Got me a bicycle!

[El Guaraguao]

I know I'm going to catch a lot of shit from the pro bicyclist on here, but I went to wal-mart and picked up a mongoose.

Before some of you bicycle pros tear me a new asshole, I wasn't looking for some $9k, 500 speed, triple suspension, mega bicycle that can climb 90 degree walls with one pedal rotation. Just wanted a nice looking reliable bike. Last time I rode a bicycle was in high school, which was about 10 years ago. I took it to a local park yesterday and put out 10 miles with moderate elevation changed. Now my ass is hurting is sore (yes, i left myself wide open here....lol) Now I'm hooked on bicycling and want to go further and further...dont know exactly why? lol. My last bicycle was a mountain bike in high school. It had something that looked like bullhorns on the handle bars, it was great for riding long distances. Been wondering if I can add these "bullhorns" to my bike. Anyone know of any aftermarket parts i can add to my bike?

edit - bullhorns = bar ends!

 

[Sluggo]

It's great as long as you accept the fact that once you enjoy riding, you will always want a lighter, better bike. It's a never ending upgrade process.

 

[highland145]

Brain cap, ftw.

 

[El Guaraguao]

Brain cap, ftw.

???

 

[Sluggo]

???

Helmet

 

[El Guaraguao]

Helmet

/takes note on bicyclist lingo


Got it, thanks :awe:

 

[blurredvision]

I bought a new bicycle yesterday from Dick's and wasn't about to post about it because of what you mentioned. Major kudos for buying a bike from Walmart and posting about it.

 

[Brainonska511]

I wish the weather would warm up (and so I can go mano a mano with psychotic Manhattan drivers, jackass cyclists, and idiotic pedestrians). I'm kicking myself for not taking my bike out on that 70F day 2 Fridays ago.

 

[OverVolt]

Your bicycle sucks. Just kidding its ATOT that sucks. <3

I had this crappy Fiji Bordeaux or whatever that I rode a bit for two summers but there isn't enough free and open road to go biking on. If I had the free road I'd bike for 100's of miles because I really enjoy it. Going in circles gets old, but I REALLY don't enjoy the idea of biking in traffic.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Well while I love to rant on Walmart bikes, good for you that you started.

Bar ends should be available in that same Walmart. Else check out a bike shop. If all else fails, make them yourself (I bet there is a DIY bike bar ends video on the Internet).

As you keep riding a lot, you will want a better bike. You won't be using a Celeron with 256 mb RAM and windows XP all day right? Eventually you want a better computer. Same with biking.

By that point you will know what you're looking for.

Also check out bikeforums.net

 

[ElFenix]

I bought a new bicycle yesterday from Dick's and wasn't about to post about it because of what you mentioned. Major kudos for buying a bike from Walmart and posting about it.

college bikes were always a target special. it's going to get stolen so don't spend more than $60 on it.

my 'nice' bike is from sports authority. previous year's model, closeout, whatever, cost $300. a lot lighter than the target bikes despite being larger.

not like i'm riding a century so i don't feel like spending more.

 

[waggy]

i buy my kids bikes from walmart. i don't see spending more then that because they are just going to get one summer out of it.

I don't see the point of spending a ton on a bike. i spent something like $400 on my specialized. i love the bike.

 

[tcsenter]

Perfectly adequate for road and light trail work with an occasional short stretch of moderate difficulty. My neighbor loaned me his older XR-200 a month ago and my ass was really hurting (bruised, in fact) for the first seven or eight days (haven't been on a bike for 20 years, except for one time), but I got it toughened up now and it doesn't bother me.

First few days out, my legs were crying after only 1/2 mile. Now I can peddle my ass up to three miles (@ a decent clip) before my legs start feeling as fatigued.

I started losing some weight at first (about six pounds in 10 days) but then after I stepped-it up a bit, I started to get some raging carbohydrate cravings at night. So I gained it all back plus a couple extra due late-night carb raids.

