New bikes for spring? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

AndrewJ · 02-25-2009, 11:50 AM

So is anyone out there thinking of getting a new bike this spring/summer?

I have a feeling that it's going to be another good year for the bike industry, if not for high gas prices, for the crap economy...

So what bike(s) are ya'll trying to acquire this year?

I'd really like a Mountain bike, something with a good adjustable-rebound fork and disc brakes. But I'll probably end up cheaping-out and buying an old rigid steel MTB and stripping it down to a Singlespeed and put the biggest front tire possible on it for a little shock-absorption.

I'd also like a singlespeed road bike, something old that I can put a porteur rack on, but that'll probably have to wait.

jamesqf · 02-25-2009, 01:59 PM

Why on earth would anyone want a single-speed bike? Not even in Kansas...

SVOboy · 02-25-2009, 03:41 PM

I got one last summer,

Also, single-speeds are nice

i_am_socket · 02-25-2009, 03:48 PM

Single speeds are awesome for simplicity. I bought 2 hybrid bikes last summer and I can't wait to get back out.

I do need to adjust my road/tri bike, though. Need a more aggressive position. And I saw panniers that can hold full size grocery bags so I'm thinking an upgrade to my hybrid is in order.

MetroMPG · 02-25-2009, 04:38 PM

Unless I bust/lose/get stolen either of my existing bikes, the only new bike I can see in my future is a DIY recumbent, or a DIY tadpole trike. No immediate plans for either for this spring though.

beatr911 · 02-25-2009, 05:01 PM

I just want to find more time to ride. We moved next door to a 90,000 acre state forest with about 166 miles of singletrack so I could raise my son biking in the woods. See Capitol Forest Washington Capital Forest Washington Mountain Biking Equestrian Horse Back Riding Trail Running ATV Motorcycle Department of Natural Resources I'd love a simple, accurate woods bike with just a little cush for downhills. Current ride is a '96 Trek Y-22, aka the "Wet Noodle", the carbon fiber is all loose and flexible, it's an experience in itsself.

Single speeder rigid bikes are really honest rides. It's not about making the ride easier, it's about getting more out of the ride. Hills seem steeper, downhills seem faster, bumps and ruts are more unforgiving. You are much more connected to the ride.

The difference between modern mountain bikes is sorta like the difference between a 1972 Datsun 510 and a 2010 Nissan Skyline. Worlds of differences exist, and that's the reason they are both so much fun.

Ryland · 02-25-2009, 10:20 PM

I plan to keep my bike, a race frame that now has classic cruiser bars, a 3 speed internal geared hub, I just need a better seat.
I also want to get my electric bike refined a bit more, mostly cleaning it up.
I might also put together beater bike for group rides, something that can take curbs and a little dirt, it will have gearing because unlike the people I know around here who run single speeds I can adjust derailers, I also want to have a spare bike around as a loaner.
I used to get all my bikes from the dump but it's harder to get them there now so I have to rely on what collage kids leave behind.

Figjam74 · 02-26-2009, 12:42 PM

I'll probably look for a new bike next year. This year, me and the wife are planning on trying out the whole cycle-touring/camping thing, and until we get a better idea of what we want out of our bikes we're going to stick with what we have.
My wife has a Schwinn Cruiser that we recently had upgraded to 21 speed from the stock 6.
I have a cheap, full-suspension mountain bike that I added some high-rise handlebars to. It looks completely ridiculous because I haven't lengthened the brake and shifter cables yet, so things are mounted willy-nilly on the bars. I will have it fixed before this season starts because even though it's comfortable and fun to ride, it's just not safe that way.

Depending on how things go this year will influence the budget for next.

i_am_socket · 02-26-2009, 03:08 PM

Found my next bike:

I'll get it right after I can afford one of their cars

bikin' Ed · 02-27-2009, 09:46 AM

SOCKET, I'm with you! I'd love to pilot something like that.

I will keep the three bikes that I have for a while. On the race bike and non-suspension hybrid I would like to upgrade to suspension front wheel hubs. I hesitantly got one last year and rebuilt one of my current rims using it. There was/is an amazing difference!

Since I built it into my race wheel, I only have a few thousand miles on it but it seems to be holding up very well.