Bike recommendation for my 22 yr old son

[lmcgint@msn.com]

Hi all,
My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
suggestions?

Thanks!!!

[russellseaton1@yahoo.com]

On Nov 21, 6:25 pm, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
> Hi all,
> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> suggestions?
>
> Thanks!!!

Something to consider is nicer bikes are generally nicer to ride and
might promote your son to ride more and continue riding as a lifelong
activity. Personally I'm not sure hybrid bikes fit my definition of
nicer bike.

[landotter]

On Nov 22, 12:25 am, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
> Hi all,
> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid.

Best first adult bike is an inexpensive, but good quality utility
bike. Add Planet Bike Freddy Fenders, a rack, and some Axiom
Appalachian bags($100 for all three on-line), and the boy's got
hisself a vehicle--plus the dowdier it looks, the better, campuses are
notorious for bike theft.

As for the bike, I don't think ya can beat Jamis for smart design and
good price:

http://jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08commuter1.html

$285 + the fenders, rack, and bags is right over $400 when ya pay
taxes and whatnot, but it gets you a vehicle with a trunk. Don't
forget a lock. I like the On-Guard Ptibull mini ($35--don't spend less
to lock a bike on a campus). And do use the proper locking method:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

Have the boy practice locking in front of you. I know he's 22, but
roll up a newspaper and whack him when he does it wrong. Seriously,
campuses are crazy bike theft areas--a mini-u+a sorta boring bike
keeps the theives away.

[rhosler]

On Nov 21, 4:25 pm, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
> Hi all,
> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> suggestions?
>
> Thanks!!!

Yes, Lou has his own line of bikes, the Ferrignolo. I would find an
abandoned bike on campus that runs. Bike thieves like college
campuses. Get something with thick tires, unless he likes changing
flats.
Ray

[r15757@aol.com]

On Nov 21, 5:25 pm, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
> Hi all,
> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> suggestions?
>
> Thanks!!!


Depends on what he wants to do with it. If he just wants to cruise
around campus and around town, a hybrid will be fine. Although his
preference for that type of riding might be something in the single
speed/fixed gear vein, very popular with the kids these days. If he's
interested in cycling more as a fitness activity or sport, say he
wants to go ride up mtn. passes or race or do century rides or just
ride fast for the heck of it, he is going to want something more
performance-oriented. Pure road machine. Maybe he wants to ride
trails, he'll need a trail bike. Note that the road bike and the trail
bike can both function well as utility machines along with the other
stuff they do so well.

It's true what they say about college campuses and bike theft. If he
leaves the bike outside it will get picked over by thieves even if
locked well, if it doesn't get destroyed by weather. He will have to
keep the bike inside.

Buying a bike for your kid is one of the greatest things a parent can
do. It's not just a thing, it could be a lifelong source of real joy.
Of course, he could also ride it once and put it away forever, which
is what a lot of people do. Or he could get seriously hurt on it. Make
him promise one thing when you give it to him: that he will watch
where he is going. That's pretty much what bike safety boils down to.

Robert

[sergio]

On Nov 22, 1:25 am, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
> Hi all,
> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> something he can ride on campus

It all depends on what _he_ wants to do with the bike.
Stay clear of a cheap used bike.
You need no first generation stolen machine, do you?

Sergio
Pisa
(who has suffered one more bike theft the day before yesterday, damn
it!)

[cyclingthings@gmail.com]

On Nov 21, 7:25 pm, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
> Hi all,
> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> suggestions?
>
> Thanks!!!

get any giant, specialized or trek mountain bikes on ebay for
$300-400. they are the best brands and are high quality bikes. also
mountain bikes are more fun, so there are less chances of him getting
bored
carlos
www.bikingthings.com
ride more, get faster, get fit, be happy

[vey]

lmcgint@msn.com wrote:
> Hi all,
> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> suggestions?
>
> Thanks!!!

Don't overlooked used if it isn't one of the numerous mall-Mart brands.

When I went to college, I was 23 and I was not there to impress the
girls or determine how much beer I could pour down my gullet. I needed
something practical that wouldn't break down to get me across campus and
run errands.

I went to a reputable used bicycle store (there is usually one in
college towns) and bought something that is hard to find now: a
three-speed with a big basket on the front. The basket was big enough to
carry two paper bags of groceries. I kept that bike for another 5 years
after I got out of college and sold it for what I paid for it.

I didn't have to worry much about theft. I never washed it and it looked
bad, but I kept it running great. The theft problem can't be overstated.
There are organized theft rings that use children to do the actual
thieving for them. They are interested in bikes that they can sell
easily and that means bling, not dowdy.

