NFT: Any cyclists out there?

There's a ton of "categories" but really it comes down to tires wider than a street bike for trails, but smaller than a MTB for increased speed.

if i change the tires on my mtn bike, to hybrid type tires, will that fix my issues?

In comment 13481775 Rocky369 said:

Quote:

There's a ton of "categories" but really it comes down to tires wider than a street bike for trails, but smaller than a MTB for increased speed.

and I am absolutely not an expert. There's a limit based on your rim size to the width you can go down to. The MTB will be built with a heavier frame than a road bike, for example. But, the friction from the wider tires coupled with the knobs is a key factor in lack of speed.

i honestly stick to about 3 gears, so i don't see a reason to have 21 of them.

I have a Trek mountain bike and I use a hybrid tire. Solid thin bead down the middle for riding on roads and knobs along the side for when I go on trails. Works great for me.

if you are looking to go faster. About 8 years ago I started riding an old mountain bike. Your story sounds just like mine... I bought different tires, hybrid in the middle with the knobs on the edges for trail riding. I would ride on the road and I was hammering on the pedals but could not get over 15 miles per hour. So frustrating.

If speed is what you seek, then an upgrade should be on your radar. You can get yourself a pretty nice bike for $1,000 if you shop around. Sometimes bike shops have leftover bikes that are marked down significantly so they move them, it all depends on what you need. They can also check with the manufacturer to see what they have in inventory.

I ended up buying a new Specialized Roubaix Elite in 2011. I love that bike, I have put almost $13,000 miles on it since, and every time I ride it it brings a huge smile to my face. Speed indeed is a rush.

You can pick up an Aluminum frame, single speed bike from Specialized called a Langster for about $650.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/men/bikes/road/performance/langster/115196

That might be what you are looking for. A great bike for flat terrain, and you will be able to go much faster. Easy to maintain (only one gear) but tough if you decide to ride a few hills on your ride.

Good luck.

...unless the seller posted his original purchase receipt and maintenance records as part of the listing. Otherwise, there is a very strong possibility that you are supporting bike theft or buying a damaged piece of junk.

My personal opinion on single/fixed gear bikes is that they are bit of a hipster gimmick. The way I see it, removing the derailleur and related components doesn't reduce cost, complexity or weight enough to justify the trade-off. Maybe I just live too close to Brooklyn, and I've seen too many Millennials with ironic facial hair and man-buns zig-zagging their fixies up onto the bridge. Now get off my lawn!

but running is painful now so my road bike is my main form of cardio other than hockey.

I got a new Specialized Allez last year that was a model from a couple years ago, (so brand new but a 2014 bike).

It was only $750 or so. Good investment IMO and I've gotten up to around 30 mph, but I don't have the nerve to go faster on those skinny tires. I usually travel around 15 - 18 mph on most rides per my cyclemeter app, I've never tested the accuracy but it seems right.

I've dumped it a couple times already on wet leaves and a metal bridge. It's tough getting used to the skinny tires after a mountain bike.

but going up hill is "easy" sometimes even if you think ground is flat, it's not, so I like the gears versus a single speed, which reminds me of my old BMX bike which I wish I could ride again, but I'd look funny on it at my age.

im leaning against putting new tires on my mtn bike, seems like i would be doing from 12mph to 15mph, i want to be able to hit 20.

In comment 13483076 BronxBombers said:

Quote:

im leaning against putting new tires on my mtn bike, seems like i would be doing from 12mph to 15mph, i want to be able to hit 20.

I hear ya...The bottom line is for a serious riders there really isn't a one bike does it all. Mountain bikes are just for that and road bikes are just for that.

I'm a heavy guy so I went with a mountain bike frame (Trek 4500)and double walled rims to help support my weight. For me it's all about exercise and the hybrid tires help with riding on the pavement while heading to the nearby trails. Plus I like riding the trails better than being on the road.

I have sold 6 bikes on Craigslist and bought a few as well. If you pull up to someones house and not a corner in the city...it is probably not stolen.

Putting new tires on will help you go faster. But a road bike puts you in a better postion to go faster over longer distances.

Get yourself a 15-20 year old roadbike for $200.

In comment 13483115 AnnapolisMike said:

Quote:

I have sold 6 bikes on Craigslist and bought a few as well. If you pull up to someones house and not a corner in the city...it is probably not stolen. Putting new tires on will help you go faster. But a road bike puts you in a better postion to go faster over longer distances. Get yourself a 15-20 year old roadbike for $200.

this is what i am leaning toward, and then replace all the components with newer ones.

i was about to buy an old Schwinn for $75, probably 30 years old, but in amazing shape...and then little by little, update all the components.

but then, on sunday night, i was looking at the facebook buy/sell/trade in my town, and someone was selling a diamondback podium 55cm, about 7 years old, bought to do tri's but never did any...this bike is in perfect shape...for $75...i guess he just wanted to get it out of his garage..

so, good things come to those who are patient and lucky haha.