To: bovik@k
Subject: Mountain Bikes and bike stores in the 'burgh area
Date: Tue, 10 Jan 89 19:21:53 EST
Message-ID: <336.600481313@BRAHMS.CODA.CS.CMU.EDU>
From: David.Steere@B.GP.CS.CMU.EDU

Harry,
  
Here's some information I found while buying a mountain bike. I ended up
buying a used bike from barry at Dirty Harry's. I'm really pleased with
it. I ended up paying $400 for an $800 bike. It was a year old, but in 
very good shape. I also liked the Ambridge bike store, but it was a bit
out of the way. I have since heard they have opened a store near CMU, but
I don't know the truth of it. I was not very impressed with the Pittsburgh
Pro Shop, I just didn't seem to think they cared very much about me. They
did seem to know about bikes, however.

In researching mountain bikes in the 88/89 season, I compiled a list of things
to look for.

First, Know what kind of riding you are going to do. If it's mostly city, don't
waste your money on an expensive bike. If you plan to beat on all the trails
in pennsylvania, don't waste your time buying a cheap bike, it'll only break.

Second, before buying a bike, ride several from different stores. No matter
how nice a bike you get, if it doesn't feel good you're not going to use it.
Bicycle magazine said loads of people every year get turned away from cycling
because they got the wrong bike to start out with.

This year mountain bikes are going from  $300-$1000+. If you're only going to
street ride, think about a road bike or a $300-$400 mountain bike. If you
are going to be doing some heavy riding, get some serious components($500 on
up). For '88 bikes, don't stop for less than Shimano Deore equipment. Make
sure you get full Deore stuff, not just parts of it. The difference between
u-brakes and cantilever brakes is small, as long as the brake is well built
and you can easily stop the bike, even going down hill.  For '89 bikes,
Shimano Mountain LX will do, but still prefer Deore equipment.  Suntour is
also good, make sure you get components equivalent to Deore.  Sealed hub or
regular hub is a matter of preference. Sealed hub lasts longer, but non
sealed is alot easier to manage. Make sure you're getting good tires too.
For just street riding you might just want slicks, but for heavy off road,
look for knobbys.  Farmer John or Ritchy Quads are two tires I hear are
good.  Frames of chrome-alloy or steel are typically heavier and cheaper.
Frames of aluminum are usually stronger and lighter, but more expensive. You
want the frame to be stiff -- not to flex when you pedal the bike. Straight
forks vs regular forks is also a trade off. Some companies are introducing
straight forks in '89. They say it adds control at high speeds and in
cornering. It also roughens the ride. If you don't plan to be careening down
muddy hills at high speeds, don't bother with straight forks.

In looking at the new models, I was really impressed with the TREK bikes.
They are made in the US, which means quality (usually). Other good names
are Specialized, Diamond Back, and Jamis. (There are other good names, these
are just the ones I found)

One last thing, I personally think a front fender and a back rack to be 
very nice features. My first day out 6 inches of snow had just melted and
I was cutting through the dirt roads in schenley for some fun on my way to 
school. I was covered with mud in no time, and driving through the clouds of
mud my tires were kicking up, although loads of fun, made seeing very
difficult.

dcs

Here's some comments I got from posting on the net :

From: Blake.Ward@CENTRO.SOAR.CS.CMU.EDU

David,

I can wholeheartedly recommend a place called "Dirty Harry's Dirt
Bikes" located in Verona (20 minutes from CMU).  I've bought two
mountain bikes from him over the past couple of years, my wife has
bought one, and at least 15 mountain biking friends have bikes from
him.  As far as I know, no one has a complaint.  Barry Jeffries is the
owner and also an avid mountain biker.  Unlike most bike shops that
specialize in road bikes but also carry mountain bikes, Barry only
handles mountain bikes, so knows what he's talking about.

If you'd like a higher quality bike than you might otherwise afford,
Barry often has used bikes in like-new condition at great prices.

Good luck on your purchase, and if you'd like to get together with some
other mountain bikers, you should check out the Explorer's Club of Pgh.
We meet the 2nd Thursday of every month in Rm 130, Coolidge Hall,
Chatham Campus at 7:30pm.  The club does lots of other outdoor
activities too, but has more than 50 active bikers.

	Blake.

From: David Anderson <dba+@andrew.cmu.edu>

I bought my mountain bike last summer from the Ambridge Bike Shop. I've been
to several stores, both while bike shopping, and since, looking for
accessories, etc., and I remain most impressed with Ambridge. They are
inconveniently located (it takes about 40 minutes to get there from Sq.
Hill), but they have a big store, good selection, very competent and
friendly staff, and fair prices. And of course, make sure you have a helmet.

--david

From: Todd.Kaufmann@NL.CS.CMU.EDU

Friends Who Ride Bikes are always recommending Dirty Harry's in Verona (go
down Washington Blvd to end & turn right, follow Allegheny River Road ~10
miles (or so it seemed)).  --This info is from people who manage & ride for
bicycle messenger services... I'm not sure why they say so, but I respect
their opinion.  Some 9- or 12-letter name starting with a K comes to mind as
the name of a bike.  Krakatoa?

Right across the street from Dirty Harry's is the Gatto; I've gone to
the Gatto with a couple friends who purchased bikes there (about $400
each).  They seem pretty helpful & reasonable.  They give a free
checkup (adjustments, etc) after ~25 hours riding.  You should expect
this from a reputable store.