If I were going to do it again, I would get something along a hybrid
with 5 or 7 speeds if I could afford it. Closed gears mean just about
zero maintenance headaches.

[Lou Holtman]

lmcgint@msn.com wrote:
> Hi all,
> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> suggestions?
>
> Thanks!!!


How old is your 'little boy'? At 22 now way I let my father decide which
bike to ride ;-).
A campus cruiser is a single speed.

Lou
--
Posted by news://news.nb.nu (http://www.nb.nu)

[Tom Sherman]

lmcgint@msn.com ??? wrote:
> Hi all,
> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> suggestions?

This is what I had to ride while in school:
<http://www.ransbikes.com/Rocket07.htm>.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

[datakoll]

On Nov 21, 7:25 pm, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
> Hi all,
> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> suggestions?
>
> Thanks!!!

you live on dah west coast?
try REI
life time Drackman Guarantee
tellum I sent you

[dh]

<lmcgint@msn.com> wrote in message
news:437ae3cd-d308-46f2-a9b0-99b9b6f13ff0@r60g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
> Hi all,
> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> suggestions?
>
> Thanks!!!

Campus is a great place for bicycle theft. You'd be doing well to get him a
high-quality used bike for cheap but if the brand names and models don't
mean much to you, you won't have an easy time finding a good one, so you
mihgt just as well go new. And you're right that a Wal*Mart quality of bike
won't make for a great riding experience.

Bikes also need to be the right size and that's where good bike shops are
very helpful. They will carry different models in a variety of sizes.

Since you don't have much other information available here, I'd suggest you
go to a good bike store and simply tell them what you want. Mostly, they
want to increase the number of adult riders, so my experience is they're
helpful and tend to give good advice and strive for a good value that won't
let you down. You can get a Trek 7.2 for low $400s (or maybe less) or a
smilar Raleigh for maybe a little less at a "real" bike store. I expect
Specialized, Cannondale, Giant and other good makes offer a bike in this
price range and I'm sure they're all decent. Get a really good lock and
also get puncture-resistant tires. You might also consider options like a
rack and fenders (very helpful after a rain storm) and absolutely get a
kickstand. And a set of lights. Maybe lights that he can unclip and carry
inside (else they'll get swiped). The more lights, the merrier.

If it's for campus and commuting on streets and bike paths and sidewalks,
you don't want wide or knobby tires or shocks and springs. They sap energy
from the rider and are really only useful for mountain-biking or riding on
soft or very rough surfaces. Crummy bikes (Wal*Mart bikes) also sap energy
from the rider.

We got our boys low-priced (upper $300s/ low $400s, inflation-adjusted)
bikes from reputable bike shops as they graduated from high school and these
bikes roll easily, pedal and shift nicely, are reliable and, most
importantly, still get used. The most recent was a Trek 7.2 in 2006 (low
$400s or maybe it was even in the upper $300s) and it seems to me a very
nice bike (and I like bikes and am willing to spend money on them). When he
has 20 minutes of free time, that boy will just take off for a short bike
ride for pleasure. Our older boy got a lower-priced Raleigh ($279, I think,
probably low to mid-$300s today) back in 1997 or so and, although it's a bit
heavy by the most modern standards, it's a pretty nice bike, too. It has
wider tires, so I actually use it myself on soft trails from time to time
but it's defninitely slower in the street and I wouldn't use it to ride to
work.

By the way, I ride mostly in the street and since I first bought
puncture-resistant tires, I go whole years without tire trouble.

Your son will need to learn a little bit about how to care for the bike and,
especially, how to change the tires and, once that chore is done, make sure
the brakes, wheel, chain, etc are in-line. This is not difficult but a
little how-to book and a tool kit would be helpful. He will also have to
learn a little about maintenance (what to oil and how often - not a big deal
but it will help the bike deliver good service for a long time).

And it probably will last a long time. With minimal maintenance, my 1979
Raleigh did very well until it was recently run over. Original purchase
price was less than $250 and it lasted 26 years, so it was a little under
$10/year to ride. Not bad!

[landotter]

On Nov 22, 12:37 am, "russellseat...@yahoo.com"
<russellseat...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Nov 21, 6:25 pm, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
>
> > Hi all,
> > My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> > last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> > something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> > don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> > want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> > suggestions?
>
> > Thanks!!!
>
> Something to consider is nicer bikes are generally nicer to ride and
> might promote your son to ride more and continue riding as a lifelong
> activity. Personally I'm not sure hybrid bikes fit my definition of
> nicer bike.


Wow, that's a real nice bull**** response! Feel proud?

"Hybrid" bikes are fantastic all-rounders once you put good handlebars
on them. Try Wald 8095s for a tenner.

