Ew, biking on city roads, upill, on a mountain bike sucks!

[beer]

I live in Austin, TX and go to UT, and I got sick of walking 20 minutes each way to my classes, so I went home and got my old bike, had it tuned up, and brought it to Austin. It's a schwinn Sidewinder MTX; not a bad bike when I bought it....about seven years ago! I just never really used it, never really needed to, the suburban life is totally different than urban college life.

I thought it'd be a great move. It is a great move, but it SUCKS because that bike is so not suited for the roads here. I'm seriously thinking about getting a road bike but I know NOTHING about anything related to bicycles. Does anyone have a good set of links to get me in the right direction? There are two bike shops within about 1/4 mile of where I live....I might go visit them tomorrow.

BTW, does anyone know how much this bike is worth?

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

probably your bike sucks b/c it is a heavy piece of crap.

with bikes (road and ATB) you pay for lightness. light frame, light tires, light wheels.

And you pay for components (derailures and shifters)...but mostly you are payuing for a lightweight strong frame.

My wife had a schwinn for a while. not any more... she was b1tching just like you are. So we spent about 500 bucks on a nice bontrager (now owned by trek). it was marked down from 900 or so.

anyways, I digress....

You could go get a road bike. BUT i think you would spend just as much getting a good roadie as you would buying a new and improved mountain bike. And UNLESS you plan on touring out to willow city to spin through the blue bonnets, you will probably find a better fit with the mountain bike (ie, you won't bend your rims, flat out, and you'll have a bettttter gear set up for going up those steep hills around campus. Spend about 450 and you'll be happy.

 

[beer]

What is the difference between ATB and a road bike?

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

ATB is short for All terrain bike...ie mountain bike.

There are Hybrids too... their geometry tends to be more like a mountain bike but geared like a roadie and with skinny tires.

 

[beer]

oh, I thought ATB was different from a mountain bike.

How do you feel about Hybrids?

 

[mithrandir2001]

Originally posted by: Elemental007
oh, I thought ATB was different from a mountain bike.

How do you feel about Hybrids?

Master of none = mediocrity

Stick with a mountain bike and throw on low rolling resistance tires, or slicks as they sometimes call them.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

i prefer my Trek 930 mountain bike. I have slickies on it at the moment b/c i have been communting in. about 6,000 miles and counting.

I rode my roadie for the first year or so living here in madison... road beat my wheels to hell and back... they were already aged, but they soon were suffering from hairline cracks near the spoke eyes. Plus i was constantly truing the wheels.

Go to an REI and check out some bikes. Ride em around, find a frame that feels comfortable. Don't worry about any suspension crap like front shocks b/c they are just heavy components that are pretty cheaply made unless you are getting a really good fork.

 

[NeoPTLD]

you can think of heavy bike as being a better aerobic exercise. i like mountainbikes, cuz you can go hop off the curb, go through the woods and the such. i have been told road bikes are very much more vulnerable to flat tires. their tires are like 110pounds of pressure. i wouldnt ride them here, because i wont feel safe with the little traction they provide especially when it rains. if youre from oregon, rain is quite normal by the way

 

[vegetation]

Your bike is probably very heavy, bordering 30 pounds or more I bet, considering the age. That's what is making it so hard to power up the hills. A low end road bike will be about 22 - 23 pounds. Makes a huge difference when going uphill.

 

[GRIFFIN1]

Get some road tires for your bike. You can air them up a lot more, and it will really decrease the rolling resistance. A new bike will also help, but the cheapest thing to do is to just get some new tires. Either way, I would stick with the mountain bike for campus use.

Something like this.

 

[kherman]

College student huh.

Go buy some Clipless Pedals and shoes. It will make those hills a snap.

Go to a local bike shop to get the goods. They'll be able to hook you up the best unless you do some homework. The stuff I gave you should work fine if you figure out what size shoes you need.

Also, get some new tires for your bike. They make slicks for mountain bikes too.

Even if you opt for a new road bike, get the clipless pedals. They will make quick work of hills.

<--- Owns a Schwinn 4-Banger!!!

 

[Amused]

I'll bet it's not so much the weight, as it is that you're not used to riding a bike. Once you get your body in shape, it wont be so bad. That, and you're using knobby tires on the street. Go get some street tires for the bike. The good ones have a slick band in the middle for minimum rolling resistance, and some small knobbies along the sides to provide traction in wet weather.

If you want to wear normal shoes when you get where you're going, DON'T buy clipless pedals and shoes. If wearing bike shoes doesn't bother you (you sound like a tap dancer when you walk), then go for it, they're worth it.

 

[beer]

Originally posted by: Amused
I'll bet it's not so much the weight, as it is that you're not used to riding a bike. Once you get your body in shape, it wont be so bad. That, and you're using knobby tires on the street. Go get some street tires for the bike. The good ones have a slick band in the middle for minimum rolling resistance, and some small knobbies along the sides to provide traction in wet weather.

