what bike to buy ....

Question
QUESTION: Hi Michael,

My name is Lindsey im 21 yrs old and probably ride a bike once a year. This year im going to particapate in a M.S marathon and i have no idea whats the difference in bikes and which one to buy .. Im going to ride 30 miles and need to start training asap!! The ride will be in ny so there might be a few hills just in case you need to know. I dont have much money so i cant afford a expensive bike so can you PLEASE HELP ME since you work in a bike shop and give me advice in which bike to look for..

Thank you so much,
Lindsey L.

ANSWER: Hello Lindsey,

Welcome to our bikeculture.
Nice to read that people like you do care for M.S. patients.
But a 30 mile is possible to ride it without injuries when you use a special bikepant. But why should you want to afford a expensive bike when you ride it once a year? And why buy one if you maybe can loan it from a friend (if it is the right size).
I will advice you when the marathons is going about pavements or concreed a fitness or hybrid bike. Fast enough to make a nice speed and comfortable as well through their wider tires than a roadracer.
You can look for a Giant or a Trek or even a Specialized (Merida).
They have nice model who aren't that expensive. But I still don't know in what range to look/search in your budget.
My first walk is to go to your local bike store and let's try some bikes. Then make up your mind if that will fit into the budget.
Maybe he can give you some discount if you ride for his company with a nice bikeshirt with his name on it?
Sometimes they will do that.
After you've been there in a bike store, please tell me how the bikes ride and maybe we can have a small talk later.

Good luck

PS In how many weeks is that MS Tour?

Mick

PS This message has been sent on 5/8/2008 at 23:51 CET, strange enough I received a e-mail that I didn't answer it yet.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Michael,


Thanks for the info at least now i know what brands to look for.I would be using this bike often even after the marathon because its a work out i know ill enjoy thats why i wont be asking no one to borrow thiers.I work in nutrition so being fit is my main priority! My budget is like 200.00. unfortanally,but ill be checking websites to see if i could find the brands you told me for a cheap price and go to my local bike shops and do that as well!Again thanks for the info i will probably ask you more quesions after i check those bikes before buying!

Thanks,
Lindsey


P.S. the actual ride is on OCT.5,2008 think ill have time?

ANSWER: Hello Lindsey,

Maybe that the local bikeshop can help you with a nice discount or a secondhand bike which he can adjust for you size.
For the ride you have 2 months, to train. When you can drive on a bike from now on, you can made that. Try to ride in every 2 days for the first 2 weeks. Than ride for one hour when that is possible.
Try to relax and make sure you ride a easy gear, which you can spin around between the 80-100 rpm. That will improve your of pedaling. Strengths will come later.

Just ask me when you have any questions.

Kind regards.

Mick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi is me Lindsey again,

I wanted to know your feed back of schwinn bikes, because my landlords son has one thats very nice and i rode 2 miles on it , it seemed fine to me but i really dont know the difference!  it also has those speed changes on it so im guessing thats good. Well i hope this is the last question but before we buy it from him i wanted to know your feedback on it, oh and fyi hes charging us 150.00 so i dont know if thats good.

Thanks again for your feedback,
Lindsey Lavi

Answer
Hello Lindsey,

Schwinn has made very nice bikes, and I need to say that I do not know how the quality is from the bike from your landlord's son.
Most of the times there are brands and types standing on the bikeparts. When it is from Shimano with a minimum from LX and well maintained, it is a nice bike to buy. But I will try to get it for $ 100,00! So you can buy from that other money a good bikepaints, because that it also very important.

Hope to help you well with these informations. When you need anything else. Just let me know.

Mick