[russellseaton1@yahoo.com]

On Nov 21, 8:20 pm, landotter <landot...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Nov 22, 12:25 am, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
>
> > Hi all,
> > My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> > last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> > something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid.
>
> Best first adult bike is an inexpensive, but good quality utility
> bike.

Really? What is this adult going to do with this utility bike? Is he
going to ride it on the weekend morning go fast ride? Is he going to
ride it on the various weekend century rides? Is he going to ride it
on the week long cross state bike ride? Do you know what this person
is going to use the bike for? Or are you just assuming he wants the
same cheap junk bikes you get a kick out of?

As I said before, don't go for the cheap, junk, garbage, utility bikes
landotter recommends. Get a nice bike the kid will enjoy riding so
his interest in biking will maybe last a lifetime. Garbage utility
bikes as landotter recommends are a sure way to drive the kid away
from biking.





Add Planet Bike Freddy Fenders, a rack, and some Axiom
> Appalachian bags($100 for all three on-line), and the boy's got
> hisself a vehicle--plus the dowdier it looks, the better, campuses are
> notorious for bike theft.
>
> As for the bike, I don't think ya can beat Jamis for smart design and
> good price:
>
> http://jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08commuter1.html
>
> $285 + the fenders, rack, and bags is right over $400 when ya pay
> taxes and whatnot, but it gets you a vehicle with a trunk. Don't
> forget a lock. I like the On-Guard Ptibull mini ($35--don't spend less
> to lock a bike on a campus). And do use the proper locking method:
>
> http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html
>
> Have the boy practice locking in front of you. I know he's 22, but
> roll up a newspaper and whack him when he does it wrong. Seriously,
> campuses are crazy bike theft areas--a mini-u+a sorta boring bike
> keeps the theives away.

[SMS 斯蒂文• �]

rhosler wrote:

> Yes, Lou has his own line of bikes, the Ferrignolo. I would find an
> abandoned bike on campus that runs. Bike thieves like college
> campuses. Get something with thick tires, unless he likes changing
> flats.
> Ray

I found that the bike thieves struck the well locked bicycles only at
night, not when a lot of people were around. After one theft of a $55
Lionel Play World generic 10 speed, I began carrying my bicycle three
flights of stairs into my dorm room. That was the only bicycle I had
stolen during college.

Unfortunately, the drop bar style bicycle went out of style on college
campuses, though the accident rate dropped greatly as a result.

[me]

"landotter" <landotter@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:996a33fa-987a-4ce4-9c81-28ee2aa00f9e@s19g2000prg.googlegroups.com...
> On Nov 22, 12:37 am, "russellseat...@yahoo.com"
> <russellseat...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> On Nov 21, 6:25 pm, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
>>
>> > Hi all,
>> > My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
>> > last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
>> > something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
>> > don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
>> > want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
>> > suggestions?
>>
>> > Thanks!!!
>>
>> Something to consider is nicer bikes are generally nicer to ride and
>> might promote your son to ride more and continue riding as a lifelong
>> activity. Personally I'm not sure hybrid bikes fit my definition of
>> nicer bike.
>
>
> Wow, that's a real nice bull**** response! Feel proud?
>
> "Hybrid" bikes are fantastic all-rounders once you put good handlebars
> on them. Try Wald 8095s for a tenner.
>

Tell him to find something on his own for$100 or less - not too nice
though because it's going to get stolen on campus, or some a$$hole will
trash it just to do so while he's got it locked up in a rack. Campus
transportation should be absolute beater-bike level so no one will covet it.
Now, if he lives off-campus and can lock it up inside effectively so he can
ride it on weekends, it might be worth getting something nice. Been there,
done that.

Cal

[LJM]

On Nov 22, 12:35 pm, Lou Holtman <lholremovet...@planet.nl> wrote:
> lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
> > Hi all,
> > My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> > last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> > something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> > don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> > want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> > suggestions?
>
> > Thanks!!!
>
> How old is your 'little boy'? At 22 now way I let my father decide which
> bike to ride ;-).
> A campus cruiser is a single speed.
>
> Lou
> --
> Posted by news://news.nb.nu (http://www.nb.nu)

Hey, I'm his mother! I am trying to keep him from spending too much -
saves me in the long run - just wait, you'll see.

[A Muzi]

> lmcgint@msn.com wrote:
>> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
>> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
>> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
>> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
>> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
>> suggestions?

Lou Holtman wrote:
> How old is your 'little boy'? At 22 now way I let my father decide which
> bike to ride ;-).
> A campus cruiser is a single speed.

Excellent analysis.

