Plan B Forum

I have recently completed my decennial (every ten years) attempt to purchase the "perfect" bicycle.

Parameters:

I want to go as fast as possible.

I can't stand drop-down handlebars.

I want some basic accessories such as a bag rack, bottle holders, and LED lights.

The absolute maximum expenditure is US$1,000.00.

After doing a lot of Web research and riding a couple bikes for comparison, the choices came down to a Trek FX 7.5, Raleigh Cadent 2, and Diamondback Interval Elite. All have the gearing I want, straight handlebars, carbon fork, and price in the right range.

After riding all three, a local (reputable) dealer offered to sell me a "leftover" G.T. Tachyon 1.0, that was gathering dust in his basement, for $700 (they don't make them any more). The original MSRP was $1,199, and the remaining leftovers are selling by mail order for $799 - if you can find one in your size. The bike specs out comparably to the three bikes I had identified, and actually has some better components. I took it for a ride and it was comfortable and fast and smooth shifting. With an upgraded seat, bag rack, bottle holders and LED lights, and including sales tax, it was less than $900.

This may sound morbid, but this bike should last me for the rest of my life. Unless I decide to go with a 'bent in my 70's. After taking it out for a couple-hour ride over the weekend, I'm very pleased with it.

Good on you Dave, well done for that self respect and motivation.

This the sort of thing?

The Trek FX line are nice bikes, but I would look at Cannondale (they have the most incredible non-seamed seams) and Gary Fisher.

BTW, you do realize flat handlebars and all that extra assemblage are in no way going to help you go fast. Be a man, get a road bike, get clipped in, and really learn about speed on a bike.

Actually, that picture is the bike that I purchased, except that the bike I bought has pedals, not just holes at the end of the crank. They have a plastic cup for the toe rather than the whole cage, which works well enough for my normal riding.

I have a set of "clipless" pedals and bike shoes, and may mount them for longer rides.

As for going fast, this is determined by (a) gearing, (b) weight, and (c) rolling resistance of the tires. This bike is, in every way but the handlebars, a "road bike," and the difference in performance that might be gained by dropdown bars is an illusion, just like the increase in speed by "saving" the 12 ounces that a kickstand would weigh.

The frame does not have room for a conventional kickstand, so I will have to look into it. I confess to being mystified about why higher end bikes do not have kickstands. It is such a pain.

God invented motors for a reason. Ride a motorcycle instead.

I do ride a motorcycle. It is for transportation. The bike is for fun and relaxation.

The bike is for fun and relaxation.

That's what God invented hammocks for.

Fun and relaxation for me is interacting with my friends here - - - - among other wastes of time.

Exercise?

meh!