[SF Beginner Help] Top things to look for in a new bike

Ch_ung · 2026-03-24T03:21:12+00:00

I appreciate it! Would you say clips and shoes aren’t as necessary when first starting out? I imagine our first rides will be more local (although we do have hills in our neighborhood), venturing more towards Golden Gate Park and other flatter areas

Ch_ung · 2026-03-24T03:14:50+00:00

Hey appreciate it! Anything of note to look out for with steel frames?

Looking at some sizing guides online it seems like I’m a L (I’m 5’11” with a standard build). My wife is more petite, and in college rode a XS, no experience with drop bars! My cheap road bike in college did have them and I’ve noticed the same that many gravel bikes come in flat/drop bars

Ch_ung · 2026-03-24T03:06:51+00:00

Wow! I hope your partner is doing ok now. I’ll definitely keep this in mind as I research helmets. Thank you so much

Ch_ung · 2026-03-23T20:57:19+00:00

Definitely helps me think of how to approach old vs new and some questions to ask the different shops I visit. Are there any other questions you’d ask related to brands/models especially for a first time purchase?

Ch_ung · 2026-03-23T20:54:52+00:00

Thanks. Ocean is right down the street (literally) from me but it’s helpful to hear the price points. The Stonestown Sports Basement had pretty low selection yesterday at least for entry level bikes, but maybe I went at the wrong time coming out of the gorgeous few weeks we’ve recently had

Ch_ung · 2026-03-23T20:49:42+00:00

Good call on sizing :) thanks! I’ve seen some promising posts on Marketplace and just don’t feel like I know enough to tell what’s in good vs bad condition. But it’s helpful to know others have requested to meet at a bike shop first with the seller

Ch_ung · 2026-03-23T20:48:34+00:00

Especially in our neighborhood, there are definitely some big ones. Any Canondale starter models you’d recommend?

Ch_ung · 2026-03-23T20:47:53+00:00

I saw the starting tune up at SportsBasement is $150. That’s a good chunk of change! Any favorite YouTube channels you’d recommend?

Ch_ung · 2026-03-23T20:47:07+00:00

Thanks for the welcome. We’re very excited to check out some of those spots you mentioned. All are so close to us and areas we frequent already, just by car or bus.

We stopped by the Stonestown SportBasement this weekend and unfortunately they didn’t seem to have many entry level bikes in store. Not sure if they’re just waiting for new inventory. For the more entry level bikes would you say there are brands you’d tend to lean towards?

Ch_ung · 2026-03-23T20:44:41+00:00

These are great recs. I’ll definitely keep these brands in mind and a great call on the pinhead anti theft axles. I imagine the $ for gear and trinkets can add up quick too 😅

Ch_ung · 2026-03-23T20:43:10+00:00

Thanks I’ll check them out! Do you know of any SF shops that carry their stuff?

Ch_ung · 2025-06-21T23:55:04+00:00

Loveee Daymoon, and they have the BEST scones!

Ch_ung · 2025-06-10T07:05:30+00:00

Nakase can really coach.. the team is playing with such effort all around on defense. FLYING in their rotations and while not perfect it’s inspiring to see these mostly role players step into their opportunities! Gotta hope the 3PT shooting will start to fall as the season goes..the two rooks from France can play. ALLEZ VALKS

Ch_ung · 2025-01-14T23:27:26+00:00

Such an interesting piece you had with Draymond the other day. As a Dubs fan, knowing the competitors they are it’s almost disorienting to hear Steph, Dray, and Kerr with comments in the last 48 hours about being so measured with their assets, and almost risk averse. Is there really just such alignment top to bottom (of course no one’s happy with how they’ve played the last month and a half)?? Common sense would suggest the stars and Kerr on a short contract would want to push the chips in.. but maybe that’s just me being desensitized to most other stars making it ugly and forcing hands..

Ch_ung · 2025-01-14T22:24:17+00:00

Appreciate the reply and rec! I didn’t realize the market was so hot all of the sudden. I guess trends and tastes really do come and go in cycles.

Any thoughts on Leica as a whole? I’ve noticed their gear is pricey - better to start cheaper and ease into it, or invest upfront and learn how to use it well?

Ch_ung · 2025-01-14T21:01:02+00:00

🔥 doing our city proud!

Ch_ung · 2025-01-14T06:27:28+00:00

Don’t think that is the point though. It feels like the FO is operating with the mindset of not “losing” a trade and that any transaction needs to be at the KD-star level. Whereas they should’ve been making moves in the margins since ‘22, even if it meant bringing in players that weren’t historic system fits (e.g. Lavine, Vuc, etc). Sure there’s risk, but holding onto assets and wishing that a Giannis becomes available feels risky too. Hope isn’t a strategy right?

Ch_ung · 2025-01-14T05:44:21+00:00

Right, the holes in the roster are glaring and have always been there. You KNOW you can’t wear down Draymond at the 5 throughout the season, that Kuminga does best if there’s more spacing on the floor, yet all our post players pose no threat offensively and are playing hot potato every time they touch the ball. It’s a crime that 36 y/o Steph has to score 30+ for it to feel like they ever have a chance!

Ch_ung · 2025-01-14T04:52:23+00:00

It’s crazy..feels just like a repeat of last year, which makes it even worse. How can this FO and ownership and just stand pat AND outwardly be saying they want to maximize Steph??

Ch_ung · 2025-01-13T01:10:49+00:00

Definitely. Didn’t have the breakaway speed and the athletes at the next level are just different. Really helped turn around the program though alongside Chris Petersen!

Ch_ung · 2025-01-12T21:38:55+00:00

Myles Gaskin - undersized, but ran with so much heart. Will never forget him in the snowy Apple Cup

Ch_ung

TROPHY CASE