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David R
Guest
Sorry if I sound inexperienced... its cause I am.
I live in a city with some pretty messed up sidewalks and roads so I didn't really want a road bike so I went ahead with a mountain bike. Here it is if it helps at all.
http://www.marinbikes.com/2009/us/bikes/specs_pioneer_trail.php
The farthest ive ridden so far is about 15 miles but id like to go further once I feel comfortable. My questions are
Should I switch to a road tire of some sort? If I do will I need to buy new rims? And Ive read something about disabling the front fork shocks, is that necessary? I think I kinda need to be walked through this part cause I always get confused when I try to do research on this. And btw, no I cant afford to just buy a road bike too, so some sort of compromise would be nice.
What should I carry in case of a flat? From what Ive heard I should have a spare tube, tire levers, patch kit, and a pump. Do I really need all that, or could i get away with only the patch kit and levers since if i get a flat its only 15 miles back? How far before I start carrying everything? And where should I put all of it?
I have a small wedge pack that looks like it can carry everything but the pump, and that I have attatched to the frame. I dont like wearing a backpack, but I can start if theres too much to just put on the frame. (side note: too short to raise the seat higher to get a bigger pack)
As for the pump, co2 or pump? I know theres alot of debate over this so should I just settle for this?
http://www.genuineinnovations.com/bikeprods.aspx?subcat=3&prodid=1006
Last question, I ride mostly at night alot and have a Bell front light and a Cateye rear blinker. Is that enough? Im thinking of upgrading the front light, any suggestions? and for the rear light I actually have it clipped onto the wedge pack cause theres no more room on the post (Im pretty sure its at the right height, legs are only slightly bent when seated and have the pedal at the bottom, im really short so theres not much post exposed) should I do anything else?
As for everything else, Im really safe when riding in the street and always wear a helmet and gloves, so other than that any other tips are much appreciated.
Thanks for the help!
I live in a city with some pretty messed up sidewalks and roads so I didn't really want a road bike so I went ahead with a mountain bike. Here it is if it helps at all.
http://www.marinbikes.com/2009/us/bikes/specs_pioneer_trail.php
The farthest ive ridden so far is about 15 miles but id like to go further once I feel comfortable. My questions are
Should I switch to a road tire of some sort? If I do will I need to buy new rims? And Ive read something about disabling the front fork shocks, is that necessary? I think I kinda need to be walked through this part cause I always get confused when I try to do research on this. And btw, no I cant afford to just buy a road bike too, so some sort of compromise would be nice.
What should I carry in case of a flat? From what Ive heard I should have a spare tube, tire levers, patch kit, and a pump. Do I really need all that, or could i get away with only the patch kit and levers since if i get a flat its only 15 miles back? How far before I start carrying everything? And where should I put all of it?
I have a small wedge pack that looks like it can carry everything but the pump, and that I have attatched to the frame. I dont like wearing a backpack, but I can start if theres too much to just put on the frame. (side note: too short to raise the seat higher to get a bigger pack)
As for the pump, co2 or pump? I know theres alot of debate over this so should I just settle for this?
http://www.genuineinnovations.com/bikeprods.aspx?subcat=3&prodid=1006
Last question, I ride mostly at night alot and have a Bell front light and a Cateye rear blinker. Is that enough? Im thinking of upgrading the front light, any suggestions? and for the rear light I actually have it clipped onto the wedge pack cause theres no more room on the post (Im pretty sure its at the right height, legs are only slightly bent when seated and have the pedal at the bottom, im really short so theres not much post exposed) should I do anything else?
As for everything else, Im really safe when riding in the street and always wear a helmet and gloves, so other than that any other tips are much appreciated.
Thanks for the help!