Bicycles

[j&cscott]

Hello everyone,
My wife and I considering buying 2 bikes to ride while we are down there. They would be stored outside all the time. We would mostly be riding mostly on 30A ,but possibly to panama beach after we got more experienced. Anyone have a opinion as to what style? Beach cruisor,tourior,multi speed etc. Would a better bike last longer or are they all going to rust pretty fast?
Thanks Johnny&Cathy

 

[TreeFrog]

I'd consider renting instead of buying, if you can't store them indoors. They will deteriorate very quickly outside. Even storing them in a shed doesn't help much, with the salt atmosphere.

If you have to buy and have to store outside, then get a cruiser bike during the end-of-season sales from one of the beach rentals next fall. That way you'll spend the least money on what will eventually become a throwaway.

Unless, of course, you just enjoy conspicuous waste. In which case, I know a nice new bike or two you can buy me. And I'll give you a couple of pre-rusted cruisers to ease the pain...

 

[soappedaler]

My bikes live under my house, it's on pillings, all the time, I bring them to Big Daddy's to have a tune up every so often, but they have lasted years. Get a sport comfort bike, with an internal hub. The gearing is protected from what I understand. When you leave if you house isn't rented put them in the living room. Depending on how much time you spend down here it may be better to just rent. Monthly and weekly rates at Big Daddy's are decent.

 

[TreeFrog]

I'll take this one, please.

 

[30A Skunkape]

You might consider waiting until the fall to buy one. The rental shops will be looking to unload their used ones. I bought a cruiser at Butterfly's for peanuts...it had minimal wear and tear and I don't think twice about having it exposed to the elements.

 

[sbw]

Big Daddy's was fantastic when I decided to buy. They were very friendly and knowledgeable, gave me the pros and cons of the different bike styles, and let me take a few bikes for a test spin.

I believe they also rent, if you prefer to try that first.

Good luck - I'll look for you on the trails.

 

[elgordoboy]

I'll take this one, please.

Wow! I'd have to carry a stick to shoo the ladies away when hanging down at the Thumb if I had that! What is it?

 

[elgordoboy]

I went and found it. I found one a liked a bit better but noticed it was under the ladies section What's the diff? It wasn't wearing pantyhose or carrying a purse or anything.

 

[TreeFrog]

Wow! I'd have to carry a stick to shoo the ladies away when hanging down at the Thumb if I had that! What is it?

Electra makes it. www.electrabike.com

They call it an "Amsterdam Balloon 8". Weird name, fine looking ride. It's black with pinstripes and white fat tires. They make a skinny-tire version of it in dark green. The nearest dealer is in Tallahassee.

As you can tell, I've wasted a lot of time looking into it.

I first saw it in the new issue of Bicycling magazine, which is their annual buyer's guide.

 

[elgordoboy]

Electra makes it. www.electrabikes.com

They call it an "Amsterdam Balloon 8". Weird name, fine looking ride. It's black with pinstripes and white fat tires. They make a skinny-tire version of it in dark green. The nearest dealer is in Tallahassee.

As you can tell, I've wasted a lot of time looking into it.

I first saw it in the new issue of Bicycling magazine, which is their annual buyer's guide.

Thanks I saw that sport 9 special as well. That red one in the ladies section is sharp too. I love the white tires.