Commuting - student on a budget needs cheap bike

hi everyone,

i'm a med student on a tight budget. my car just died on me and i simply can't afford a new one. to get around town and school (5 mile commute radius to school/stores) what bike would you recommend? i really can't spend more than $350. should i just get one of those cheapie bikes from costco or target for $100 or actually invest in a more expensive bike? i'm hoping i'll take to this biking thing and won't need a car for a while. any advice is appreciated. thanks!

You may want to check out Ebay, you can maybe snag something decent for cheap. Who knows your LBS may have a good sale goin on that you can get a decent bike for your price range.

Elvish

Check craigslist as well. Where are you located?

DONT go the walmart route. You'll be sorry, those things are garbage, and usually assembled wrong to boot. Look on craigslist, ebay, local classifieds, garage sales, thrift stores etc. Get a used bike that fits you reasonably well. I paid $100 for my main commuter, and I'll admit that's not what I've got into it but the original purchase was good and it did everything I needed. Its changed alot, and then some, but it remains the best bike I have.

A quality midrange bike in used (but not worn-out) condition should be within your price range. Look for models which were about $5-700 when new.
For a practical utility bike you need the ability to fit a luggage rack and fenders. Ensure you have threaded eyelets on the frame. Avoid suspension. Look for a hybird style or older ridgid MTB.
Make sure the bike fits you. Budget for helmet, lights, rack, fenders, pannier bags, puncture repair outfit, lock.

A quality midrange bike in used (but not worn-out) condition should be within your price range. Look for models which were about $5-700 when new.
For a practical utility bike you need the ability to fit a luggage rack and fenders. Ensure you have threaded eyelets on the frame. Avoid suspension. Look for a hybird style or older ridgid MTB.
Make sure the bike fits you. Budget for helmet, lights, rack, fenders, pannier bags, puncture repair outfit, lock.
ditto.

The problem with the amount you stated ($350.00) is very little for a bicycle because after you add the following, you're really left with practically nothing for the bicycle. I consider the following essential

1. Helmet --- $40.00
2. Rear Rack --- $40.00
3. Lights (front and rear) ---- $50.00
4. Fenders ----- $60.00
5. Extra tube -----$5.00
6. Portable pump ----- $25.00
7. Lock ---- $80.00

I suppose you can cut out the fenders and rear rack but that's all! This leaves you with about $50.00 dollars for a bicycle which isn't a lot of money. As a former motorist, I know exactly how you feel being broke and you're lucky to have gone this far because many of my friends never finished college after buying new cars. However, you're going to need to put more money because the accessories I listed above have to be purchased. I didn't even include things like a tune up for a used bicycle which I'm certain it will probably need. A bicycle is not a toy and you will need a vehicle that can safely ride along with cars, trucks and buses.

Um, let's try that again:
1.Helmet-20 or 30 bucks
2.Rear rack-not really necessary, you've got a backpack for now, right?
3.Lights(front and rear)- get some cheap but reliable LEDs and some rechargeable batteries, shouldn't be more than 20 dollars.
4.Fenders-$30, and I wouldn't call that an immediate NEED, either.
5.Extra Tube $5 max
6.Portable pump-$25 bucks
7.Lock-You can get a perfectly fine Kryptonite in the 30-40 dollar range.
This still leaves about $200 which can still buy a decent comfort bike from a reputable brand, not to mention a nice used bike from craigslist or the newspaper. This is assuming he doesn't hav e any cycling-related equipment. No need to scare the guy with artificially inflated figures. One of the best things about cycling is how super cheap it is, if you let it, that is. Good luck to you hvn.

OK check your local thrift stores, bike shops that deal in used, etc. Get the lights if you're going to be out at night at all, a helmet, lock, small stuff like spare tube, patch kit, those things that keep your pants out of the chain, etc., and true, you may be able to pick up a "comfort bike" of a good brand if you're thrifty with the other stuff.

