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General: I'm intrested in bicycles, help!

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    Hey, let's just get it out there, i"m a noob that needs help but doesn't know where to start. I'm interested in a bike i can just ride around in cruise relax and at the same time get a workout from. I like cruising around the neighborhood but doing it in a car costs too much(gas) and its just sitting there not really being active like biking. Im looking for a place where i can get more knowledge on bicycles and some information. After gaining decent knowledge and such i plan on getting my own bicycle or building one. Which ever would spare me the most cash preferably. I'm thinking about a fixed gear or single speed. Im completely fine with a single speed because i know once i have knowledge and want a fixed i an just convert it but if i can get one for a decent price id like to. Lay out some knowledge and help a new guy out.

    Much love,
    Fatal
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    Welcome, This is a great place here, and lots of knowledge to be had for sure!! We all have been there, just starting out.

    If your looking for a singlespeed/fixed bike, and your on a budget, I would and Im sure many others would recommend the Mercier Kilo TT from Bikedirects.com, they are $349 shipped or close to that. Then you can upgrade from there and so on.

    GL and welcome again!
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    Hey, this a great thread for someone looking to build or buy a fixed gear

    http://velospace.org/forums/discussion/865/official-noobs-guide-to-fixed-gear-bicycles/

    Search the forums for any uestion you may have, it's probably been answered here already lol.

    Welcome, and good luck!
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    Thanks guys! I have a friend that has a Mercier Kilo TT im not sure i want to drop that kind of cash for a brand new bike i know taht is a decent price but im looking for a bit  cheaper, even to build or so.

    Thanks! I was researching that forum before! thanks though!
    • CommentAuthorRuffinit
    • CommentTimeNov 4th 2009
     
    Welcome! As you live close to SF, I believe some of the guys here had referenced some bike coops in the Bay area. If you can look one up and start volunteering there, you'll quickly figure out how bikes work and what it takes to maintain one first hand. In many cases they get donated bikes and by working there you may be able to pick up a frame and all the parts/pieces for a little of nothing.
    The biggest plus to this is you gain experience while you build your own bike and I don't think anyone here would argue that one you build yourself is the best bike anyway.
    • CommentAuthoreaglerock
    • CommentTimeNov 4th 2009 edited
     
    I'm just checking the California Bike Coalition's list of co-ops/bike kitchens, and the closest ones I see to Milpitas are Cycles of Change in Alameda/Oakland, Bike Kitchen and Bike Hut in San Francisco, Waterside Workshop/Street Level Cycles in Berkeley (my local kitchen), and the assorted kitchens in Santa Cruz/Aptos.

    I recall seeing Craigslist ads for a nonprofit bike refurb program in Santa Clara/San Jose/Sunnyvale - somewhere down there; I think it's called Hope-something. I can't believe there's no bike kitchen in the South Bay; wes, do you know of anything?
    • CommentAuthorwes m.
    • CommentTimeNov 4th 2009 edited
     
    That Hope thing... the full name escapes me right now. They take junky bikes (and nice ones too), fix them up, and sell them on Fridays around lunchtime in a parking lot where the outskirts of downtown San Jose meet Santa Clara. All the bikes are donated, all the labor is donated, all the money goes to programs for the developmentally disabled. Its good. As far as I know you cant actually go there and build a bike.

    I get all of my cheap stuff from bike swap, the UCSC bike coop (used part = $5), Bike Church in Santa Cruz, or Express Bikes (dumb little bike shop with some used stuff). Dont get work done at express bikes though. Ive seen the mechanic (the one whos not the owner) ride peoples bikes and leave them unlocked in front of stores, he can be an ass.

    I am aware of no official bike coop in the southbay.
    • CommentAuthorAaron C
    • CommentTimeNov 4th 2009
     
    fatal,

    if you haven't already found it Sheldon Brown's (rip) web site is an excellent source of information, which every one on here can attest to.
    also it is probably worth your while (if you are serious about getting into bikes and have 25 bones) to pick up a copy of Leonard Zinn's book Zinn and the art of road bike maintenance, it will take you far.

    most importantly: ask questions and all ways use the correct tool for the job
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    Hey, we're not being assholes again!
    I think you all deserve high fives!
    • CommentAuthoreaglerock
    • CommentTimeNov 5th 2009
     
    Posted By: Aaron Cpick up a copy of Leonard Zinn's book Zinn and the art of road bike maintenance, it will take you far.

    The 3rd Edition has just come out within the last month or so, so copies of the 2nd Edition may be available for cheap/used. I haven't pored through a copy of the new edition, to see how much has changed. I'm guessing that everything new is relevant only to the newest and shiniest gear, so you wouldn't need it if you're building up an older frame with older components.
    • CommentAuthorAaron C
    • CommentTimeNov 5th 2009
     
    Posted By: proudxvxyouthHey, we're not being assholes again!
    I think you all deserve high fives!


    we all need to bank some good karma, i think.
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    I absolutely second Sheldon's site. It's where I learned everything. He was an extraordinary dude. I used to email him with questions and he'd answer right away.

    Since you have access to some bike co-ops, that's probably going to be the least expensive and most educational way to go. You'll have a good time!

    You don't need to go single speed, by the way. You have a whole lot of options. For instance, most of the benefits of a single speed (simplicity, low price) can be gotten with a Sturmey-Archer hub, but you get more gears in the process. I'm sure the co-op people will help you make the right decision.
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    Thanks alot guys you guys have been a major help! im doing some research as we speak searching the forums really helps alot!
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    Awesome! You're in for a lot of fun!
    • CommentAuthorLyKqiD
    • CommentTimeNov 10th 2009
     
    Just remember, a co-op isnt a store, you dont just walk in and expect to take whatever is on their shelves or walls. Trading parts is best, like trading a rear wheel with a cassette for a single speed, or trading the derailers or shifters (if it is a single speed you want).
    I would not take a part from a co-op and bring it to a lbs for installation. For one you arent using the co-op in the capacity it is entirely meant for and lbs's hate when bring in parts for installation that they already sell. Usually that just means that you are about get get hit with an overpriced and half-assed installation.
    However...Kilo TT is always a great start
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    True, dat! A co-op is a bunch of people who collectively know more than you and want to share what they've got. It's not a commercial transaction. It's a social one.
    • CommentAuthorwes m.
    • CommentTimeNov 10th 2009
     
    There is nothing wrong with buying something from a co-op. Thats how they pay the rent, not by trading bike parts. Dont get me wrong, trading is cool too but they need $ and parts to keep the doors open. If you get a part from the co-op you might as well install it there too. Its free or next to free and you might learn something. Thats usually not true for a bike shop.
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    Sorry, yeah, I mean, the social interaction is a necessary part of it. If you can buy stuff from them, everyone wins.

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