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LBS says I only need a $500 29er for Central Florida riding

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#41 ·
They had some nice looking hydro packs at Costco too. No need for big name brands on all your gear. Put all of the money you can in the bike!
 
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#44 ·
If you must buy new, as kjlued suggests, a new older model is the best buy.

I am surprised no one has mentioned used. You can buy a used better bike with better components for the same price range.

Nothing wrong with used. Some people, like myself buy and sell new and used bikes more often than we should. Most of the stuff I lose money on, which passes the savings on. Some bikes are barely used due to someones financial stress or they realized they bought the wrong size or they want to upgrade quickly. Great deals out there if you look but should know generally what your looking for.
 
#45 ·
#46 ·
WickedLite said:
If you must buy new, as kjlued suggests, a new older model is the best buy.

I am surprised no one has mentioned used. You can buy a used better bike with better components for the same price range.

Nothing wrong with used. Some people, like myself buy and sell new and used bikes more often than we should. Most of the stuff I lose money on, which passes the savings on. Some bikes are barely used due to someones financial stress or they realized they bought the wrong size or they want to upgrade quickly. Great deals out there if you look but should know generally what your looking for.
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I think at this price point its not as big of a deal... once your spending a couple grand thats when you pic up the barly used 6000 carbon dream bikes .... but its still worth a look
 
#47 ·
Yep. As far as helmets go, more money just gets you more ventilation (and maybe a slightly cooler looking helmet). Fit is key, and different brands/models can fit differently. You can compensate for some small fit issues with the extra padding that helmets usually include. You want the helmet to be snug with no pressure points.

Also make sure that you can adjust the strap so that it fits around your ears and chin comfortably, otherwise you will constantly be aware of the strap rubbing you as you ride.

kjlued said:
As far as protection goes, they all offer adequate protection.
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#48 ·
Fuglio said:
I think at this price point its not as big of a deal... once your spending a couple grand thats when you pic up the barly used 6000 carbon dream bikes .... but its still worth a look
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I disagree with you Fuglio. I have bought bikes in that price range with better components and they far surpass new bikes at that price point in quality.

A new bike with Deore or a used bike with XT and better shocks.... used is just better but the frame should be suited to you in that equation.

$6000 range you should be building it with every nut and bolt to your liking.

I have done both.
 
#49 ·
WickedLite said:
I disagree with you Fuglio.
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Get in line. :) yea your right but at that price ,500 its hard to find good used bikes. so might aswell get exactly what you want by buying new. I agree that used is always a better deal but at 500 used vs new the differancess arnt that great
 
#50 ·
Just came across this thread and wanted to correct one thing the lbs told the op about the local trails being wet and not rideable for nearly half the year is just wrong. The trail just south of Daytona (Spruce Creek Preserve) has such drainage/sandy dirt mix soil that it has never even puddled anywhere on the 6.5 mile loop in the dozen years I have ridden there. Same story for 2/3 of the Graham Swamp trail in Palm Coast and even the wettest trail around is usually the Little Big Econ/Snowhill Rd. east of Orlando and can still have 7 to 10 miles rideable even when the back sections are completely flooded. You should drive over to Deland and ride Chuck Lennon park, not far from you and about as much fun as you can pack into a 5 mile lap. It is pretty much rideable year round as well but they don't like people riding it the day after a hard rain due to the clay corners get slimy for a day or so. Enjoy riding your new bike year round in central FL. :thumbsup:
 
Discussion starter · #51 ·
Thanks 2rideLot! I actually live in Deland. Can't wait to get my new bike and get out to Chuck Lennon. I drove out there last weekend to see where it was located. It's about 7 miles from my house. Very close and convenient. Can't believe there is clay in Florida.

Today my wife wanted to go to the wild flower festival they were having in downtown deland. They closed Indiana st down just west of 17 for it. As I got up to the corner of 17 and Indiana I noticed a small bike shop called Deland Cyclery. I went in and ask the guy how much to chase the BB on an old bike of mine I am fixing up. He said he didn't have the tool because he never really needed it and it was $400. After a short chat he said he would buy the tool and do it for me for $20. I was shocked he would do that but I guess he is like a lot of us here who look for reasons to buy a tool we could benefit from. I'll be taking my bike to him if I ever need any other work I cannot handle on my own in the future. I haven't been impressed with any of the other shops around volusia county that i have visited. Funny that I didn't even know he was there and just a few minutes from my house and work.
 
#52 ·
The clay at CL was brought in to help stabilize the natural soil, they are allowed to use it there because it is a county park on county land versus the state owned/county managed spruce creek preserve which can have no foreign or unnatural soils used there. When all other area trails go soft due to a lack of rain, me and a lot of other people head to CL because it holds together the best. That is pretty cool you found a good lbs so close to you! I do most all my own wrenching too but it is nice to have a good qualified mechanic for certain jobs. Next time I plan a ride at Chuck Lennon, I'll shoot you a pm and maybe try to meet up for a ride.
 
Discussion starter · #53 ·
That sounds good 2ridealot... it'd be nice to ride with someone experienced around here. When I went to CL last week I noticed a jogger on the trail. What is the proper way to pass riders/joggers/hikers and get passed by other riders?
 
#54 ·
Joggers on that trail are rare the times I have ridden there but when approaching anyone I usually just say "rider back when you get a chance" and my wife usually says "Hello or Good morning" kind of stuff. Seems like 99 percent of the people passing or being passed are polite and have no problem getting out of the way or waiting to pass when it is okay for the person in front to move over. I have recently had two different jerks racing their strava apps basically try to order me out of the way...I didn't go for that too much. I have a small bell on my handlebar I try to ring lightly when I see the hikers in time.
 
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