Road Biking - anyone here do it? **Update- test rode few bikes**

[Slew Foot]

Im not an expert but I find smaller bikes easier to ride, they're lower to the ground so its easier for me to keep balance. I think my old bike was a 15" but I'm not sure, Im 5'6".

 

[brainhulk]

I was so excited, I went to a local shop nearby work. I met their no-frill mechanic who just told me tons of info.

He showed me Raleigh Talus 29 / 17 frame at $520 new.

Probably because I'm new and ignorant, it seemed to have what you need and more as a beginner:
* front suspension that can be on/off
* disc brakes
* hydraulic shifts

Then I asked him, what am I getting more if I spend double on it? ($1000-1500) It didn't seem worth double the price to me:
* full suspension
* better drive train = just more gradual gear shifts
* a clutch so your chain doesn't slack
* fox shocks

Questions.

1. What do you think about Raleigh Talus at that price for me?

2. What are the downsides of this bike that's really desired?

3. What are some other alternatives?

4. This bike can hit up most moderate trails just fine right? i.e. this shouldn't be limiting me long before I become quite advanced.

5. I'm 5'11"~ This 17" frame is for 5'3" to 5'9". I'm right on the cusp. I tried the 19" as well, and it felt fuller and comfortable, but also bulkier too. Should I go with 17" or 19"

i think you are size large.

new jersey giant dealers: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-u...postalcode=&keyword=new+jersey&type=proximity

giant stance full suspension

http://wheelworld.com/m/product/gia...=67903,67913&gclid=COW8lIfmls4CFQGRfgodkOkNDA

see if they can get you that price

i'm a huge fan of Giant too. they make awesome bikes with a component package at a price point that is the best in the industry

 

[cbrunny]

So you're definitely not going the non-MTB route, OP?

 

[Zeze]

Which Raleigh Talus? 1,2,3,4? Is $500 your budget for a new bike?

I took a picture of the tag, I don't see a single #:

Talus 29 MD/17
Green 2014

$519.99
MSRP $700

 

[Zeze]

So you're definitely not going the non-MTB route, OP?

My mind is not made up yet.

My expectation of a MTB is doing a typical hiking trail (similar to ViviMage's motto) with some easy uphills and downhills and some bumps and crap. I'm not really wanting to do crazy jumps or steep downhill where I'll end up hurting myself.

And I also want to cover some distance for scenery / emotional health.

If you take up roadbiking and hit trails, you will damage the bicycle.
But if you can still ride asphalt fine with a MTB although it may be slower/inefficient.

That's my logic towards MTB vs road biking.

 

[cbrunny]

My mind is not made up yet.

My expectation of a MTB is doing a typical hiking trail (similar to ViviMage's motto) with some easy uphills and downhills and some bumps and crap. I'm not really wanting to do crazy jumps or steep downhill where I'll end up hurting myself.

And I also want to cover some distance for scenery / emotional health.

If you take up roadbiking and hit trails, you will damage the bicycle.
But if you can still ride asphalt fine with a MTB although it may be slower/inefficient.

That's my logic towards MTB vs road biking.

Sure. Fair enough.

 

[SketchMaster]

I was so excited, I went to a local shop nearby work. I met their no-frill mechanic who just told me tons of info.

He showed me Raleigh Talus 29 / 17 frame at $520 new.

Probably because I'm new and ignorant, it seemed to have what you need and more as a beginner:
* front suspension that can be on/off
* disc brakes
* hydraulic shifts

Then I asked him, what am I getting more if I spend double on it? ($1000-1500) It didn't seem worth double the price to me:
* full suspension
* better drive train = just more gradual gear shifts
* a clutch so your chain doesn't slack
* fox shocks

Questions.

1. What do you think about Raleigh Talus at that price for me?

2. What are the downsides of this bike that's really desired?

3. What are some other alternatives?

4. This bike can hit up most moderate trails just fine right? i.e. this shouldn't be limiting me long before I become quite advanced.

5. I'm 5'11"~ This 17" frame is for 5'3" to 5'9". I'm right on the cusp. I tried the 19" as well, and it felt fuller and comfortable, but also bulkier too. Should I go with 17" or 19"

I'm thinking you meant Hydraulic breaks, as the only hydro shifter on the market are for super ultra fancy road bikes.

1. We'll need to know the full model name to really give you a solid impression of the bike, as Vivi pointed out. From what I was able to see online from other variations it could be a good option. Raleigh has been around for a while, though they aren't as popular right now just because other companies have built more hype around their brand. It will be able to take you over rooty and bumpy trails, but if you hit any major rock gardens you will feel it in your arms and arse while you fight the bike to stay pointing in the direction you want.

