Looking for a bike for under $200

[fustercluck]

I've been looking for a bike lately, but i don't really know what to look for exactly. All i know is i want a mountain bike or hybrid under $200 most likely, new or used, that's fun to ride even for long periods of time. Don't know what brand or what size to get or anything else. I would definitely have to test ride anything i was looking into before i buy, so i don't really want to buy anything online (unless it's local and i can check it out first). I know $200 isn't a lot to work with, but i probably won't ride much, just when i'm riding with other people i know. I don't even like bike riding much...too dangerous for my tastes

Anything specific i should look for? Is there a certain size i should get? I'm not sure how they measure bike sizes exactly, is it like from the ground to the top of the seat? I'm about 5'11 - 205 lbs. I've been looking at the local Craiglist a lot (tucson) and i can't usually tell a $50 bike from an $800 bike. I can always google up the bike though if they give a model name. Also, i happen to have some gift cards for Walmart/Samsclub, is all of their stuff just complete junk for the most part? Or might they have something that i like? Blah blah blah, it's early morning and I'm groggy, hope i made sense. Anyways, I would appreciate any helpful advice.

 

[minendo]

Even though Walmart sells junk bikes, it's about all you'll find that matches your budget.

Unless you get lucky and find a good used bike locally.

 

[Jawo]

Try searching ATOT for "Bike" you will find lots of good info!

Check out craigslist, neighbors, newspaper classifieds....walmart bikes suck, and you get what you paid for.

One particularly helpful thread is here

 

[fustercluck]

Yeah i found some helpful info here on ATOT, but the tricky part is under $200, most people are looking for more expensive (and better) bikes. I guess i'll just link to anything on craiglist i'm interested in and see if ATOT thinks i should buy them, i always trust ATOT - Nothing i'm currently looking at though so i'll wait to link to some another time.

 

[GreenGhost]

You can find some "comfort" bikes for that price, or some used mt bike. Hybrids are hard to find, and most are above $350. I've been searching with no success.

 

[fustercluck]

How about this bike here? Should i go check it out? Little bit more than i'd went to spend, but it looks like a nice bike from what i've seen.

I guess i'm kind of looking for a hybrid bike, that's fun for road and offroad riding.

 

[Jawo]

I have had Specialized Hardrock forever....its a real trooper and its lasted forever, probably have rode close to a 1,000 miles on the bike w/o and significant problems. (knock on wood) Sounds like a great deal!

 

[Brutuskend]

Do NOT buy ANY new bike for $200.!!

Take your time and look for a used one in the same price range and you will be MUCH happier!!

 

[RichardE]

Go to your LBS and see if they have any year or two year old used bikes.

 

[quentinterintino]

I've had good experinces with a Trek 4300. They're not too expensive new, you could probably get one for around 200. Had it for about 2 years now.

 

[desteffy]

go to a good store and check out bikes in the $300-500 range

Wait for such bikes to appear on CL for 150-200

BUY!

They will show up, you might have to check it often for a week or so though...

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: jacktackle
How about this bike here? Should i go check it out? Little bit more than i'd went to spend, but it looks like a nice bike from what i've seen.

I guess i'm kind of looking for a hybrid bike, that's fun for road and offroad riding.

My friend rides a Hardrock in XL. He's about your height, just a little heavier. You should go check it out.