I'm looking for bike to go on a long ride with. Any suggestions from an avid bicyclist?

Question

If you haven't heard of the SMART ride, check it out:

http://www.thesmartride.org/3/

I'm planning on riding in this next November. It is a 2 day, 165 mile bicycle trip from Miami, FL to Key West. I am by no means a bicylist. I need a bike that will be comfortable for this ride that isn't pushing $1000. Any tips from avid bicyclists that know what they are talking about?

Answer 1

As someone who owns three bikes (two racing bikes, and one touring bike) I've found myself enjoying the relatively inexpensive Specialized "Sequoia" touring bike more and more.  A simple, unpretentious bike, it's comfortable, absorbs shocks well, has a "granny gear" and it is more upright than a racing bike, but not so upright that you can't "slice through the wind".   Best yet, it can usually be found for about $800.   Sure, you're not getting "top of the line" components (sometimes shifting is a bit chunky), but for a "non-avid" cyclist, it should be fine.

I liked this bike so much, I took it to Europe and crossed over 1000 miles of alpine passes with it.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel...

Answer 2

Giant bikes are used by most professionals

Land Rover is another good make ( very strong)

I have a tesco bike and i love it , it is so simple it can't go wrong!

Answer 3

Brad's answer is good, and that's certainly a bike you should consider

You need a road or touring bike.  The three problems you'll have on your first long trip are rolling resistance (don't use knobby tires), wind resistance (especially in the Keys, so you do not want to be upright), and pain in your butt.  Again, you don't want to be upright here, because that transmits all of your weight through your butt.  A bent-over position looks awkward, but transmits a fair amount of your weight through your arms.

I ride RAGBRAI (across Iowa) every year and point out to newcomers that the sag wagons (transporting people who can't make the distance) are always filled with mountain bikes or "comfort" bikes.  They may be comfortable for a ride around the block, but not for the long haul.

Get a standard "racing" road bike, or a touring bike.

As for saddles, I'd like to point out that pros in the Tour de France don't ride narrow saddles because they look cool. They ride them because they are, paradoxically, more comfortable.  Less surface to rub you butt and thighs.  Still, get one that works for you.  The Terrys are excellent.  Both my wife and daughter use them.

Kudos to you for doing a charity ride.

Answer 4

What you need is what's commonly called touring bike. They are made for comfortable long trips, not racing. Check out this page of reviews from bicycling magazine:

http://www.bicycling.com/gear/topic/1,79...

Answer 5

To complete a long ride, the bike has to fit you properly. The best way to do this is to buy it from a local bike shop. "Dialing in" the setup is part of the service. Go to a local bike shop and tell them how much you have to spend and what you plan to do with the bike after the SMART ride. They will match you up with the bike that best meets your needs. It is important that you test ride the bike. Then go to other shops and see what they have to offer. Test ride their bikes. One will fit you and feel better than all the others. You'll be able to tell this soon after sitting on the bike and test riding for a few minutes. Buy that bike regardless of the name on it. Ignore marketing hype and fancy brochures. You can't ride them. The business is very competitive. Any two bikes at the same price point are very likely to be equivalent values.

The saddle is important. Try the one that comes with the bike. If you don't like it, work with the people in your bike shop. There are lots to choose. One brand name that is traditional among women is Terry.

Make sure you have two bottle cages. Get the largest bottles that will fit in them. Fill them with a sports drink, not water.

You don't need to pay much attention to component groups. Bikes that cost the same will have equivalent components. US1 is pancake flat. The only "hill" you will face is the 7-mile bridge. Wind can be a factor, but you will not be shifting rapidly on that ride.

Feel free to email me if you want to ask more specific questions.

HTH