Looking for some advice on bicycle purchase

[MH1]

Hi all...

(I posted this first in the bicycle forum but thought some folks in here might know of any "eco-friendly" factors I should consider. I hope you all don't mind. :) )

I want to start replacing some of my car trips with bike rides. I'm a bit out of shape, but I have ridden at least a few times a year over the last few years, and I have no doubt I can handle it, and it will do my health a world of good if I can stick with it.

I want to buy a new bike, mainly because I am dissatisfied with the old, rusty, heavy, cheap and poorly chosen 20-or-so-years-old one in my basement. (It still works and will be passed on to someone who needs it and will appreciate it despite the rust.) I'm thinking a nice shiny new one might help give me incentive to keep my commitment to cut down on car miles.

So, not having bought a bike in a LONG time...and wanting, if at all possible, to buy something as "eco-friendly" as possible in materials, manufacture, and maintenance as possible, I thought I'd post here and in other forums (like environment and ethical consumerism) and see if anyone has any suggestions?

Are there any favorite brands or features among aficionados? I am looking for a general purpose road bike that can handle occasional minor rough stuff (like a maintained dirt trail with a pebble here and there). I want something light and easy to handle, and I'm not sure why I would need a zillion gears, although we do have some light hills in my neighborhood (think low Piedmont). If there is anything that makes one bike more eco-friendly than another, that would be important. Fair labor practices in manufacture could factor in, too.

Thanks for any ideas or pointers you can offer!

[phantom power]

1. Any bike is infinitely more ecofriendly than a car. I would recommend...

focusing on low frame-weight and low-friction tires. I like the new "solid" flat-proof tires:

http://www.ameritire.com/index2.cfm?group=product&function=order&itemcategoryid=4

[MH1]

10. Thanks!

(wow, I got a lot of answers fast here. this is great!)

[hunter]

11. Thanks for the solid tire link!

My kids are rough on tires. Maybe those will work.

[phantom power]

13. I've been real happy with mine. The one caveat I ran across...

was they don't work with rims narrow less than a certain width. If you've got super-light narrow rims, you'll want to verify that bit.

I blew out tubes all the time here in Phoenix. Everything makes thorns and spiky seeds. Green slime didn't do me any good. These solid tires kick ass. You can get agressive tread or low-friction for urban use.

The only other significant issue with them, is if you like to adjust your tire-pressure frequently. These are made to simulate a particular tire pressure, and obviously, you can't change it. Not an issue for me, but if you do off-road stuff, maybe not the choice for you.

[driver8]

2. I like Trek bicycles...

They are made in the USA and I have always had great luck with them.

I think the rode/mountain combo you are looking for is called a "hybrid".

[GreenZoneLT]

6. Full suspension is nice. As are disk brakes.

I have to ride over a lot of speed bumps, so I really use the full suspension. Disk brakes make a big difference on wet streets when regular bike brakes barely work at all. I would suggest going to a real bike shop and test-riding.

One thing you don't need that is extremely common is the racing-type handlebars that force you to ride hunched over. It's a more efficient riding position, but far less comfortable than the upright position of old-fashioned bikes with bigger, higher handle bars than extend back past the front fork, like the ones on single-speed beach cruisers. You can find hybrids with big, padded, cushy seats and the old-fashioned handlebars, but you have to look for them.

[MH1]

22. I went to a Trek shop tonight

but all the hybrids except maybe one, were made in China. And I say "maybe" because the guy who talked to me didn't know.

The only ones that the frames were definitely made in the US, were the high end racing bikes. Not exactly what I was looking for.

Even tossing the "made in US" stipulation, they didn't have anything I liked, that fit. But I am better armed with knowledge now, and I will just try another shop! (Maybe Cannondale this time.)

[driver8]

24. Damn -- I thought all of their bikes were made in the USA.

That sucks!

Sorry about that. I have an old Trek mountain bike and it was made in the USA...I thought all of their bikes were.

