I currently have a 12-yr-old (at least) Specialized Hard Rock, but have hardly ridden at all in the last 5 years or so due to being more involved in distance running, which takes up a lot of time. I'm backing off on running now and have the itch to start riding again on a more up-to-date bike.
Most of my riding is on bike paths and improved rail-trails, but I might also be riding some unimproved, rougher rail-trails and occasionally some single-track stuff. But no extreme climbing, downhills, jumps, or anything like that. I'm 57 now and don't enjoy getting bounced around like I used to . On my current bike, I replaced the knobby tires with inverted-tread tires that have a lot less drag on pavement and hard-pack and are suitable for 90% of the riding that I have been doing. Since I still will not be riding all that often, I also want to stay within a reasonable budget (IOW, no full-suspended MTBs).
I've looked mostly at Trek and am trying to decide between a "comfort" bike like the Nav 300, or a mid-range MTB like the 7400. A test ride is in order, but right now I think the Navigator might be better from a comfort standpoint and would be more suited to my type of usage. Any comments?
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, comfort bikes are merely modified (specialized) mountain bikes.
Since so much of your riding is on-road and as you described, I would recommend a comfort bike. I will add however, that 57 isn't OLD, and my 63 year old Father-in-law is an avid mtn. biker and can ride some pretty trechorous (sp?) stuff. So it all depends on how you intend to use the bike.
L8R
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
what's your budget?
I know you said you wanted to not spend much and I too would recomend a 'comfort' type bike. but they have some REALLY functionaly full suspension bikes that aren't ment for crazy jumps/hills but are designed to cushion mild off road riding.
You may be able to find a close out one for right around $1,000.00. I wouldn't spend less then that on one. If you look at the bike your currently riding and divide the years you've had it by what you paid it was a good investment.
if you think this is the last bike you will purchase I would suggest spending a bit more then you want to get a bike that will hold up for years and years as well as fit and be comfortable to ride.
(锕侊箒)~~~~---------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally posted by DougG I currently have a 12-yr-old (at least) Specialized Hard Rock, but have hardly ridden at all in the last 5 years or so due to being more involved in distance running, which takes up a lot of time. I'm backing off on running now and have the itch to start riding again on a more up-to-date bike.
Most of my riding is on bike paths and improved rail-trails, but I might also be riding some unimproved, rougher rail-trails and occasionally some single-track stuff. But no extreme climbing, downhills, jumps, or anything like that. I'm 57 now and don't enjoy getting bounced around like I used to . On my current bike, I replaced the knobby tires with inverted-tread tires that have a lot less drag on pavement and hard-pack and are suitable for 90% of the riding that I have been doing. Since I still will not be riding all that often, I also want to stay within a reasonable budget (IOW, no full-suspended MTBs).
I've looked mostly at Trek and am trying to decide between a "comfort" bike like the Nav 300, or a mid-range MTB like the 7400. A test ride is in order, but right now I think the Navigator might be better from a comfort standpoint and would be more suited to my type of usage. Any comments?
I have a Trek Navigator 300. I am 60. Just riding for exercise. This bike has done everythin I wanted it to do. (锕侊箒)~~~~---------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally posted by a2psyklnut I will add however, that 57 isn't OLD, and my 63 year old Father-in-law is an avid mtn. biker and can ride some pretty trechorous (sp?) stuff. So it all depends on how you intend to use the bike.
L8R
I know that 57 isn't too old for most things -- I've run three marathons in the past four years and am also a motorcyclist. I mainly meant that I'm not planning on competing or getting into any really aggressive riding. As a runner and biker, I do know how much longer it takes to heal when you're over 50!
. On my current bike, I replaced the knobby tires with inverted-tread tires that have a lot less drag on pavement and hard-pack and are suitable for 90% of the riding that I have been doing. Since I still will not be riding all that often, I also want to stay within a reasonable budget (IOW, no full-suspended MTBs).
