Buying a bicycle...

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Ichinisan

Ichinisan

Lifer
Oct 9, 2002
28,298
1,236
136
I'm not a cycling enthusiast; I just want to get some exercise since I switched to a less active job. I see that good-old Wal-Mart is selling a "cruiser" style bicycle for <$100.

I don't feel like spending more than $300 on a bicycle, so this looks appealing to me. If anyone knows better than me, please let me know if it would be a mistake to purchase this bike!

Also, I don't trust Wal-Mart's staff to assemble a bicycle correctly. Should I have it assembled by a professional in a bicycle shop? Would that be too expensive? If I do it myself, how can I be sure that I'm doing it *right*?

[fixed]
http://www.walmart.com/catalog...4%3A4180%3A4183%3A5297
 
Ichinisan

Ichinisan

Lifer
Oct 9, 2002
28,298
1,236
136
I really don't like the wavy appearance. I'd like a thin, light, street bike if possible.
 
Zanix

Zanix

Diamond Member
Feb 11, 2003
5,568
12
81
Unicycle, no seat.


I wouldn't trust walmart for anything, isn't there a local bike shop in your area? At least around here, (small city) there's a bike shop with <100$ bikes. Support your community!!
 
Ichinisan

Ichinisan

Lifer
Oct 9, 2002
28,298
1,236
136
There's a shop about 40 miles from here. The last time I checked (a few years ago), they didn't have a single bike that fit my needs. They all appeared to be either mountain bikes or BMX style :/

To top it all off, they ranged from $600 - $8,000!

[edit]
I'll try to find a picture of my favorite bicycle that I owned about 8 years ago...
 
N

newbiepcuser

Diamond Member
Jan 1, 2001
4,474
0
0
Originally posted by: Ichinisan
There's a shop about 40 miles from here. The last time I checked (a few years ago), they didn't have a single bike that fit my needs. They all appeared to be either mountain bikes or BMX style :/

To top it all off, they ranged from $600 - $8,000!

[edit]
I'll try to find a picture of my favorite bicycle that I owned about 8 years ago...
Click to expand...

You mean your price.

If you have bicyle shop assemble your bike, you might as well bought a bike that cost 150 to 200. Some shops charge 20.00 bucks just to change your tires thats not including your tube and tires. You might want to try sporting good shop for a discount on a GT or even consider used bike. If you're going to do some casual riding, then maybe the walmart bike wouldn't be bad. Just riding around the park should be fine. Its not like you're going to be the next Lance Armstrong or Fausto.
 
Ichinisan

Ichinisan

Lifer
Oct 9, 2002
28,298
1,236
136
I wish I could remember how/where I got my old one long ago...or whatever happened to it :/

It was used...so my mother probably got it from a yard sale or something.

How much would a bike like that cost then?
 
N

newbiepcuser

Diamond Member
Jan 1, 2001
4,474
0
0
Originally posted by: Ichinisan
I wish I could remember how/where I got my old one long ago...or whatever happened to it :/

It was used...so my mother probably got it from a yard sale or something.

How much would a bike like that cost then?
Click to expand...

Depends who you talk too. Some are willing to sell their 1st born for a good road bike. Some people spend a grip and the bike ends up hanging in the garage, etc. If you're only going to ride once a week, etc. I would look used etc. But prepared to put some work on it. I only do mountain biking, but its same concept on picking a bike. Buy something that suit your needs.

try here.


Also you might want to consider a city/hybrid bike. It might be easier on the wallet. Its like mountain bike with slick tires.

 
B

Brutuskend

Lifer
Apr 2, 2001
26,558
4
0
For a Road Bike, I would look at garage sales and such.

Many people buy Road Bikes and touring bikes thinking they are going to really get into the sport, then they end up hanging in the garage for years collecting dust. I have gotten KILLER deals on used Road/Touring bikes that way in the past!

You will be lucky to touch a new Road bike for under $400-$600, and that's a starting price!
 
O

oboeguy

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 1999
3,907
0
76
Originally posted by: Brutuskend
For a Road Bike, I would look at garage sales and such.

Many people buy Road Bikes and touring bikes thinking they are going to really get into the sport, then they end up hanging in the garage for years collecting dust. I have gotten KILLER deals on used Road/Touring bikes that way in the past!

You will be lucky to touch a new Road bike for under $400-$600, and that's a starting price!
Click to expand...


Good advice. You have no chance at a new road bike for under $400 (honest). BTW, you can get a Trek 7000 hybrid for $250 easy. It's funny how much bike you can get at the low-end these days, when comparing to, say, 10 years ago.
 
L

LordMorpheus

Diamond Member
Aug 14, 2002
6,871
1
0
Look used. Any bike worth anything is going to hold up forever, so you don't need a new one. And you'll save big time.
 
O

oboeguy

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 1999
3,907
0
76
Originally posted by: LordMorpheus
Look used. Any bike worth anything is going to hold up forever, so you don't need a new one. And you'll save big time.
Click to expand...

Yes and no. There may be hidden maintainence costs. That being said, my first road bike was used.
 
JulesMaximus

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,600
1,005
126
I wouldn't discount the mtb completely. Throw a set of road tires on it and you've got a great commuter/cruiser.
 
JulesMaximus

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,600
1,005
126
Originally posted by: oboeguy
Originally posted by: LordMorpheus
Look used. Any bike worth anything is going to hold up forever, so you don't need a new one. And you'll save big time.
Click to expand...

Yes and no. There may be hidden maintainence costs. That being said, my first road bike was used.
Click to expand...

So was mine, it was a mid-late 1970s Motobecane LeChampion I picked up used for about $500. It had all Campagnolo Record (IIRC). I had that bike for almost 10 years until it was stolen from my garage when I lived in Hermosa Beach. I wish I still had it...
 
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