Commuting Bike

[AndrewWiggin]

Does anyone here know much about bikes?

I live a few miles from my campus and there's a paved trail from my apartment to less than a mile from campus, so I thought with it being spring and all that I would try to pick up a bike.

I need something relatively inexpensive (200 or less).

 

[s1mp13m4n]

I am not a hardcore bicycle person but I would say that if you are simply riding the bike and are not a racer or hardcore off road person then might I suggest a hybrid bike. It combines the best features of a roadbike, a mountainbike, and a beach cruiser. You can get some from Walmart. I have a $140 Mongoose mountain bike from Walmart that I bought 5 years a go and it works fine.

 

[pb300]

Bikeforums.net - Commuting section

Above all else (brand, price, color, gearing, whatever) find a bike that fits you. A cheap bike that is the right size will always be better than an expensive one that doesn't.

The other year I purchased a used Trek 4500 mountain bike for $150, threw on some skinny slick tires for $40, and ended up with a solid commuter/exercise bike. Later I added a case of bike accessory acquisition disorder with a rack, trunk bag, bar ends, better grips, new seat, etc. etc.

 

[TimmyBoston]

Single Speed. I'd check Craig's List. I found a fixie there well under $200.

 

[andrew98]

+1 to the single speed. Just make sure you have at least a front brake, for safety's sake.

I just bought one of these, which you may find on sale somewhere. Even at $300 (I paid $400 here in the UK), it's one of the best bike deals I have ever seen in my life. More info.

-Andy

 

[LeverTime]

For $200 I would get a used bike off of Craigslist, rather than buy a new one. It is hard to find a decent new bike for $200.

 

[TimmyBoston]

Did you ever find a bike?

 

[C Reed]

Don't buy a hybrid, they are the worst of all possible worlds and you can't get a decent fixed gear for under $500.

Look for a used road frame that you can lift with one hand and fits you well if it has a "Rynolds 531" sticker on it thats going to be a good indicator of quality.