post said:
Originally Posted by alfeng
Turning a vintage bike into a Single Speed primarily involves removing the excess components ...
1. remove the derailleurs & shifter + attached cables
2. swap out the Freewheel with a Single Speed Freewheel whose tooth count suits the gearing you want (you can always change it if you need-or-want an easier or "harder" gearing)
  OR, simply re-lace the rim onto a BMX-or-"Track" hub OR, buy a ready-to-use Single Speed wheelset off of eBay
3. shorten the chain (buy a GOOD chain tool if you don't already have one)
4. ALMOST DONE ...
Check the brakes ...
Put air in the tires ...
Adjust the saddle height (if necessary).
DONE!
You can find an article at www.sheldonbrown.com which will provide more information.
You can make the bike nicer with different components in the future OR leave it in the comparatively primitive state described above.
I'm aware of how it's done (re: removal of excess components). The problem is that the frame itself is rusting, the seatpost has seized, the rims are bent, the brakes aren't really brakes anymore, the tires themselves need to be replaced. Among a few other things. I'm also interested in buying a cyclocross bike as opposed to a "regular" road bike.
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oldbobcat
Archived post
12 July 2014, 17:17 UTC #10
So here are my thoughts on your original question:
- $800 would by you a damned nice new commuter, single speed, IGH (internally geared hub), or derailleur equipped, if you're so inclined
- Yes, you can get single-speed freewheels; they fit on the same hubs as multi-speed freewheels (but not cassettes)
- If you need a 50-52 cm frame, a kids' bike definitely will not work; 50-52 cm sounds about right for 5'5"
- If you're looking to build something for single speed or IGH, look for and older steel frame with 120 or 126 mm rear axle spacing
- No, I don't have any of these frames or spare parts to sell or give you; do your own homework
- You'll eventually learn from your mistakes
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