Sure kids call them "tenies" these days. They are popular for sweet fixie conversions.

Same goes for pouring money into a cars. A lot of people find happiness in having nice things.

MTBs are fun on the dirt.
You weren't comfortable on a road bike because you weren't use to the stretched out position and probably because you have a weak core.

Accidents happen but it seems to happen more with you.

 

Yea we do, we have a long way to fall!.

 

How are your knees? How's your diet? What is your height and weight? 18lbs can shed off in a couple of months if you're doing good cardio (not necessarily biking) and eating right.

 

CX bikes are awesome.

San Jose are really nice but way out of his price range.


I regret selling my CX bike =(

 

Seriously man! Even the smallest fall is insane! I fall for like 3 seconds, You're like 6'4 right? You know exactly what I'm talking about.



when I was a kid people would say "The bigger they are the harder they fall", and it's 100% f'ing true FTL!



In regards to the road bike pain... It's due to the fact that I'm too stretched out (hunched over) which agitates my upper back (which is already screwed up from a previous biking injury). Even when I was in peak MTB shape with 3% body fat (when I was 21) I still couldn't ride a road bike without insane back pain. Riding a mountain bike is a lot easier on me and I think my long legs give me an advantage in regards to pedaling due to all the leverage my long limbs have.

I have two MTB's, an old Gary Fischer that I've had for like 15 years (and souped up to boot) as well as a 2007 Specialized Stump Jumper with full XTR gear. I love this bike because the rear triangle is long and the top tube is shorter which allows me to sit more upright. I have a few sets of wheels that I use all with diff tires for tarmac, cross country, mud, and just 3" downhill tires. My specialized can lock out the front and rear suspension to make it rigid for the streets or I can take advantage of the 5.5" inches of front travel and 6" rear. (I think that;s the right specs, it's been a while).


Even if I didn't have a bad back and could only have one bike, it'd def be my specialized stump jumper because it fits me and can do just about anything. Taking a road bike off road is just NOT FUN. with an MTB you can do anything you want.

 

If you want to loose weight. Loose the cassette, 10 spd, 12spd, hell even the brakes. Bring out your inner hipster and peddle the whole nine miles (one way) on a fixie. You'll have a grin from ear to ear and a work out that surprisingly kicks your @$$. the bikes are so simple, that they are cheap. Plus with your price range you'll will be riding in style bringing the 70's back. (Someone had to say fixie lol) iwillpost later if this idea is something you consider. there's a site that sells fixies for dirt cheap 250 for a 2011. I'm no Hipster just trying to fit your budget with your original goal of weight loss

 

Hipster...

It's okay, you don't need to hide it

 

try a cross bike out. its more traditional geometry and its just a road bike with a beefier frame and nobby tires. Also check out touring bikes. they have less aggressive geometry than a road bike or cross bike and they are built to take a pounding. my touring bike is older than i am and its still a beast, and probably the most comfortable bike i have.

 

a used san jose can be had for $300 or so, mine was only $500 new.

Here's my baby:




fixed gear commuting (especially without brakes) is retarded. you can get the same workout going single-speed without all the horrific damage to the cartilage in your knees.

 

hey rau, what's your commuting plan with this bike? Gonna ride rain or shine? or just when it's nice out? Cos if you do the former, you'll definitely need some splash guards. Definitely lights.

 

this, even in broad daylight. most drivers are idiots.

 

That is a very nice speedvagen but why is it so clean? lol jk

Do you race? Road/CX/Track?

Fixed commuting sucks, especially if there are downhills.

Get a brake.

 

not riding in the rain. I dont mind freezing cold or blazing hot weather, just no rain.

 

Oh come on guys.. you mean your not all 20 y/o like I? Just playing stay safe.. and yes use brakes!

 

I got you.