I am looking to get into road cycling, but I cannot afford even the basic entry level bikes (with the Trek 1.1 running at $700 - and the others going on up in price). I found several old Peugeot bikes from the 70s and 80s on Craigslist in my area that are available for under $200. My question is would one of these old high quality bikes work or would I just be riding an albatross (so to speak)? I want to be able to keep up with my buddies if we ride together - so would I be too slow and/or worn out on an older bike? If people in the 70s could bike long distance on these things, why can't we today?
posted by cmp4Meta
on Apr 21, 2013 -
35 answers
Paint Removal/Solvent Experts: Looking for solvents/methods for removing paint (ink?) logos from semi-glossy aluminum bicycle parts, without damaging or changing the finish. Detailed pics inside.
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posted by jjjjjjjijjjjjjj
on Feb 20, 2013 -
13 answers
I've got a bike. I've got a compatible pump (two actually!). So why can't I seem to get the tires full enough to ride on? NB: I'm starting from completely flat tires (it's been a long time since I've ridden the bike). Is it not possible to hand pump bike tires all the way from flat?
posted by ocherdraco
on Jan 24, 2013 -
45 answers
I've started my bike a little more seriously, and I have a few questions for the more experienced cyclists of the green.
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posted by ablazingsaddle
on Oct 22, 2012 -
25 answers
What advice would you give beginning cyclists interested in getting exercise as a couple? Bonus points for Rhode Island specific recommendations!
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posted by LouMac
on Sep 10, 2012 -
10 answers
Please suggest bike routes in New England that meet some specific criteria. We took our son on a section of the East Bay Bike Path near Providence for his first bike ride last week and he loved it. He sits in an
iBert on Mom's bike. We are looking for similar routes. In looking for similar I articulate what specifically I think is good about this path for us in the extended explanation. We can ride weekdays in addition to weekends. Thanks.
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posted by safetyfork
on Jun 25, 2012 -
11 answers
If I wanted to make a paying hobby out of restoring and updating old bikes, what are some resources that would help me improve my skills, research the right bikes/components, and find the right places to buy them?
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posted by Scientist
on Jun 11, 2012 -
22 answers
You started biking later in life, and you did it in a big city. How did you become comfortable biking on roads with cars? I'm kind of freaked out by this.
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posted by showbiz_liz
on May 22, 2012 -
42 answers
What do I need in order to start commuting by bike? Assume that I currently have 1) a bike, 2) there is no 2.
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posted by Scientist
on May 17, 2012 -
51 answers
First-time bicycle rider: I want to buy a bicycle and learn how to ride it. Any recommendation / advice?
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posted by eisenl
on May 11, 2012 -
28 answers
Given my cycling style, is there any point for me to go clipless/clip'n'straps/other sort of shoe-to-pedal attachment?
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posted by Hakaisha
on Apr 26, 2012 -
33 answers
I'm signed up to do a century, a 100-mile bicycle ride, in a little over four weeks. Given the training that I've been doing, what are the best specific things I can do in the next month to get stronger and faster?
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posted by bluedaisy
on Apr 19, 2012 -
14 answers
Cheap men's synthetic underwear: nylon/spandex/polyester/etc. Would like approx 12 pair for bicycling. Flexible on style/aesthetics. Priority:
inexpensive.
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posted by jjjjjjjijjjjjjj
on Apr 12, 2012 -
8 answers
I had to remove the cassette on my rear wheel to replace a broken spoke. There is now a small amount of movement between the cogs. Is this a problem?
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posted by chmmr
on Jun 15, 2011 -
13 answers
Help a cycling newbie's bike love her as much as she loves it! I think I have a problem with my Shimano derailleur.
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posted by WidgetAlley
on May 23, 2011 -
12 answers
Trying to plan a June bicycling trip in Portugal that either ends or begins in Coimbra. Does anyone have any experience cycling in Portugal? What are the good books? Any tips? My google-fu has failed me, and I can only seem to find places which want to take me on guided bike tours.
