[Polar Bear]

I've posted before regarding bike shops in TV. But now I've narrowed down what I want, and...more importantly...heheh...our move to TV is only days away. I'd prefer to buy locally at (or near) TV, but I don't know if there is a shop that sells what I want. I'm 6'-6" and looking for a 29er mountain bike. I'll consider any reputable brand.

Is there a shop nearby that meet my needs?

[John_W]

There are two local bike shops. The oldest is in the shopping center at Spanish Springs on Bachara next to Belks, it called Village Cycles. The other is in the Winn Dixie Shopping Center in Wildwood. I believe they give a 10% discount to villagers. It's called Wildwood Cyclery. Of course, there is Orlando which is only about an hour away.


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[LndLocked]

The 2 shops in the posting above are both great shops and can put you on a quality 29er.

You can also find a listing of LBS's (Local Bike Shops) in the area that support the local mtn biking community and OMBA (Ocala Mountian Biking Association) the volunteer org that builds and maintains the local mtn biking trails known as The Santos Trail System.

Links of Interest

[Tom Grooms]

Establishing a relationship with a local shop is very important. I would highly recommend Orange Cycle in Orlando. Great people and wonderful selection of premium products.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Tom Grooms

Establishing a relationship with a local shop is very important. I would highly recommend Orange Cycle in Orlando. Great people and wonderful selection of premium products.

Honest question...you think they have something to offer that the two local shops cited previously do not?

[Tom Grooms]

Yes, Specialized, Cannondale, Salsa, Raleigh, Electra, Haro and over 40 years of service

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Tom Grooms

Yes, Specialized, Cannondale, Salsa, Raleigh, Electra, Haro and over 40 years of service

Oooh. You're very first reason hit a nerve. I'm no expert, but the Specialized Rockhopper 29er (I'm pretty sure that's its name...about $800 or so...I have a limited budget) is my favorite I've seen so far.

What do you think? By the way, I'm 6'-6" tall. So fit is very important to me.

[Tom Grooms]

I'm a Specialized guy myself. I have a Stumpjumper Hardtail and a Sirrus flat bar road bike. Rockhopper is very nice bike but I wouldn't want to ride a mountain bike around the Villages. Unless you plan on driving to the trails, I would look real hard at the Sirrus Comp. It's like a lightweight, carbon fork, road tire Rockhopper. Very nicely equipped and around your budget.

If you're into off road, there are lots of nice single track within 20 to 30 miles from here.

[LndLocked]

Orange Cycle is a fine shop ... they are also about 1.5 hours from TV.

ALL of those brands (and many many more quality bikes including: Giant, Trek, GT, Jamis, Felt, Scott, 9er, Santa Cruz to name a few) are available at closer LBS's. Specialized is carried by Brick City Bikes (link in my posting above).

I would agree that a mtn bike specific bike (even a 29er) is not your best option if you only want to ride roads / paths within TV. In that case, I would go with something a little more "road" specific. Something lighter & with "pizza cutter" tires ;-)

Naturally, at your height you are going to need a large to XL frame. It is difficult to find a mtn bike frame (even a 29er) larger than an XL, which is about a 22" frame, as measured from center of bottom bracket to top of seat tube. As a general rule, 29ers ride somewhat "larger" than a 26" bike of the same frame size. It is somewhat easier to find a road frame in a larger size .... although you will most likely have to have it ordered.

If you want to to some mtn biking .... drop me a msg and I can introduce you to some truly excellent local single track.

[John_W]

In 2009 I started riding again after stopping in the 80's, and I wanted something comfortable, I didn't want to have the drop down handlebars. I got a Globe Caramel 26" in black for $395. It's made by Specialized and is sort of a hybrid. It's very comfortable seat, gear shift is incorporated into the handles, the components are Shiamano. I would recommend it to the casual rider.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Tom Grooms

...Rockhopper is very nice bike but I wouldn't want to ride a mountain bike around the Villages...

Are there specific reasons you say you wouldn't want to ride a mountain bike around TV? Appreciate the advice and will definitely keep it in mind. But here’s my thinking. Please feel free to point out the error of my ways...

I really only want a single bike, at least for now. I'd ride around TV mostly for fun and exercise. Really wouldn't care about max speed. And I thought being able to leave the path in a pinch might even be a bit safer...not that that's really a major concern of mine. Finally, I (and my wife) want to try some beginner trails and maybe work our way up a bit. We love that sort of stuff.

What do you think?

(By the way, I have found a few 29er mountain bikes in XXL...I believe the Rockhopper was one.)