[IDemo]

3. For general light use, a 'comfort bike' may be what you want

These have a less extreme seating position, a better padded seat, and usually come with fewer gears than a regular mountain bike or road bike. If you are concerned with weight, you might want one with an aluminum frame, rather than steel.

[jobycom]

4. The most eco-friendly bike is the one you will ride.

How's that for worthless advice? :)

I don't know anymore who makes what. I bought my most recent back about eight years ago. It's a Gary Fisher, and back then they were American made at a factory which only made Gary Fisher bikes. I hear that has changed now.

Most bikes are made by just a couple of big manufacturers, and it gets even worse when you consider the components. Find a good locally-owned bike store (if you were in Austin I'd have suggestions :) ) and ask which brands are made domestically, if any. Other than that, I doubt there is much difference in what you'll find, in terms of environmental impact.

Sorry, not much help, but I'll be reading the other replies. Hopefully one will be better than mine! I may need a new bike, soon, too.

[jwtravel]

25. Gary Fisher bikes

Trek now owns Gary Fisher, LeMond, and Klein Bicycles. They may own more brands. In the case of Klein, the blue pole barn factory is still out west in rural Washington.

[Warpy]

5. Just make sure the wheels at least are aluminum alloy

or any other very light metal. Those steel rims will always cause you to force that sucker along and you won't enjoy the ride as much. You can convince yourself that at least part of the metal has been recycled, and you'll probably be right.

As far as I know, they aren't making them out of wood as yet. The most common frame materials are steel, aluminum alloy and titanium. The latter two are lighter, and that's their advantage. Unless I pick the bike up, I really can't tell much difference. The ride feels similar to me. If I still lived in a fourth floor walkup, I'd pay the bucks and get the titanium or alloy. Since I don't, my present bike has a steel frame.

There are 3 basic models of the popular bike: racing, touring, and stump jumper (mountain bike). There are also specialty bikes like BMX and recumbent. The type of bike you choose depends on the riding you want to do. I have a 10 speed, and it's fine here in the foothills of the Rockies. I don't climb peaks with it, just cruise on slightly hilly city terrain.

Just remember to get those alloy rims.

[EST]

7. I don't know how old you are, but if over forty, you'll be wise

to consider a recumbent bike. I built a few, somewhat unsuccessfully, many years ago. Last year, I bought a recumbent trike, expecting, somehow, to be a bit disappointed.
Instead, I am thrilled! It's a terrific machine and does pretty well on all surfaces within reason.
It's much easier on the bones and, after twenty miles or so, the seat isn't crawling up your tootoo, since it's wide enough to fit your butt on instead of around.
If I run out of gas, going up a long hill, instead of stopping and standing around until the old body comes back, I can just stop right there and sit--there's even a brake lock so I don't have to hold brake pressure.

Three wheels do present more rolling resistance but not a lot more, since the load is lighter per tire.

My trike is big and heavy, but, since I am 6'4" and well over an eighth of a ton, myself, not out of line.
Even a year later, I'm still enthusiastic about recumbent cycles and trikes in particular.
Go ride one - you'll be surprised.

[tinrobot]

16. Recumbents in traffic are scary

I feel much safer when the cars actually see me.

[EST]

19. You make a good point.

I have a big old American Flag, topped by a tiny strobe of my own invention, and several other flashing lights on both front and rear. My experience was initially informed more than forty years ago, when I was bringing home a brand new Honda 50 my brother had saved for and bought. This lady waited until I was almost upon her, at about forty miles an hour, before pulling right out in front of me and was upset that I blew the little beep beep horn at her.
I just knew she was going to do it, even though I had had no previous experience with riding.
The same thing applies to bikes-- people can't see you. So, I have done everything I can to be seen.

[The_Casual_Observer]

8. Get tire tube protectors. The edges of roads are full of nails

and sharp crap that will ruin your tires on your very first trip.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

9. I've been riding the same Trek hybrid for about 17 years...

and (obviously) love it.

http://www.buyblue.org/node/2524/view/summary

Other friends swear by Cannondale, and one even had very good luck with the REI brand (not sure who makes it).

