Beginners | Consider Biking

I can mentor a Northwest newbie
Author: subverita :: Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 10:42 am I live near Kenny Rd and Henderson and commute to near Mt. Carmel West. If you are a beginner who is considering bicycling to work and going in my direction, I'd be glad to mentor. I have commuted in Chicago and for the last 10 years in Columbus. If you're ready to take the plunge, and are looking for guidance in how the effectively and safely share the roads with motor vehicles, let me know. I'd be glad to assist. I charge nothing. (0) Replies

I can mentor a Northwest newbie

Author: subverita :: Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 10:42 am

I live near Kenny Rd and Henderson and commute to near Mt. Carmel West. If you are a beginner who is considering bicycling to work and going in my direction, I'd be glad to mentor. I have commuted in Chicago and for the last 10 years in Columbus.

If you're ready to take the plunge, and are looking for guidance in how the effectively and safely share the roads with motor vehicles, let me know. I'd be glad to assist. I charge nothing.

(0) Replies

I got a bike!
Author: bcrispin :: Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 10:49 pm Well, technically it's not mine, but my stepdad is letting me use his until I get my own. It's definitely an older bike, a Peugeot Orient Express, but overall it seems in good condition. I'm going to take it to a bike shop to have it checked out, but hopefully I can get rolling soon. (10) Replies

Bike Rantals
Author: iraweiss :: Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 5:20 pm My brother and sister in law are coming into town from Chicago in a few weeks for a visit. They are flying in so won't have their bikes. Is there any place to rent a bike in Central Ohio? (2) Replies

Shifting Basics
Author: tipusnr :: Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:39 pm I talking to a gentleman at Bicycle One, I told him that the main reason that I don't shift gears is that I miss the gear and end up pulling the chain out from between plates on the rear hub all too often. He gave me two possible solutions; 1) I need to upgrade my shifter and derailer to something with a more positive positioner (is that a word?), or 2) I need more practice shifting gears. The second is cheaper but I really don't know how to effectively accomplish it. One quick question is...can I shift up and down from 5th to 10th directly or do I have to work up through the gears? Being in 5th would make it easier to pull hills from a dead stop. The guy at the shop believes that if I don't learn to shift I'll blow out my knees. (10) Replies

Shifting Basics

Author: tipusnr :: Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:39 pm

I talking to a gentleman at Bicycle One, I told him that the main reason that I don't shift gears is that I miss the gear and end up pulling the chain out from between plates on the rear hub all too often. He gave me two possible solutions; 1) I need to upgrade my shifter and derailer to something with a more positive positioner (is that a word?), or 2) I need more practice shifting gears.

The second is cheaper but I really don't know how to effectively accomplish it. One quick question is...can I shift up and down from 5th to 10th directly or do I have to work up through the gears? Being in 5th would make it easier to pull hills from a dead stop.

The guy at the shop believes that if I don't learn to shift I'll blow out my knees.

(10) Replies

Fixie vs. #-speed bikes
Author: bcrispin :: Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 10:36 pm If I'm understanding properly, "fixies" are a single-speed bike that...you always have to pedal? Like the old BMX bike I had when I was 7 in that if you stopped pedaling it wanted to well, stop? What is the advantage of that type of bicycle compared to any of the various multi-speed bikes? (51) Replies

Another beginner
Author: dixjm :: Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 5:08 pm Howdy, I've been perusing about the forums the past couple of days, and have been thinking about commuting (bike and bus?) to OSU from Whitehall for the past few months. Since the government thought it was a good idea for us all to stimulate the economy with the money they send us, I have about $300 for a road bike, and I'm wondering what you all would recommend I look into, especially in buying a road bike. I'll be honest; I still have my old bike from high school, an old Schwinn coaster, so when it comes to road bikes I'm a bit clueless. I've been a bit wary about craigslist, and have gotten a lot of recommendations to go to Once Ridden and Third Hand; are there any other shops you all would recommend in looking for a used road bike in good condition? Is it better to buy cheap and upgrade? Multiple gears or Single Speed? Are monsters real?!? How much should I really expect to pay? (10) Replies

Another beginner

Author: dixjm :: Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 5:08 pm

Howdy,
I've been perusing about the forums the past couple of days, and have been thinking about commuting (bike and bus?) to OSU from Whitehall for the past few months.
Since the government thought it was a good idea for us all to stimulate the economy with the money they send us, I have about $300 for a road bike, and I'm wondering what you all would recommend I look into, especially in buying a road bike. I'll be honest; I still have my old bike from high school, an old Schwinn coaster, so when it comes to road bikes I'm a bit clueless.
I've been a bit wary about craigslist, and have gotten a lot of recommendations to go to Once Ridden and Third Hand; are there any other shops you all would recommend in looking for a used road bike in good condition? Is it better to buy cheap and upgrade? Multiple gears or Single Speed? Are monsters real?!? How much should I really expect to pay?