5 miles isn't so bad, assuming you're in decent shape. Biking is CHEAP, you'll find out.

Cheap new bikes are usually rubbish; IMO you're much better off looking for a used machine. Look at your local for sale ads and check the noticeboards where you study: students are regularly selling on used bikes in good condition. If you don't know what to look for, take a friend who does, but basically: true wheels with no wobbles, good tyres, clean easy shifting in all gears, and a comfy size.

you always get what you pay for, spend a little now and save later.

$350 is a reasonable budget, but definitely go for a used bike. You can pick up a pretty decent old hybrid or rigid mountain bike for around $200.

If possible bring a friend who knows something about bikes to avoid getting ripped off. Otherwise, try to look for a name brand (Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, etc), be sure to test ride the bike, and check to make sure the brakes work well, the shifting is smooth, and the wheels are true.

If your area isn't too hilly, you might consider a single-speed. They will be cheaper up front, and save you on maintenance in the long run. In cities used single-speeds are often easy to come by either at local bike shops or on Craigslist.

Finally, I recommend learning a little bit about bike repair. It will save you money and may come in handy if you break down somewhere.

The only new bike I would suggest in that range would be a single speed one with a coaster brake. The "hybrids" and "mountain bikes" in this price range will have crappy components. The PT Cruiser is one widely sold "cruiser" or "beach bike" that might work well. This style of bike is what most of the world goes to work on. They won't sprey you with mud, chew up your pants, or get a flat tire every few weeks. It would be my choice for a cheap transportation bike.

However, your best bet would be a used bike, rather than a new one. These should be easy to find on a college campus. I'd look for a used cruiser with fenders -- if I had a lot of steep hills, I'd go for a hybrid.

Paul

The problem with the amount you stated ($350.00) is very little for a bicycle because after you add the following, you're really left with practically nothing for the bicycle. I consider the following essential

1. Helmet --- $40.00
2. Rear Rack --- $40.00
3. Lights (front and rear) ---- $50.00
4. Fenders ----- $60.00
5. Extra tube -----$5.00
6. Portable pump ----- $25.00
7. Lock ---- $80.00

I suppose you can cut out the fenders and rear rack but that's all! This leaves you with about $50.00 dollars for a bicycle which isn't a lot of money. As a former motorist, I know exactly how you feel being broke and you're lucky to have gone this far because many of my friends never finished college after buying new cars. However, you're going to need to put more money because the accessories I listed above have to be purchased. I didn't even include things like a tune up for a used bicycle which I'm certain it will probably need. A bicycle is not a toy and you will need a vehicle that can safely ride along with cars, trucks and buses.


I'll try again too... I'm a med student, have my car, but since schedule runs crazy often, no time for the gym... My commute in Philly, 9 miles each way. Most of the time I just take it one way as when I come back it's too late, and don't feel comfortable to bike that late.

Let's see - no Wallmart. I bought a bike from there, heavy as heck, and took it back after a month and a half. Longest ride like 3 miles before something would go wrong or break and stuff. Craiglist in my area is kind of messed up - they overprice everything - people name crazy prices, like this guy wants over 700 for his 3 year old Trek 1000. You can find it at LBS for like 4-500 on sale last years modell new or so.

E-bay - great but you must stay cold, don't get emotional. If you leave in a metro area, that's great, punch in local within 100 miles or so, and punch in a price max - let's say 200. (if you go local, you'll save on shipping, plus like in my case the guy was no willing to ship - less competition for me). I got a Trek 560 for 125, but it's in brand new condition (I could not keep a bike in that condition... the guy had like 40 bikes at home, and knew what he was doing... ) So design a search in bikes by distance and price and follow it for a time. Don't bid till last hour, and don't bid more than a limit you set. Another nice bike will come along.

