Bike Advice Please :)

[RT]

Firstly apologies to all of you who are veterans here and sigh at the
sight of yet another newbie posting. I can hear the groans of 'Not
another...', 'Not again...', etc. :)

But do bear with me as I've been browsing a lot of the old posts and
its only because I didn't find certain answers that I'm starting a new
post.

Basically, I'm 28, just moved to Bangalore and its been a few years
since I rode a bicycle regularly. Until high school and even in
college I used to ride anywhere between 10 to 25 kms a day commuting.
I have since barely ridden but am raring to go.

I'd like to buy a bike.

I don't want anything wildly expensive purely because I'd like to re-
break myself in and get in proper riding shape before I invest in a
seriously good bike (being half-strapped for moolah doesn't hurt
either :)). So, I'm looking at something in the 7000-ish bracket (give
or take a bit).

I'm going to be primarily riding in city (commuting a few kilometers
to the climbing wall in Kanteerva and back to Victoria Layout) on a
daily basis and perhaps taking it on short trips on the weekend. At
least to begin with. Consequently, I don't want a mountain bike. I'd
like either an urban bike or a hybrid with preferably medium to thin
tyres. I am not particular about suspension and in fact am quite happy
with a hard tail/rigid bike. I am 5.10" but I have long legs so I'd
like a tall bike. I'm not wildly particular about it being superlight.

I've seen all the advice about the Rockriders for 12-ish (out of my
budget), the Ryder Acts for around 10 (again a lil out of my budget).

What do you guys have to say about the Lumalas and the LA Sovereign
bikes? How reliable are they? Where can I take a look at them (can't
find dealerships for them online)?

Is there an area in Bangalore where I can head and check out various
brands? Does Madiwalla have a numebr of dealerships? How about
Chamarajpet (the Merida dealer is there right? Though thats probably
out of my league)?

I'm all for a used bike but haven't found anything on the fora
suggested so far that will meet my requirements. Additionally, since
the last bike I rode was a Hero Hawk, I'm a little out of touch with
what to look for. If anybody has any suggestions on that score I'd be
more than glad to listen (or read).

Thanks a million for your patience reading this. I look forward to
your responses and to hopefully joining you guys on rides in the near
future :)

Cheers

Rahul

[htedum]

Hey Rahul.. You'd mailed me, sorry I didn't reply. I was basically
formulating a reply saying 'Ask on BBC', and it looks like you've
already done that.

My (humble) advice is to try out a bike for the fit and buy it if it
feels right. At 7000, I think most bikes come with similar quality
components, maybe finish and feel differ a bit. So buy what feels
right. Make sure you get the right fit (one thing I regret, and am
trying to fix now).

About my LAS, I'm happy with it, but know it'll fall apart faster than
the better bikes out there. But hey, I'm getting to know its quirks
and kinda enjoy that. The problem with their bikes is that there
aren't too many reviews.

I agree with your policy of getting a cheap bike and upgrading. Some
veterans here may not, feel free to take me out. :) The thing is, when
I bought it, I had no clue what I was doing. I didn't know about BBC,
I just went to the store, saw different models and bought one I liked
the feel of. If I'd spent 20k on a better bike, I might have ended up
getting the wrong tyres, the wrong fit, the wrong type. Now I'm
starting to get a better picture of what kind of cyclist I am, what
kind of rides I do, etc. You seem to have it figured out, so that's a
good start.

About the bikes, there are people here who've ridden more bikes than
I've probably seen, so I'll leave it to them.

Also, welcome to Bangalore!

[Poovaiah MP]

I recently bought a Fomas Road king delux. It is a ROAD BIKE and a pretty decent one too. It cost me 7k (with a helmet and a pump)

--
biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)

are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?
Visit www.bangalorebicyclechampionships.com for more details

--
Poovaiah MP
Centre For Electronics Design and Technology
Indian Institute of Science
Bangalore

[Pradeep B V]

where di you buy the Fomas bike?

specs, pics? ( pdf is ok ;-) )

On 1/12/10, Poovaiah MP <mp.po...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I recently bought a *Fomas Road king delux*. It is a ROAD BIKE and a pretty

--
Sent from my mobile device

[htedum]

Pradeep see this on BZ until Poovaiah posts his:
http://bikeszone.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=4714

On Jan 12, 9:49 pm, Pradeep B V <pradee...@gmail.com> wrote:
> where di you buy the Fomas bike?
>
> specs, pics? ( pdf is ok ;-) )
>

> On 1/12/10, Poovaiah MP <mp.poova...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > I recently bought a *Fomas Road king delux*. It is a ROAD BIKE and a pretty
> > decent one too. It cost me 7k (with a helmet and a pump)
>

> >> Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comfor more details

[Poovaiah MP]

Please check the link for the review

http://groups.google.com/group/iiscbikersnetwork/web/fomas-road-king

I have also attached the pic to the mail

[Poovaiah MP]

you can get it replaced with straight bars without any extra charge.