(10) Replies

Trail-a-bike question
Author: rick :: Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:28 am I got my daughter a TAB for her birthday. I just got finished attaching everything. Quick question... Is it supposed to track like a trailer? I always assumed that TABs would be rigid, like a tandem. I have never seen on in action, so I have no idea what it is supposed to do. (2) Replies

Monday 6/23 Bicycle discussion on WFCO in Lancaster
Author: iraweiss :: Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:50 am Monday 6/23 Bicycle discussion from the Fairfield County District Library Show is titled "Where in Lancaster is the WFCO 90.9FM Roadcrew? From the Fairfield County District Library." You have until June 30 to download this file! You can find the story in either the left Fairfield County’s Community Accent column on the Downloads page or scroll down to Community Accent on the home page. Right click on “Monday 6/23” and select “Save Target As…” in Internet Explorer or “Save Link As…” in Firefox and save the file to the location of your choice. http://www.wfcofm.com/Downloads/0623-CA-Roadshow.mp3[/url] (0) Replies

Monday 6/23 Bicycle discussion on WFCO in Lancaster

Author: iraweiss :: Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:50 am

Monday 6/23 Bicycle discussion from the Fairfield County District Library

Show is titled "Where in Lancaster is the WFCO 90.9FM Roadcrew? From the Fairfield County District Library."

You have until June 30 to download this file!

You can find the story in either the left Fairfield County’s Community Accent column on the Downloads page or scroll down to Community Accent on the home page.

Right click on “Monday 6/23” and select “Save Target As…” in Internet Explorer or “Save Link As…” in Firefox and save the file to the location of your choice.

http://www.wfcofm.com/Downloads/0623-CA-Roadshow.mp3[/url]

(0) Replies

bike/bus/bike
Author: Dan :: Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:51 pm Hi All, Any experiences with COTA's bike/bus program? Tomorrow is not only my first foray into bike commuting, it's also my VERY FIRST COTA bus ride (New Albany Express). I'll then be taking the Olentangy Trail up to 5th Ave. (5) Replies

feeling stupid.
Author: clausti :: Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:42 am so i realize that if one works in a bike shop (trek store on sawmill, i'm looking at you) that condescension might come easy. and i realize that maybe i really do ask a lot of stupid questions. (i don't think i do, but i am open to the possibility.) but isnt the accepted method, you know, making fun of people behind their back? what is WITH all the faced up smartassery of bike people. i'm trying here, i really am, but sometimes i'm really discouraged when treated like an idiot. anybody else have this problem? note: ppl at performance bike on sawmill have been consistently both nice and helpful, and the guys and girl at thirdhand also very much were, so its not everyone. but it is persistent enough to shame the shy, for sure. isn't that like... not the goal? (3) Replies

feeling stupid.

Author: clausti :: Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:42 am

so i realize that if one works in a bike shop (trek store on sawmill, i'm looking at you) that condescension might come easy.

and i realize that maybe i *really do* ask a lot of stupid questions. (i don't think i do, but i am open to the possibility.)

but isnt the accepted method, you know, making fun of people behind their back? what is WITH all the faced up smartassery of bike people. i'm trying here, i really am, but sometimes i'm really discouraged when treated like an idiot.

anybody else have this problem?

note: ppl at performance bike on sawmill have been consistently both nice and helpful, and the guys and girl at thirdhand also very much were, so its not everyone. but it is persistent enough to shame the shy, for sure. isn't that like... not the goal?

(3) Replies

Taming the Bicycle

Author: meredith :: Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 3:17 am

Funny!! "Taming the Bicycle," by Mark Twain

Quote:

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live.

(1) Replies

Buying the right bike
Author: SX0T :: Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 8:17 pm I am looking to get a bike for commuting the OSU area (I am a student). I have been looking on craigslist specifically, but what I am wondering, is how will I know what is going to be a good commuter bike for riding on the road? There are soo many bikes posted on craigslist and I just want to make sure I'm getting a good one. I want to spend around 100 bucks, which I know isn't much and might not get me the best, but I think I can still get something that is reasonable for riding around. Can anyone help?? Any advice or help would be great. Thanks! -Scott (4) Replies

Buying the right bike

Author: SX0T :: Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 8:17 pm

I am looking to get a bike for commuting the OSU area (I am a student). I have been looking on craigslist specifically, but what I am wondering, is how will I know what is going to be a good commuter bike for riding on the road? There are soo many bikes posted on craigslist and I just want to make sure I'm getting a good one. I want to spend around 100 bucks, which I know isn't much and might not get me the best, but I think I can still get something that is reasonable for riding around. Can anyone help?? Any advice or help would be great. Thanks!