Thrift stores and yard sales - if your trips will be only 5 miles, this is the greatest option. Last year I got a 69 Schwinn Continetal from a thrift store for 5 bucks. Another no name bike was in their trash, so I picked it up too for parts. The Schwinn was a great learning tool, took it apart completely, sanded down the frame, and put it back together dropping all the parts I do not need. Learned a lot from the experience, even though frustrating at times, and comical too when I was left with too many bolts that I'm not sure where they were supposed to go. However, it's light (lighter than those wallmart bikes), cost for me about 20 dollars with pain and grease. And it rides all right for 10-15 mile rides. So, consider going to some thrift stores - the guys here say they got some really nice deals there. I went around again, did not find much, but you have to be persistent.

Once you have the bike, go through Sheldon Browns site, you'll learn mechanics. Follow his links, and you'll learn even more, rebuilding bike and stuff, so in this way you'll save money on LBS tune ups by doing them yourself. However, a nice LBS is a great source of information. Keep your tube, small parts, and other small purchases to them as a thank you.


Other purchases from above quote:


1. Helmet --- $14
2. Rear Rack --- $0 if backpack, 20$
3. Lights (front and rear) ---- $0 (just dont' ride at night), 20-30$
4. Fenders ----- $0 (think of it later)
5. Extra tube -----$5.00 (or get nashbar for like 3$)
6. Portable pump ----- $6
7. Lock ---- $12

Where did I come up with the prices - that's what I paid about. Look for sales, Nashbar is great. I got the Ascent M12 helmet, very light and lots of air on sale now 16 bucks, CO2 superflate pump 6 bucks, and so on. There's a coupon around the forums (do a search) for 10% off. Last week Nashbar had an additional discount for 20%. Get stuff on clearance, and in that way it's already discounted like 60%. Thank you Nashbar... Performancebike is not bad with 99c shipping this week.

Basically, you can start with something at a very reasonable price. Getting a beater and basic gear can be as inexpensive as 50$ and as much as thousands. People have different resources and different perspectives. I look at the bike messengers. Those guys probably spent like 50-60 bucks on their single speed (great choice as then you don't have to bother with too much mechanics), and they don't wear lycra shorts, helmets, bike shoes. They also make money out of that investment, and they are really good on a bike. There's a video around here about NYC messengers, they are crazy...

Hope my rambling helps... Let us know what's going to happen...

hi everyone,

i'm a med student on a tight budget. my car just died on me and i simply can't afford a new one. to get around town and school (5 mile commute radius to school/stores) what bike would you recommend? i really can't spend more than $350. should i just get one of those cheapie bikes from costco or target for $100 or actually invest in a more expensive bike? i'm hoping i'll take to this biking thing and won't need a car for a while. any advice is appreciated. thanks!

Where are you located?

Used bike dealers make a lot of sense, see if you have a 'recycled cycles' location near you, or another used bike shop. Many of them are as professional as regular bike shops and sell complete 'ready to ride' bikes that have already been tuned up and fixed as necessary for very reasonable prices, and if you don't know much about bikes, you can be better assured that you are getting a solid bike.

Again, don't go to walmart! Those bikes are a false economy! I bought a used GT for 80$ that will ride circles around any bike you'd find at any department store for any price! If you need cheap, go USED, not to the department store. A good bike 10 years ago is still a good bike today!

peace,
sam

As far as accessories, I took a couple of minutes to compile a list of stuff off performancebike.com

Bell Arc helmet - $20 (It weighs the exact same as the $140 giro pneumo helmet, pretty well vented). http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15719&subcategory_ID=4210

Front and rear blinker set - $15 http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19272&subcategory_ID=4320

Pump - $6.50 http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17126&subcategory_ID=4361

Patch kit + tire levers + extra tube - $10 http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=5412

Full Fenders - $25 http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=6700

U-Lock + Cable - $45 (All the protection you'll ever need) http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19276&subcategory_ID=6700

Total + Shipping, around $130.

That leaves you $220 for a bike, which is pretty good, in fact, if you throw in an extra $100, you can get a brand spanking new specialized hardrock sport ($330). I had one as my first commuter and it's great, rock solid, just have the bike shop swap in tires with some thread but no knobs.

