Recommend me a bike

[SunnyD]

4.8 miles to work, 9.6 miles round trip. I'm one who grew up on 10-speed "street" racing-style bikes. I've never been a fan of the mountain bike type, mostly because they're very heavy. But in honesty, this is going to be for me to get to and from work... Price, no more than $200 tops, the cheaper the better.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

What kind of conditions will you be riding in, traffic-wise? Urban streets, rural roads, dirt roads?

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

$200? From what I've seen, bike shops don't carry anything under $300, and so this will probably fall into the walmart/target/etc. price range. I haven't bought a bike in a long time and so I could be wrong, it's not something I follow.

 

[klod]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
$200? From what I've seen, bike shops don't carry anything under $300, and so this will probably fall into the walmart/target/etc. price range. I haven't bought a bike in a long time and so I could be wrong, it's not something I follow.

Or a quality used bike. They are out there, but you have to look. A good bike shop will sell used bikes, as well as craigslist, local paper, etc.

My wife and I have Raleighs and love them. Good luck!

 

[luckysnafu]

For that sort of budget I recommend looking for a used bike. I got a nice older 10 speed road bike from craigslist for around $100 last summer. Just make sure to try it out and make sure it is the correct size before buying.

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: ShotgunSteven
What kind of conditions will you be riding in, traffic-wise? Urban streets, rural roads, dirt roads?

Mostly rural paved roads. I would have the option to ride about a mile on a fairly heavily traveled road, however I think I'll normally take the back way instead which might add half a mile or so.

 

[LS21]

kona makes lots of these types of bikes... kinda mega hybrids... skinny tires, flat handle bar, but road-style frames and components..provisions for fenders and racks. they wont be 200$ cheap though

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

You're going to get alot of headaches for a 200.00 bike, it's going to be very heavy, cheap/bad components/bad paint job (important if you ride it in the rain/snow). If you bump it to 300, you can get a decent bike, but if you can't I do understand. Check craigslist, also mtbr.com has mountain bike reviews.
Also look for 2006/2007 models, closeout will be your friend.
http://www.performancebike.com...fm?subcategory_id=3060
Some of these may be availble locally to test ride, do yourself a favor and do that.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I would do some research on the hardware. Normally the gears and brakes and derailers all have names or letters attached to them. Before you buy, check out the cost of the components online to see if they're the basic models.

You want to get a bike with AT LEAST medium duty if you're using it for road travel. In mtn bike terms, Shimano always sold LX stuff. It was middle of the road. From there you could buy XT or XTR (racing) quality to shed weight and add strength (better allows). If you invest a little more up front, you get a smoother ride and it will last 2-3 seasons longer. Otherwise you'll be paying someone in a bike shop to replace parts by the end of the year.

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
I would do some research on the hardware. Normally the gears and brakes and derailers all have names or letters attached to them. Before you buy, check out the cost of the components online to see if they're the basic models.

You want to get a bike with AT LEAST medium duty if you're using it for road travel. In mtn bike terms, Shimano always sold LX stuff. It was middle of the road. From there you could buy XT or XTR (racing) quality to shed weight and add strength (better allows). If you invest a little more up front, you get a smoother ride and it will last 2-3 seasons longer. Otherwise you'll be paying someone in a bike shop to replace parts by the end of the year.

<--- Bike noob. You just says "You want to get a bike with blah blah blah blah blah..." to me.

 

[conehead433]

Text

Schwinn Varsity at WalMart for $198. Otherwise you'll probably have to go used.

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Sunny
Go to your local bike store, tell them EXACTLY what you're looking for, don't mention price, take a few for a ride, close to your price range and see if they are willing to haggle, if not, you know what bike you like and you can get it on the internet.
I used to sell bikes a long time ago, and even though you're a noob, you still know what you want. And I can guarantee you, spending less on a bike will cost you more in the long run.
A $200.00 bike is going to be a heavy mother, bad components (I'm talking about a new bike here, not a used or closeout 200.00 bike).
Just try a few, it's free to test and if they get pushy, leave. You owe them nothing.