Not the town bike...

[quiregrrl]

Dear friends who know about this stuff *coughbadpaulycoughcubboycough*,

I really really want to get a bike, I really really don't want to pay a fortune for it (I may be happy to upgrade to a more expensive version once I know I am going to use it a lot and not just going to give up or get bored with it), I just need something that will not buckle under my weight, and will get me safely around.

A barely used second-hand version of this bike is for sale on ebay, currently at $30 with 1 day and 21hrs remaining:



Features:
24-Speed Gear
Index Grip Shifter
Steel Uni-Crown Suspension
28/38/48T, Plastic Coasted Black Crank
26” Steel Hi-Ten Suspension, Rear Arm Swing
Resin Brake Level, F/Disc Brake R/Resin V Brake
SGS Tested with Australian Standard AS/NZS 1927:1998

Specs:
FRAME 26” Steel Hi-Ten Suspension Frame, Rear Arm Swing
FORK Steel Uni-Crown Suspension
SHOCK Alloy Body, 1200Lbs
HANDLEBAR Steel, Straight Type
PAINTINGYS Series
STEM Steel, One Piece
GEAR SETS 24 SP, Index Grip Shifter, F&R Derailleur Index
BRAKE Resin Brake Lever, F/Disc Break R/Resin V Brake
CHAIN 114L, ½” x 3/32”
CHAINWHEEL 28/38/48T, Plastic Coated Black Crank
PEDALS PP Black with Ball
F/DERAILLEUR 3SP, Index
R/DERAILLEUR 8SP. Index
DERAILLLEUR SHIFT 24SP, Grip Shifter Index
DECAL Normal PVC
FREEWHEEL Steel, 8SP Index
FREEWHEEL PROTEC PVC
SPOKES 14G with Steel Nipples
RIMS Alloy Single Wall, 26" x 1.5 x 32H x 14G A/V
TIRES CHENGSHIN, 26" x 2.125 Black A/V, H-557B
BB SET AND AXLE Steel, 5 Sets
SADDLE PVC, FU-9808
SEATPOST Steel, 250 x 25.4
STEM Steel One Piece
REFLECTORS Front: White, Rear: Red, Wheel: Yellow
BRAKE LEVER Resin V Brake Lever
BELL Steel Top, Plastic Base
SEAT CLAMP Alloy, Q.R.
KICK STAND 26” Steel Center Stand
GRIP PVC 70mm

From the research I've done on being a fatty riding a pushy, it seems that steel tires/spokes are kind of important, and I have no idea if steel "nipples" on the spokes are good enough, plus I have no idea what most of the above specs even mean...

I'm figuring I'll need to buy expensive tyres, and certainly get a fatty-bum seat, but otherwise is there a reason I SHOULDN'T buy this bike?

Also, would it be possible to fit a rack thingy to the back of this? Y'know, to attach things to, like saddle bags, or a basket, or bag or something? And what are those rack thingies called anyhow?

Anyone reading this, if you have the answers or an opinion, jump right in!

Thanks dear knowledgeable friends!

Comments

[badpauly.livejournal.com]

I'd avoid buying a 2nd hand bike sight-unseen. "Hardly used" can also mean "stored outside in the rain" as much as "well looked after".

The "fatties need steel" is basically a lie, Alloy parts are as strong or stronger than steel. Steel is just cheap.

The bike is similar to what you can buy at K-Mart, so I'd not pay too much for it. OK for a run-about, but it isn't built to last.

Pannier racks (what you put the bags on) can be put on a full-suspension bike, but it requires a bit of work - unless you or someone you know is good with tools and can build the adapters, I wouldn't try it.

In a nutshell, the bike will be HEAVY. It will be made of cheap. It is a good beginner bike, in that if you give up after a month, you haven't spent too much. Without seeing it, I have no idea if $50-$60 is a good price to pay, or if it is a waste.

[grey-evil-twin.livejournal.com]

Pauly, you are a rockstar :-) Your advice is gold :-))))

[badpauly.livejournal.com]

And I'm high on solder-fumes! ;)

[quiregrrl.livejournal.com]

Thank you you're excellent!

The one on ebay says it's been stored in the garage and the pic looks identical to this, as in it looks new and in good condition. I don't really have the ability to go looking at 2nd hand ones, and don't know what I'm looking for anyway...

At this point I basically want a bike for going to the shops, riding to the station each mornin and home each night, visiting nearby friends, and shortish "easy" road/bike path rides on weekends...

I have a top budget of about $300 for everything I need to get. What would you recommend?

[cubboy.livejournal.com]

Hi Tam

I do not recommend getting a fake suspension mountain bike. The suspension is not designed for larger folks, known as "Clydesdales" or "Clydes" in the mountain bike world.

I think 300 dollars will be tight for new, If you go to about $450 you will be able to get a new mountain bike with double wall rims, and adjustable stem (the thing that connects the handlebars to the bike)and a helmet and bike lock. I would suggest all Clydes get a mirror for the right hand side of the handlebars, so when riding on road you can see the cars approaching from behind. If you are riding
at night, you will need front and rear lights.

Have a look at the following bike.

The CELL MTX-1 City Mountain Bike
http://www.cellbikes.com.au/p_10_CELL__MTX1_CITY_MOUNTAIN_BIKE__Need_To_Exercise_Looking_To_Get_Fit


Adjustable stem means you can change the angle of the handlebars so you are more upright, not holding your upper body up so much on your hands.

Strong rims are important, however Clyde rated rims are very expensive, more than your bike budget just for the wheels. I use the rims which came with Barry, they are similar spec'd to the ones on the cell bike I have linked to, you just need to take the wheels to a bike shop and have them trued (spokes adjusted to make the wheel uniformly round again) every once in a while and costs about 35 dollars. Pauly maybe able to true them for you if you ask him nicely.