Or, if you'd really want to save some money, the aluminium framed Trek 3500 mtb is $250.
http://www2.trekbikes.com/Assets/Bikes/Mountain/Hardtail/Alpha_Aluminum/3500/asset_upload_file468_3403.jpg

A decent tool kit / patch / lever / pump set for $13
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19649

diamondback outlook/Raleigh M20 $200-$220
http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=14&itemid=137
http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=11&itemid=205&va=0

helmet $30

Lights $30
GOOD lock: $40

and buy that kit mentioned above forthe pump, etc.


Later, when you can afford it, consider upgrading to slicks, or upgrading the saddle.

I betcha he's gone to get a pair of rollerblades after seeing this thread.

Oh my goodness. Thanks for all of the help, but I feel like you guys are speaking another language. I think I need to go out and buy bicycles for dummies... Anyone know of a easy to understand online tutorial?

Here's the other reason why I'm apprehensive about buying an expensive bike. Bike theft is the #1 crime in the city. It's a huge college town where most students bike. I just don't want to invest $500 and see my bike get stolen.

I tried looking at Ebay and Craigslist, but honestly, I don't think I know enough to buy something on my own, which is why I came to this forum. I was hoping for some brand/model recommendations and then use those to look on Ebay or Craigslist. So far, I haven't seen anything that fits me. I stand in at 5'2" in shoes.

Here's the other reason why I'm apprehensive about buying an expensive bike. Bike theft is the #1 crime in the city. It's a huge college town where most students bike. I just don't want to invest $500 and see my bike get stolen.
What city? If you let us know, we could be big dorks and help point out some good deals. As for sizing, you could try heading into a local bike shop, and see if they can help you decide what size of bike you need. At 5'2", you're probably looking for a pretty small bike, though.

If you get 2 locks, you should be better prepared than other people, especially if you lock your bike up where there are easier to steal bikes. A U-lock and a hefty chain or cable lock should help prevent theft a little better.

Your height may be an advantage in that once you find a bike your size, you can probably get it at a lower price.

I will repeat the advice to buy a used bike, you'll get more for your money. Find out what size bike you will need and when you find one that will fit you, use the internet as a resource to find out about the particular bike you're lookig at. Googling the make and model can often yeild good info, including the original retail prices and often some consumer reviews. Dont' be afraid to come back here and post a link or pics of a bike in question--you'll get feedback. But also don't be too intimidated by your ignorance about bikes. Bikes aren't very complicated, and it is rare that you are going to buy a lemon if you test ride it first. If it rides, shifts, and brakes well, it's probably okay.

There are creative ways to theft proof your bike in addition to the necessary lock. These usually involve roughing up the paint job or wrapping the frame in electical tape. ANY bike can get stolen, from expensive to cheap. You can take prudent measures to decrease the chances of theft.

I think you can find something in your budget. I found my fiance's first bike on ebay for $150, a Trek hybrid that only needed lights and fenders to be a fine commuter. $200 bucks total.

Don't hesitate to tell us what city/part are of the country you're located, I bet you'd have some people hunting down bikes for you.

I live in Davis, CA so Sacramento and the entire bay area is a shopping ground for me. Davis is as flat as you can get, but it'd be nice if I could use it in moderately hilly San Jose when I visit home.

I see a lot of ppl just locking the front wheel to the frame and leaving it standing there. Do you guys think that's a sufficient theft deterrant or I really need to lock a bike to some rack?

how are these?

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/47943568.htm?vcat=OUTLET_SSHP_CYCLING_SA

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/47926364.htm?vcat=OUTLET_SSHP_CYCLING_SA

You're in Davis! There should be tons of used bikes, especially when the quarter ends in a few weeks. Check out this one (http://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/74483665.html). Here's another (http://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/74023895.html) that's pretty sexy.

Locking the bike to a rack, or something permanent, is definitely a good idea.

That Peugot is sweet.

