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I need to buy a bike

N

NuclearFusi0n

Diamond Member
I need a bike to get around town and get a little more athletic. I actually have money this time (200 - 300 right now, 300-400 in december) so I was wondering where I should start researching my choices. That money has to include everything, lock, helmet, etc, not just the bike.

thx.
 
Go check out your local bike shops. Hopefully some of them will have competent employees. Once you find one, ask lots of questions.

Also: get familiar with the major brands and the different levels of components that come on each model. That way you can compare apples to apples at a given price point. 90% of what you'll be looking at is Shimano so learn abou their stuff too (ie- a rear derailleur can cost anywhere from $10 to $150.....learn why).

Most of the major manufacturers are listed here.

At that price range, do NOT get a full-suspension mountain bike (assuming you're looking at mountain bikes). The added cost of putting rear suspension on a bike that cheap results in a seriously heavy bike with crappy components.
 
go to bob's bike shop (it used to be called woodcrest cyclery or something similar) up at the Canyon Crest Town Center. It's just up the street from UCR. They have bikes like the one you're talking about.
 
Originally posted by: TheAudit
I have always liked bikes by Trek. They aren't the lightest but they are sturdy and reliable.
Click to expand...
FYI- a bike by any of the major makers should be plenty sturdy and weight largely a function of price. Spend more, weigh less regardless of manufacturer. 😉

 
For the helmet and etc, you should check out Supego. They have really nice deals on accessories, esp on 2003 stuff. They have a couple of stores in Southern CA.

 
at least here theres police auctions like once a month where u can get good bikes for cheap...

might wanna look into it see if your town has them...
 
Before deciding, take a look at treks. I have a trek, model 4300 I believe. It ends in 300 I know, not sure about the first number.

Edit: I love the bike!
 
*looks at Epic ... touches Epic ...*

Uhm, well ... The Specialized Hard Rocks are going for $290-330 this year ... Rockhoppers are $440 ... as opposed to $525 from last year ...

I'm a big specialized fan though ...
 
Make sure you talk to Brutuskend before deciding (The stolen jokes guy incase you don't know). He works on them for a living, so he knows a good amount of information on bikes.
 
I've got a bottom-rung Gary Fisher bike ('98 Gitchee Gumee model) that's hella sturdy and has pretty high quality components. I bought it for $250 new back in '99 as a last-year's model. I feel it was a great deal, since Fisher is known as the original mountain bike manufacturer.
 
Since your in So Cal be sure and check out Supergo as has been mentioned.
Don't be shy about letting them fit it to you, a bike that is not set up
to your physical dimensions is not fun for long.
 
I have been looking at bikes and am surprised that the majority of them now
come with off trail type tires.

I have bought these for my kids and I know they are crap for city riding.
It makes the ride rough and the tires wear out fast.


I suggest a bike that is lightweight and has touring tires on it.

I hear people talk about bikes being durable... I have never had a frame break
in city riding.


Peace
Rich
 
Originally posted by: NuclearFusi0n
I need a bike to get around town and get a little more athletic. I actually have money this time (200 - 300 right now, 300-400 in december) so I was wondering where I should start researching my choices. That money has to include everything, lock, helmet, etc, not just the bike.

thx.
Click to expand...

If you live in California, make the drive to San Francisco for Veloswap. November 15, 9am-5pm . I went to the one in Denver, and there were amazing deals. I went to buy bikes for my nephews, and picked up a kid's bike for 2$.
 
KMart usually has cheap bikes. heh. CHeap in cost and cheap in quality. But if it's just to bum aruond and only for a year or two, then who cares...
 
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
KMart usually has cheap bikes. heh. CHeap in cost and cheap in quality. But if it's just to bum aruond and only for a year or two, then who cares...
Click to expand...

Don't do that to yourself. Even a $250 bike from a real bike store is a very significant, very noticeable step up in quality, repairability, upgradeability, durability, and rideability from those Wal-Mart horrors. Even a novice would notice the difference after a 1 minute test ride.
 
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