Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Bike clueless, notch mountain, cross tires

Question
Hi!
I need help with choosing a bike and unsure of what I am looking for! Let me explain why I want a bike. I have picked up running, currently training for a 10km race (August 22/04), then moving to the half marathon and eventually the marathon. I would like another activity on off days that will give me a different type of workout. My partner currently mountain bikes and would like a bike that allows me to join him, however I don't want to be tied down to mountain biking only. I would also like to do some distance rides more on the road. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Heather,



Thanks for the question, although I had to chuckle a bit when I read it as I'm an "expert" in the MOTORCYCLE part of allexperts.com, rather than the bicycle department. But fear not! I'm also an avid cyclist (I have three; a mountain bike, a road bike and a cross bike) and ride my bicycles over 5,000 miles a year.



Probably the easiest solution is to get a nice moutain bike with NO rear suspension (front suspension is OK) and an extra set of wheels (with an identical rear gearset). Put either road tires or cross tires (which are like road tires but have a tread pattern or light knobbies) on the spare set of wheels. Then you can switch wheel sets in a few seconds and either ride in the dirt or on the road.



If you do not know how to use the dropouts (part of the quick-release wheel system) on a bicycle, have a bike mechanic or your partner show you how (it's super easy).



The other solution, of course, is to get two bicycles. I did the wheel-swap thing for many years, but when a chance to get a really nice used road bike popped up, I took advantage of it. Modern bikes now give you a lot of performance for the dollar, so for what you might have spent on a top-notch mountain bike just five years ago, you could conceivably get TWO bikes (a roadie and a MTB) for the same money and the same quality now. You'll have to shop around (oh darn!), and there are great deals in the used market as well. Most independent bike shops have the most helpful staff and are worth supporting.



Also, ask your question to a bicycle expert here on the site. They can probably give you some more ideas.



Good luck with your training, and as we say in the motorcycle world: "Keep the Rubber Side Down."



regards,


Bill Roberson