My original bike post is here.
Martin’s Cycling has definitely convinced me out of going for anything higher than the Giant Cypress DX (the SX I originally quoted above was a mistake on their part when they marked some stuff in my Giant propaganda book - the SX is twice as expensive) or Trek 7200. We are both leaning toward the Trek 7200. For me the Giant felt too upright and for The Wife the 16″ frame of the Trek was more comfortable than the 15″ Giant. I also thought the Giant tires were a bit nubbier than I’d like. The higher model bikes, the shop feels, would be an oversell for a couple that plans on doing a lot of family riding. The shop feels we should get our feet wet with these bikes and buy some good accessories with the saved money. If one of us really gets into cycling, it would probably be best to consider an entry-level road bike at that time.
I’ve really liked how this shop has treated us. The current ownership has been in place for approximately one year. We’ve had two different people work with us and they have been tremendous. They have educated us on many different aspects of cycling - mainly things that would help us decide on great bikes for our situation. They have offered to open the store at basically any convenient time for us so we can try out bikes. Of course, they’ve also nearly convinced us to buy an über-expensive Burley double trailer rather than going to Target and getting an InStep or some other knock-off.
The shop also provides a 10% discount on accessories at the time of bike purchase and an additional 10% discount on accessories via a one-time-use coupon. This probably helps offset the fact that they are selling their bikes at MSRP. (And yes, I realize accessories are where the real markup probably comes in.) I can handle paying a little more for the service we’ve been given. Really, the only thing stopping us from buying our bikes on Saturday morning is if someone can convince me to try out another brand, like Raleigh or Specialized at Erik’s Bike Shop.
The real kicker, though, is that The Kid absolutely loved her test ride in the Burley. When we returned to the shop, she put the phrase “That was fun” together for what I believe was the first time. And each time we asked her through the evening if she liked when we rode the bikes, she quickly and confidently answered in the positive.
The owner of the shop was a nurse for seven years prior to buying the business. She expressed her belief in cycling as an excellent way to assure an active life for one’s children. Habits are developed even as the child rides prone in a trailer. McDonalds advertises to very young children. It is clearly a technique to connect in the malleable mind of a child the ideas of fun and stuffing one’s face with shitty food . It’s not hard, really, to counteract this. Naturally limiting a child’s T.V. time is one useful combatant. Most powerful is relating the concept of fun with physical activity. Cycling with your family is one of the easiest and most effective ways to do this.
Thanks to everyone who commented or e-mailed ideas about this purchase. It will obviously turn out to be a considerable expenditure, so getting the right bike and accessories will definitely help quell buyer’s remorse. We are certainly buying helmets, locks, and probably water bottles. I’m leaning toward getting a single computer for one bike so we can see our speed and miles traveled. I’d also like to get some storage on the bike, though I’m wondering if I should go with Banjo Brothers versus whatever is in the shop.
Comments (2)
Wow, he throws down the gauntlet.
Actually, I meant to throw my two cents into your bike purchase decision, but your readers filled most of the voids nicely. I’d say the shop has done a nice job, and I see no reason why you’d go anywhere else. We’re huge supporters of IBD (independent bike shops). I’m not personally as knowlegable about the bikes - but these seem reasonable. I could have my friend Gene - the bike uber-geek give you more of a full blown analysis on the bikes component wise. Just e-mail me if you want to go down this path.
As far as accessories - (this is more subjective): I pulled a Burley for a couple of years before we got the Burley Piccolo (tag along bike). There is a difference in quality between the Burley and the cheaper opening price point items. You won’t regret spending the money on the nicer unit. The more confortable the child is, the longer you can ride. We used to do long rides of 20-30 miles. One potential upgrade - they make a dual sided pedal where one side is a platform and other other is cleated. Having recently converted to clip-in, I think it might have been nice to pull using the cleated shoes. You can get a pair of BMX shoes with a recessed cleat (they look like Vans) which would be casual enough but still allow you to clip in. The dual sided would allow you the flexibility of just hopping on the bike. I used BMX “Bear Trap” pedals on my single speed which also provide good gription in anything from running shoes to sandals.
Other must have accessories - be sure and get some red flashies and perhaps a while LED headlight for your bikes and for the trailer. Should you ever ride around at dusk. They are cheap and worth the extra-safety. Consider a rear rack - very versatile and will help you carry everything from toys to groceries. Bike shorts - essential for longer rides, but they can enhance any ride. Once again, the bagy style with the internal liner and padding are nice. Also, you don’t need jersey’s, but any of the wicking shirts are great. Don’t skimp on the helmuts. Get helmuts you like - the dial a fit from Bell are great. Make sure you have a few basic bike tools (allen wrenches in the appropriate sizes), tire changing patch kits, and a good floor pump, if you don’t have a compressor at home. A portable pump can be handy in a pinch and easy enough to throw into a bag. Throw in some chain lube, some good bike maps and you are good to go. I prefer touring tires - something with light tread and skinny 1.25″ to 1.5″ - they are generally stout enough for some of the crushed gravel and smooth rolling on the trails. The 1.5″ might give you a little more cushion. The computers are a good idea to keep track of how far and fast. Some come with the ability to set up for 2 bikes if you wanted to share.
As far as bags - why Banjo? Simply put - a lot of bang for the buck. I could provide you with an ultra-dull diatribe on how the bike mfr’s hose the shops and consumers (The shops make very little margins on bikes) but I’ll spare you the details. But to make your decision easy, I’ll simple make you a tester and we’ll help you outfit the bikes gratis. (parhaps by putting a good word for us at the shops when you buy the bikes).
When you pul the trigger on the bikes - e-mail me with the set-up and I’ll give you a few options bag-wise.
Regards,
Mike
The bikes were purchased on Saturday, so no need to get any uber-geeks involved.
This relieves me because we did end up going with the Burley. A new one at that. It just felt right and it didn’t seem that the shop was blowing smoke up my ass. I’m guessing they don’t make a ton on Burleys, either, so I’m my best interests were probably at heart.
That’s an interesting idea I did not consider. I think I’ll put it in my back pocket. I need to make sure I actually ride first!
We purchased helmets and a lock thus far. The Girls have Trek helmets, which the shop owner herself uses. I have big head and I’m waiting for a shipment of Giro helmets to assure myself that I’m getting what I want. The lock mounted to the seat column. I’m a bit concerned that this will preclude me from getting a rack.
My remaining checklist is:
Floor pump
Portable pump
Chain lubes
Patch kit
Spare tube (can I take these out of my old bike)
Prybars
LED headlights
Trailer lights (I’m hoping for some bounching chaser lights)
Computer
Racks
Bags
And I have to laugh, Mike. I thought my friend, Tom, was the founder and only user of the “word” “gription.” It makes me smile to encounter the word coming from someone else. :)
Thanks for stopping by and for all the good information!