[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]After spending a number of years as a young man heavily focused on riding, I sadly spent a number of years away from it, and I am now looking to re-enter again. However, I need some recommendations of bike types and brands to help me narrow down options. My biking years were spent in BMX, and now as a man with a family, my needs and options have changed substantially.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]I live in an extremely bike-friendly community, with a high emphasis on racing and road bikes. With this I find a possibly well-meaning but – in my opinion - miss-guided emphasis on racing technology used by high-level enthusiasts and professionals. Though there are a number of professional racers and high-level enthusiasts here, 99% of us are not. I am not a racer, and though I think some of these things are great, I am smart enough to know that they are not necessary. Unfortunately, all the opinions and options from locals have made it difficult for me to make a realistic, practical choice![/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]I am 5'7", 235 lbs., and because of some injuries from a car accident in ‘04, I have a few recurring nerve issues in my lower back, neck and arms. Though my Dr. does not believe that these should limit me in any way, I still need to keep these in mind in terms of equipment and riding position. [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]I will be riding solo for recreation and exercise around the neighborhood and on our many paved bike trails, and leisurely with my wife (who has less of an interest in riding than me) and young son (who I will be teaching to ride in the 6 months). I will not be commuting to work, but riding at nights and on weekends, 2 – 10 miles/ride, with some rare occasions up to 20 miles. We have a combination of hills and flatland, and there is a nice dedicated mountain bike park in town (which I am feeling drawn to in some ways). We have four seasons here, but I plan to ride mainly in the spring, summer and fall, with no riding in the rain or snow.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]In doing some research, I have some thoughts about what I do and do not want, but need some guidance from your experience. Those who have similar back/nerve issue are particularly encouraged to share.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]Based upon the above thoughts, I seem to have ruled out dedicated road race bikes and mountain bikes, with commuter road or hybrid bikes being the best options. I want something rugged, fun, with good handling and durable quality. However, I have a hard time finding info on these types of bikes – most focus on race or mountain bikes.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]Your comments are appreciated. Thanks![/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]I live in an extremely bike-friendly community, with a high emphasis on racing and road bikes. With this I find a possibly well-meaning but – in my opinion - miss-guided emphasis on racing technology used by high-level enthusiasts and professionals. Though there are a number of professional racers and high-level enthusiasts here, 99% of us are not. I am not a racer, and though I think some of these things are great, I am smart enough to know that they are not necessary. Unfortunately, all the opinions and options from locals have made it difficult for me to make a realistic, practical choice![/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]I am 5'7", 235 lbs., and because of some injuries from a car accident in ‘04, I have a few recurring nerve issues in my lower back, neck and arms. Though my Dr. does not believe that these should limit me in any way, I still need to keep these in mind in terms of equipment and riding position. [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]I will be riding solo for recreation and exercise around the neighborhood and on our many paved bike trails, and leisurely with my wife (who has less of an interest in riding than me) and young son (who I will be teaching to ride in the 6 months). I will not be commuting to work, but riding at nights and on weekends, 2 – 10 miles/ride, with some rare occasions up to 20 miles. We have a combination of hills and flatland, and there is a nice dedicated mountain bike park in town (which I am feeling drawn to in some ways). We have four seasons here, but I plan to ride mainly in the spring, summer and fall, with no riding in the rain or snow.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]In doing some research, I have some thoughts about what I do and do not want, but need some guidance from your experience. Those who have similar back/nerve issue are particularly encouraged to share.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
- [SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]Budget: $600 (preferably with accessories, but this is not required)[/COLOR][/SIZE]
- [SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]Steel frames/fork over Aluminum or Carbon Fiber (due to durability and higher resistance to failure)[/COLOR][/SIZE]
- [SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]More upright riding position to ease pain[/COLOR][/SIZE]
- [SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]Excessive # of gears unnecessary[/COLOR][/SIZE]
- [SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]Straight pull breaks – seem lower maintenance than disk[/COLOR][/SIZE]
- [SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]No special riding pedals or shoes[/COLOR][/SIZE]
- [SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]No parts that I need to “babyâ€[/COLOR][/SIZE]
- [SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]Good weight/feature combo –not concerned about a few pounds here or there[/COLOR][/SIZE]
- [SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]Comfort more important than speed, but don’t want to feel like I’m riding through sludge[/COLOR][/SIZE]
- [SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]Ability to add accessories a plus (bottle, bell, rack, fenders)[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]Based upon the above thoughts, I seem to have ruled out dedicated road race bikes and mountain bikes, with commuter road or hybrid bikes being the best options. I want something rugged, fun, with good handling and durable quality. However, I have a hard time finding info on these types of bikes – most focus on race or mountain bikes.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE= 10pt][COLOR= black]Your comments are appreciated. Thanks![/COLOR][/SIZE]