Buying a Bike

[kard]

I had been wondering about that - what is the tamest route from the xroads to midtown?  Is it best to go up Gilham or further east?  Seems like you run into that monster anyway you go. 

There is no good way up that hill.  But yeah, Gillham is better then some of the others.  Not nearly as much traffic on it either.

[riebschlager]

I sometimes take Kessler Road (just west of Main at Pershing) up that hill.  It's no less steep, in fact, I think it's a bit worse.  But there are rarely cars there so I can wheeze and cry in solitude.

[Highlander]

It's surprising how well a pack of drunk cyclists can take a hill! Pub crawls should only be done by bicycle, in my opinion! (Too bad most of my friends are lame and don't bike...  )

So, can one be arrested for drunk driving on a bicycle? 

[kard]

So, can one be arrested for drunk driving on a bicycle? 

The charge isn't "drunk driving," but yes.

[LenexatoKCMO]

So, can one be arrested for drunk driving on a bicycle? 

I believe it has to be motorized.  Hence the poor sods who have gotten convictions for being on their riding mower.  

[beccanator]

The charge isn't "drunk driving," but yes.

You would know that, wouldn't you, Kard.   

[LenexatoKCMO]

The charge isn't "drunk driving," but yes.

Do they get you for public intoxication?  

[kard]

You would know that, wouldn't you, Kard.   

I've never had an encounter with police.  I have had them stare me down as I strutted (read:  stumbled) by with keys in my hand only to proceed to unlock a bike, at which point they started laughing at me.

Do they get you for public intoxication? 

Yeah, that and something else, I thought.  The Lenexa police were really being dorks (read: something much worse) during the organized midnight ride in Lenexa last month.  I think they actually arrested and charged some folks with DUI.  I'd like to see how that one holds up in court (ha!).  It wasn't called for in that situation.  Others, perhaps.  But not that one.

[Tosspot]

Back to bikes for a moment...I'm a total novice, but is it safe to assume most any midtown or downtown bike shop will have some quality used bicycles to select from?

I'm looking at used because I don't give a damn about it being new, and it would cost less. I'm really leaning towards Midwest Cyclery on Broadway since they are the closest bike shop to my home that I know of.

[LenexatoKCMO]

Are there any good local cyling sites or forums - the sort of place where a person could find sugested rides, trail maps, etc.? 

[kard]

Are there any good local cyling sites or forums - the sort of place where a person could find sugested rides, trail maps, etc.? 

http://www.brenthugh.com/jacksoncountyroutes/

http://www.kcbike.info/

[LenexatoKCMO]

Thanks, exactly what I had in mind. 

[staubio]

Back to bikes for a moment...I'm a total novice, but is it safe to assume most any midtown or downtown bike shop will have some quality used bicycles to select from?

I'm looking at used because I don't give a damn about it being new, and it would cost less. I'm really leaning towards Midwest Cyclery on Broadway since they are the closest bike shop to my home that I know of.

Not many places have used.  I'd go Acme if that is your angle.

[kard]

Not many places have used.  I'd go Acme if that is your angle.

What about the bikes and trikes for tykes?  Anything good up there?

[Tosspot]

What about the bikes and trikes for tykes?  Anything good up there?

Would they be willing to supply a 25 year old?

[chrizow]

Would they be willing to supply a 25 year old?

show up wearing a Dora the Explorer t-shirt and have a bunch of Cheeto dust all over your mouth.

[bahua]

You might keep your eye on this, too:

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/bik/

[LenexatoKCMO]

Would they be willing to supply a 25 year old?

I think that dangerboy was saying earlier that they sell the adult bikes that come in to the public as a way of raising money for the rest of the operation.  

[staubio]

What about the bikes and trikes for tykes?  Anything good up there?

I'd hate to jeopardize the ability of the organization to raise money for a good cause but I've found that their adult bikes are overpriced and a bit antiquated.  It is hit and miss.

[bahua]

Seriously, there look to be some fantastic deals on craigslist right now.