| Title: | Bicycling |
| Notice: | Bicycling for Fun |
| Moderator: | JAMIN::WASSER |
| Created: | Mon Apr 14 1986 |
| Last Modified: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 3214 |
| Total number of notes: | 31946 |
Hello from the GREAT WHITE NORTH,
I'm in the market for a new ATB bike this year. I been look'n in the
$500 - $600 Canadian range ($350 - $450 US range). The bike I've become
interested in is a KUWAHARA SHASTA, 1987 model. It has the chromoly frame,
Shimano Deore SIS derailler system, Shimano Deore brakes (rear U brake),
Shaimano cranks with Bio-Pace chainrings and Araya rims, 26".
Since I currently own a $99 10-Speed I am after some advise on this bike
and how to properly size an ATB bike. The SHASTA comes in 21 1/2" and
23 1/2" frames, I'm 6'1". Should I go with the 23 1/2"? Any comments on the
components? I like the idea of the index shifters. Are they any more
difficult to keep in adjustment that the friction shifters? I have decided
on an ATB bike as I would like to do some backcountry riding (there are some
great trails in the Rockies, just 1 hour from here in Calgary, Alberta) and
city commuting. Is an ATB bike ok for the occasional touring trip?
Any info or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanx...
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| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 249.1 | ATB's make great touring bikes! | GRUNT::KLASMAN | Thu Apr 02 1987 20:31 | 13 | |
The index shifters are harder to keep adjusted, but if you knock
it out you can always set the levers to friction (regular) shifting.
If you take the full knobby tires off and put a general purpose
tire on it (most tire manufacturers make them) a mtn bike is great
for touring and city commuting. They are much more durable, flat
tires will be reduced, and they're more fun, anyway. As for the
size, I'm 5'5" and ride a 19" mtn bike. They say you should have
more clearance between the top tube and your crotch, so you need
to ride a smaller frame than your road bike. Good luck and have
fun!
Kevin
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| 249.2 | MPGS::DEHAHN | Fri Apr 03 1987 09:05 | 22 | ||
You should be riding an ATB bike at least one "size" smaller than
your *properly fitted* road bike. I'm 5'10 and ride a 19" ATB; so
at 6 feet you'd be a lot closer to the 21" than the 23". In fact,
I don't think I've ever seen a 23" ATB before.
Shimano Deore used to be (maybe still is) the state of the art in
production components for ATB's. The series has been out for a few
years, so I can't see how you can go wrong in the component department.
Touring on an ATB? One thing you'll learn real quickly is that you
don't go real fast on these things. Add the pannier weight and you'll
be in for a loooooong trip. If you're talking about on/off road
touring though, an ATB makes a great choice.
Kuwahara is a pretty good manufacturer, known best for it's BMX
bikes. I haven't seen the Shasta, so I can't help here.
Best of luck, and have fun shopping!
CdH
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| 249.3 | ATB's | CGFSV1::SMITH | Good day, eh? | Tue Apr 14 1987 13:27 | 16 |
Thanx for your help. I did decide on the "Shasta", picked it up
last Friday. Nothing else could touch it's features for the
price. I bought a 21 1/2" frame (the 23 1/2" was a real jewel
cruncher) and find it real comfortable.
These ATB's are great! I haven't had so much fun on a bike since
I was 16 years old.
Thanx again...
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