Acquiring a bicycle

[BridgeRunner]

So, after spending $7 on parking during class yesterday, and realizing that I have an unprecedented three daytime classes this term, I'm realizing that I could spend a whole lot of money on parking.  Don't really want to do that.  Taking the bus, though, still costs $2 round trip and takes an obscene amount of time. 

I noticed that one can purchase a cheap bicycle for $100-200.  That could pay for itself pretty quickly.  Low-density urban area, traveling from residential neighborhood to downtown.  About a three mile trip, just barely too far to be able to walk it without losing too much time out of my day.  Don't even want an expensive bike, lest it disappear. 

I've noticed there are plenty of bicyclers in this forum.  Any suggestions on what to look for, or specific models?  My husband and I would likely share it, since he's got a few afternoon classes this term as well, and he tends to get more parking tickets than is close to reasonable.

Also not sure how quickly I'd be able to use it.  Any bicyclers here who have experienced shoulder problems?  I'm getting a labral tear arthroscopically repaired next week.  I'm supposed to be able to resume activities in three or four week, and work up to more intense activities. I'm not sure how much stress bicycling puts on a shoulder.  My guess is none, but then there's probably lots of vibration.  I just don't remember, it's been about twenty years since I had a bike.

[Headless Thompson Gunner]

Avoid Wally World bikes if at all possible.  They are unreliable, unrepairable, uncomfortable, and they can't be adjusted to fit you.  Getting a good fit with a lot of adjustability is doubly important for you, given your shoulder and the possibility of two different people using the bike.

Go to a real bike shop and talk to the staff.  Tell 'em about your shoulder problem, they should be able to accommodate you with a bike that puts you in an upright riding position.  The more upright you sit on the bike the less strain you'll have on you  hands, arms, and shoulders.  With an upright bike and a short 3 mile ride, I doubt shoulder strain will be much of a problem.

$100 is a wee bit optimistic, but $200 or $300 should be doable.  Many bikes come with unnecessary frills, stuff like suspensions and disk brakes and whatnot.  Avoid that stuff, it increases the price needlessly.

Don't concern yourself too much with the brand.  If you buy it from a real bike shop you can expect it to be a quality bike.  The shop will stand behind the products they sell.

Consider spending the $20 or so to add a rack to the bike.  It'll make carrying bags and books and stuff easier.

[mtnbkr]

Get a $200-$300 "city" bike.  AKA Hybrid, Comfort, Commuter, etc.  I'm getting to run out for a bit, but pm me and I'll fill in more detail with specific models.  If you have a Performance Bike nearby, they have great sales from time to time.  I wouldn't spend more than $400 unless you know what you want and why.

Chris

[Tallpine]

I dunno ... I rode a Wal-mart bike for several years while I was in college (about $99 back in the early 90's).

I never had much trouble with it except for flat tires and a few broken cables.  A little wd-40 on the gears and shifters now and then.  The brakes weren't worth much though.

It's still sitting out in the garage rusting and gathering dust.  Not much use for a bike on these washboard gravel roads.


You could also check out some second hand stores and/or garage sails.  You could probably get a fixable bike for $10-15.

[thebaldguy]

Check out some bike shops; a mountain bike works well in the city, and you should be able to find a decent low end bike for around $300 or maybe less. I like riding my mountain bike around the city. It's fun, cheap, and good exercise. 

Get a helmet as well. You will have a close call or a crash sooner or later. I have a headlight and tail light for riding at night.

[cassandra and sara's daddy]

freecycle .org   register place a "wanted " post  you'll get several. i've gotten almost 50 bikes that way over the years for my family and others  free lets you upgrade of you want painlessy

[Tallpine]

Guy wants a bicycle, not a wind powered boat.

She will sue you for saying that 

[Jamisjockey]

Some excellent advice around here.
Check your college for a for sale board.
Check craigslist.
Go for a rigid mountain bike (mountain bike without gears) or a hybrid road bike with a flat bar.  Found this one local to me
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/671921601.html
YMMV.
If you buy used, get it serviced.  New tubes, maybe new tires, and a full tune up. 

I broke my clavicle badly a few years ago.  I healed pretty much exactly as the ortho said I would.
Good luck,

[Regolith]

I agree, stay away from the WalMart bikes.  I bought a real bike from a real bike store a couple of years ago, and it's a completely different ride.  Far smoother, lighter, and easier to pedal.  It's a bit like the difference between riding on smooth pavement and riding in sand.

I'd say go used.  It's likely you'll find something in that price range.





Also, a quick question to some of you biker aficionados...can you buy city/road bike treads that fit a standard mountain bike wheel (26"x1.95")?  I have a mountain bike and almost never use it off road, so I was thinking about putting something on it with a little less aggressive tread to lessen friction. 