If you want to wear normal shoes when you get where you're going, DON'T buy clipless pedals and shoes. If wearing bike shoes doesn't bother you (you sound like a tap dancer when you walk), then go for it, they're worth it.

Haha.

Bro, I powerlift, I did my last set of deadlifts today at 350 x 6. Not national level or anything, but, betwee squatting and deadlfting my legs resemble tree trucks of sorts. Me being in shape is not the problem. I will get some street tires, thought, that does sound like a good idea.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Elemental007

Originally posted by: Amused
I'll bet it's not so much the weight, as it is that you're not used to riding a bike. Once you get your body in shape, it wont be so bad. That, and you're using knobby tires on the street. Go get some street tires for the bike. The good ones have a slick band in the middle for minimum rolling resistance, and some small knobbies along the sides to provide traction in wet weather.

If you want to wear normal shoes when you get where you're going, DON'T buy clipless pedals and shoes. If wearing bike shoes doesn't bother you (you sound like a tap dancer when you walk), then go for it, they're worth it.

Haha.

Bro, I powerlift, I did my last set of deadlifts today at 350 x 6. Not national level or anything, but, betwee squatting and deadlfting my legs resemble tree trucks of sorts. Me being in shape is not the problem. I will get some street tires, thought, that does sound like a good idea.

Powerlifting and biking distances have little to do with each other. Squats do nothing to help your biking endurance other than helping to power up hills. One is explosive strength, the other is endurance. I know powerlifters at my local gym where I work out that can't last half as long as I can on the elliptical trainers.

 

[Viper GTS]

I've been commuting on my mountain bike (Full suspension GT i-Drive) for the last week & a half. There are several hills, & I do fine (and I'm severely out of shape + 30 lbs overweight too). Takes me 90 minutes to walk to work, 45 to take the bus, and under 30 to ride. Easy choice.

I have slicks on it, though, and I have clipless pedals waiting to be put on (Time ATACs). I just need to find some shoes so I can use the pedals.

Keep it up, it will work fine. My i-Drive isn't exactly light, either.

Viper GTS

 

[beer]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: Elemental007

Originally posted by: Amused
I'll bet it's not so much the weight, as it is that you're not used to riding a bike. Once you get your body in shape, it wont be so bad. That, and you're using knobby tires on the street. Go get some street tires for the bike. The good ones have a slick band in the middle for minimum rolling resistance, and some small knobbies along the sides to provide traction in wet weather.

If you want to wear normal shoes when you get where you're going, DON'T buy clipless pedals and shoes. If wearing bike shoes doesn't bother you (you sound like a tap dancer when you walk), then go for it, they're worth it.

Haha.

Bro, I powerlift, I did my last set of deadlifts today at 350 x 6. Not national level or anything, but, betwee squatting and deadlfting my legs resemble tree trucks of sorts. Me being in shape is not the problem. I will get some street tires, thought, that does sound like a good idea.

Powerlifting and biking distances have little to do with each other. Squats do nothing to help your biking endurance other than helping to power up hills. One is explosive strength, the other is endurance. I know powerlifters at my local gym where I work out that can't last half as long as I can on the elliptical trainers.

And going uphills is the only time I'm even remotely tired

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

After reading your replies, I think it might just be your technique...

I think there are two options for getting up hills efficiently.

option #1) stand up out of the seat and use a high gear (probably something like biggest front sprocket and middle back spocket), and pedal about 45-60 rpm). This is fine for attacking hills, but you will need to judge whether or not you can attack to the top. If you wither before you summit, then you will hate life when you sit your ass back down and still have another 50+ vertical feet to go.

option #2) keep your butt in the saddle, and shift to your lowest or second to lowest gear (smallest front sprocket and biggest back sprocket). Keep your rpm's at about 85-100, shift up or down depending on the grade of the hill.

Regardless of which technique you use, be sure to move your feet in a circular motion, otherwise, you are wasting energy by pushing down with both pedals at the same time.

I prefer option #1 because its quicker. BUT you will be limited by your stamina, NOT strength, so don't think those tree trunk legs will be helping you out at all. bicycling is mostly a cardiovascular work out.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Elemental007

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: Elemental007

Originally posted by: Amused
I'll bet it's not so much the weight, as it is that you're not used to riding a bike. Once you get your body in shape, it wont be so bad. That, and you're using knobby tires on the street. Go get some street tires for the bike. The good ones have a slick band in the middle for minimum rolling resistance, and some small knobbies along the sides to provide traction in wet weather.

If you want to wear normal shoes when you get where you're going, DON'T buy clipless pedals and shoes. If wearing bike shoes doesn't bother you (you sound like a tap dancer when you walk), then go for it, they're worth it.

Haha.

Bro, I powerlift, I did my last set of deadlifts today at 350 x 6. Not national level or anything, but, betwee squatting and deadlfting my legs resemble tree trucks of sorts. Me being in shape is not the problem. I will get some street tires, thought, that does sound like a good idea.

