someone recomend a bike for me!

[nageov3t]

I'm pretty sure I posted a similar thread a few months ago, but I'll be damned if I can find it.

I recently moved to a new apartment that's like 2 miles away from my office and it seems downright silly to drive every day (I could walk, but there's no sidewalks on the primary road I take and, well, I'd rather catch a couple extra minutes of zzz's in the morning). but I don't even know where to begin in finding the right type of bike for myself... I've been looking around town for a bike shop, but to no avail, so I'll probably be stuck buying something over the internet.

my primary thought it that I need something sturdy that can take a beating and perhaps even be ok to ride through a light dusting of snow all without totally killing my back.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Don't bother with walmart bikes or anything of that sort. Trek is a good brand that you should consider.

What city are you in? I'm very surprised that you haven't been able to find a bike shop.

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo

What city are you in? I'm very surprised that you haven't been able to find a bike shop.

the town where I'm in was hit with super bad flooding in its commercial areas / main streets back in the spring and it seems like everything other than restaurants and liquor stores closed up shop.

 

[BoldAsLove]

I work at a bike shop, so I can probably answer all of your questions.
I would reccomend a hybrid, since you dont have a far commute unless you would rather have a road bike. Avoid walmart/target bikes. Also try to avoid any schwinn/gt product. Schwinn is now target, and GT no longer makes quality bikes. Look along the lines of a Cannondale or Trek for hybrid purposes.

 

[cubby1223]

For something like that, talk to a bike shop. I'd think best is to get a cheapo comfortable mountain bike then get a second set of slick wheels from a bike shop. Use the slicks in the summer, the knobby mountain treads in the winter. If you just buy something over the internet instead of a bike at a bike shop, you're likely going to buy one that isn't a good fit for you and then your back will be aching. But on the other hand, it's only two miles, not really long enough for any bike to break your back. Just go with something cheap.

 

[tasmanian]

I really like the gary fisher bike I have.

 

[MazerRackham]

This is a good start:

http://wheelworld.com/itemdeta...m?catalogId=39&id=4045

Specialized bikes always have decent components in each price range. And the frame will hold up to your stated uses. You should be able to find a local specialized dealer, as they are pretty much everywhere.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCDealerLoc.jsp

 

[cubby1223]

Oh, and with riding on the road, I prefer a rigid fork instead of a shock. Not sure what type of bikes are still available out there with a rigid fork, though.

Every once in a while I'll take my $250, 15 year old, 40lbs, rigid Diamonback Outlook into town and back. But there's no way I'll take my $2000 WTB Phoenix with Marzocchi front shock (older model without a lockout) into town, just not as suitable on the roads.

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

Specialized, Cannondale, Giant, Trek, Kona, etc. Lots of good manufacturers out there. I would chose a mountain bike with hybrid tires (I believe that's what they're called). When my car broke down several weeks ago I borrowed my landlords Giant Mtn Bike. It's an older model but it was fast and the gears shifted smoothly. He paid $100 for it a pawn shop.

 

[konakona]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Don't bother with walmart bikes or anything of that sort. Trek is a good brand that you should consider.

What city are you in? I'm very surprised that you haven't been able to find a bike shop.

whats wrong with them? I was considering getting one at one point, believe it or not.
They break easily and have horrible ride performance I would guess?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: konakona

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Don't bother with walmart bikes or anything of that sort. Trek is a good brand that you should consider.

What city are you in? I'm very surprised that you haven't been able to find a bike shop.

whats wrong with them? I was considering getting one at one point, believe it or not.
They break easily and have horrible ride performance I would guess?

Not nearly as smooth. Heavy. A bitch to maintain and to repair. They go out of whack easier (brakes, deraillers, shifters, etc). I've worked on all sorts of bikes before, and the cheap Walmart/Target/Whatever ones are always always always the worst.

 

[Blieb]

Are there hills where you're at?

If not, you could get a single-speed (no gears) ... then all you'd have to do is keep the chain lubed ...

 

[nageov3t]

/random bump for the morning crew.

there are a couple not-insignificant inclines, but nothing so large that I'd call it a "hill."

 

[Turin39789]

I've got an aging Nishiki that I got from a local used bike store/courier company. Anarchists sell the best and cheapest used bikes!

 

[Dirigible]

Excellent! Riding to work always results in me starting my day off in a good mood.

For two miles, any decent-quality bike will work. Road, mountain, hybrid. Others have given you good advice: stay away from Walmart or department store bikes. They stop working, and quickly. If you know what to look for or have a trusted source you can get a fine used bike for cheap. Or a bike shop will be able to fit you - be sure to get a bike that fits you right! If you go to a shop, tell them about your route. They should be able to make sure the bike you get has the proper gearing and will handle whatever terrain you go over.

For commuting, a hybrid is probably ideal and you almost certainly have no need for suspension of any sort. It'd just add cost and complexity. If you think you may want to start road or mountain biking in addition to your commute, get a road or mountain bike.

 

[Capt Caveman]

How much are you willing to spend? Where will you store your bike at work?

I'd go with an inexpensive mountain bike from a bike shop and replace the knobby tires with some slicks. If there's a chance that the bike might get stolen b/c you have to lock it outside, I'd get a used one off of craigslist. Two miles is a short distance so you don't need anything fancy to get from point A to B. If you plan on doing more than just commuting with it then you'll have more options to consider.

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
How much are you willing to spend? Where will you store your bike at work?

looking to spend under $300... I've got plenty of room to store my bike inside the NOC at work and should be able to squeeze it into the back hall in my apartment (though it'll mean I'll have to start using the front hall to get in/out).