On Braddock & Penn is Snitger's, in the building labeled "The Factory"
(a collection of shops).  I've seen Canondales & Schwinns there, but
not a wide selection.

I think there's another Snitger's down Penn or Liberty, near downtown.

In Squirrel Hill, on Murray is Pittsburgh Pro Bike Shop  or some such name.
I generally find their prices to be kind of high, and have really been
turned off by one asshole that works there--so much, that in the past
I would rather ride 3-4 miles to Kraynick's in Garfield than walk half
a block to this shop, even for a spoke or cable.  However, last couple
times (broken chain; broken shifter) I was happily surprise by the
helpfulness of another salesperson there.  To name names, whenever I've
brought in slightly mangled parts, Angelo has said "you have to replace
that" for ex$horbitant amount; then Gerry Kraynick always gives sane
advice.  So I have no respect for Angelo.

Kraynick's on Penn Ave in Garfield.  This man probably has more
experience fixing bikes than anyone in Pittsburgh.  Best for repairs, parts,
and accessories.  Few whole bikes available; used, maybe none new.

A friend named Joe mentioned he was going to open a shop.  He built a
bike for a friend, and is helpful and knowledgable.  Reputed to be
around the area of Kraynick's.  I think he mostly rebuilds bikes
though--big heavy chrome-laden sixties one-speed cruisers from hell.

There is also a place in Penn Circle (on Highland?) called Classic
cycle shop, I think.  Seen from afar; never entered.

There are a couple mail-order places: Bike Nashbar, and Performance 
(I'm not sure if the latter sells bikes or just parts).  Bike Nashbar
has a toll-free number (ask operator 800/555-1212) -- call and ask for
a free catalog.  Or ask Charles.Fineman@h for the number or to show you
a catalog (he probably has one in his office).  I have a Performance
catalog at home, and may some time remember to bring in some more info.
Try asking for a toll-free number.

From: Robert Sturgill <sturgill@galileo.ece.cmu.edu>

There is a great bike store in Youngstown, Ohio.  They are about 1.5 hours
away, and do a fantastic mail-order business.  Most serious cyclists know about
these guys, and just about everyone has bought something from them at one time
or another.  The place is called Bike Nashbar, and their phone number is:
216-782-2244.  I have an old catalog (about a month old) that you may have if
you stop by my office tomorrow.  I'm in Hamerschlag Hall, A301, x3264.  I'll
bring it in tomorrow.

	Rob Sturgill
--------

From: Dale.Moore@MOORE.FAC.CS.CMU.EDU

Stay away from department store bikes.  Those clunkers will only
last several hundred miles.  And will fall apart without trying.
They are designed to take up room in your garage.

If you've got the time, and are willing to go 20-30 miles away,
you might wanna check out the Ambridge Bike Shop.  Pretty good size.
Good selection of equipment.  Good (not the absolute lowest) prices.
Follow the north side of Ohio river away from downtown (Route 65),
till you come to Ambridge.  The bike shop is on the main drag,
Merchant St (not Rt 65) Phone is 266-1111.  Get Dave or Larry.

Some other shops you might wanna check out (no particular order) are
	Snitgers on Penn Av in Wilkinsburg,
	Classic Cycles in East Liberty (near Sears),
	Pgh Pro (Kinda pricey, but good stuff), and
	Gatto in Verona.
These shops are all closer, but Ambridge will have more stock than any
two of them put together.  And Ambridge will probably beat 'em on price.

There are some other shops in town.  Some mostly stay with kid stuff,
BMX and skateboards.  They aren't staying in business on my account.

If you aren't afraid to "do it yourself", and don't have an aversion
to mail order... You might wanna check out Bike Nashbar, or Performance
catalogs.   If you really cant find either of these, let me
know, I and I'll see if I can't find mine at home.  These guys have
fair equipment for the lowest price.  But then... It's mail order.

One last thing, we've a mailing list set up for bicycle minded folks.
It's pretty dormant now.  But during the summer, there will be a couple
of messages a week of the form

	35-40 mile ride. Weds Eve. Moderate pace. Doherty Hall clock.
	5:30.  Probably Saxonburg Road. RSVP.

About 6 people will show up. And we'll all go out on the road and play
in traffic for two and a half hours.
We occasionally discuss things like bike shops, the benefit of toe clips.
But mostly its just for arranging bike rides.
To join the mailing list send mail to

	cyclists-requests@cs.cmu.edu

Looking forward to hearing from you.

From: Hans.Tallis@ML.RI.CMU.EDU

David,
You might send the same note to cyclists@cs.cmu.edu to hit a more selective
audience, and some who might not read general.

Avoid Pgh Pro in Squill, as they like your $$ more than your business.
Snitgers has a good rep, as does Classic Cycle, except I hear the latter is
out of business.
--Hans

From: Kenneth.Cline@PROOF.ERGO.CS.CMU.EDU

Go to Dirty Harry's bike shop out in Verona.  They are truly
interested in off road vehicles and will give you better advice than
many of the shops around here where the salesmen only ride road bikes.
they also don't suffer from the elitist attitudes that you find at
some local shops.  I also feel that you get better service at Dirty
Harry's.  I know that the people who work there are all first rate
mechanics - they have to be given the way the ride their bikes!

The biggest problem with the place is that it out in Verona.  To get
there, take 5th to Washington to Allegheny River Blvd, turn right
Dirty Harry's is on the left hand side of the street in Verona.  You
can't miss it since Verona is only one or two blocks long.

Ken