Any cyclists here? Advice on getting a bike?

SkvLTD

Senior Member
Looking to get a road bike to help me workout and reach places that are about too far/sketchy to reach w/ a bag full of gear on a skateboard or rollerblades. Looking for something as light as my tight budget can get (500 tops) and that would hopefully last as well. Any suggestions?
 

Marilynne

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
We have Trek Pure Lo Step. My camera bag with the D7100 and the Tamron 150-600mm fits perfectly on the back bike rack (purchased separately). You sit upright on the bike, not bent, and your feet touch the ground while you're seated when you stop. We go everywhere with them - doctor, dentist, wetlands, mini shopping...

Edit: Forgot to mention, Chris lost 60+ pounds in two and a half years. We've pedaled over 12,000 miles in that time.

Pure Lowstep - Trek Bicycle
 

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
I got into bicycling as my motorcycling seemed to be winding down due to work schedules. I haven't tried carrying camera gear with me, but that is a great idea!

I have a Trek, and love it. The one thing I noticed...bicycle prices get high really quick. I was in the bike shop, and they had beginner models that cost more than some of the motorcycles I've owned!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Moab Man

Senior Member
On a limited budget, and prices can get high, I would suggest finding the size you need. Then shop local and used. Try to find a brand name you find in the BIKE SHOPS. There are many a brand in Wal-Mart that at one time were great brands, but not anymore. I would suggest a mountain bike for the urban jungle going up and down curbs and such. I also suggest getting Slime tubes or (works better) tubes with Stans No-tubes put in. Finally, if you find yourself a bike, have it professionally tuned up. A properly operating bike is a joy to ride. Most people never ride a perfectly dialed in bike where everything works without flaw or hesitation to know the value of a tuned bike.
 

paul04

Senior Member
As I sold my car over a year ago, and now cycle everywhere.

I have 3 bikes, a road bike, mountain bike and a cross between the both, a hybrid bike.

I use the hybrid bike the most, nice to ride, and quite fast when needed, put my camera in my backpack,

Do check the weight of the bike, A big heavy bike is hard work after a few miles uphill or into the wind.
 

Blacktop

Senior Member
Looking to get a road bike to help me workout and reach places that are about too far/sketchy to reach w/ a bag full of gear on a skateboard or rollerblades. Looking for something as light as my tight budget can get (500 tops) and that would hopefully last as well. Any suggestions?

Damn it dude!! I almost had a heart attack just reading about all those activities.;)
 

Roy1961

Senior Member
Contributor
I got mine out today and washed the cobwebs off it, need to blow both tires up then I am getting out on it again.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

skater

New member
I ride a Cannondale 2.8 (from when they were US-made) on road and a Giant Escape 1 hybrid. The hybrid is great for light off road use, but I wouldn't recommend it for what it sounds like you're planning (narrow, unaggressive tires).
 

carguy

Senior Member
For $500 and a lighter bike, you'll likely need to shop used.
Any bike you find at a department store type (walmart, target, meijer, etc) will be too heavy for what you are looking for.
 

skater

New member
Where are you located? I see your profile says MD, US which implies Maryland. What part?

If you're near Mt. Airy or College Park, this place is quite interesting. We stopped in at the Mt. Airy location last fall, and it was an interesting place.
 

cwgrizz

Senior Member
Challenge Team
I have a TREK that I "acquired" after it was abandoned at my father's rental. It had been left out, so it required some repairs (seat replacement, tires, tubes) and adjustments. I haven't ridden it very much or far, but I do like it. I am in an area where pavement is only a thought in most areas, so the Mountain Bike design works well. Ha!

My question I think will go along the same lines as the OP's. For those who carry their camera/s etc on your bikes, what have you found to be good or bad methods? Marilynne's basket idea, backpacks, etc. For long rides, what else and how is it carried? Backpacking could be another topic.

If this may hijack the thread, we can move it. Thanks
 

skater

New member
For those who carry their camera/s etc on your bikes, what have you found to be good or bad methods?

My wife and I did the tour of Valley Forge on bike (there's a path around the park you can ride), and I had my camera and accessories in my usual backpack case. Not to whine, but it got old - ride a bit, stop, get off, put bike down, remove backpack, open it, get out camera, set up shot, take shot(s), return camera to bag, close bag, put bag on back, pick up bike, get back on bike... We did this with our hybrids, so no clipless pedals or anything like that, at least. My backpack has a lower strap that I usually don't use, but I did that day.

In hindsight I wish we'd done two separate laps - one for riding, one for photography by foot or vehicle. But I'm big on both so others might have a different view.

If it were "ride to a single destination then take pictures, then ride back," I'd probably have a better experience. The stopping and starting made both hobbies feel like a chore.
 

carguy

Senior Member
Good point ^^^

One huge reason I carry my gear on the bike, I let the bike do the work. With the case on my handlebars, I can grab the camera, shoot and return without ever leaving the bike in most cases.
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
Good point ^^^

One huge reason I carry my gear on the bike, I let the bike do the work. With the case on my handlebars, I can grab the camera, shoot and return without ever leaving the bike in most cases.
I second you on the idea of having the camera with a lens in a bag on the handlebars. At first I had it in the back on a rack but found it very unpractical when I wanted to stop to take a shot. Had to turn around, open the bag and it was extremely uncomfortable and also hard on the back because of all the twisting needed. Now having the bag on the handlebars is SO MUCH FASTER AND EASIER that I will vouch for it anytime.
 

skater

New member
Good point ^^^

One huge reason I carry my gear on the bike, I let the bike do the work. With the case on my handlebars, I can grab the camera, shoot and return without ever leaving the bike in most cases.

That seems like a good solution to the experience I had. Also, if you were to fall, it's less likely your camera would hit the ground, at least directly. My wife has a removable basket on her hybrid she could use for this, though I'd still want the camera in some kind of bag.
 

carguy

Senior Member
That seems like a good solution to the experience I had. Also, if you were to fall, it's less likely your camera would hit the ground, at least directly. My wife has a removable basket on her hybrid she could use for this, though I'd still want the camera in some kind of bag.
For sure.
THe ape case provides a level of protection. Amazon.com: Ape Case Standard Digital SLR Holster Camera Bag (ACPRO650): Camera & Photo

When I use my rear wheel bag, the camera/lens is packed with towels for added protection.
 

PapaST

Senior Member
There's a ton of great advice here. My $.02 is to go used because of your budget. IF you don't plan on riding hilly locations then I would also recommend a single speed bike. I have a mountain bike, road bike and fixed gear (single speed). When I go out with my camera I'm almost always on my fixie. It's light, easy to travel and uncomplicated. I live in Florida so there are no hills so having a single speed isn't that difficult. I use a backpack to carry most everything I need WITH a cotton carrier connector on my backpack strap so that I can pull the camera off in a flash. No in and out of the bag.

I agree with most to let the bike do the work for you and carry all gear ON THE bike with most things. But with a camera I'd rather have it on my back for two reasons. If I hop off and walk somewhere it's with me and I don't have to take it off the bike. AND because road bikes (and even mtn bikes) feel the road. So every bump, curb, pothole was bouncing my gear around. Whereas on my back at least my body was a natural shock absorber for the bumps.
 
Top