Spartans left babies out of doors and kept the survivors. That's how you
make Spartans. What exactly do you expect as a result here?
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

[landotter]

On Nov 22, 5:35 pm, Lou Holtman <lholremovet...@planet.nl> wrote:
> lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
> > Hi all,
> > My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> > last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> > something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> > don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> > want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> > suggestions?
>
> > Thanks!!!
>
> How old is your 'little boy'? At 22 now way I let my father decide which
> bike to ride ;-).
> A campus cruiser is a single speed.

If it's a high petty crime campus--sometimes an Xmart beach cruiser
for $100 makes perfect sense.

[dh]

"Lou Holtman" <lholremovethis@planet.nl> wrote in message
news:4745bded$1@news.nb.nu...
> lmcgint@msn.com wrote:
>> Hi all,
>> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
>> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
>> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
>> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
>> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
>> suggestions?
>>
>> Thanks!!!
>
> How old is your 'little boy'? At 22 now way I let my father decide which
> bike to ride ;-).
> A campus cruiser is a single speed.
>
> Lou

Wouldn't that depend on the campus? The College of the Holy Cross is
located on the side of "Mount Saint James." I think I'd select something
with gears for that school. And really good brakes.

This kid is not a lifelong bike-a-holic, he's a kid with transportation
needs and his parent would like to help him out. If you can't see things
from their perspective, you're not going to help them.

[Lou Holtman]

A Muzi wrote:
>> lmcgint@msn.com wrote:
>>> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
>>> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
>>> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
>>> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
>>> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
>>> suggestions?
>
> Lou Holtman wrote:
>> How old is your 'little boy'? At 22 now way I let my father decide
>> which bike to ride ;-).
>> A campus cruiser is a single speed.
>
> Excellent analysis.
>
> Spartans left babies out of doors and kept the survivors. That's how you
> make Spartans. What exactly do you expect as a result here?


I'm suggesting that he (can) make his own choice. At that age that is
better and wiser. It prevents that he gets what he doesn't want and not
ride at all. To ride only on campus I think a single speed is a good choice.
What do you suggest?

Lou
--
Posted by news://news.nb.nu (http://www.nb.nu)

[datakoll]

On Nov 22, 2:26 pm, A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
> > lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
> >> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> >> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> >> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> >> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> >> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> >> suggestions?
> Lou Holtman wrote:
> > How old is your 'little boy'? At 22 now way I let my father decide which
> > bike to ride ;-).
> > A campus cruiser is a single speed.
>
> Excellent analysis.
>
> Spartans left babies out of doors and kept the survivors. That's how you
> make Spartans. What exactly do you expect as a result here?
> --
> Andrew Muziwww.yellowjersey.org
> Open every day since 1 April, 1971

I can't believe you spit on this guy: if all the Mom's, Dad's and
girlfirends showed up here asking for Xmas cycling advice
the world would be a better place

[Doug Smith W9WI]

On Thu, 22 Nov 2007 20:48:23 +0100, Lou Holtman wrote:
> I'm suggesting that he (can) make his own choice. At that age that is
> better and wiser. It prevents that he gets what he doesn't want and not
> ride at all. To ride only on campus I think a single speed is a good choice.
> What do you suggest?

Which campus?

(I went to the school that's a few blocks from Andrew's shop. I think a
lot of students are rather surprised to learn just how hilly that campus
is!

The Univ. of Tennessee down here is a lot worse. And then there's WVU...)

[datakoll]

On Nov 22, 2:48 pm, Lou Holtman <lholremovet...@planet.nl> wrote:
> A Muzi wrote:
> >> lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
> >>> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> >>> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> >>> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> >>> don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> >>> want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> >>> suggestions?
>
> > Lou Holtman wrote:
> >> How old is your 'little boy'? At 22 now way I let my father decide
> >> which bike to ride ;-).
> >> A campus cruiser is a single speed.
>
> > Excellent analysis.
>
> > Spartans left babies out of doors and kept the survivors. That's how you
> > make Spartans. What exactly do you expect as a result here?
>
> I'm suggesting that he (can) make his own choice. At that age that is
> better and wiser. It prevents that he gets what he doesn't want and not
> ride at all. To ride only on campus I think a single speed is a good choice.
> What do you suggest?
>
> Lou
> --
> Posted by news://news.nb.nu (http://www.nb.nu)- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

a nice old woman loves her son, asks 'experts' for good advice and
what does she hear:
moralizing by a group of right wing suvivalist darwinesque fanatics.
no more bike paths blockhead into the traffic...
adios...

[Chalo]

Tom Sherman wrote:
>
> This is what I had to ride while in school:
> <http://www.ransbikes.com/Rocket07.htm>.

