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Recommend a good bicycle?
DarwinsFavoriteTortoise
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So I've ditched my car, since its just become a drain on me...I mean, I live 10 mins away from college and everything else is that distance too, so I've decided to just switch to a bike. Any recommendations?
I want something sturdy. I don't want one of those super skinny bikes, since I might take it on slightly rough terrain. I want something comfortable, but most of all, I want a bike that will last, something I can use for years and years. I'd also like it to look nice. I'm willing to spend 500 dollars MAX, but I'd prefer it in the 300 dollar range.
Thanks!
I want something sturdy. I don't want one of those super skinny bikes, since I might take it on slightly rough terrain. I want something comfortable, but most of all, I want a bike that will last, something I can use for years and years. I'd also like it to look nice. I'm willing to spend 500 dollars MAX, but I'd prefer it in the 300 dollar range.
Thanks!
DarwinsFavoriteTortoise on
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Is there a local bike store you can go check out bikes out? That's probably the best way to find one in your price range that fits you well.
Do you have a local bike co-op? If not, craigslist is pretty decent. If you go the craigslist route, you'll probably be looking at older road bikes, or older mountain bikes. How sure are you that you'll have to ride over rough terrain, and how rough?
Another option would be to buy used and get a good quality slightly older bike. A lot of people ride for a summer and then put their bike in the garage for a couple years. Craigslist is your friend.
http://www.konaworld.com/09_bikes.htm
Also, another thing to consider about bikes is I would like good suspension...I don't want to feel every bump and pothole.
You still will, even with suspension. Suspension on bikes is generally to make the bike easier to control on rough surfaces rather than to make it more comfortable. For the kind of money you're talking about you aren't going to find anything with suspension that could be considered "good". At best you'll get a fork that's little more than a heavy, flexy, spring in a tube.
Well designed frames take the edge off road bumps, and you could maybe consider a suspension seatpost or sprung saddle if it really bothers you.
EDIT: Frame material plays a big part as well, a lot of people reckon a decent steel frame will, in general, be more comfortable than an aluminium one.
The Kona Smoke 2-9 is well regarded, and I think fits your budget, but I'm not sure of US prices.
..well it sucks to be you. :P
Seriously though, for an entry-level bicycle that is just for commuting you need to go to a bike store and sit on them. Make sure you are too stretched out, or too crunched up. Ensure that you don't feel like you have too much weight on your wrists, everything like that. 99% of all bikes in the 3-500$ range are the same things with a different brand name tossed on it. That being said.. here are some pit falls to avoid:
1. Get "v-brakes". Disc brakes at that price point are crap.
2. Do NOT get any type of full-suspension bike. At that price point, the rear shock does nothing but eat up pedalling energy.
3. Components are what make a bike move, the frame just holds them together. The issue is that at your price point.. most of the components are going to be no-names or the very lowest level of the manuf.
Moral of the story:
Go to a bike store, sit on a bunch of bikes, test ride a few.. if you go a bike store and they don't want to help you with the fit, just leave. My method of asking them to help is simple.. walk in, make eye contact and just say "Hi, I was looking to get a new bike.. but I have no idea what I am doing. Can you help me find a bike that fits me right?". I gaurentee you if the salesman is not a total douchebag, he will be happy to help. Most bike store guys are huge cyclists, love to ride, and will be happy to share endless tips and advice.
Wear a helmet. Use lights if it is night time, assume the vehicles do NOT see you.. and have fun with what can be the best decision you will ever make.
Even if that means a small single-speed with pink streamers.
And I'll reiterate the importance of a helmet, and add that it needs to fit right. A poor-fitting helmet can be as bad as no helmet.
a hybrid might have a better geometry for what you are looking for, and will be a lot more comfortable for a 10 mile ride