This is wrong. The penny-farthing design was the way to obtain high gearing with direct drive. Some of them had pneumatic tires. The gear-inches standard used to express bicycle gear ratios describes what diameter penny-farthing wheel would have the same gear ratio.
Once efficient roller-chain became available, the “safety bike” made the penny-farthing obsolete. The safety came by not slamming the rider face first into the ground if excessive brake was used.
To the OP: Bigger wheels would be better if they did not come at the expense of more weight. Especially more weight for the same strength. One reason the BMX riders still use 20" wheels is that they handle the abuse better.
OP checking in again. I got off work early today and swung by the bike shop. I’ve been leaning towards the Specialized Crosstrail and I wanted to take another look at the base model I had looked at last week. I have the benefit of this thread and a lot of poking around on the web so I had little more knowledge to work with. I didn’t think they would want me to test drive any bikes as it’s been raining all day, so I really planned to just look a little. Long story, short, they had the exact model and color I wanted in the back and after a few laps around the bike shop…I brought it home!
After I got it home, I took it for about a 5+ mile ride (my legs feel like rubber) and I love, love , love it. Granted, I didn’t do any comparisons but at this point I think I made a good choice. The one I bought has hydraulic discs and I don’t think they are too powerful at all but I will say that I have never ridden a bike with such perfect brake feel. I did a few braking tests and never felt like they were gonna lock up unexpectedly but they seem like if that’s what I wanted…they’d do it.
If it wasn’t dark now I’d still be out. Gonna take a while to get back in shape, and get used to the seat but I have a feeling I’m going to get my money’s worth out of this thing.
Nice looking bike, enjoy the ride! I think you’ll be quite happy with disc brakes especially when a truck pulls out in front of you or something.
I’m looking at an “urban” bike which is very similar to what you’ve got only without front suspension, and the gearing is a bit higher, closer to a road bike. Something like the Marin Point Reyes 29er:
If you loved it after the test ride and loved it more after riding 5 miles then you have made the right choice. Did you buy all the other stuff to go along with it? speedometer, water bottle etc…
I have a lumbar pack I like that holds a water bottle and a bunch of other stuff. I use it for motorcycle riding and carrying enough water for me and the dog when we go for walks. Should work great for biking.
I will probably buy a new helmet, some kind of odometer/speedometer and maybe some lighting. Recommendations welcome.
If you are going to be riding off road and/or alone/away from civilization, you should carrying a bike-specific multi-tool, a spare tube, pump, and tire levers. It’s a good idea to carry a cell phone and some money, too.
I didn’t ride at all yesterday because it was raining pretty good and the bike is still shiny and new but I went for a long ride today and I’m still loving it. Probably did at least 10 miles. Nearly killed me, I’m really out of shape.
About 32F and sunny.
Only problem so far is that the fork lockout does not work properly. Won’t stay locked, first tiny bump and it pops to the unlocked position. I’ll take it in and see what the dealer says.
Any recommendations for windproof but breathable pants? I have lots of good insulating layers but need an outer layer.
Instead of looking for a discount on the bike at the shop, you may find it is better to see what you can get thrown in, and I would ensure that whatever you get, it includes gloves and a couple of decent pairs of shorts.
I paid full list for the bike and they offered 10% off on any accessories but they said it had to be at time of bike purchase, i.e. on the same bill. I thought that was a little rigid, I’ve bought several new kayaks and they always gave me 15% off on accessories and 30 days to take advantage of the discount. As it turned out, all I could think about was getting my bike outta that shop and going riding! I wouldn’t have had the focus to choose accessories at that point and for what I’m looking at 10% isn’t going to add up to all that much. I’ll just take my time and figure out what I need as I go.
I’ve been looking at bike multi tools and tool kits online (thanks to a suggestion in this thread), probably get that and a new helmet soon, maybe a tripmeter/odometer thing. I robbed the underseat bag off my old road bike and may see if the rear rack will fit. I already have a pretty good selection of locks and security cables.
I took the bike back to the shop to get the fork lockout looked at. The consensus of the mechanics was “Hmmm…never saw that before.” I left it and they’re going to check with the fork manufacturerer and let me know.
I’ll check out the Niterider stuff later tonight. Thanks.
I like the simplicity of my XTR V brakes, but any new bike these days pretty much comes with discs. Windproof pants are tough but I wear SKINS underneath and they are pretty good.