2. Without knowing the total kit on the bike, I can only assume what its weaknesses are. TBH, at $500 you're not going to be able to take that bike to Whistler Park but it will get you started. You really don't *need* Full Suspension, clutch derailleur, or $500+ forks. All of those things are upgrade you'll know when you need. The only thing that you may need is a larger gear range if you live in a very hilly area.

5. As far as the fit, go with what feels "right". I'll go back to the shoe analogy, You try on shoes until your foot slides in one that makes you go "that one, for sure that one". You have to feel comfortable on the bike, that is the most important thing you should have on your mind right now. Every bike maker has their own way of building a bike, so a 19" Kona may feel great but a 19" trek may be all wonky.

 

[cbrunny]

If the LBS doesn't do a proper fit on it with you, go somewhere else. Should be free with any new bike of a reasonable value. Around here, usually costs between $100 - $150 for a proper fit outside of purchase, but all bikes come with free fit.

 

[ViviTheMage]

My guess is the 2014 is this guy:

https://www.rei.com/product/866352/raleigh-talus-29er-comp-bike-2014

Did you like the ride? Those components are a little on the low end, but for new the price isn't horrible. The key components looks decent enough... fork and front shock.

Key thing is, did you like the bike, was it comfortable? You can always upgrade components if you break them.

 

[tHa ShIzNiT]

My mind is not made up yet.

My expectation of a MTB is doing a typical hiking trail (similar to ViviMage's motto) with some easy uphills and downhills and some bumps and crap. I'm not really wanting to do crazy jumps or steep downhill where I'll end up hurting myself.

And I also want to cover some distance for scenery / emotional health.

If you take up roadbiking and hit trails, you will damage the bicycle.
But if you can still ride asphalt fine with a MTB although it may be slower/inefficient.

That's my logic towards MTB vs road biking.

I would recommend a hybrid bike from what you're saying here. A mountain bike with suspension loses too much efficiency when riding off the trails. Just my opinion.

I'd look into the Trek FX series if you're able to find by you. 500 or so bucks would get you a kickass 7.2.

 

[SketchMaster]

I figured this may be a fun way to show you what a $500-ish bike can do. I filmed this on my 2014 Kona Lana'i late last year before I built up a custom bike to replace it. This would be about the max I would suggest you try to take on with an entry level bike, because if you're hitting trails like this daily it means you're looking for a greater challenge. It's fun for me to watch this video and see how far I've come in just a year!

https://youtu.be/PResHnMx0Iw

Sorry for the poor quality, I had to download in from my personal channel and reupload it to my public profile. Youtube compression is ridiculous!

 

[JulesMaximus]

Personally, I'd get the smaller frame bike. It is easier to add height to a seat and length to a stem if needed but you can never make a bike that is too big fit you.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Personally, I'd get the smaller frame bike. It is easier to add height to a seat and length to a stem if needed but you can never make a bike that is too big fit you.

I have never heard that, I always heard just get the frame that fits you. You also have 26, 27.5, 29 to help, and then stem/seat.

SketchMaster, those look like most trails around here, except they like to make those rock piles up hill, haha.

 

[SketchMaster]

I have never heard that, I always heard just get the frame that fits you. You also have 26, 27.5, 29 to help, and then stem/seat.

SketchMaster, those look like most trails around here, except they like to make those rock piles up hill, haha.

It depends on your style of riding. People who come from BMX backgrounds prefer a smaller bike, but there are limits to how small you should go because of geometry.

And we have sections of trail around here like that. It's what inspired my to build my rock eater.

 

[herm0016]

He showed me Raleigh Talus 29 / 17 frame at $520 new.

Probably because I'm new and ignorant, it seemed to have what you need and more as a beginner:
* front suspension that can be on/off
* disc brakes
* hydraulic shifts

Then I asked him, what am I getting more if I spend double on it? ($1000-1500) It didn't seem worth double the price to me:
* full suspension
* better drive train = just more gradual gear shifts
* a clutch so your chain doesn't slack
* fox shocks

Questions.

1. What do you think about Raleigh Talus at that price for me?

2. What are the downsides of this bike that's really desired?

3. What are some other alternatives?

4. This bike can hit up most moderate trails just fine right? i.e. this shouldn't be limiting me long before I become quite advanced.

5. I'm 5'11"~ This 17" frame is for 5'3" to 5'9". I'm right on the cusp. I tried the 19" as well, and it felt fuller and comfortable, but also bulkier too. Should I go with 17" or 19"

1. may be fine. i am a fan of hard tails and have been using a trek from about 2011?? w/ hyd disk and cable ratchet shifters for several years. full suspension is fun as well, but i feel like i loose too much energy to the rear shock when in the mountains.

