• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Cheap bike Chicago?

Status
Not open for further replies.
pete6032

pete6032

Diamond Member
I'd like to get a bicycle to commute to work. I don't know anything about bikes, is it possible to find something cheap at a garage sale? How much should I be expecting to pay for a bicycle that I could ride into work 1-2 times per week in good weather? The ride is about 10 miles. Any specific brands to look for?
 
You want a road bike or commuter bike. Think skinny tires. 10 miles isn't too bad so a basic mid-range bike should work. If you buy new I would expect to pay somewhere in the 400-600 range. Used you may get down to the 200-300 range.

Go to a good bike store and have them fit you first, then use that knowledge to shop for a used bike if you want. You'll likely have to sacrifice something in the way of fitment if you buy used.
 
I asked this question in H&F, as they are more into cycling and received advice similar to deadly's. Just go to a bike shop and let them know what you want and your budget. They can give you information regarding what is best and give you the proper measurements for a bike you'd want.
 
Check out www.bikeforums.net too. They have a section devoted to commuting by bicycle. It is a very active and helpful site and much more friendly than the bike hating group here.

I commuted by road bike for years but some seem to prefer a hardtail mountain bike with road tires for commuting. If you ride in area with a lot of sharp debris on the side of the roads you might want something a little more durable than the skinny road bike tires.

Hybrid bikes are great because they have skinnier tires than a mtb, less rolling resistance but they are usually a bit more robust than road bike tires. Hybrids are relatively recent developments though so finding a decent used one might take some time.

I wouldn't recommend a full suspension mtb for commuting. Too heavy and the suspension saps power from your pedaling stroke.

Whatever you end up getting, get a decent floor pump and keep your tires properly inflated. That will help most in avoiding flats.
 
If you are poor just get a nice used bike off craigslist. 10 miles is a lot though so I would never commute such a long distance myself. I was a bike commuter for several years but my workplace was only about 1 mile away. I rode a aluminum road bike I got from walmart.com. Thing was shit. I wish I had bought something nicer.
 
zephyrprime said:
If you are poor just get a nice used bike off craigslist. 10 miles is a lot though so I would never commute such a long distance myself. I was a bike commuter for several years but my workplace was only about 1 mile away. I rode a aluminum road bike I got from walmart.com. Thing was shit. I wish I had bought something nicer.
Click to expand...

I used to do a 10 mile one way commute 2-3 days a week. It's not that bad, get you in excellent shape.

Most I did was 4 days straight.
 
I've got a mountain bike that came with 2" offroad tires.

When I started commuting to work on my bike years back, I bought a second wheelset and put 1.5" tires on it...they fit the same size wheel....they just have a road tread with a skinnier profile to make road travel easier.

I'm a big guy and don't like the way a road bike feels...I wanted to stick to my mountain bike too because I actually prefer a heavier frame feel. My commute was only 3 or so miles.
 
luv2liv said:
go to a bike store and you will get ripped off.
plenty of good deals on craigslist. but if you want brand new, heres a site i go to http://www.nashbar.com/
Click to expand...

:thumbsdown: Not true at all. You can find some good deals at bike stores.

Do not go to a department store to buy a bike though. The bikes they sell are complete rubbish.

Craigslist is a great place to find stolen bikes.
 
Pete, remember theres also the Divvy Bikes that you could use if you have a membership. Obviously having your own would be better, but they're available if you want.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top