Originally posted by: speg
My previous cycling experience is nothing fancy - $400 road bike from Canadian Tire (i.e. Walmart) that I got for 50% off and seems to work fine.
So for my summer adventure this year I picked up a brand new Surly Long Haul Trucker for $1500 with a bunch of touring gear and started biking across the country.
1. Why does my, or any other "pro" bike not have a bloody kickstand. I've been having to lean it up against sign posts on the side of the road. How could $1500 not include something so basic?
2. Same deal with the saddle. This is supposed to be a touring bike and it comes with this POS saddle that destroyed my ass after the first day. Replaced with some $20 thing from Canadian Tire and I am happier.
3. I am definitely doing this one wrong, but what is the point of quick release wheels if you still have to get them out of the brake pads?
4. How is this any better than a cheap bike? It's nice and all - but my $400 for $200 bike still gets me around, and it's not like it's a THOUSAND dollars worse. A THOUSAND. Why are these "pro" bikes so expensive?
That is all for now. Happy riding!
1. For me kickstands are nuisance rather than necessity. First bike I ever had was an old BMX with a kickstand. Ever go up on curbs and have your kickstand hit the curb? It sucks. Or ever not put the kickstand all the way up and go into a turn and have it scrape against the ground? I know, common sense, but it happens especially if you're in a hurry. As I grew older I never saw a need for a kickstand. Walls, lightposts, etc are adequate.
2. Are you using a comfort saddle for touring? Must be a slow slow ride.
3. As said previously, ever try changing a tire or tube with bolt on wheels?
4. Compare the comoponents of the Surly to that of your other bike. See the difference? See a weight difference as well? Doesn't it feel more durable?