What do you think about bikegangs?
396957
I think they're losers. Join one and you'll either end up dead or in jail.
703023
I would say your best bet is to approach a potential sponsor but have all the details of your team to hand results ages experience bikes and i mean everything the more details you have the more likely they are to sponsor you
1118244
Dont have any real data, other that ride em and see what suits.\n\nBut specialised have always done MTB's, a vast range, and do great entry-level bikes, ive tried em and theyre good.\n\nClaud Butler used to be traditional touring/road bikes so dont have the same heritage, would guess there's nothing really wrong with them and if you like it go for it. But I would opt for the specialised  - and if anyone from specialised is reading can i have a free/discount one now please :-) \n\nRobert\n\nEnjoy whatever you choose.
398273
I don't mean to sound mean or like a snob or anything but don't waste your hard earn cash on a department store bike.  They're made to 'look' tough and all but the components aren't any good and you'll constantly be fidgeting with the derailler tension.  You'll have mis-shifting all the time.  The frame and suspension is crap too.  Go to an actual bike shop and look at the low end bikes there that will last a long long time.  Sure, they cost a bit more but you'll have free service for at least a year and the shifting will stay nice and smooth.  A much better deal on a much better bike.
913562
Their idiots.I see people ride their bikes in major intersection with a lot of trafic going 45 mph with no bike lanes and expect every driver to slow down for them.I have to hit my brakes because the idiot is between my moving car and a parked car on the side.I probably wouldn't feel sorry if I hit them.Are bicyclist required to walk their bikes across the intersection instead of riding them across without stopping?I mean if I make a right turn and a bicyclist came out of nowhere because they weren't paying attention to traffic and I hit them, I probably wouldn't fell sorry.
409019
Your Bicycle shaped object as people in the KNOW refer to pedal powered two wheelers of that quality level has VALUE as long as it is being ridden..There is someone ,somewhere whose quality of life that bicycle will improve. Try to give it to that persons\n with it working ,or the resourses to make it work (i.e tires tube and a patch kit)\n\n\nANYHOW-The Firenze bicycles were used in promotionial campaigns and have the type of issuses that cause many bike shops to refuse to service them..becuase ,they feel they can not ever make them function to their expectation and saftey standards..here in the greater S.F. Bay area those bicycles were given away by MATHEEWS- top of the hill DALY CITY stereo store ,whose motto for a few years was GeT A STEREO GET A BIKE!! thats where your bike is from..\n\nFirst they had red mens and ladies framed 10 speeds, it was roumered that they had spent nineteen dollars a unit on those -the grey mountain bikes were supposedely 29 bucks..\nAll that being said it- sure beats the heck out of walking, if its more than a few blocks ,and its a better bike than 80% of the people that ride bikes becuase they have no other choice;i.e. china india, get to ever ride-- anyhow..don't put more than twenty or thirty bucks into that bike...
1104538
Your local bike shop.
458145
I've owned four; two MTBs, one hybrid and one road bike. My wife has a C'dale MTB and a C'dale Vintage Nexus city bike. All were/are great to ride, reliable, beautifully finished (look at the welds) and good looking too.\n\nRecommended.
794052
We had a place like that back in Minneapolis and they did well.  They had lots of cars consigned. They took care of all the lookers\nThe only problem was, as a seller, you couldn't use your car.  Otherwise, good idea. Go for it. Good luck.\nForgot to mention, I sold my motorcycle through a consignment place this past spring.  It was great. I didn't have to wait for potential buyers to show up ( which they usually don't )  The place advertised, took care of the title transfer, etc. They would even detail the bike if you wanted for a fee.
572101
I have not ridden that trip, but I do think it may be worth your while to check into Adventure Cycling.  What you are talking about is pretty much what they do.\n\nGood luck and hope this helps you.
568370
i'd echo prairiebiscuit's answer - Giant really do pack a stackload of features into their bikes.\n\nSome mountain bikes that regulalrly do well in the entry-level grouptests are:\n\nGiant Terrago / Rincon, Specialized Hardrock, Mongoose Amasa, GT Avalanche, Claud Butler Cape Wrath\n\nAs most of the guys here are saying, do make sure you go to a proper bike shop and speak to someone who knows what they're talking about. It'd be better if you could go during the week (and not on a busy Saturday) as you will get better service.\n\nMake sure you get a test ride, and if you think you may get bitten by the mountain biking bug, then aim for something with a reasonable frame that you could justafiably upgrade the components on.\n\nOne point I would make, is that for the amount you are looking to spend, I'd probably avoid going for disk brakes. Some manufacturers will put cable-operated disk brakes (cheaper and far less effective than hydraulic disks) on as a selling feature, though to be honest a reasonable set of v-brakes are as good in all but the grimiest conditions. The added cost of the disks will probably mean that other features (like the fork or crankset) are of a lower-spec than on a similarly priced bike with v-brakes. The thing to make sure of is that the frame, fork and wheel hubs have all got the necessary mounts to allow you to easily upgrade to (hydraulic) disk brakes in the future, if you think you may want to.\n\nThe possible exception to this rule is the Giant Terrago (not sure how much that sells for in the U.S.), which comes equipped with Giant's own-brand MPH hydraulic disks.
1105
I'm partial to Turner frames.  Check out the 5 Spot for an all around trail bike, the 6 Pack if you want more travel for aggressive riding, or the Flux for a lightweight trail bike that can hold its own on the race course.\n\nTurners are known for a great balanced ride feel, stiff/solid construction, and great customer service.\n\nNote: Turner recently changed the design of the suspension linkage on all their bikes.  Reviews indicate no significant change to how the bikes ride, but if this is the sort of thing you care about, read through the reviews at mtbr.com.
621404
It f***ing should be. I get tickets so many times it sux! whats the deal with the public and sk8rs. I see people on their bikes riding around. Or on their gay a** roller blades, whats up with sk8boards. Wait i know y, it's cuz it makes noise or we have a stereotype on us that we r gonna destroy something by grinding or sk8ing on it. Or that we r in a gang. Dumba**. L8r
808863
hard-core guys who pay for their own stuff usually ride Crank bro's.\n\nMe, I'm not so hard-core, not really into technical stuff or big drops - just riding the local trails, so just about any SPD-type will do.\n\nMake sure you buy your shoes and pedals at the same time so you can make sure they're compatible and can return if they aren't. I made that mistake and had to perform surgery on the tread of my shoes before they'd work w/ my pedals.\n\nBy the way, I have 2 pr of these, use them for road, cx, mtb:\nhttp://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=108&subcategory=1078&brand=&sku=10018&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20ATB%20Clipless%20Pedals
260172
Geeze...\nTalk about apples and oranges *L*\n\nI rockclimb so I'm obviously biased on the recreation.\nNote that I mentioned it as a recreation.
217446
They're all nice. You need to go into a HD shop and see which one makes you the most comfortable, or looks the coolest. Whatever your criteria is.\n\nI have a 2004 Sportster. I love it. A lot of people swear by soft tails. I've always liked the Harley Fatboy, as far as for looks. Oh, and the new V-rod's look pretty cool, but most bikers don't like 'em.
619580
I agree about Serotta, but look also at Steelman.\n\nMany years ago I had a wonderful Bob Jackson (sadly stolen) and later a Gillott (now part of Raleigh). Both were great road bikes. Bob Jackson is still going - the frame is made exactly to your specifications - truly handbuilt. \n\nI don't know anything about Brian Baylis - but I am intrigued by what I read of his handbuilt machines.\n\nSee links below.