DU Bicyclists - I am shopping for a new bike

[bleedingheart]

My current bike is 15 years old, needs a lot of work and the repairs will be more than what I paid for it new ...

As I am now 15 years older, I have some back problems and my current bike does bother me a bit.

So tonight I am going bike shopping.

Any advice?

I am not buying a high end bike...just a bike to go trail riding and to peddle about my neighborhood...(which is very hilly as I live in PA)...

[taterguy]

1. Find a trustworthy local bike shop

Find a place that's been around for a while that isn't too big. You'll pay a little more but it will be worth it.

I use one here where the owner has been very active in the cycling community for over 30 years. I tell him what I'm looking for and he always gives me great advice about bikes and accessories to buy.

[bleedingheart]

3. the bike place I am going to today has been around for just a few years

but it took over management of the previous bike shop that had been there before.

I took my older bike there along with my husband's ...they were very nice and offered to repair our bikes but with the shifters and the tires and the gear issues...it was just adding up to be way too much...especially since I only paid $187 for my original bike in the first place...

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

2. 15 years? That's a new bike!

Mine is about 35 years, although most moving parts have been replaced over the years.

DU Groups has a bicycle forum that might get some more responses.

[bleedingheart]

4. I will have to check it out...

My bike is a Trek...but it needs an overhaul and it has always been too heavy for me to lift..

My husband calls it "the Tank"

[triguy46]

5. I like the Specialized Sirrus for that type of riding.

[bleedingheart]

7. I am looking at this one

Specialized Expedition Sport

the upright positioning would be better for my back ...

[bikebloke]

6. Triple crank

If you have a lot of hills, you might consider a triple crank. It will make climbing easier.

As for bike shops, if it has more space devoted to costumes and paraphernalia than bikes themselves, find another.

[taterguy]

8. A Camelbak or similar hydration system will be one of the best investments you ever make

Trust me