|   buying a bike...steering question | newbikebuyer
Dec 18, 2003 10:33 PM | | sorry for similar posts under different topics, but i am hoping someone can shed some light on this:
being pretty unknowledgable about all of this...how do different variables in the bike apply to a very entry level bike (in other words cheap). basically in the 2-3 hundred dollar price range, what should i look for in steering. i want a very responsive (ability to make sudden and sharp turns) bike, but i dont do much incline (so i am less worried about climbing and fast downhills). mostle more level trails with various obsticles to dodge...
anyway, the questions is what should i look for?
thanks,
geoff |
| re: buying a bike...steering question | Ham
Dec 19, 2003 7:04 AM | | In my experience, steering characteristics are determined in large part by the head angle which is the angle between your head tube (or fork) and the ground. I've tried to include a little diagram, but I dunno if it will link. Anyways, a steeper head angle (larger number) like 70 or 71 degrees gives quicker steering and better climbing but is more twitchy at high speeds. A more raked out angle like 68 or 66 is much more stable at speed, is safer on steep downhills, but the steering is slower. Other things will influence maneuverability as well...for example, lower bottom bracket (the bearing your pedals rotate around) height will give a lower center of gravity and make sharp turns easier. More importantly, the appropriateness of your tires for the terrain you are riding can have a huge impact on handling. Realistically, for a few hundred dollars, most bikes you would buy new (or probably used as well) are going to have a head angle of about 70, which is going to give you what you want in terms of handling. The people at any decent bike store should be able to give good advice as well. Good luck! |
| re: buying a bike...steering question | seely
Dec 19, 2003 8:37 AM | | In yer price range all the bikes will handle the same and be nearly identical in just about every regard... it isn't until the $500 or so level you start to see any differentiation in the models from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Jon |
| re: buying a bike...steering question | n
Dec 19, 2003 9:14 AM | | thanks guys...these boards are really helpful!
geoff |
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