What kind of hobbies/activities do you plan on picking up this summer?

I am going to buy a mountain bike and start riding my bike to and from college for my summer classes and also start riding on some trails.

I am buying a bike, but I'm debating on getting a cheap $80 bike at Target/Walmart or buying a nice bike for about $300. What are some factors should I look into to help me decide? I don't really have money for a $300 one, but I could scrounge up the money some how. If your into biking what kind of brands do you fancy?

I am also way into hiking, its one of my favorite things to do. Went on my first hike for the summer today. It took about 3 hours, got stranded out on the trails after dark, it was pretty crazy, but definately fun. Hiking is definately a GREAT form of exercise, you enjoy everything and it doesnt seem like your exercising. Plan on doing alot of backpacking trips this summer and roughing it out in the wilderness.

White water rafting, rock climbing ( hopefully ), snorkelling, paintball, and many other activities are on my agenda for the summer.

I absolutely LOVE summer! Lets get PUMPED~

Susie,

Eddies Mom is a great person to ask about bikes. She's probably got alot of good advice for you in that department. She rarely strays from the Breeders Forum, but if she calls me today, or visa versa, I'll make sure to bring this post to her attention.

Susie:

When buying a bike, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. A decent hybrid or mountain buke from a reputable dealer can be purchased new for $300.00 or less. Used is even cheaper.

When you purchase a bike from a reputable dealer, you are not just buying a bike, you are investing in a shop with the experience and knowledge to repair your bike should (and you will!) ding it on a ride.

How do you find a good shop? Talk to people. Then go to the shop and tell them what you want. What kind of riding do you plan to do...paved trails or sigletrack? What position would you prefer to ride in...upright, sitting on your 'sit bones', or forward with as much weight on your hands/arms as on your saddle? How far do you plan to ride...around the block or across the state? Tell them how much you would like to spend, and see what they steer you towards.

If you tell them you plan to ride 5 to 20 miles per ride on paved trails in an upright position, spending under $400.00, and they steer you towards a Trek Madone (the bike Lance Armstrong rides), find another shop.

A good shop will take your needs and wants into consideration before they think about what they have in inventory.

You will also need a reputable shop to service your bike. Let's say you buy that $80.00 bike from Wal-Mart. When you have a major biff (bike speak for wreck), and taco (self-explanatory) your front wheel, is Wal-Mart going to fix it? In your dreams. A friend of mine tacoed the front wheel on my bike Sunday. I took it to the shop Monday. I have a very good relationship with my shop guy. I should. I have dropped a lot of money there in the last three years! He will a: find me a used wheel; b: rebuild the wheel if possible, or c: order me a new wheel. A costs the least, C costs the most. I trust my shop guy.

If you can't afford new, consider buying a used bike from a reputable shop. They can be very reasonable.

At the same time you buy your bike, BUY A HELMET! WEAR THE HELMET! If you wonder why I am so adamant about helmets, perform this demonstration. Go to the store and buy two melons about the size of your head. Wrap both in plastic wrap. Put an old bike helmet on one. Hold both melons out at arm's length at shoulder height, and drop them onto concrete, helmet side down. Then imagine your head as those melons. Which would you like your melon to look like after an old lady with poor eyesight and a two ton car fails to see you on your bike? Honestly, you're spending a lot on college. Spend $30 to $40 for a helmet and think of it as protecting your investment.

Bike helmets are tated for safety by two groups: ANSI and Snell. The most expensive ANSI or Snell rated helmet will protect your brain as well as the least expensive ANSI or Snell rated helmet. Buy the least expensive helmet that feels comfortable on your head. WEAR THE HELMET! It can't protect you if you don't have it on!

I check this forum rarely. If you have any further questions, please feel free to PT me.

Tailwinds!

EM

Great advice, EM! It almost makes me want to go out for a ride, but naaaahh, I'll go for a run instead! Sounds like more fun to me!

hey, that is great info eddie's mom. Thank you oh so very much. I pt'd you with another question. thanks