[MH1]

12. Thanks for all the answers, everyone!

This really helps me out.

You all rock!

:yourock:

[gravity]

14. Just get what you like

Go to your local bike store and see what type of bikes they have, and test them out to see which ones would be best for you.

I wouldn't worry that much about how environmentally friendly the bike was produced. The most important factor is how often you are willing to ride it, since everytime you use your car instead, you will be polluting much more.

[tinrobot]

15. Get a bamboo bike

http://www.calfeedesign.com/bamboo.htm

Ok, that might be stretching it. I personally like steel framed bikes because the frames vibrate less, and for commuting get one with thinner rims/tires (700c rims, 28-32c tires) because it will be much less road resistance. Mountain bike tires will just slow you down in the city.

Surly makes a really nice steel framed bike that's light and responsive. Soma is another good brand.

[MH1]

18. Now that *is* cool!

probably not what I need right now, but it is definitely COOL.

Thanks for the link. I had no idea. :)

[Kolesar]

17. You could get by with something a step down from a racing bike

A racing bicycle has a short wheelbase, slight fork rake, steeper head tube and seat tube angles and very-light components. For you, I would recommend a similar design with longer chainstays and wider rims for wider tyres. You probably would not be getting the tighter "side pull" brakes--you would get cantilever or linear pull brakes that can allow wide tyres and fenders. Weight-obsessed racers don't buy wide tyres or fenders. I would go with file-tread tyres. Knobbys are for very loose sand and squishy mud.

I don't prefer straight handlebars like on mountain bikes. That hand position gets tiring. Handlebar extensions make a little bit of difference, but they are really designed for steep climbing, and not for relief. I would go with drop handlebars or "shallow drop" handlebars where you don't bend down so far. There are also some funky bars with unusual hand positions, but those are usually only on custom/hobbyist bicycles.

There are a lot of good products with 8-speeds on the gear cluster "in the back". Make sure the gearing is low enough. You would want a 28 tooth low gear in the front chainring if you have a 28 tooth big sprocket in the back. A higher ratio means you might struggle on the hills and have to stand.

You could buy a 9 or 10 speed bicycle, too. They are a lot of fun, going through all the gears in order as you accelerate.

Bicycles with bigger "700c" wheels are a bit smoother and faster.

Get something to carry a spare tube, tools, and a pump or an inflator. Get a helmet unless you don't mind the idea of having to relearn the alphabet.

My Trek has the best paint job, ever.

Have a look at www.roadbikereview.com for reviews and ideas. There are forum pages for newbies. Don't worry about the know-it-all posters. Also www.bicycling.com

[jeffreyi]

20. check out the Kogswell and Rivendell

sites for some ideas on bicycles and bicycle styles that that can handle all kinds of roads and different conditions. I ride an Atlantis myself, just got back from a 20 mi spin. Fun & comfortable.

http://www.rivbike.com
http://www.kogswell.com/PR.html

Also, the "bible" for all things bicycle

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/index.html

[Extend a Hand]

21. I just bought a recumbent bike

with an electric motor. It is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. A lawn chair on wheels.

If you are near sw new york state, this shop has a great selection of recumbents and a beautiful area where he lets people test ride all they want.
http://www.bicycleman.com/

[Egalitarian]

23. Some questions to ponder...

How far/long will your average ride be?
What is your budget?
On a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 is the most comfortable, but 10 is the fastest bike, where are you?
How much stuff do you want to carry on the bike? Do you want a handelbar basket, front panniers, or a rear rack/panniers? Bikes vary as to how easily they can accomodate such accessories.

Best advice though, visit your local specialty dealers and talk with a sales person. A reputable dealer will ask you many of these questions to help them steer you towards a bike that will do what you need it to do for a fair price. If they don't spend much time asking about your needs, then try another shop or another salesperson. bicycles have personalities and choosing the traits of the bike are much more important than the brand, frame material, etc. Finally, I'm pretty sure everything you consider will me made overseas.

Good luck and enjoy.