Best bike for under $200?

[Schadenfreude]

Hmm, well, I'm moving off-campus (~3/4 mi.) soon and I thought when the weather gets better (it's constantly raining here) soon, I'd commute by bike - but I'd probably have a budget of $200 or under, preferably - which BMX or Mountain Bike would be the best choice for me?

Basically, I'm looking for:

-Something that's comfortable

-Something that's sturdy

-Something that's fun to ride

-All under $200

Obviously, with that little amount of money, I'm not looking for highest grade technology/the most spectacular ride available - but I'd still like to know what my choices are - I suppose I could go to my local Wally World and pick up a $50 bike, but I'd rather not . . . any suggestions, please?

 

[godmare]

I've got a low-end Schwinn (don't recall the model, but it's the cheap one ) that was $150.

 

[Yzzim]

Wal Mart actually has some *decent* (from what I've read) bikes for less then $200.

Might want to check them out.

 

[GroundZero]

i thought that the mormons rode bikes, not the jehovies

 

[Schadenfreude]

Hmm, well, are there any specific things I should look for/avoid in getting a bike? The only bike I've had was as a kid and I didn't particularly take good care of it . . .. Where should I start online, even? I've tried googling it, but can't think of which keywords to use . . .

 

[Schadenfreude]

Originally posted by: GroundZero
i thought that the mormons rode bikes, not the jehovies

I'm not my witness.

 

[Pastore]

Basically, anything in the sub 200 dollar range is going to be about the same as far as reliability goes. If I were you, I would just sit on a LOT of bikes and decide what feels the best to you. Also, definitely invest in a gel seat (25-30 bucks) as most stock seats are uncomfortable as hell.

 

[Schadenfreude]

Damn. That's what I was expecting to hear (but was hoping otherwise). Thanks for letting me know.

 

[C'DaleRider]

As metnioned before, the Schwinns in Wal-Mart are almost exactly the same bike that were being sold in bike shops prior to Schwinn's bankruptcy and sale to Pacific Bikes. The only difference I've noted is the bolt-on rear wheel instead of a quick-release wheel. In your application, that shuld make little difference, but the solid axle isn't as strong as the QR type.

For approx. $150-160, you'll get a decent entry-level mountain style bike with a rudimentary front shock.

As for a BMX type for commuting to school, only get one if you like working a lot.......single speed geared for torque, not speed. Guaranteed to work a good sweat unless you like cruising at little more than a walking pace.

An aside, I'd get a "real" bike shop to inspect the assembly of the Schwinn, because who knows who put it, or slapped it, together. The ones I've looked at were not very well adjusted.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Maybe something second hand? Fausto1 is more expert on this, but perhaps that is something to consider. A good 200 dollar bike is like a good new $10,000 sports car. That said, something useable new at walmart might be had.

 

[LuNoTiCK]

Just go to a bike shop and see their low end bikes. They usually have stuff for $199. But if you get into it you might want to spend more.

 

[Schadenfreude]

Hmm, lots of things to consider . . . thanks all!

 

[rubenswm]

I'd probably go for a good used rockhopper or hard rock, or similar offering from trek.