Looking for a new bike

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doze

Platinum Member
Jul 26, 2005
2,786
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Looking for a good bike for casual riding for exercise and as an alternative to driving the 5 miles to work. The most offroad I plan on doing would be occasional light grass or dirt trail so I don't really need a mountainbike but I dont' want a racing bike either. went to a bike shop and looked at a few and this one seems to be about what I am looking for with a budget of $500 or less.

They are asking $389 and that includes 2 tune-ups but I don't know if this is a good deal. It looks and feels nice but I don't really know anything about bikes and $389 is the MSRP. The guy also recommended a 17.5" frame since I am about 6' tall. He seemed to know what he was talking about but one can't be sure.

I checked out some bike forums and this model seems popular with occasional riders.


Cliffs: Need bike for under $500 to get some time outdoors and prevent beer belly ... thinking about getting this one
 
Zap

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
That bike should be fine. Trek is a decent brand and most bike shops sell at MSRP - making up for it with service and putting it together right. Also, perhaps you can get a few "extras" with full price, such as a break on accessories. That frame size sounds okay. If you seriously aren't going off roading, then you can opt for the 20" model. Generally speaking for sizing, straddle the bike and see how much room between the top tube and your family jewels. If going off roading you'd want at least 3"-5" clearance. If on road only, as little as 1" will work. Remember to wear gloves and a helmet.
 
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oboeguy

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 1999
3,907
0
76
Bikeforums.net commuting section

Your choice looks fine to me without knowing more than your OP. My better half has the 7000 which has served her for occasional commuting (and she even rode a century -- 100 mile ride in one day -- on it this year).
 
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doze

Platinum Member
Jul 26, 2005
2,786
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Originally posted by: NutBucket
I'll play the part of Brutuskend and recommend a Haro V3.
Click to expand...

I looked up Haro V3 because I've never heard of this brand before. After a little reading it seems that many people like the Haro as an entry level on/off road bike, but what makes it better or different than the competition that you would recommend it?

Zap thanks for the info., from what I'm seeing 18-20" seems to be the average frame size depending on bike style.

Originally posted by: oboeguy
Bikeforums.net commuting section

Your choice looks fine to me without knowing more than your OP. My better half has the 7000 which has served her for occasional commuting (and she even rode a century -- 100 mile ride in one day -- on it this year).
Click to expand...

I've been digging around that forum a bit this evening and the 7200 seems to be well liked there. I didn't post there for fear of being overwhelmed by too much info. and I figured ATOT would keep it simple for me.
 
NutBucket

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,151
635
126
Ya know, I'm not exactly sure. When I was shopping for a bike for the gf its what Brutus recommended. I rode one, she rode one and we liked it so we got her one.

Basically, I trusted Brutus;) It what he sells and he knows a hell of a lot more than I do. I say PM him:)
 
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doze

Platinum Member
Jul 26, 2005
2,786
0
0
According to the Haro website the other bike shop near me sells their product. Guess I'll check them out tomorrow after work then shoot Brutuskend a PM once I see one in person. If all goes well I hope to have a bike by the weekend. Thanks Nut
 
IHateMyJob2004

IHateMyJob2004

Lifer
Sep 29, 2004
18,656
68
91
Originally posted by: doze
Looking for a good bike for casual riding for exercise and as an alternative to driving the 5 miles to work. The most offroad I plan on doing would be occasional light grass or dirt trail so I don't really need a mountainbike but I dont' want a racing bike either. went to a bike shop and looked at a few and this one seems to be about what I am looking for with a budget of $500 or less.

They are asking $389 and that includes 2 tune-ups but I don't know if this is a good deal. It looks and feels nice but I don't really know anything about bikes and $389 is the MSRP. The guy also recommended a 17.5" frame since I am about 6' tall. He seemed to know what he was talking about but one can't be sure.

I checked out some bike forums and this model seems popular with occasional riders.


Cliffs: Need bike for under $500 to get some time outdoors and prevent beer belly ... thinking about getting this one
Click to expand...

A 17.5" frame might be a bit small for somoene 6' tall. Great if you are a hard core off roader, but for what you want to do, I'd imagine a 19" to be a better choice.

In general, if you go to a "real" bike store and pay $500, you bascially get what you pay for. Shopping around isn't useful and what you get is going to be ten times better than a $200 bike from Wal-Mart. So, spend the $500 at a bike shop and you can't loose.

The bike you chose looks like what you should buy. reember to take it for a ride first though to make sure the gearing is appropriate. I'm not sure how close that bike is to a mountain bike, but riding a mountain bike on a road for 5 miles wouldn't be fun becuase the gearing would be to low to go any reasonbble speed. Make sure the bike shop has a return policy if you don't like it. Most bike shops do this.

Karl
 
L

LS20

Banned
Jan 22, 2002
5,858
0
0
cyclocross with smooth 700x28/32 or road bike

if you ride enough, youll thank me for it
 
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