Need advice on buying a new bike!

Hi, 

I am new to the Chicago biking community. I have never needed to purchase a city bike before and was wondering whether anyone had any advice for me. 

To set somewhat of a starting point for this discussion, I have been eyeing the Fuji Declaration 2012.

The intention is to use is both as recreation and to get from point A to B within the city.

Any and all advice is appreciated!

Thanks!

.:SarahR:.

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Permalink Reply by yai danche on February 15, 2013 at 3:04pm

wider tires are cushier, makes going over a pothole less rough (and we have lots of those!).  if you know how to change a flat, it's not big deal.  my coworker commutes on a skinny racing tire because she's not willing to sacrifice speed.  if you are used to mountain bike tires, then those are probably the same width steve is referring to.  lots of road bikes come with the skinny tire but can accomodate a wider tire (check with the shop!).  also be prepared to upgrade the tires in a year or so.  i find the stock tires on most bikes are pretty sucky especially if you ride year round.   

Sarah Rizvi said:

Clint: Noted. Thanks.

S: I'll take a look at the site.

Jenn: Let's sidebar, my email is sarahrizvi@outlook.com.

Steve: What's the benefit of the wider wheel? Most if the city bikes I looked at seemed to have similarly thin wheels.

Tricolor/Amanda: Definitley want the lightweight, single gear bike for maintenence and weight.

Lisa: I'm 5'1" so finding that fit and position is definitley more of a challenge as you well know.
Permalink Reply by David P. on February 15, 2013 at 4:29pm

It's not a bad idea to start with something relatively inexpensive, because if you ride a lot there's a good chance you'll find yourself iterating after a year or so as more mileage under your belt gives you a better idea of what your needs and wants are.

Permalink Reply by OLB 0.1 on February 15, 2013 at 5:19pm
The bike swap on March 9th is a good opportunity to see a lot of variety in one place.
Permalink Reply by Martin Hazard on February 16, 2013 at 11:23am

The "ideal city comuter bike" for you is not for sale anywhere. That is something that will evolve over time to suit you and you alone. You cant buy it, you have to make it. That is where the true "City Bikes" come from. I have been asked may times where someone could get a utility comuter bike like mine. The best answer I have is to send them to Alex at West Town Bikes.

Permalink Reply by milkbar on February 16, 2013 at 7:44pm
Sarah, as much as I believe in my own little brand's bikes, I will say that they are very much designed for folks with extremely specific ideas about what their needs are, and maybe at this point not ideal for your search.
Permalink Reply by Austin Fenwick on February 17, 2013 at 3:59am

Sarah, as a guy who works at a shop several things have been said that make sense. 

First, always test ride. A test ride helps you figure out if you like how the bike has you sitting, how it rides and feels etc. 

2nd, having something that accepts wider tires is def a good thing. More cushy and stable, but having a mountain bike would be to much. Something like the cross check (I actually ride one) is a good base for alot of stuff and can go fast, attach racks, ride in dirt/mud. A little of everything. 

One thing I will mention is in the end it all depends on the type of riding you will do. If you see yourself doing longerish rides (ie longer than 10 miles) regularly, get something closer to a road bike in my opinion. But if you don't see your recreational rides going longer than 10 miles ever, a flat bar commuter bike might be the way to go. 

Oh and one other thing. Frame material. Steel will flex more, be a more comfortable ride, but less of your pedal power reaches the ground because the frame flex will absorb it a bit. Aluminum is stiffer, and tends to be a little less forgiving. But that means it tends to get more power to the ground. Again it depends on you and what you like. I suggest test riding bikes made of both materials. 

Have fun :)

Permalink Reply by Gerry G on February 17, 2013 at 5:24pm

This takes a fender, but not enough wheels.  : (

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/bik/3624935152.html

Fenders in place, to many seats.  : (

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/bik/3624921169.html

Lots of wheels along with lots of fenders.  : (

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/3602434368.html

Hey two wheels, one seat, two fenders, yeah!  : )

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/bik/3571773608.html

Sarah, keep us informed of your choice.  ; )  and have fun.  

Permalink Reply by william on February 18, 2013 at 3:37am

That's an often-repeated bikeforums-level oversimplification, right there. 

Austin Fenwick said:

Frame material. Steel will flex more, be a more comfortable ride, but less of your pedal power reaches the ground because the frame flex will absorb it a bit. Aluminum is stiffer, and tends to be a little less forgiving. But that means it tends to get more power to the ground. Again it depends on you and what you like. I suggest test riding bikes made of both materials. 

Permalink Reply by william on February 18, 2013 at 3:42am

I would consider a cx or touring bike. Something rack and fender friendly. And dont be afraid of shifters and derailleurs; consider it an opportunity to learn a new skill. Shifting gears can be very helpful and adjustment rarely is more complicated than turning a barrel adjuster. 

Permalink Reply by Austin Fenwick on February 18, 2013 at 4:38am

Point to William lol

Permalink Reply by Steve Courtright on February 18, 2013 at 5:56am

>>>What's the benefit of the wider wheel? Most if the city bikes I looked at seemed to have similarly thin wheels.

As others have correctly said, for comfort mostly, and wider tires seem to have less flats.  I ride a CX bicycle with 700X32 tires through Chicago to work, and in 2 years have never had a flat tire.  You can also run bigger tires at lower pressures without fear of a pinch flat.  Bigger tires may also be safer in the sense of easily running over bad pavement, steel bridge grids, and other obstacles.

 

There is a very big difference between a 21mm wide tire and a 32 mm wide tire with respect to ride comfort and safety. 

 

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on February 18, 2013 at 6:22am

Even a 28mm tire is a huge improvement over a 25 and especially a 23.   It's not just the width of the tire but the volume of air inside it that allows tire pressure to safely be much lower without so many issues.   Let a 23mm tire get a little low and you are in the red zone pretty quick. 

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