Cycling on weekends for extra PT

CPT Jacob Swartout — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 21:48:39 -0400

What are some recommendations for reputable road cycles with a reasonable price? I run by the river front here and everyone else cruises along on bicycles. Time to consider riding one myself to change up some exercise for once. There is a good 14 mile stretch here along the river that everyone in the Army rides on daily.

Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jul 15 at 2014 10:23 PM

MSG(P) Michael Warrick — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 22:23:02 -0400

Cycling is a great second cardio workout that is easy on the knees !

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 1:52 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 01:52:26 -0400

Recommend finding a good local bike shop and talking to them. Let them know what kind of riding you want to do, how often, etc. If you are buying a road bike, it may be important for them to find the right fit for you; not every bike is suited for every individual. A good bike shop will lead you in the right direction. If you're not against used bikes, watch craigslist for deals - they are out there and you could save 100s in doing so.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 9:19 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 21:19:49 -0400

I have and love my Trek 1500 SLR (road bike). My best advice is for you to be properly measured and don't buy just a cheap bike. They can be pricey but it will pay off in the end. I bought mine a model year old and got it half price but still paid $1300 for it. I had a few cheap ones prior to this one and the difference is amazing.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 9:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 21:26:36 -0400

Definitely get fitted and find the right bike. There are some brands out there that offer a lot of bang for the buck. Fuji can be a great buy if you can find a dealer near you.

Be sure to look for good components, a solid frame (Aluminum is probably the best option for a bang-for-buck bike), and something that fits you.

If you can find out your size, you can possibly find something online at a great rate (like last years model) and then have a bike shop help you dial it in. I bought a great mountain bike online for approximately $400 off what it originally listed for and my local shop helped me get the fit (and suspension since I am a mountain guy) dialed in perfectly.

For online: http://www.performancebike.com can have some great deals, as can Colorado Cyclist (particularly if you are looking to make a more significant investment). I have also had great luck through Nytro Cycle. Often Nytro will put together a package for beginners that will actually set you up for success and they will be willing to really work things for you to get the right bike.

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Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Jul 16 at 2014 10:33 PM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:33:40 -0400

I'd recommend going to a bike shop, and trying some bikes out. Talk to some of the people that ride the path you're looking to ride on. The geometry will be important keep in mind that even if it's a paved path the position you're in while riding will affect your body differently. A mountain bike will have you in a more upright posture, and a road bike will have you using your arms and shoulders more as the typical drop bars will have you leaning forward. Expect to spend a few hundred dollars even up to 1000 dollars. Unless you're going to be expanding from your 14 mile rides you won't really need to invest in carbon fiber frames or anything more exotic than your typical entry level aluminum frame.

Aside from the bike you should get a helmet, spare tubes, and a tool kit, last thing you need is to go for a relaxing ride only to try to depend on the courtesy of strangers, or worse be forced into walking your bike home.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 16 at 2014 10:49 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:49:06 -0400

Had me a Schwin that I loved and rode for years. Now have a cheap Walmart Special Mongoose that I love. Like both for different reasons. If it is paved and in Good Condition a Schwin would be perfect if you are on and off road, Mongoose are wonderful.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2014 10:38 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 10:38:57 -0400

I'd recommend buying a bike with a combustion engine.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2014 12:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 12:41:08 -0400

I just bought one myself. Its a SCOTT used but it fits me, and it was relitively cheap. I looked at a base model TREK and it was $700.00. TREK is that Mercedes of bikes. Good luck sir.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 18 at 2014 11:48 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 23:48:32 -0400

My ride is a MASI Partenza, I absolutely love it. https://www.masibikes.com/bikes/performance/partenza-2014

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2016 11:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 23:40:13 -0400

I just turned 37 and went back to road biking. It was a good PT for me since my knees are messed up on all the Army runs. It was a good workout. I'm hooked to cycling now!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2016 11:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 23:41:57 -0400

I bought a TREK 1.1 fluid series. I am a proud bike owner. I used to own cheap ones but bikes with brands has more advantage.