I am 5 10 and like my 18.5 size. I think 17 is too small unless you have very short legs.
here is something to compare. I really like aluminum for mountain and steel for road bikes. I have a 1960s Japanese racing bike that I love.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...mountain-bikes/marlin/marlin-7/p/2021600-2016

just noticed the raligh is a 29er. I tried one as they were just becoming popular when i got my trek and were much more expensive. I think i would lean towards the 27.5's if i was to get a new bike. the 29 just seems less precise when riding.

 

[thedarkwolf]

At 5 11 I'd say you would want a large frame.

As for Raleigh it is fine. Until you get into the high end the stickers on the frame really don't matter. A hardtail frame is pretty much a hardtail frame. I'd prefer shimano brakes of some kind and if you can swing it an air fork.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I have never heard that, I always heard just get the frame that fits you. You also have 26, 27.5, 29 to help, and then stem/seat.

SketchMaster, those look like most trails around here, except they like to make those rock piles up hill, haha.

What I'm saying is that if he is right on the edge of going to a XL frame size I would personally go with the L size. I'm not advocating he get a frame that is too small for him.

I have an XL and I have very little stand over on my bike. I'm 5'11" tall and I ride a 29er.

 

[ViviTheMage]

What I'm saying is that if he is right on the edge of going to a XL frame size I would personally go with the L size. I'm not advocating he get a frame that is too small for him.

I have an XL and I have very little stand over on my bike. I'm 5'11" tall and I ride a 29er.

Yeah, I gotcha. I have just seen people say get small frames, and don't compensate for the rest, and whack theirs knees uncomfortably.

I am 6 foot and usually get a L frame, because my inseam is only 30".

 

[GasX]

Drink the Kool Aid #SSOD

http://www.jensonusa.com/!3tCjBvwic...&pt_keyword=&gclid=CI63jZCEl84CFYwfhgodJQQE3w

 

[Thebobo]

save your money and the trails and Hike.

 

[GasX]

Drink the Kool Aid #SSOD

http://www.jensonusa.com/!3tCjBvwic...&pt_keyword=&gclid=CI63jZCEl84CFYwfhgodJQQE3w

And when you have enjoyed the Kool Aid and are ready to step up to Absinthe...
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=a55eca22040fa8be31a95a3d01148541&oe=582F4E00

 

[thedarkwolf]

Around here we are the ones that maintain the trails. Horses are the trail destroyers.

 

[Zeze]

My guess is the 2014 is this guy:

https://www.rei.com/product/866352/raleigh-talus-29er-comp-bike-2014

Did you like the ride? Those components are a little on the low end, but for new the price isn't horrible. The key components looks decent enough... fork and front shock.

That bike seems to be it. The mechanic did say 'all Shimano' and that's good for $520. Is $520 really good- where else can I verify this cost?

I would recommend a hybrid bike from what you're saying here. A mountain bike with suspension loses too much efficiency when riding off the trails. Just my opinion.

I'd look into the Trek FX series if you're able to find by you. 500 or so bucks would get you a kickass 7.2.

Don't many of them come with an ability to turn off the suspension for flat pavement? This $500 bike does.

You also have 26, 27.5, 29 to help, and then stem/seat.

Are those wheel sizes? I was informed that larger wheels = better speed for on-pavement at the cost of control. Can you validate this?

If so, 29" should be fine for me vs 27.5" right?

Are frames fixed to the tires? Meaning if I decide to get smaller tires, I can't slap that on my frame with 29"?

 

[Zeze]

Also wtf are FATBIKES? Are they an entirely a different category than 29ers or do FATBIKES come in 29"?

 

[thedarkwolf]

In general a 29er frame is a 29er frame and 27.5er is a 27.5er. Now some 29er frames you can run 27.5+ wheels in, those are big fat ass 27.5 tires. There are tons of tires/wheel size BS these day. + sizes are generally bikes that can take 2.8-3" tires and come in 26+, 27.5+, and 29+. Fat bikes can take tires in the 4" range. You really don't need to worry about any of that crap. Just stick to regular 29er and 27.5ers. The funky sizes come into play when you are looking for 2nd, 3rd, .... bikes and just want something different.

I have two 29ers and a 27.5ers. The differences from the wheels aren't really noticeable to me out on the trails. If I were buying today I'd go 27.5 but for a 1st bike I wouldn't be too concerned about it. If you really get into mtn biking you are going to upgrade to a better bike in a year or two anyway.