Did you find that the legendary recumbent speed advantage helped you
escape people trying to kick your ass for riding such a goofy bike?

http://www.theonion.com/content/from_print/bike_helmet_protects_child

Chalo

[Ozark Bicycle]

On Nov 23, 5:35 am, Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Tom Sherman wrote:
>
> > This is what I had to ride while in school:
> > <http://www.ransbikes.com/Rocket07.htm>.
>
> Did you find that the legendary recumbent speed advantage helped you
> escape people trying to kick your ass for riding such a goofy bike?
>

I doubt "riding...a goofy bike" was the only reason people were
inspired to kick some Sherman ass.

[Tom Sherman]

Chalo Colina wrote:
> Tom Sherman wrote:
>> This is what I had to ride while in school:
>> <http://www.ransbikes.com/Rocket07.htm>.
>
> Did you find that the legendary recumbent speed advantage helped you
> escape people trying to kick your ass for riding such a goofy bike?
>
> http://www.theonion.com/content/from_print/bike_helmet_protects_child

Actually, I rode a Razor scooter around campus. With the distances I had
to go, it was faster overall than a bicycle, since I could fold it in a
few seconds and carry it inside with me, instead of fiddling with locks
and removable bags.

The only negative comments I ever had about the Rocket were from some
cretinous frat boys (yeah, I know that is redundant).

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"Localized intense suction such as tornadoes is created when temperature
differences are high enough between meeting air masses, and can impart
excessive energy onto a cyclist." - Randy Schlitter

[datakoll]

On Nov 23, 6:35 am, Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Tom Sherman wrote:
>
> > This is what I had to ride while in school:
> > <http://www.ransbikes.com/Rocket07.htm>.
>
> Did you find that the legendary recumbent speed advantage helped you
> escape people trying to kick your ass for riding such a goofy bike?
>
> http://www.theonion.com/content/from_print/bike_helmet_protects_child
>
> Chalo

NWK!

[Tom Sherman]

Ozark Bicycle wrote:
> On Nov 23, 5:35 am, Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Tom Sherman wrote:
>>
>>> This is what I had to ride while in school:
>>> <http://www.ransbikes.com/Rocket07.htm>.
>> Did you find that the legendary recumbent speed advantage helped you
>> escape people trying to kick your ass for riding such a goofy bike?
>>
>
> I doubt "riding...a goofy bike" was the only reason people were
> inspired to kick some Sherman ass.
>
Thus spake one of the most obnoxious people on Usenet.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"Localized intense suction such as tornadoes is created when temperature
differences are high enough between meeting air masses, and can impart
excessive energy onto a cyclist." - Randy Schlitter

[Tom Sherman]

Doug Smith W9WI wrote:
> On Thu, 22 Nov 2007 20:48:23 +0100, Lou Holtman wrote:
>> I'm suggesting that he (can) make his own choice. At that age that is
>> better and wiser. It prevents that he gets what he doesn't want and not
>> ride at all. To ride only on campus I think a single speed is a good choice.
>> What do you suggest?
>
> Which campus?
>
> (I went to the school that's a few blocks from Andrew's shop. I think a
> lot of students are rather surprised to learn just how hilly that campus
> is!...

Do UW Madison students still steal cafeteria trays and use them to slide
down hills? Descending Observatory Drive from the top of Bascom Hill to
Park Street can be rather hairy when the road is slippery.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"Localized intense suction such as tornadoes is created when temperature
differences are high enough between meeting air masses, and can impart
excessive energy onto a cyclist." - Randy Schlitter

[Jim Behning]

On Fri, 23 Nov 2007 09:03:35 -0800, SMS ???• ?
<scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:

>rhosler wrote:
>
>> Yes, Lou has his own line of bikes, the Ferrignolo. I would find an
>> abandoned bike on campus that runs. Bike thieves like college
>> campuses. Get something with thick tires, unless he likes changing
>> flats.
>> Ray
>
>I found that the bike thieves struck the well locked bicycles only at
>night, not when a lot of people were around. After one theft of a $55
>Lionel Play World generic 10 speed, I began carrying my bicycle three
>flights of stairs into my dorm room. That was the only bicycle I had
>stolen during college.
>
>Unfortunately, the drop bar style bicycle went out of style on college
>campuses, though the accident rate dropped greatly as a result.
25+ years ago all my college cycling friends and I kept our bikes in
the dorm rooms or apartments. We did not know what flat bars were back
then either.