I found the pedals that come with all budget bikes are crap. I spent 25 dollars on some BMX pedals for my 2ee feet. You can get them cheaper at Kmart or big w.

I have concerns about suggesting a mountain bike for you. Even with the adjustable stem, the geometry will make it painful for you to ride until you get stronger. The forks on the bike I have linked to do not lock out, and may not be sufficiently able to stop you bottoming them out or bouncing around when you lean over the front to go up hill.
We are differently shaped, I hold most of my weight in front of me, most of your weight is behind you, your riding experience will be different from mine.

If you get a cheap bike and decide the bicycling thing is really for you, save up and buy a comfort bike. A comfort bike means you are more upright, lower stand over height, feet usually forward of the seat post. If I had the money Tam I would buy you a Barry bike as Barry is a comfortable ride on the flat.

What ever you buy, the first month of riding will hurt.

I am going to write a bigger post about bicycles for large people on my journal, maybe not today as there is a lot of research to do.

[badpauly.livejournal.com]

Yeah, what Cub said.

I actually just put a friend on the bike Cub linked, and it is quite good for the money - but a little over the $300 you mentioned. By the time you drop on a helmet (about $50) and lights ($20) you are heading towards $450.

You might be able to find a good 2nd-hand of similar spec, so I'd suggest that route.

Good luck with the searching.

[cubboy.livejournal.com]

I am actually going to buy one after I get my Kona Hoss, Barry is going to Rox or Jacob a mate with severe arthritis who finds mountain bikes too painful on his wrists.

Barry is a Giant suede

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/lifestyle/2198/31894/

I found his seat post clamp was not suffiecent to hold me up so I swapped one from another bike I had.

Kona Hoss is rated to 400 pounds and made for Clydesdale riders, they are about 1600 dollars and will be looking for one on end of year sale. By riding to work I save over 100 dollars a week on cabs, that's how I justify it.

Cannondale Badboy even on smaller road bike wheels has no upper weight limit but about 2500 or 4000 with internal hub wheels.

Cell frames look a bit ugly, very visible welds but you cant beat them for components.

There is a company in states who make a bike rated to 550 pounds.
http://www.supersizedcycles.com/product/HeavyDutyBicycle

Something to think about in the future.

Maybe try freecycle. Then spend your money on some new wheels.

This one is european!

[cubboy.livejournal.com]

This one is a comfort bike with low step thru. Comes with a rear rack and mud flaps. Yes over budget but not by much, but I think for safety and comfort ( you will be able to ride this with less pain) its the way to go. I will contribute $50 bucks for your birthday which I missed.

Only issue I can see is height, its a low bike.

http://www.cellbikes.com.au/p_2886_AMALFI__EURO_STEPTHRU_CITY_BIKE__Easy_to_Ride_Fun_to_Cycle

Re: This one is european!

[quiregrrl.livejournal.com]

OH!! that one is PERFECT!! In all honesty, I was looking at mountainy type ones because for some reason i thought they'd be sturdier... but this style makes me SOOOO much happier, and is so much more me!! Thank you for all the advice and recommendations, you rock :)

Also, I appreciate it tremendously, but I missed your birthday as well so we're even and I'm sure you have better things to throw $50 at!! You're very sweet to offer tho xox

I will just have to be patient and wait a bit longer to get my bike and save up a bit more... will be worth it to get a bike I both like and that will be comfy and easy to ride. This is ace, and it already has the pannier thing at the back!! You're fabulous xo

Re: This one is european!

[cubboy.livejournal.com]

Take pauly to go have a look at it. Remember it only has 3 gears, so going up hill will be harder but will be better for you!

Its cheap but it is you, my gut said so when I saw it.

Re: This one is european!

[info-pimp.livejournal.com]

Oh this one is beautiful! I want one too!

Hey Tam, I'm looking after Ali's bike (also a ladies step through) while she's away. I'll have to get a new bike if I ever give hers back. Will remember this one.

I'm back riding after a 5 years break. It's soooo much fun.
I'll go bike riding with you anytime :-)

Re: This one is european!

[quiregrrl.livejournal.com]

Yay :) Once I actually get it, and get a little fitter, i would definitely be up for bike riding with you!!

[ms-victoria.livejournal.com]

And of course, which ever you get, I will take strong note of x

[quiregrrl.livejournal.com]

I'm going to get this one... just so you know :)

http://www.cellbikes.com.au/p_2886_AMALFI__EURO_STEPTHRU_CITY_BIKE__Easy_to_Ride_Fun_to_Cycle

[fluffydescent.livejournal.com]

What about an electric bike!!! WIht a basket!!!!

http://www.supersizedcycles.com/product/ElectricBikeTricycle%20upgrade

[cubboy.livejournal.com]

They will not ship that out of the us

[fluffydescent.livejournal.com]

They say ext5ra shipping for other countries!

[cubboy.livejournal.com]

not for that model though

[quiregrrl.livejournal.com]

LOL coz the whole point is that I power it myself, thereby getting fitter!

There absolutely will be a basket though!! and streamers on the handles! My pushy is gonna be totally pimped!!!

[quiregrrl.livejournal.com]

oh, and also because that costs ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND NINETEEN DOLLARS!!!! AMERICAN DOLLARS!!!! And, they won't ship it here... it is kinda fabulous though :)

[totali-trashi1.livejournal.com]

I got sick from mine and sold it for $250 to a workmate.
Rosacea - from being out in the sun too much.
It calmed down a bit when i gave up the bike.
If I got one again, I'd get electric to have the option... it's so hilly and hot in Sydney, just saying...