On Wed, Jan 13, 2010 at 10:44 AM, Rahul Thomas <rahul....@gmail.com> wrote:

Stunning bike from reviews and pics :)

Just one question though.

Is it possible to change the handle bar on this one to a straight bar for upright riding?

The reason I ask is that after riding a Hero Hawk in a bent over posture for about 3 years, it really gave me a weak, dodgy back which took years for me to get over.

Its not a mistake I want to repeat.

Suggestions?

Thanks people, for all the responses private and on this thread. I'm already damn excited to be part of this group and can't wait to get my hands on a bike and join you guys on a few bike trips :)

Cheers

Rahul

Mobile: +91 9632548643
Email: rahul....@gmail.com

[Poovaiah MP]

Any time :)

On Wed, Jan 13, 2010 at 10:49 AM, Rahul Thomas <rahul....@gmail.com> wrote:

Fantastic!!

I'm going to check it out this weekend for sure along with a couple of used bikes.

Thanks a million Poovaiah.

Can't wait!! :)

[Pankaj C]

Looks like a nice entry level road bike for people reluctant to shell
out outrageous amounts for the other well known brands.
Just ride the hell out of it and then upgrade to better bike if
needed.

Poovaiah, I was also looking at buying this one before I settled for
my LA Urbano.
The only dealer I could find at that time was in Rajajinagar which is
very far from my place and could never go to the shop.

Few questions though, how is the gear shifting and braking? I am not
expecting it to be very smooth/quick but if work without fail than a
novice/recreational rider should be happy.
What is the frame size and any chance you have weighed it?

Cheers
Pankaj

On Jan 13, 10:20 am, Poovaiah MP <mp.poova...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Any time :)
>

> On Wed, Jan 13, 2010 at 10:49 AM, Rahul Thomas <rahul.tho...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > Fantastic!!
>
> > I'm going to check it out this weekend for sure along with a couple of used
> > bikes.
>
> > Thanks a million Poovaiah.
>
> > Can't wait!! :)
>

> > On Wed, Jan 13, 2010 at 10:47 AM, Poovaiah MP <mp.poova...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> >> you can get it replaced with straight bars without any extra charge.
>

> >> On Wed, Jan 13, 2010 at 10:44 AM, Rahul Thomas <rahul.tho...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> >>> Stunning bike from reviews and pics :)
>
> >>> Just one question though.
>
> >>> Is it possible to change the handle bar on this one to a straight bar for
> >>> upright riding?
>
> >>> The reason I ask is that after riding a Hero Hawk in a bent over posture
> >>> for about 3 years, it really gave me a weak, dodgy back which took years for
> >>> me to get over.
>
> >>> Its not a mistake I want to repeat.
>
> >>> Suggestions?
>
> >>> Thanks people, for all the responses private and on this thread. I'm
> >>> already damn excited to be part of this group and can't wait to get my hands
> >>> on a bike and join you guys on a few bike trips :)
>
> >>> Cheers
>
> >>> Rahul
>

> >>> On Wed, Jan 13, 2010 at 10:36 AM, Poovaiah MP <mp.poova...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> >>>> Please check the link for the review
>
> >>>>http://groups.google.com/group/iiscbikersnetwork/web/fomas-road-king
>
> >>>> I have also attached the pic to the mail
>

> >>>> On Tue, Jan 12, 2010 at 10:19 PM, Pradeep B V <pradee...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> >>>>> where di you buy the Fomas bike?
>
> >>>>> specs, pics? ( pdf is ok ;-) )
>

> >>>>> On 1/12/10, Poovaiah MP <mp.poova...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>>>> > I recently bought a *Fomas Road king delux*. It is a ROAD BIKE and a
> >>>>> pretty
> >>>>> > decent one too. It cost me 7k (with a helmet and a pump)
>

> >>>>> > On Tue, Jan 12, 2010 at 4:29 PM, htedum <abhijit.shylan...@gmail.com>

> >>>>> >> Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comfor more details

>
> >>>>> > --
> >>>>> > Poovaiah MP
> >>>>> > Centre For Electronics Design and Technology
> >>>>> > Indian Institute of Science
> >>>>> > Bangalore
>
> >>>>> --
> >>>>> Sent from my mobile device
>
> >>>> --
> >>>> Poovaiah MP
> >>>> Centre For Electronics Design and Technology
> >>>> Indian Institute of Science
> >>>> Bangalore
>
> >>>> --
> >>>> biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> >>>> are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?