[Doug Smith W9WI]

On Fri, 23 Nov 2007 17:11:32 -0600, Tom Sherman wrote:

> Doug Smith W9WI wrote:
>> On Thu, 22 Nov 2007 20:48:23 +0100, Lou Holtman wrote:
>>> I'm suggesting that he (can) make his own choice. At that age that is
>>> better and wiser. It prevents that he gets what he doesn't want and not
>>> ride at all. To ride only on campus I think a single speed is a good choice.
>>> What do you suggest?
>>
>> Which campus?
>>
>> (I went to the school that's a few blocks from Andrew's shop. I think a
>> lot of students are rather surprised to learn just how hilly that campus
>> is!...
>
> Do UW Madison students still steal cafeteria trays and use them to slide
> down hills? Descending Observatory Drive from the top of Bascom Hill to
> Park Street can be rather hairy when the road is slippery.

Ah, the poor man's luge... (I think you'd have a pretty hard time
descending Observatory Drive with a cafeteria tray if the road *wasn't*
slippery<grin>)

They did when I was there, but that was 1980... I've no idea whether they
still do that, but my legs can assure you from my visit last week that the
campus is still plenty hilly.

[Chalo]

Tom Sherman wrote:
>
> Actually, I rode a Razor scooter around campus. With the distances I had
> to go, it was faster overall than a bicycle, since I could fold it in a
> few seconds and carry it inside with me, instead of fiddling with locks
> and removable bags.

I didn't know Razor made a 'bent scooter! Do you have to paddle it
with your hands?

;^)

Chalo

[LJM]

On Nov 23, 7:36 pm, datakoll <datak...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Nov 21, 7:25 pm, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
>
> > Hi all,
> > My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> > last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> > something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid. I
> > don't want to invest too much in case this is a whim. But I don't
> > want a Walmart bike eithe. Can anyone made some mid-price
> > suggestions?
>
> > Thanks!!!
>
> you live on dah west coast?
> try REI
> life time Drackman Guarantee
> tellum I sent you

No East Coast in Annapolis, MD - he is at a small College in Southern
MD - St. Marys - great place to bike (or sail)

[Tom Sherman]

Chalo Colina wrote:
> Tom Sherman wrote:
>> Actually, I rode a Razor scooter around campus. With the distances I had
>> to go, it was faster overall than a bicycle, since I could fold it in a
>> few seconds and carry it inside with me, instead of fiddling with locks
>> and removable bags.
>
> I didn't know Razor made a 'bent scooter! Do you have to paddle it
> with your hands?

I think a bent Razor scooter would be one that had been ridden by
someone Chalo's size - the deck is not that sturdy.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"Localized intense suction such as tornadoes is created when temperature
differences are high enough between meeting air masses, and can impart
excessive energy onto a cyclist." - Randy Schlitter

[A Muzi]

>>> Lou Holtman wrote:
>>>> I'm suggesting that he (can) make his own choice. At that age that is
>>>> better and wiser. It prevents that he gets what he doesn't want and not
>>>> ride at all. To ride only on campus I think a single speed is a good choice.
>>>> What do you suggest?

>> Doug Smith W9WI wrote:
>>> Which campus?
>>> (I went to the school that's a few blocks from Andrew's shop. I think a
>>> lot of students are rather surprised to learn just how hilly that campus
>>> is!...

> Tom Sherman wrote:
>> Do UW Madison students still steal cafeteria trays and use them to slide
>> down hills? Descending Observatory Drive from the top of Bascom Hill to
>> Park Street can be rather hairy when the road is slippery.

Doug Smith W9WI wrote:
> Ah, the poor man's luge... (I think you'd have a pretty hard time
> descending Observatory Drive with a cafeteria tray if the road *wasn't*
> slippery<grin>)
>
> They did when I was there, but that was 1980... I've no idea whether they
> still do that, but my legs can assure you from my visit last week that the
> campus is still plenty hilly.

Trays go down the hill on the snow-covered lawn.
Fixies with no brakes go downhill on the road.
With enough beer, the bottom at Park Street can be humorous.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

[datakoll]

On Nov 24, 11:21 am, A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
> >>> Lou Holtman wrote:
> >>>> I'm suggesting that he (can) make his own choice. At that age that is
> >>>> better and wiser. It prevents that he gets what he doesn't want and not
> >>>> ride at all. To ride only on campus I think a single speed is a good choice.
> >>>> What do you suggest?
> >> Doug Smith W9WI wrote:
> >>> Which campus?
> >>> (I went to the school that's a few blocks from Andrew's shop. I think a
> >>> lot of students are rather surprised to learn just how hilly that campus
> >>> is!...
> > Tom Sherman wrote:
> >> Do UW Madison students still steal cafeteria trays and use them to slide
> >> down hills? Descending Observatory Drive from the top of Bascom Hill to
> >> Park Street can be rather hairy when the road is slippery.
> Doug Smith W9WI wrote:
> > Ah, the poor man's luge... (I think you'd have a pretty hard time
> > descending Observatory Drive with a cafeteria tray if the road *wasn't*
> > slippery<grin>)
>
> > They did when I was there, but that was 1980... I've no idea whether they
> > still do that, but my legs can assure you from my visit last week that the
> > campus is still plenty hilly.
>
> Trays go down the hill on the snow-covered lawn.
> Fixies with no brakes go downhill on the road.
> With enough beer, the bottom at Park Street can be humorous.
> --
> Andrew Muziwww.yellowjersey.org
> Open every day since 1 April, 1971- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=43.07462&lon=-89.39197&datum=nad27&u=4&layer=DRG&size=l&s=24

dredged swamp?

