Any bicycle guru's out there?

[vtohthree]

Anyone here an avid biker who has strong opinions on bicycles and reasons to stand for?(just like how we have such people like that for computers here..)


I don't know much about the bicycle scene, such as what to look for, what to avoid, etc. I was just wondering if someone could direct me to a good BICYCLE FORUM. Or could put some input.


I'm trying to find a bicycle to commute to school(approx. half a mile or so). I'd be using it every day, all day(could equate to maybe 1.5 miles a day?). Looking for something light weight and relatively durable/reliable/maintenence free(I just want to hop on it and ride, occasionally refilling the tires with air, lubricating necessary parts, changing brake shoes, that's it!) Last, but not least, relatively cheap (under $250, lower the better, best bang per buck is the theme).


recap of target purchase:

-mountain bike/crossover(male bike)
-lightweight(under 45lbs)
-reliable/durable(doesn't have to last forever, just don't want to spend much time or money maintaining it)
-inexpensive(under $250)


How does it look, is this possible? Of course my "target" is relative and it can deviate(give or take here and there). But I really am seeking a cheap inexpensive bicycle to get me around campus(I'm too close to drive and a bit too far to walk).

If not, could anyone at least recommend a hardcore/worthy bike forum?

Thanks.

 

[Brutuskend]

For that price, I would recommend finding a used road bike or a EARLY hybrid bike.

As A rule of thumb, the cheaper the (new) bike you get, the MORE maintenance you will have to do. Crappy parts=more maintenance.

BTW: I run a bike shop and have worked in one shop or another since the 80's, I'm also a graduate of UBI (united bicycle institute) so I DO know what I'm talking about.

 

[boyRacer]

bikeforums.net
forums.mtbr.com/

 

[thedarkwolf]

I did that last year and ended up with a used iron horse mountain bike for $90. Mines a 5 mile a day trip and several decent hill on that trip make me wish I had found a lighter bike. Found it on ebay but craigslist and bike forums are another good place to look.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: bR
bikeforums.net
forums.mtbr.com/

QFT-Bikeforums.net is one that I post on. I'm a roadie though.

Whatever you do, buy your bike from a bike shop and not from a department store.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Which reminds me, the derailleurs on the Trek 820 SUCK. If you happen to get one (it is within your price range), plan on spending a lot of time tweaking it.

 

[vtohthree]

Thanks for the responses, haha of all places I looked around WALMART today, just to get an idea of what was out there in my price range. Saw a few "mongoose's" out there. It was just a glance, they're inventory was wiped out.

I will certainly be looking at craiglist.

Oh, one more question, what's the advantage of a bike shop as far as price goes? I was always under the impression that is usually more expensive for several factors: small business/private owned, better customer service= higher price. But I'd have to admit that I've never actually walked inside and checked the prices.

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: vtohthree
Thanks for the responses, haha of all places I looked around WALMART today, just to get an idea of what was out there in my price range. Saw a few "mongoose's" out there. It was just a glance, they're inventory was wiped out.

I will certainly be looking at craiglist.

Oh, one more question, what's the advantage of a bike shop as far as price goes? I was always under the impression that is usually more expensive for several factors: small business/private owned, better customer service= higher price. But I'd have to admit that I've never actually walked inside and checked the prices.

I think you're right as far as price is concerned. But another one of the advantages of buying it from a bike shop is that you can be sure the bike was assembled correctly. They usually include a free year of maintenance, but some of that stuff is just the basic things that you could probably check on your own.

 

[jhayx7]

Talk to your LBS, they usually know of someone who has an older used bike for sale. Steer clear of wal-mart bikes, bikes at the LBS such as Trek, Gary Fisher, Specialized, Giant, etc.. are of higher quality than wal-mart bikes.