[BridgeRunner]

If the OP is female, my apologies. 

Oh, it's ok.  I've grown accustomed to the crushing oppression of the Evil Patriarchy trampling over my personhood and the personhood of other wymyn. 

[BridgeRunner]

Couple questions:

How does one evaluate fit on a bike?  And what about the bike would adjust for different riders?  My husband and I are pretty close in size, but he's got about five inches in height on me. 

I know nothing about bikes.  As I say, it's been twenty years.  I literally have not been on a bicycle since I was a kid.  I am therefore a little leery about buying from craigslist or similar. This is a big college town, so there are several places that sell used bikes, some are clearly discount, used-junk type places.  There's also at least one bike shop.  Should I be so cautious about buying used?  What could be wrong with a cheapo bike that won't be fixable or upgradeable?  Is it worth it to buy used from a bike shop as opposed to a flea-market-ish place?

I definitely cannot spend over $200, which translates to a bit less because of the need for a rack for books and a helmet.  I guess this pretty much means used.  Dunno if that's even realistic for used from a bike shop.  Hm.  Just had the budget ripped to shreds lately by medical expenses. 

[Harold Tuttle]

city slicks are available for most rim sizes

[mtnbkr]

I agree, stay away from the WalMart bikes.  I bought a real bike from a real bike store a couple of years ago, and it's a completely different ride.  Far smoother, lighter, and easier to pedal.  It's a bit like the difference between riding on smooth pavement and riding in sand.

I'd say go used.  It's likely you'll find something in that price range.

Also, a quick question to some of you biker aficionados...can you buy city/road bike treads that fit a standard mountain bike wheel (26"x1.95")?  I have a mountain bike and almost never use it off road, so I was thinking about putting something on it with a little less aggressive tread to lessen friction. 

Yes, Walmart bikes tend not only to be junk, but also poorly assembled.

As for tires, yes, you can get road oriented slicks in widths ranging from 1" to 2" for 26" rims.

As for the OP, craigslist is a great suggestion, but do your research as folks do overprice their bikes hoping for a sucker.  I've seen many bikes priced above their "new" price. 

Lots of good choices here: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=3060

Chris

[Harold Tuttle]

realize that a set of replacement wheels are at least 100 bucks

a 100 dollar bike that needs major parts becomes a money sink that sucks cash

[Harold Tuttle]

buy this one and make him ride it:
http://cgi.ebay.com/MEDLEY-CYCLES-TOWN-COUNTRY-PINK-VINTAGE-BEACH-BIKE_W0QQitemZ140230534196QQihZ004QQcategoryZ159000QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Jamisjockey]

Couple questions:

How does one evaluate fit on a bike?  And what about the bike would adjust for different riders?  My husband and I are pretty close in size, but he's got about five inches in height on me. 

I know nothing about bikes.  As I say, it's been twenty years.  I literally have not been on a bicycle since I was a kid.  I am therefore a little leery about buying from craigslist or similar. This is a big college town, so there are several places that sell used bikes, some are clearly discount, used-junk type places.  There's also at least one bike shop.  Should I be so cautious about buying used?  What could be wrong with a cheapo bike that won't be fixable or upgradeable?  Is it worth it to buy used from a bike shop as opposed to a flea-market-ish place?

I definitely cannot spend over $200, which translates to a bit less because of the need for a rack for books and a helmet.  I guess this pretty much means used.  Dunno if that's even realistic for used from a bike shop.  Hm.  Just had the budget ripped to shreds lately by medical expenses. 

Fit can be tricky.  You need to stand over the bike and have an inch or two of clearance.  When you're actually pedaling, you shouldn't extend your leg all the way down, nor should you feel like your knee is coming way up (seat is adjustable here).  You shouldn't feel hunched over the handlebars, but reasonably relaxed in your reach.  For what you want, commuting and errands, comfort is key.

[MillCreek]

As a serious rider of 35 years, I would be very comfortable in buying a used bike off of Craigslist and repairing and fitting it to my needs.  I think that the OP would be best served by going to a bike shop, letting them know her budget, and having the shop fit her to a bicycle that will fulfill her requirements.   I think that a hybrid, commuter or city bike would be spot on. 

[thebaldguy]

Slicks work slick on a mountain bike. You can really tell a difference. You can try using a slick on just the front tire to see how it feels. Big knobby tires squirm quite a bit on pavement and waste energy.

Studded tires are available for winter riding as well.

[Tallpine]

I must recant: my bike came from True Value hardware store, not Walmart 

BW, if you weren't so far away, I would give you a bunch of old bikes that you could probably make one fairly good one out of.

[lee n. field]

I noticed that one can purchase a cheap bicycle for $100-200.

Keep an eye out for an old Raleigh or Schwinn 3 speed.