 

[So]

I know I'm going to catch a lot of shit from the pro bicyclist on here, but I went to wal-mart and picked up a mongoose.

Before some of you bicycle pros tear me a new asshole, I wasn't looking for some $9k, 500 speed, triple suspension, mega bicycle that can climb 90 degree walls with one pedal rotation. Just wanted a nice looking reliable bike. Last time I rode a bicycle was in high school, which was about 10 years ago. I took it to a local park yesterday and put out 10 miles with moderate elevation changed. Now my ass is hurting is sore (yes, i left myself wide open here....lol) Now I'm hooked on bicycling and want to go further and further...dont know exactly why? lol. My last bicycle was a mountain bike in high school. It had something that looked like bullhorns on the handle bars, it was great for riding long distances. Been wondering if I can add these "bullhorns" to my bike. Anyone know of any aftermarket parts i can add to my bike?

edit - bullhorns = bar ends!

I was in the same boat as you last spring. I got a bike w/o any suspension except in the seat. Suspension like that = tons of wasted energy.

 

[OverVolt]

I was in the same boat as you last spring. I got a bike w/o any suspension except in the seat. Suspension like that = tons of wasted energy.

Do you know what is wasted energy? Not having wheels for legs

 

[MegaVovaN]

Do you know what is wasted energy? Not having wheels for legs

So's right. The suspension will soak up power from legs instead of serving as a rigid frame/pathway for energy to go to the ground.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I'm all for getting a cheap bike ($400 minimum). What you got is an accident waiting to happen. Cheap bikes are dangerous.

 

[n7]

Nice, congrats.

 

[IronWing]

I hope you enjoy your new bike! Now you have to figure out how to mount ATOT on your handlebars.

 

[MegaVovaN]

I'm all for getting a cheap bike ($400 minimum). What you got is an accident waiting to happen. Cheap bikes are dangerous.

Only if they are not put together properly (high likelihood of that in Walmart).
Problem is they break fast, not repairable (cheap steel snaps on bolts) and are very heavy. Rigid minimum is not a smart idea either.
This is what I got for $220, and it is quite solid. Riding it about 2 years now.

Even after upgrade (pic before upgrade) to internal 3 spd hub/new wheel/cog and basket, still came in for under $400.

 

[Binarycow]

Only if they are not put together properly (high likelihood of that in Walmart).
Problem is they break fast, not repairable (cheap steel snaps on bolts) and are very heavy. Rigid minimum is not a smart idea either.
This is what I got for $220, and it is quite solid. Riding it about 2 years now.

Even after upgrade (pic before upgrade) to internal 3 spd hub/new wheel/cog and basket, still came in for under $400.

Bought that thing from a circus clown?

 

[Sid59]

nice! I can't wait for the weather to pick up . My brooks saddle hasn't completely broken-in. I have an older Suteki Mixte.

 

[Kadarin]

Once the ski season's over and the weather's better, I'll be taking my Trek Fuel EX/8 back out for some mountain biking.. Looking forward to it!

 

[VChuck]

Congratulations,El Guaraguao!
I got started back bicycle riding 2 years ago on a walmart bike,pretty much the same as your's. wore that one out and found a good deal on craigs list for barely used GT mountain bike(full suspension) for $300.
recently Just bought me a 2011 GT Karakoram 3.0 last week.(my new baby) I am averaging 160 miles a week now,and I feel 20 years younger.
Point is,your getting started.it's a great trainer bike.save up for a good bike meanwhile.(you will learn to appreciate the attribute's of quality made bicycle in the future)
and watch those intersections.
I bought my bar end's (bull horns) at Walmart for $7.00.all aluminum (silver)for my 2nd beater bike,a schwinn ranger.
good luck dude! VChuck

 

[MegaVovaN]

Bought that thing from a circus clown?

ha-ha!

Nope - bought from Performance Bike.

There is a whole following on folding bicycles. They can be put in the trunk of the car, brought on board of public transit (and not count as bicycled), inside buildings, etc.

As for speed, it is just a matter of gearing.