Bike recommendations

[momeNt]

Cruiser with disc brakes.

You said you were going to be taking this on streets with traffic. It will be worth it in the end should you ever need to stop in conditions where the rim brakes might not cut it.

This is your life we are talking about here, you are about to be going toe to toe with large metal machines designed to protect what is INSIDE of them, not OUTSIDE of them! So be safe.

 

[Humpy]

Having disc brakes on your bike is always more expensive than having similar quality rim brakes.

Not always, see used bikes. The wholesale price difference is negligible on new stuff. There are complete bikes at the same price point/quality with either brake type.

Dry rim brakes stop just as fast as disc brakes. Why do you keep insisting that they don't? Are you saying that the limiting factor isn't the tire/pavement interface? Disc brakes have their advantages over rim brakes - stopping distance in dry conditions is not really one of them though.

It depends greatly on the combined weight of the rider/cargo/bike. Tell riders on a fully loaded tandem headed down hill that rim brakes stop just as fast.

 

[amdskip]

I'm jumping onboard this thread: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/4452079893.html

I'm looking for a general use bike for streets, trails (paved/unpaved), etc. How does that bike look?

 

[JulesMaximus]

I'm jumping onboard this thread: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/4452079893.html

I'm looking for a general use bike for streets, trails (paved/unpaved), etc. How does that bike look?

Decent bike. Components are pretty much entry level but if it shifts fine and fits you it could serve you well for a long time.

If you could bag this for around $600 it would be a much better bike for not much more money.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/4450245062.html

 

[alkemyst]

Decent bike. Components are pretty much entry level but if it shifts fine and fits you it could serve you well for a long time.

He will be leaned over. Depends if he wants upright sitting or not.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I'm jumping onboard this thread: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/4452079893.html

I'm looking for a general use bike for streets, trails (paved/unpaved), etc. How does that bike look?

http://www.bicyclebluebook.com/SearchListingDetail.aspx?id=3047554&make=750&model=75973&year=2013

Get him to come down on the price. Nearly every decent bike on craigslist is overpriced some buy A LOT.

 

[Blackjack200]

Did that over the weekend opps... Only had to ride standing up for a around two miles.

Actually that looks like it could be quite pleasurable...

 

[amdskip]

That blue book link is great. Thank you!

He will be leaned over. Depends if he wants upright sitting or not. - What do you mean by this? I'm 5' 11" and not the op if that is what you are referencing.

I highly doubt I could grab that second CL bike for $600.

 

[alkemyst]

That blue book link is great. Thank you!

He will be leaned over. Depends if he wants upright sitting or not. - What do you mean by this? I'm 5' 11" and not the op if that is what you are referencing.

I highly doubt I could grab that second CL bike for $600.

I'd learn to quote.

A mountain bike is not upright seating unless sized wrong.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Edit: NM

 

[natto fire]

This has nothing to do with the OP.

This is a very realistic 'about' for the typical layman:
http://mountainbike.about.com/od/buyersguideandreviews/f/disk_or_rim_faq.htm

For a city bike and I used cool stops and the like in the past (my first mountain bike was a 1992 or so Marin Bear Valley SE, I ride a 2010 Rockhopper Pro SL now) is suddenly coming over a bridge to a puddle or rain and then have some moron turn in front of you.

On my rim brakes, even with great pads; I had to bail at times...I thought I could stop in time but stuck in too long. With my disc brakes I know I am going to stop like I always do, if I know I have to bail I can do it early rather than later.

Weight is always a concern for racers. 100grams here, 50 there, 300 or so elsewhere adds up.

It also goes the other way though, ultra light components tend to be not so ideal for daily driving use.

You are right, don't get me wrong; but it's the wrong application.

No offense, but this post and subsequent ones, are cute and discernible from post apocalypse.

Still wonder how anyone cannot lock up the rubber with any braking mechanics.

Anyone using any sort of mountain bike in Florida is inducing drag for whatever reason. There is nothing remotely resembling a mountain out east, especially in Florida which has hilariously low elevations.

 

[otho11]

I ended up with an old Trek 820 from craigslist. I didnt know it at the time but the brakes need to be replaced so I will need to learn how thats done. Thanks for all of your suggestions.

 

[ch33zw1z]

There's quite a few videos and tutorials about how to replace brake pads (assuming you just need pads?) Watch a couple, get the tools you need, and have at it.

 

[otho11]

There's quite a few videos and tutorials about how to replace brake pads (assuming you just need pads?) Watch a couple, get the tools you need, and have at it.

They are cantilever brakes and a piece behind the caliper housing a spring was cracked on 3 of 4 sides. I messed around on my own to figure this out but I will definitely hit up youtube for installation instructions.

 

[JulesMaximus]

That blue book link is great. Thank you!

He will be leaned over. Depends if he wants upright sitting or not. - What do you mean by this? I'm 5' 11" and not the op if that is what you are referencing.

I highly doubt I could grab that second CL bike for $600.

You might be surprised. He said it cost $1000 brand new... retail. That means it probably really cost a couple hundred bucks to manufacture and REI's cost was $500 which they mark up.

You show up with $600 cash and be prepared to walk and I bet he takes it. Depends on how badly he needs the money.

 

[alkemyst]

They are cantilever brakes and a piece behind the caliper housing a spring was cracked on 3 of 4 sides. I messed around on my own to figure this out but I will definitely hit up youtube for installation instructions.

Cantilevers are easy to replace. There are tons of youtubes for almost everything with a bike.

You may want to start watching chainlove.com and pricepoint.com as well.

The first is sort of like WooT for bike stuff. You get X minutes to buy something really cheap and then it moves to the next item. Pricepoint.com is like an amazon dedicated to low-cost bike components of every make and model. Some of their pricing is crazy compared to even other online vendors and they are totally legit.

 

[Staples]

Too much arguing... Just get out and ride!

I agree. I have over analyzed everything in the past. At the end of the day, unless you are riding competitively or with a group of very fast bikers, there really isn't that much of a reason to go with anything really expensive.

My Trek 2007 4300 mountain bike. I've upgraded a few things but the only thing that really mattered for speed were the tires and the crank (but only for going downhill because it allows a higher gear ratio). At the end of the day, get out and ride if you like to ride.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I agree. I have over analyzed everything in the past. At the end of the day, unless you are riding competitively or with a group of very fast bikers, there really isn't that much of a reason to go with anything really expensive.

My Trek 2007 4300 mountain bike. I've upgraded a few things but the only thing that really mattered for speed were the tires and the crank (but only for going downhill because it allows a higher gear ratio). At the end of the day, get out and ride if you like to ride.

You get better components and lighter weight with more expensive bikes. I don't mind spending a little more and getting a better product.

Congrats on the bike. That looks like a nice bike that will serve you well for many years.