-Scott

(4) Replies

Finding a bike in columbus
Author: solitaire :: Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 4:14 pm Hi, my name's Chris and attend OSU. I spent the summer in Chicago and due to living with 3 bike nerds I got interested in cycling. I had the opportunity to ride their bikes and got to try a lot of different styles of bikes. I rode a fun little fixed gear (IRO frame, surly fork, unknown other parts) which was great for city riding but was hard to get above 25mph as it revved out easily; I also had the chance to ride a Schwinn Tempo (real light alum. frame) converted to a single speed with a 52/16 ratio which was not a very comfortable ride at all but was real thrilling sprinting down Michigan Ave. at 30+mph. As much as I appreciate the fixed gear aesthetic and the single speed simplicity, the bike I fell in love with was my roommates LeMond Poprad. I was putting in around 50-80 miles a week and I hope to get more serious about riding this year at school and riding somewhere between 100-200 miles a week. My budget is $700 but I'd rather pay less so I can afford some accessories (computer, gloves, lights, lock, etc.). My friend recommended a Bianchi Brava for me and that is certainly the type of bike I'm looking for. I was hoping for some advice on which bike shops in Columbus that would carry something like that (preferably older years models). I have no sense of which brands are good/not so if anyone can just throw some lower end brands/models out there or even if anyone has a decent intro bike in their garage they're willing to part with I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance and I hope to join some of you on the MNR/Crit. Mass soon. (2) Replies

Finding a bike in columbus

Author: solitaire :: Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 4:14 pm

Hi, my name's Chris and attend OSU. I spent the summer in Chicago and due to living with 3 bike nerds I got interested in cycling. I had the opportunity to ride their bikes and got to try a lot of different styles of bikes. I rode a fun little fixed gear (IRO frame, surly fork, unknown other parts) which was great for city riding but was hard to get above 25mph as it revved out easily; I also had the chance to ride a Schwinn Tempo (real light alum. frame) converted to a single speed with a 52/16 ratio which was not a very comfortable ride at all but was real thrilling sprinting down Michigan Ave. at 30+mph. As much as I appreciate the fixed gear aesthetic and the single speed simplicity, the bike I fell in love with was my roommates LeMond Poprad. I was putting in around 50-80 miles a week and I hope to get more serious about riding this year at school and riding somewhere between 100-200 miles a week.
My budget is $700 but I'd rather pay less so I can afford some accessories (computer, gloves, lights, lock, etc.). My friend recommended a Bianchi Brava for me and that is certainly the type of bike I'm looking for. I was hoping for some advice on which bike shops in Columbus that would carry something like that (preferably older years models). I have no sense of which brands are good/not so if anyone can just throw some lower end brands/models out there or even if anyone has a decent intro bike in their garage they're willing to part with I'd appreciate it.
Thanks in advance and I hope to join some of you on the MNR/Crit. Mass soon.

(2) Replies

bike shopping
Author: Anita :: Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:23 pm What the h-e-double-hockey-sticks should I be looking for. I've got a couple of bikes and frankly, I'm not crazy about either one of them. So, s'posin' that I scape a couple hundred bucks together for a bike, what should I be trying to buy? I went to a bike shop the other day and just felt clueless. I'd sorta like a hybrid so that I don't have to ride in fetal position...that's what I feel like I'm doing on my road bike, maybe it's too small? (2) Replies

bike shopping

Author: Anita :: Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:23 pm

What the h-e-double-hockey-sticks should I be looking for. I've got a couple of bikes and frankly, I'm not crazy about either one of them. So, s'posin' that I scape a couple hundred bucks together for a bike, what should I be trying to buy? I went to a bike shop the other day and just felt clueless. I'd sorta like a hybrid so that I don't have to ride in fetal position...that's what I feel like I'm doing on my road bike, maybe it's too small?

(2) Replies

What will I need when the weather gets bad?
Author: Anita :: Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 9:43 pm I just got a job as a barista downtown. It's about 2 miles from my house, so I plan to be car free and use the bike. Now, I suppose that when the weather gets bad, I could take the bus, but it's no fun to stand at a freezing cold bus stop, so I might as well get some bad weather gear. What works? Anita (7) Replies

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