My name is Gillian and enjoy cycling. So much in fact that my brain is full of knowledge and opinions on the subject. It was said yesterday, that if I wrote a blog about biking, it would change the world. This much is true, every action affects the present and future. Whether it becomes widely noticed is another matter.
My story began with a simple request,
Friend 1 - Hey, anyone have any opinions on types of bikes? I'm looking to get one, but wanna get the right one.
Gillian - yes. I do. I have many opinions about bikes.
Friend 1 - I'm kinda leaning toward a mountain bike, since that's all I've ever had
Gillian - What do you wish to use your bike for?
Friend 1 - Getting around town, and exercising while I do it.
Gillian - Okay. Buy a bike with the largest frame you feel comfortable on. Make sure the bike has more than 12 gears. No rear shocks, front if you would like. (mostly helpful for bumping up curbs and riding on uneven roads, like gravel) Straight or racing handle bars. Do not get a bike that has bars curved towards your seat. This will force you into an upright posture which will drastically reduce speed by increased wind drag and does not allow your to use the full range of your leg muscles. No plastic pedals, they will wear and snap within 2 years. Disc brakes are preferable, though pinch brakes are 100x easier to repair or adjust by yourself. Get a seat with padding, regardless of employee recommendations. Your butt will thank me. Buy a bell and small front and rear lights. These are required by city bylaws, and should be used 1 hour before and after dusk and dawn. Lastly the most important thing. Tyre type. Get combined road and mountain type. They are sometimes called commuter tread. They have a smoother middle part with knobby edges. This will allow greater speed on roadways and provide adequate grip on dirt and gravel paths. For wheel size I would recommend 27.5" and width less than 2.8" something around 2.25" give or take 0.25" Try and find Schrader style valves instead of Presta. Schrader are most common in bicycle pumps and can be filled at gas stations. Lastly buy yourself and extra tube and chain oil. I recommend Purple Extreme.
Gillian - Oh also, aluminum frames are cheaper than carbon fibre. Carbon fibre is lighter, but not necessary unless you plan on running while carrying your bike. Either is fine, just depends on your pocket book. Hope that helps.
Friend 2 - Why don't you recommend rear shocks?
Friend 1 - That's the most perfect response I've received so far! Thanks alot! I like the idea of the commuter tire. In [Undisclosed location] there is a lot of dirt/gravel, so a purely street based one would not be ideal
Gillian - Rear shocks are only really useful for rough mountain biking. They allow you to push energy into the shock to reduce speed when going off jumps. Then again when landing they assist your body in absorbing collision energy. I still prefer a hard tail bike because sharp corners handle differently with rear suspension and I am not used to it. I have scars to prove it. When used for casual transport or trail riding rear shocks allow rider bounce which steals energy from your legs meant for your wheels.
Friend 2 - Interesting. Thanks for the detailed answers
And thus the blog was born. Toodles.
What a fun little coding challenge.