> >>>> Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comfor more details
>
> >>> --
> >>> Mobile: +91 9632548643
> >>> Email: rahul.tho...@gmail.com

>
> >> --
> >> Poovaiah MP
> >> Centre For Electronics Design and Technology
> >> Indian Institute of Science
> >> Bangalore
>
> > --
> > Mobile: +91 9632548643

> > Email: rahul.tho...@gmail.com

>
> --
> Poovaiah MP
> Centre For Electronics Design and Technology
> Indian Institute of Science

> Bangalore- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Mayank Rungta]

For bikes under 7K there are Raleighs available - at least in RR
cycles. Anybody with any reviews on the same? These are steel bikes
but they looked good.

[Poovaiah MP]

The brakes are very good but they wear out quite fast  (a compromise you have to live with). The shifting is pretty ok i feel. I have not 'tried' the Urbano ( not pressed it hard). But here in FOMAS, the shifters are on the handlebars and not integrated with the brakes. so you will have to disturb your riding position everytime you want to shift. If any of you come near IISc you can take a ride on my bike.

--
biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)

are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?

Visit www.bangalorebicyclechampionships.com for more details

[Poovaiah MP]

@weighing my bike: How do I do it? Any standard procedure for error reduction??

[Yogesh N. Rao]

Get on the bathroom scale, weigh yourself. Next get on the bathroom scale carrying your bike, weigh yourself again. Difference is bike's weight.

[RT]

Cool. Thanks Abhijit :)

Can you point in the direction of any LA Sovereign dealers perhaps? I
don't know of any and can't find any on the net.

And any multi-brand dealers so I can get an idea of what to look for
across brands?

Alternatively is there an area where there are lots of bike dealers
perhaps? I live in central bangalore (Vitoria Layout) so would there
be anything in my relative region?

Thank you all for the responses I've already received. Do keep 'em
coming :)

Cheers

Rahul

[RT]

Pankaj where did you get your LA Urbano and how much did it cost? Can
you tell me a little about it?

Thanks

Rahul

> > >>>>> >> Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformore details

>
> > >>>>> > --
> > >>>>> > Poovaiah MP
> > >>>>> > Centre For Electronics Design and Technology
> > >>>>> > Indian Institute of Science
> > >>>>> > Bangalore
>
> > >>>>> --
> > >>>>> Sent from my mobile device
>
> > >>>> --
> > >>>> Poovaiah MP
> > >>>> Centre For Electronics Design and Technology
> > >>>> Indian Institute of Science
> > >>>> Bangalore
>
> > >>>> --
> > >>>> biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> > >>>> are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?

> > >>>> Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformore details

[Rahul Thomas]

Stunning bike from reviews and pics :)

Just one question though.

Is it possible to change the handle bar on this one to a straight bar for upright riding?

The reason I ask is that after riding a Hero Hawk in a bent over posture for about 3 years, it really gave me a weak, dodgy back which took years for me to get over.

Its not a mistake I want to repeat.

Suggestions?

Thanks people, for all the responses private and on this thread. I'm already damn excited to be part of this group and can't wait to get my hands on a bike and join you guys on a few bike trips :)

Cheers

Rahul

[Rahul Thomas]

Fantastic!!

I'm going to check it out this weekend for sure along with a couple of used bikes.

Thanks a million Poovaiah.

Can't wait!! :)

[RT]

Also, what is the frame size? I read a couple of reviews that say it
comes only in a 50cm frame which would be pretty cramped for someone
5.10". Thoughts on that?

Pooviah, same question to you about the Fomas frame size :)

Sorry chaps, the more I learn the more questions I have apparently.

The last one day on this forum though has been monstrously educational
about bikes. Its great.

Cheers

Rahul

On Jan 13, 11:24 am, Pankaj C <pankaj.chuladh...@gmail.com> wrote:

> > >>>>> >> Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformore details

>
> > >>>>> > --
> > >>>>> > Poovaiah MP
> > >>>>> > Centre For Electronics Design and Technology
> > >>>>> > Indian Institute of Science
> > >>>>> > Bangalore
>
> > >>>>> --
> > >>>>> Sent from my mobile device
>
> > >>>> --
> > >>>> Poovaiah MP
> > >>>> Centre For Electronics Design and Technology
> > >>>> Indian Institute of Science
> > >>>> Bangalore
>
> > >>>> --
> > >>>> biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> > >>>> are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?

> > >>>> Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformore details

[htedum]

Rahul,

So you're going to IISc this weekend to check out Pooviah's bike? I
might come too, when are you going?