[Tom Sherman]

Andrew Muzi wrote:
>>>> Lou Holtman wrote:
>>>>> I'm suggesting that he (can) make his own choice. At that age that
>>>>> is better and wiser. It prevents that he gets what he doesn't want
>>>>> and not ride at all. To ride only on campus I think a single speed
>>>>> is a good choice.
>>>>> What do you suggest?
>
>>> Doug Smith W9WI wrote:
>>>> Which campus?
>>>> (I went to the school that's a few blocks from Andrew's shop. I
>>>> think a
>>>> lot of students are rather surprised to learn just how hilly that
>>>> campus
>>>> is!...
>
>> Tom Sherman wrote:
>>> Do UW Madison students still steal cafeteria trays and use them to
>>> slide down hills? Descending Observatory Drive from the top of Bascom
>>> Hill to Park Street can be rather hairy when the road is slippery.
>
> Doug Smith W9WI wrote:
>> Ah, the poor man's luge... (I think you'd have a pretty hard time
>> descending Observatory Drive with a cafeteria tray if the road *wasn't*
>> slippery<grin>)
>>
>> They did when I was there, but that was 1980... I've no idea whether
>> they
>> still do that, but my legs can assure you from my visit last week that
>> the
>> campus is still plenty hilly.
>
> Trays go down the hill on the snow-covered lawn.
> Fixies with no brakes go downhill on the road.

That is what I meant. The road can be challenging with proper brakes
when slippery.

> With enough beer, the bottom at Park Street can be humorous.

UW students drink beer?

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"Localized intense suction such as tornadoes is created when temperature
differences are high enough between meeting air masses, and can impart
excessive energy onto a cyclist." - Randy Schlitter

[Tom Sherman]

russellseaton1@yahoo.com aka Russell Seaton wrote:
> On Nov 21, 8:20 pm, landotter <landot...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> On Nov 22, 12:25 am, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>> My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
>>> last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
>>> something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid.
>> Best first adult bike is an inexpensive, but good quality utility
>> bike.
>
> Really? What is this adult going to do with this utility bike? Is he
> going to ride it on the weekend morning go fast ride? Is he going to
> ride it on the various weekend century rides? Is he going to ride it
> on the week long cross state bike ride? Do you know what this person
> is going to use the bike for? Or are you just assuming he wants the
> same cheap junk bikes you get a kick out of?

The question, so far unanswered on this thread is, where will the
bicycle be stored. If it will be parked outside the library in the
evening while the student is studying (or outside the bar while the
student is drinking), a ratty looking old 3-speed "roadster" would be a
good choice. If it will live in a dorm room or apartment and not be
parked on campus in the dark, then something considerably better is
called for.

> As I said before, don't go for the cheap, junk, garbage, utility bikes
> landotter recommends. Get a nice bike the kid will enjoy riding so
> his interest in biking will maybe last a lifetime. Garbage utility
> bikes as landotter recommends are a sure way to drive the kid away
> from biking.

This would be a good all-around bicycle:
<http://www.gunnarbikes.com/crosshairs.php>. Fatter tires for urban and
non-technical trail riding, and a second with reasonable (23-28 mm)
width road tires for other riding. The price is reasonable, since it
will provide decades of service. I would have loved to have a bike like
the CrossHairs at that age (and am still tempted to get one for shorter
rides to support my neighbors).

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"Localized intense suction such as tornadoes is created when temperature
differences are high enough between meeting air masses, and can impart
excessive energy onto a cyclist." - Randy Schlitter

[Ozark Bicycle]

On Nov 24, 12:57 pm, "russellseat...@yahoo.com"
<russellseat...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Nov 21, 8:20 pm, landotter <landot...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > On Nov 22, 12:25 am, lmcg...@msn.com wrote:
>
> > > Hi all,
> > > My son has expressed interest in a bike, and is a novice. I thin the
> > > last bike had Incredible Hulk stickers on it. I want to get him
> > > something he can ride on campus - and am thinking perhaps a hybrid.
>
> > Best first adult bike is an inexpensive, but good quality utility
> > bike.
>
> Really? What is this adult going to do with this utility bike? Is he
> going to ride it on the weekend morning go fast ride? Is he going to
> ride it on the various weekend century rides? Is he going to ride it
> on the week long cross state bike ride? Do you know what this person
> is going to use the bike for? Or are you just assuming he wants the
> same cheap junk bikes you get a kick out of?
>
> As I said before, don't go for the cheap, junk, garbage, utility bikes
> landotter recommends.