Powerlifting and biking distances have little to do with each other. Squats do nothing to help your biking endurance other than helping to power up hills. One is explosive strength, the other is endurance. I know powerlifters at my local gym where I work out that can't last half as long as I can on the elliptical trainers.

And going uphills is the only time I'm even remotely tired

Then it's technique as Yamaha said. You're probably trying to power up the hills. Instead,. "spin" up the hills as he said. Move your feet in a circular motion. Toe clips or clipless pedals help with this a lot, because as you spin you can pull up with your back leg as you push down with your forward leg. Pumping is fine for short hills, but long hills require spinning.

Power lifting is eight-twelve reps a set. Going up a hill is hundreds of reps. Attacking it as you do squats will do... well, squat

 

[Ultima]

Originally posted by: GRIFFIN1
Get some road tires for your bike. You can air them up a lot more, and it will really decrease the rolling resistance. A new bike will also help, but the cheapest thing to do is to just get some new tires. Either way, I would stick with the mountain bike for campus use.

Something like this.

That isn't a good idea for traction. I usually keep my tires around 40-50 psi for handling, but once I accidently put my front tire at 80psi, and wiped out in a sharp turn.

 

[Armitage]

Another point on the technique front ... watch your knees. They should be going almost straight up and down, not out to the side. This particularly seems to be a problem with body-builder in my experience.

Make sure the bike fits right. You can probably find guides online, but you're best bet is to stop by a local shop and ask for help. They'll likely be willing, particularly if you...

Get new tires: High pressure slicks (80+PSI) will make a big difference.

Make sure you're brakes aren't dragging. I know you said you just had a tune-up, but it's worth looking at.

And finally. Get a lighter bike. If you really want to go fast, get a road bike.

Aside: My pet theory on why so few people ride as adults is that the only experience they have is riding ungodly heavy, clunky Huffy kids bikes or cheap mtn bikes. Put em on a quality road bike, and they feel like their floating!

 

[Armitage]

Originally posted by: Ultima

Originally posted by: GRIFFIN1
Get some road tires for your bike. You can air them up a lot more, and it will really decrease the rolling resistance. A new bike will also help, but the cheapest thing to do is to just get some new tires. Either way, I would stick with the mountain bike for campus use.

Something like this.

That isn't a good idea for traction. I usually keep my tires around 40-50 psi for handling, but once I accidently put my front tire at 80psi, and wiped out in a sharp turn.

No offense, but I suspect that is a technique & experience problem rather then an equipment problem.
On dry roads, any tread pattern on the tire is basically worthless.
And higher pressure ussually means better control cuz the tire won't roll sideways on the rim as easily.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: ergeorge

Originally posted by: Ultima

Originally posted by: GRIFFIN1
Get some road tires for your bike. You can air them up a lot more, and it will really decrease the rolling resistance. A new bike will also help, but the cheapest thing to do is to just get some new tires. Either way, I would stick with the mountain bike for campus use.

Something like this.

That isn't a good idea for traction. I usually keep my tires around 40-50 psi for handling, but once I accidently put my front tire at 80psi, and wiped out in a sharp turn.

No offense, but I suspect that is a technique & experience problem rather then an equipment problem.
On dry roads, any tread pattern on the tire is basically worthless.
And higher pressure ussually means better control cuz the tire won't roll sideways on the rim as easily.

If the pressure is too high, the contact patch is reduced. Less rubber on the road means less traction. And if he's using this to commute, the road will not always be dry when he rides, therefore he needs at least a few grooves in the side treads to displace water.

 

[Ultima]

Originally posted by: ergeorge

Originally posted by: Ultima

Originally posted by: GRIFFIN1
Get some road tires for your bike. You can air them up a lot more, and it will really decrease the rolling resistance. A new bike will also help, but the cheapest thing to do is to just get some new tires. Either way, I would stick with the mountain bike for campus use.

Something like this.

That isn't a good idea for traction. I usually keep my tires around 40-50 psi for handling, but once I accidently put my front tire at 80psi, and wiped out in a sharp turn.

No offense, but I suspect that is a technique & experience problem rather then an equipment problem.
On dry roads, any tread pattern on the tire is basically worthless.
And higher pressure ussually means better control cuz the tire won't roll sideways on the rim as easily.

No offense taken. I haven't wiped out since I was a little kid (other than for reasons that were not under my control, like other people hitting me, etc..). I was taking those turns very fast - enough to scrape the pedal on the pavement. Normally I would have been fine but since I have a weird valve on my front tire I couldn't pump it up at any of the gas stations. I ended up almost making it flat and at the Canadian tire I used one of their hoses to pump it up but I put it up to 80psi by accident (no gauge). I thought the steering was "light and nimble" - mistaking nimble for little contact patch. Well, I earned a sprained wrist and a damaged bike in that lesson.