Mt. Bike suggestions

[Airspeed]

It's gone anyway, I think the guy didnt know how to measure a rim. The description he gave me of the rest of the bike leads me to believe it was this bike. I am really bummed out that I didnt jump on it because he pretty much gave it away! Kickmyself,kickmyself,kickmyself
http://www.mountainbiketales.com/reviews/fatpossum.htm

[Fenlason]

It's gone anyway, I think the guy didnt know how to measure a rim. The description he gave me of the rest of the bike leads me to believe it was this bike. I am really bummed out that I didnt jump on it because he pretty much gave it away! Kickmyself,kickmyself,kickmyself
http://www.mountainbiketales.com/reviews/fatpossum.htm

I was just making sure you knew.. how small a 24" bike was for future referrence.

If it would make you feel better.. I can kick you a couple of times also

[Wimperdink]

Okie dokie. I'm chalking this one up as one thing that I just wont understand.

I've never had a $50 bike that just fell apart and made me crash or not want to ride it. With improper maint, anything will squeek rattle and not work correctly. No diff than owning a BMW. They are considered higher end but they need oil changes and brakes replaced and tires replaced too.

But i'll politely back out now and just admit that this one is above me.

[Airspeed]

There really is a BIG difference when you ride a $50 bike and then ride a $500 or more bike. It is just amazing how nice a good bike "feels" and handles. It's like the difference between an 8 track and a CD, there simply is no comparison. Or like the difference between meatloaf and a T-bone,
Aaron

[mikeschn]

Aaron,

Now that I have both my road bike and my trail bike, I would be willing to let my mountain bike go. Heck, we have no mountains in MI.

It's the most comfortable bike you can imagine... Let me get a few pictures for you...

Mike...

[Airspeed]

Thats a great offer Mike, unfortunately I'm 6' and my wife is 5'10", Otherwise I would have gone for it! It looks like a very good deal but I think it might be small for even her. I thought I could talk my wife into riding a smaller bike as my daughter has one for sale, but when she sat on my daughters 16" bike this morning it was apparent that she's going to need a taller bike. My son in law has a 16" bike also and it was way to small for me, I am pretty sure I'm going to need at least a 19" frame.
Thank You very much for the offer though!
I appreciate it!
Aaron

[mikeschn]

Opps, yea, you are way too tall for that bike... As was mentioned earlier in the thread, you gotta get the right sized bike! sorry it didn't work out for you.

Mike...

[raprap]

Just finished working on my electrified bike. It’s built around a 1930 Schwinn frame with a with a Schwinn approved four rail spring seat from the 50’s. I build a rear rack out of an old four foot level that had lost its bubbles, an aluminum serving tray, scrap aluminum sheeting left over from the “Dogtown Too”, and an old laundry basket from when I was a lifeguard thirty years ago. Under the rack are two UB12120 sealed lead batteries that go with two more sealed lead batteries carried in the frame. The batteries are wired in series giving the
Crystalite Roadrunner front drive wheel 48V to deal with. I rebuilt an old expanding shoe tandem hub for the rear wheel and attached a derailleur to use the Suntour 5 speed cluster I had in the junk bike parts box and fitter a Suntour derailleur and hanger from the same junk parts box. I drilled out the front fork and put a cheap side pull brake on the front power wheel.

The bike is fitted with 26 inch balloon tires (semi mountain bike tread) and has been fitted with chrome fenders front and rear. Between the twin top tubes I fitted a wood tank (like an old Schwinn Phantom) with a graphic that says Chicago Iron. The bike has wide bars (like a Fatboy) and a pair of the cheapest steep brake levers I had in the junk box.

When I finished my creation about 6:00 PM this evening I took it out for a test ride and even though it weighs a ton (about 75 pounds considering the batteries-25 pounds, the front wheel-20 pounds, the Chicago Iron frame 30 pounds) it screams—about 25 mph on the flats with no pedaling---. On my test run I met up with a young cyclist in full racing regalia on a roadbike with clipless pedals who struggled to try to leave me (an overweight senior) wearing a pair of cut offs, a tee shirt, and loafers--- Finally on a slight downhill grade—he hit his big wheel (probably 126 inches) and he pulled away—I figure I was doing 35 mph and I’d guess he was doing 40. Nevertheless, I don’t think he realized I had a three to five hundred watt very quiet turbo. On the way home I stopped by a local biker bar for a beer and parked the Chicago Iron beast in line with the Harleys and wanna be a Harleys. A couple of the bikers who know I normally ride a beemer complemented me on finally riding an American Bike---unfortunately they are only partially right as only the frame and seat are American---and the front drive wheel is Chinese.

