Bikes.

Got around to pulling mine out today.  I just bought a nice new Giro helmet and road a short 9 miles to the lake.  Then I got to thinking:

I've had this bike for 4 years, a trek 3700.  One big thing I noticed when riding today was that my brakes sucked.  I have generally been disappointed in v-brakes and quite like my friend's disc brakes on his bike.  I also think it might be good to upgrade my shifters and derailers as well as replace my rusted cables and chain.  I've had trouble in the past with my bike not shifting into the extremes of the gears and generally acting unresponsive, which could be somewhat fixed by adjusting the shifters and derailers but I think an upgrade is in order.

Now, I'm wondering if it would be better to buy a new bike, something like a Trek Fuel or Fuel EX.  Since I'm going to college next year I suspect a lot of bike riding will happen, and I'd like to have something up to the job.  I prefer mountain biking (even used to have a course with ladder bridges in all in my back yard) so something with full suspension would be great.

Fuel EX 9.5:



?


Edited by WGP guy2 - 26 April 2008 at 6:36pm

i have a trek 4300, it only has front suspension, but it's all i need... paid $460 for it at a bike expo

I used to have a sweet Raleigh that I won, but my sister ganked that and took it to Edmonton so I'm bike-less for now. I'm debating buying one for the summer though, I guess we'll see.

I'm still unsure.  I can't remember what bike my friend has but it has full suspension and disc brakes and I really enjoy riding it.  It's also a little bigger than mine but I don't know the size.  Another thing on the top of my list is a new saddle, my crotch hurt after riding today.  I plan to tune it up this week, use a little white lightning, and see how it turns out.

Edited by WGP guy2 - 26 April 2008 at 7:14pm

Your brakes most likely just need a new dialing in. See what a local shop can do. Disc brakes are probably a nut and a leg(aftermarket)

But yeah, I got in a good 6 hours today at the park on the old bmx. Not much can beat a good ride.

The problem I have with the rim brakes is that my bike and I typically get covered in mud frequently when I ride it, and the brakes just don't work like they should.  With disk brakes less surface area for mud to build up (plus it's not an inch from the ground) should help with that problem.  Are there good pads I can get that will help me out here?

I have a crappy mongoose LOL(although they're pretty decent low-end bikes, in the $300 range).

Although last time I was riding on pavement I got horrendeous lower back pain. I dont know why, either. I'm in great shape from Lax hell, stretch, and never get that..

How many bikes get stolen at your school?

Da Hui can tell you what to do. He has a special bond with his bike.

Mine