Biking for Everyone - bicycle gear buyers guide - Buyers Guide

Sierra, July, 1999

1999 Bicycle Gear Buyer's Guide

Hot innovations and breakthrough legislation make this a glorious time to ride

The bike world has come a long way in the last generation. From a tiny sport of dedicated tourers and racers, it has mushroomed into the biggest mainstream fitness activity in the country after walking. The rise of the rugged and comfortable mountain bike in the 1980s and '90s had a lot to do with its fast rise in popularity. And two recent developments may assure its growth for years to come: Congress' passage last year of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century, known as TEA-21, which designates a whopping $3 billion for new pedestrian and on- and off-road bike lanes and trails from now until 2004; and an explosion of innovation that has created hundreds of convenient new accessories and entirely new categories of bikes.

Today, riders of every age and ability have a bicycle to call their own. To the traditional line-up of mountain, road, and hybrid bikes, add recumbents for those who prefer a back-friendly, laid-back position. Add electric bikes for those who want a little assist on the hills, folding bikes for business and weekend travelers, and auto-shifting bikes that take the guesswork out of changing gears. On the accessory front, advances in electronics and product design have made lights, computers, all-in-one multitools, pumps, and other products remarkably compact, simple, and effective. The latest generation of child and cargo carriers, auto racks, and touring equipment are so easy to use that there is no excuse for not making cycling part of your daily family life.

So feast your eyes on the best new products from the cycling world. Then get out and ride.

Bikes

(1) Ritchey Plexus mountain bike $3,200

Fabled hike builder Tom Ritchey made some of the first mountain bike frames 21 years ago, and his expertise is evident in the impressive new Plexus. Extremely light for a steel bike at 23 pounds, the hardtail takes edge off of bumpy trails with a Judy SL fork up front and swept seat stays that give it a quarter-inch of rear-wheel travel Ritchey innovation is also on display in the transmission, which uses the company's signature "2-by-9" drivertrain with an extra-wide chain for added mud clearance, and in its superstrong Zero Wheel System with a "dishless" rear wheel. Other brands' rear wheels often get out of true because their left and right spokes are angled differently the Plexus uses OCR (off center rim) and Z Hubs with narrowerspaced flanges to make them equal. Bottom line? A feathery, bomb-proof machine you can ride for years, (800) RITCHEY; info@ritcheylogic.com

(2) Dahon Rock Hard folding mountain bike $349

Some traveling bikes are so tiny that you feel like you're a circus act, Not the Rock Hard. The latest from one of the original pioneers of folding bikes, this is a full-blown, 21-speed, 26-in.-wheel mountain bike that hinges at mid-frame. The 32-pounder easily fits in a trunk and can be boxed small enough to checked onto an airplane without an extra bike-baggage fee. For serious riders who want a lightweight aluminum frame and front suspension, check out Dahon's hot Zero G model ($699). (626) 305-5264.

(3) Schwinn Circuit road bike $1,199-1,299

If there was a "Best All `Round" award for road bikes. the Circuit would win hands down. It's a true racing bike with the same hot-shot, straight-blade aluminum fork and lightweight Reynolds 853 steel frame found on Schwinn's speedy Peloton. On the other hand, it's also a great century machine and legitimate touring bike, given its rack mounts and 27-speed. Shimano 105 triple-chain ring A complete value, it includes clipless pedals and strong double-wall dins. (800) SCHWINN: www.schwinn.com

(4) Raleigh R300 touring bike $650

If touring's your thing be prepared to be wowed. The R300 has features of tour bikes costing hundreds more, including a lightweight aluminum frame (instead of heavier steel tubing), convenient brake-lever shifters (instead of frame-mounted shifters) and a tacit Available in classy Ultra Red, it comes with all the standard touring fare you need: a stable, long-wheelbase frame design, hill-friendly, triplechain-ring 24-speed drivetrain, back-friendly riser stem and front fork pannier mounts. (800) 222-5527; www.raleighusa.com

Panniers & Racks

(5) Ortlieb Bike Packer Light panniers Rear: $195; Front: $165

The leader of the packs, Ortlieb is well-known for the detailed, high-quality construction of its racks and panniers, its new Bike Packer Lights panniers start with lightweight, waterproof DuPont 5000 Cordura and make it completely airtight by using welded seams. The new QL (Quick Lock) mounting system is simple and sure; the panniers mount and dismount the rack with the simple lifting of a strap. (800) 649-1763; www.ortlieb.de

(6) Blackburn SP-2 Quick Release Rack $44.95

Commuter racks don't get any easier than this. The SP-2 uses a convenient, tools-free, quick-release clamp to mount onto a seatpost without removing the post. The rack, which rests on top of a burly rectangular aluminum beam, has a 20-lb. load capacity, weighs 460 grams and adjusts to seatpost diameters from 25.2 to 30mm. It is not pannier-compatible. A division of Bell Sports. (800) 456-2355; www.blackbumdesign.com