Lessee here: the OP wants a bike their son "can ride on campus".
Landotter recommends looking at a Jamis Commuter 1. Is that the bike
you are referring to as a "cheap, junk, garbage, utility bike"? How
so? IMO, that seems like a spot on answer to the OP's request
providing the bike is properly set up by the shop where it's
purchased. Well priced, too, at less than $300, so if junior does get
the "bike bug" there's still money in the budget for a drop bar road
bike for fast rides, centuries, etc. And keep the Jamis for riding "on
campus" and around town.


> Get a nice bike the kid will enjoy riding so
> his interest in biking will maybe last a lifetime. Garbage utility
> bikes as landotter recommends are a sure way to drive the kid away
> from biking.
>
> Add Planet Bike Freddy Fenders, a rack, and some Axiom
>
> > Appalachian bags($100 for all three on-line), and the boy's got
> > hisself a vehicle--plus the dowdier it looks, the better, campuses are
> > notorious for bike theft.
>
> > As for the bike, I don't think ya can beat Jamis for smart design and
> > good price:
>
> >http://jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08commuter1.html
>
> > $285 + the fenders, rack, and bags is right over $400 when ya pay
> > taxes and whatnot, but it gets you a vehicle with a trunk. Don't
> > forget a lock. I like the On-Guard Ptibull mini ($35--don't spend less
> > to lock a bike on a campus). And do use the proper locking method:
>
> >http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html
>
> > Have the boy practice locking in front of you. I know he's 22, but
> > roll up a newspaper and whack him when he does it wrong. Seriously,
> > campuses are crazy bike theft areas--a mini-u+a sorta boring bike
> > keeps the theives away.

[Andrew Price]

On Sat, 24 Nov 2007 13:50:43 -0600, Tom Sherman
<sunsetss0003@REMOVETHISyahoo.com> wrote:

[---]

>This would be a good all-around bicycle:
><http://www.gunnarbikes.com/crosshairs.php>. Fatter tires for urban and
>non-technical trail riding, and a second with reasonable (23-28 mm)
>width road tires for other riding.

That's a nice bike - but I wouldn't describe it as "all-round", as it
has no fenders. What happens when it rains?

[Tom Sherman]

Andrew Price wrote:
> On Sat, 24 Nov 2007 13:50:43 -0600, Tom Sherman
> <sunsetss0003@REMOVETHISyahoo.com> wrote:
>
> [---]
>
>> This would be a good all-around bicycle:
>> <http://www.gunnarbikes.com/crosshairs.php>. Fatter tires for urban and
>> non-technical trail riding, and a second with reasonable (23-28 mm)
>> width road tires for other riding.
>
> That's a nice bike - but I wouldn't describe it as "all-round", as it
> has no fenders. What happens when it rains?

The website states clearance for 38-mm wide tires plus fenders. There is
an eyelet on the rear dropouts that could be used for fenders, and the
Waterford fork also has eyelets for fenders.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"Localized intense suction such as tornadoes is created when temperature
differences are high enough between meeting air masses, and can impart
excessive energy onto a cyclist." - Randy Schlitter

[A Muzi]

> Tom Sherman <sunsetss0003@REMOVETHISyahoo.com> wrote:
>> This would be a good all-around bicycle:
>> <http://www.gunnarbikes.com/crosshairs.php>. Fatter tires for urban and
>> non-technical trail riding, and a second with reasonable (23-28 mm)
>> width road tires for other riding.

Andrew Price wrote:
> That's a nice bike - but I wouldn't describe it as "all-round", as it
> has no fenders. What happens when it rains?

Gunnar Crosshairs and Sport can accept mudguards.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

[Andrew Price]

On Sat, 24 Nov 2007 18:33:50 -0600, Tom Sherman
<sunsetss0003@REMOVETHISyahoo.com> wrote:

>>> This would be a good all-around bicycle:
>>> <http://www.gunnarbikes.com/crosshairs.php>. Fatter tires for urban and
>>> non-technical trail riding, and a second with reasonable (23-28 mm)
>>> width road tires for other riding.
>>
>> That's a nice bike - but I wouldn't describe it as "all-round", as it
>> has no fenders. What happens when it rains?
>
>The website states clearance for 38-mm wide tires plus fenders.

OK - that's plenty. Comment withdrawn !