After my beer on the hill climb home I was able to stay in the seat without breaking much of a sweat. All in all a 10 mile ride—the batteries lasted pretty good considering they were new and I hadn’t topped off the charge (they are being recharged as I’m writing this.) Tomorrow is another day and after checking it beast over for loosened nuts and bolts I'm gonna take a longer ride with fully charged batteries---I figure their range is 20 to 25 miles if I don’t get too crazy, possible 30 if I pedal a little.

All in all I figure it a viable form of transportation for quick errands around the house and camp. One that uses electricity instead of gasoline---a good economic stimulus.

I’ll post some pictures as soon as I find the missing pixels.

Rap

[80turbota]

You really need to go to a good bike shop and get a fitting. I would suggest a mountain bike, a hard tail and then get a good springer seat (like a brooks) and a springer seat post. The larger tires and the seat and post will get you about 2 and a half inches of travel.
Maybe a nice comfort bike will work for you. With lower back problems I cannot see you doing anything real daring.
Take your time and get a good fitting, that will help alot. Look for a bike that fits. Maybe a specialized Rock Hopper. Good bikes and fairly affordable. It is only a suggestion to look at. Who knows you might not even be able to stand getting on one of them.
Good luck.

[Airspeed]

Thanks, I have ridden several so I am sure I can do it. I tried a hard tail with a spring post and they're OK but not smooth enough and only work when your sitting down. I tried a couple full susp. bikes and they were perfect. I could actually handle some good size bumps (which is funny cause I cant even walk over them!) I havnt been able to even jog in five years so it felt good to have some mobility. I am pretty set on full suspension.

I appreciate the advice! Aaron

[80turbota]

Well there ya go, a full suspention bike it is. Now to find one in your price range. That will be a tall order. Most people will tell ya to not spend anything under a grand anything else just won't work well.
I know that Mountain bike magazine just did a review on a whole bunch of bikes. Broke them up into catagories by price range. I can't find my copy right now but I believe that fuji had one at around $500.
If I find it I will post what I found.
Good luck.

[Airspeed]

Well I tried out about ten bikes today and ended up buying a HARO Shift R3 full suspension. Paid $795 and I am happy as a clam. Ended up with a 20" frame and had it set up at the shop, now if it would stop raining I could go out for a ride! Thanks for all the help making the decision!
Now I have to figure a way to mount it in the truck or the trailer so I can take it camping.
Thanks! Aaron

[Fenlason]

Well I tried out about ten bikes today and ended up buying a HARO Shift R3 full suspension. Paid $795 and I am happy as a clam. Ended up with a 20" frame and had it set up at the shop, now if it would stop raining I could go out for a ride! Thanks for all the help making the decision!
Now I have to figure a way to mount it in the truck or the trailer so I can take it camping.
Thanks! Aaron

congrats.. enjoy

[mikeschn]

Sounds good Aaron...



Mike...

[Airspeed]

I got to spend some time on my bike today, Man I love it!! I have had a lot of bikes in my time but this thing is so smooth and quite. It shifts instantly in both directions, handles awesome, I was even able to hit some good sized bumps without feeling a thing! Smoooth!
When I was testing out bikes the other day, I rode a few with hydraulic disc brakes, mine has mechanical disc brakes but I like the hydraulic much better so I am ordering a pair of Avid Juicy sevens with larger discs. The hydraulics feel so much better than a stretchy cable.
Yesterday my youngest daughter decided to buy a bike, she didnt tell me and bought a Walmart full suspension ($85) I was shocked when she brought it home, I cant believe how cheaply built it is! I am surprised they are even legal to sell! I am trying to talk her into taking it back but for some reason she is resisting, I even offered to help her buy a better one.
Any way, I am happy as a clam with my new toy! I cant wait to take it camping. Aaron