About LAS, I wouldn't recommend the guy I bought it from (he didn't
advice me about fit, shoddy assembly, etc.) Maybe where Pankaj bought
his? Also check out the LAS Navigator:
http://www.notadesigner.com/2009-05/a-bicycle-like-no-other.shtml, got
some pointers when buying a new bike, especially about drop
handlebars. Please don't mistake me for an LAS advocate, I just
thought I'd throw that in. :)

Have you considered the BSA mach as well? Doesn't it have frame
options? Large frame with drops and smaller frame with MTB'ers, IIRC.

[Pankaj C]

Hi Rahul,

I got it from RR cycles, Ulsoor and paid ~ 26K for it.
But I am not sure if the price has changed since then.
Moreover, the bike comes in only one size and that is 50 cm.
I can say that it should fit well to anybody around 5' 9" assuming he
has normal torso-leg ratio.

Otherwise, the bike has been serving me very well till now. Rides well
with no issues.
Weighs around 10.5 kgs and comes with Shimano Sora FD, RD and
brifters.
Chainring is 53,39 and cassette is 11-23. Might not be very convenient
on steep climbs but i guess with practice it should not be a big
problem.
I have climbed Nandi Hills on it without stopping.

But please do not expect to get many bike related suggestions from RR
cycles.
You should go there only when you know what you need to buy.

Cheers
Pankaj

> > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[deepakvrao]

Spring balance holding the TT.

On Jan 13, 6:34 pm, Poovaiah MP <mp.poova...@gmail.com> wrote:
> @weighing my bike: How do I do it? Any standard procedure for error
> reduction??
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jan 13, 2010 at 7:03 PM, Poovaiah MP <mp.poova...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > The brakes are very good but they wear out quite fast  (a compromise you
> > have to live with). The shifting is pretty ok i feel. I have not 'tried' the
> > Urbano ( not pressed it hard). But here in FOMAS, the shifters are on the
> > handlebars and not integrated with the brakes. so you will have to disturb
> > your riding position everytime you want to shift. If any of you come near
> > IISc you can take a ride on my bike.
>

> > On Wed, Jan 13, 2010 at 12:58 PM, Mayank Rungta <mr.m...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >> For bikes under 7K there are Raleighs available - at least in RR
> >> cycles. Anybody with any reviews on the same? These are steel bikes
> >> but they looked good.
>
> >> --
> >> biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> >> are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?

> >> Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comfor more details

[Poovaiah MP]

I weighed it and it turned out to be 14.5kg (The scale error is stated to be +/- 0.25kg)
balance used: The one i found in my gym (the ones you find in medical clinics)
procedure followed:
1) stood on the weighing scale and noted my weight
2) lifted my cycle and stood on it again and noted it
3) difference = 14.5kg (including stand and everything that is fit into it)

Frame size: very little clue about the availability. I'm 5'6 and the frame is suiting me, taller guys might find some trouble with it.

Sunday is cool with me to check my bike. just give me a ring before hand
my number is
Nine eight four four three zero one four zero five

Visit www.bangalorebicyclechampionships.com for more details

[RT]

Whoa! I couldnt check mail for a day and there's a million responses
when I get back. Awesome! Thanks guys :)

@Poovaiah

Hmmm... That sounds like it might a lil cramped for me but I'd still
love to check out your bike sometime this weekend if possible.
Possibly Sunday (as my folks are in town at the moment and will leave
on Sunday morn) if thats ok. Will call and check with you and pm you
my number.

@Abhijit

I'll send you my number too and we'll see if we can't make it to IISc
together. What say?

@Pankaj

Thanks for the information about the Urbano man. 26K is WAY out of my
budget but its still an interesting read :)

@ALL

Thats really interesting information about gears and shifters. I
really need to understand that a bit. I haven't the faintest clue what
constitutes a decent gearing system, what is painful to use in which
conditions, what is really necessary and what are the frills.

I love getting to know new mechanical stuff :)

Cheers

Rahul

On Jan 14, 12:05 pm, Poovaiah MP <mp.poova...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I weighed it and it turned out to be 14.5kg (The scale error is stated to be
> +/- 0.25kg)

> *balance used:* The one i found in my gym (the ones you find in medical
> clinics)
> *procedure followed:*

> 1) stood on the weighing scale and noted my weight
> 2) lifted my cycle and stood on it again and noted it
> 3) difference = 14.5kg (including stand and everything that is fit into it)
>

> *Frame size:* very little clue about the availability. I'm 5'6 and the frame

> is suiting me, taller guys might find some trouble with it.
>
> Sunday is cool with me to check my bike. just give me a ring before hand
> my number is

> *Nine eight four four three zero one four zero five*

> > > >> Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformore details

[RT]

And looks like I've now been approved for instant posting as opposed
to having it moderated first. Thats convenient :)

Thanks mods.

[htedum]

> @Abhijit
>
> I'll send you my number too and we'll see if we can't make it to IISc
> together. What say?

Sounds good! If anyone else wants to join, please post here.