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posted by pmb
on Apr 10, 2011 -
4 answers
I ride my bike about 50-70 miles a day, but now I'd like to be able to carry a minimal amount of overnight camping gear and hiking boots with me. How can I do this while keeping the weight balanced and without breaking my back?
posted by HotPatatta
on Apr 8, 2011 -
14 answers
What should I look for in a mid-range commuter bike? And where should I buy one in Oxford, UK?
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posted by penguinliz
on Apr 7, 2011 -
3 answers
I recently found myself in the midst of some bike politics in NYC, and one of the adjunct arguments of the anti-bike crew goes something like "people on bikes are assholes who never follow laws." What's the relationship between cyclists and road laws in countries that aren't the US (or bike-ly-unusual parts of the US)?
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posted by soma lkzx
on Mar 14, 2011 -
37 answers
I'm starting a Twitter account to help promote Chicago/Midwest cycling events, mostly to messy bike kids who like to ride, drink, and have fun. Alleycats, bar nights, bar rides, cyclocross, fundraisers, Messenger Prom, Bicycle Film Festival, Cycle Messenger World Championship, trick jams, etc. Help me think of a @name!
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posted by Juliet Banana
on Mar 1, 2011 -
22 answers
We try to use our bikes as our main mode of transportation. We just adopted a wonderful (small) dog, and we'd like to see if there's a solution for putting a dog safely on a bike without the use of an expensive doggie trailer.
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posted by two lights above the sea
on Sep 7, 2010 -
16 answers
I've bought a road bike frame, forks, seat post and headset. I'm a price level down from the Shimano 105 series. What's the best group set and bottom bracket for my needs?
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posted by Hiker
on Jul 21, 2010 -
20 answers
Me and my girlfriend are planning to embark upon a long adventure. We have never done it before and have some questions.
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posted by Sentus
on Jul 20, 2010 -
12 answers
My bike helmet leaves deep indentations on my forehead. The marks are really bad right when I get to work, and linger for most of the day. What can I do to get them to go away faster? How can I prevent them? I still get them when I use a head wrap in the winter, so a cap or a bandanna underneath probably won't help. My helmet fits comfortably and I'm usually well hydrated.
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posted by hydrophonic
on Jul 19, 2010 -
7 answers
I've drifted away from following the Tour de France over the last few years, and would like to get back into it this year. What's the best (web-based) way of doing this?
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posted by jontyjago
on Jul 3, 2010 -
8 answers
Bike/Cycling: Modern features + classic styling = fit problems. I want
this rack to fit on
this bike. Help me ponder modifications necessary to make it fit - or sadden me greatly and tell me I'm going to have to settle for something uglier.
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posted by brandoniain
on Jun 3, 2010 -
10 answers
I'm going to start commuting to work by bike soon (some of the time, anyway). Help me with a few specific questions and give me general advice on making my commute by bike the kind of thing I'll want to stick with.
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posted by ocherdraco
on Jun 2, 2010 -
44 answers
AnecdoteCyclingFilter: What are your experiences cycling in downtown Minneapolis/Saint Paul?
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posted by 47triple2
on May 14, 2010 -
12 answers
What kind of bicycle do I want? Purpose: to ride to the shops or the library, possibly working my way up to riding to work. I'm thinking more casual Copenhagen than speedy lycra-clad.
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posted by harriet vane
on Apr 27, 2010 -
28 answers
I want to go on a one day bike trip in upstate NY or VT-- less than a 2h drive from Montreal. Where should I go? Details about what I want inside.
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posted by jeather
on Apr 16, 2010 -
5 answers
I'd like some recommendations for hipster bike blogs. Think more fixies with hot pink sidewalls, Dutch designer bikes no American could afford, and bike messenger fetishism than athletics, racing, nitty-gritty commuting, etc.
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posted by Juliet Banana
on Feb 16, 2010 -
17 answers
