eddhead Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Hi, I am considering purchasing a bicycle to tool around the streets of NYC with, but I have no idea as to what to look for. I want something that is sturdy enought to withstand the rigors of the NYC streets although most of my cycling will be along bike paths. It should be muti-speed, sturdy and comfortable. Any ideas as to make and model? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadtorrent Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Get a beater...cheap crap...anything nice will get stolen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkerouac Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 In NYC particularly, that advice is probably good. Even here in Seattle, I have heard of bike messengers who have decent (read: more costly) bikes, but distressed them to make them look like beaters so they would be less likely to get ripped off. Quick release seat posts or handle bars? Not necessarily a good idea on a city bike. Of course one should also ask whether you have a good, safe place to store the bike, at home, at work, and anywhere else you might want to park it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc savage Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 I've noticed that in NYC; decent quality single speeds wrapped with duct tape, with the seat removed and a FAT bike chain. My GT was stolen (from my porch in the burbs) right after I got it tricked out perfect. Cheap bikes are no fun to ride, I suggest a hardtail in the $500 range, with disc brakes and the aforementioned FAT chain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Ah, pull up a chair, lad. The Doctor of Two-wheelers is in da house. Cheap won't get stolen. Or anything old and funky. Or anything that LOOKS old and funky. There are literally hundreds of good bikes to choose from. I'd go hardtail and even rigid front end... forks are not necessary. A mountain bike will be more durable than a road bike and more comfortable for tooling around. Cheaper too. If the gnarliness factor doesn't matter to you, consider painting the whole thing camo or something. Or bright yellow. Everything but the wheels, gears, chain, pedals and bars. Make it garish. People can't easily resell stolen parts that are painted yellow. See where I'm going with this? Look at Craigslist.... Will get stolen but it's cheap http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/541694914.html This is a good one http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/bik/541518558.html Sweet ride... it'll get stolen in 24 hours http://newyork.craigslist.org/stn/bik/541449005.html Fine commuter... likely not to get stolen http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/541149166.html Another good one http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/bik/541052753.html Coolness... stealability out the wazzoo http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/bik/540828061.html EXCELLENT BIKE (I have one of these and my wheels alone cost more than this whole bike) http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/536015122.html Pick up a good lock... I use a Kryptonite Fuhgeddaboudit. Loop a Fuhgeddaboudit chain or cable thru the wheels and lock it up. This lock has a $3,000 replacement guarantee if your bike is stolen. BTW here's a picture of my new baby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leifhaus Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Nanuq that bike is so cool. New York is tough for bikes, I would suggest a folder like, http://www.downtube.com/ which has an internal geared hub, you can fold it up and put it in a bag and walk through the lobby of a building without the guards giving you a hard time. I'm considering getting one to leave in the car to expand my commuting options. If not than a junker is the way to go and a couple of locks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hambone Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Here are a couple of designs to consider. The first is good for New York as it combines office efficiency. This one will move along with stealth and people will be certain to clear a path for you. And this one is traditional, yet romatic to boot! Ahh life is full of choices! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiker01 Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Here are a couple of designs to consider. The first is good for New York as it combines office efficiency. This one will move along with stealth and people will be certain to clear a path for you. And this one is traditional, yet romatic to boot! Ahh life is full of choices! I love you, man!!!! I miss our rating ICONS!!! This one is rated funny! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodwc Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 You have a real sense of humor hambone. ( havn`t repeated the pics. again, as it has been done twice.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc savage Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 What Nanuq said, except the Mongoose (Along with Schwinn and GT, Mongoose was bought by Pacific Cycles, and they are now Kmart quality). That Kona is great and that's a good price on the Bad Boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star69 Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Kona - the frames are bullet proof - i use a a smoke for commuting - love it !! Frank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellomen Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 why not a cool lowrider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Kona - the frames are bullet proof - i use a a smoke for commuting - love it !! Frank Mmmmmmmmm, Kona! Here's mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Usil Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 I would be torn between what I wanted and what I needed. A cool mountain bike, easy off everything, good suspension, etc... nice to look at and nice to ride but make sure you have a picture of it so you will know what you had when it quickly disappears. Old, delapidated looking is the only safety. Sorry but it is true. A funny story- I had a cheep (USD95.00) mountain bike when I came to Paris. AFter a few months I bought a motorcycle and left it chained to a post in my parking garage and never rode it again. After about 6 months, I drove by and noticed one of the lights gone, soon a reflector, then the seat (even thought I removed the easy removal feature and put a lock nut on it), then the handle bars - eventually I rode by one day and it was gone all together. This was in a secure by guard and dog underground parking garage. Usil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddhead Posted January 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 Thanks for all the responses and especially to Nanuq for all the research.. that was way beyond the call.. i really appreciate it. I live in the city but near a bike path and will mostly use it for exercise and riding along the hudson, so I am probably less concerned about theft and wear and tear than what you might think. I'll do some research based on your feedback. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddhead Posted May 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2008 Once again thanks to everyone who offered advise and suggestions. I finally got around to doing some research and I THINK I have decided on a bike. Can anyone comment on the TREK 7.5 FX hybrid? http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/fx/75fx/ I test road a bunch of bikes this week and this one felt real good. Great ride which I am told is the result of the carbon forks. Light weigh, shifts well good speed and acceleration and handles superbly at least based on my very limited experience. Comments appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted May 25, 2008 Report Share Posted May 25, 2008 sweet bike, and lots easier than a MTN bike for putting on the miles. Another like this is Jake the Snake. Whatever fits YOU is what's right. Get a GOOD lock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddhead Posted May 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2008 sweet bike, and lots easier than a MTN bike for putting on the miles. Another like this is Jake the Snake. Whatever fits YOU is what's right. Get a GOOD lock. Thanks Nanuq, I appreciate the advise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddhead Posted May 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2008 Picked up today and logged about 15 miles. Temperature was in the high 80's so i worked up a nice sweat. First time I was on a bike in about 20 years and it felt great. Anyway, I picked up 2 very nice locks as well, one of which (with the chain) seems to weigh as much as the bike itself. Thanks again for all the great advise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc savage Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 You should pick up a pair of these; I wouldn't ride without them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddhead Posted May 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 You should pick up a pair of these; I wouldn't ride without them. Thanks, I will look into them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc savage Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 I got one of these for commuting a couple weeks ago--upgraded the seat, pedals, and of course the grips. I'm thinking about getting some semi-slick or dual-tread tires for it since it will probably never be off-road; any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 Nice bike! Send me those groovy platform pedals... there is nothing nicer when it's -20 to -30 and you can't feel your feet! You'll want some tires with at least a bit of tread so you get fewer flats. If the knobs hold the carcass up off the pavement and glass, you'll have to stop for fewer repairs on the ride home. Also keep the tires well inflated so you don't get pinch flats (snakebite) on curbs and potholes. We should have a competition and see who can put down the most miles this year, onroad and off! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryyannon Posted May 29, 2008 Report Share Posted May 29, 2008 A steal at only $18,999.95, which is probably why they're all sold out for the moment: http://www.hammacher.com/publish/78743.asp..._transportation Could make that daily commute a lot more convivial! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted May 29, 2008 Report Share Posted May 29, 2008 Lord have mercy, HOW do they decide which way to go? "Okay guys, everyone LEAN LEFT!!" "What?! We're going RIGHT!" "Left!" "Right!" **Crash Tinkle** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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