For Davis, I'd get a garage sale beater, and spend the rest on two really good locks. Others here can suggest good locks. What size helmet do you wear? I have an old Gyro purple one in M/L size, and a blue Trek Vapor, I think either L or M, that you can have.

Oops, at 5' 2", those helmets might be too big. Try some on in a store, and if an"M" will fit, you can have mine. Remember that I don't have the extra inserts to make them fit right. If you buy a new bike, I'd go for something without a front suspension. You shouldn't need it.

When you visit home, see if they can bring you up to Fremont to the Bicycle Garage. Tell Allan your problem and see what he's got in stock. He sells Trek and Specialized. I know the bottom line Trek and Specialized mountain and comfort bikes are a lot tougher than we think for everyday use.

You might also go online and contact the Davis Bike Club. Someone might know of a person with an older bike just sitting in their garage gathering dust.
http://www.davisbikeclub.org/

Oh my goodness. Thanks for all of the help, but I feel like you guys are speaking another language. I think I need to go out and buy bicycles for dummies... Anyone know of a easy to understand online tutorial?

Here's the other reason why I'm apprehensive about buying an expensive bike. Bike theft is the #1 crime in the city. It's a huge college town where most students bike. I just don't want to invest $500 and see my bike get stolen.

I tried looking at Ebay and Craigslist, but honestly, I don't think I know enough to buy something on my own, which is why I came to this forum. I was hoping for some brand/model recommendations and then use those to look on Ebay or Craigslist. So far, I haven't seen anything that fits me. I stand in at 5'2" in shoes.

I retract my prior post except with the $80.00 dollar lock. There is no way you should park a $250- $400 dollar bike with a $20.00 dollar lock on a college campus. There are only a handful of industrial U-locks and chains that require power tools to break them. The inexpensive locks can be defeated with a strong pull so don't go cheap here. The Krypotonite New York 3000 and chain should seriously be considered when looking for a bicycle lock for a college campus. You can leave them at the school attached to the post so you don't have to carry them everyday. I would also invest in locking scewers for the wheels and seatpost making these difficult to remove.

I would also avoid bike racks in general. Here's how I determine a bad bike rack.

1. No bikes attached -- This is not a good sign because it could mean that prior owners have had their cycles vandalized or stolen which is why no one uses them.

2. Beat up Huffys and deparment store bikes -- This is really bad news because most of these cyclist tend to be kids who will make attempts to steal or damage your bike.

3. Broke locks, wheels and garbage --- Never park your bike on a rack where you see frames that are stripped or broken locks on the floor. If you see a front wheel attached to a rack but the bike missing, look elsewhere and don't even think of parking at that spot.

4. Rack located near bus stop or where teens hang out --- This means your bike will be scoped by thousands of people who don't have cycles and your will look very attractive.

I retract my prior post except with the $80.00 dollar lock. There is no way you should park a $250- $400 dollar bike with a $20.00 dollar
That's fine except for the fact that he only has $350 TOTAL to play with. So long as he uses both a cable and a U lock he should be fine.

If there is a Lewis and Clarke Outdoor store near you, the Fuji Utah is on sale for $249. Bought one of them for me last week.

HVN:

I don't know a lot about the Suntour parts but the set up looks pretty decent. My advice would be to get over to the REI in Sacremento and try a bunch of bikes for fit, particularly the Marin brand because that line is the bike you are looking at. I think that one uses trigger shifters (with your fingers). There are models that have "twisty grip" shifters. I am biased toward trigger shifters, it's a question of personal taste.

Typically the bicycling department has at least one or two knowledgeable bike folks. They will push the Novara line because it's their in house brand. It's a nice brand. Ignore them and ask to pull some Marins for you, for fit. You're on a budget. Show them a print out of the bike you mentioned. They'll give you a helmet and ask you for ID, you'll sign your name, and off you go for a test ride. Ride around at your leisure, shift the gears up and down a bunch. It will be a little confusing. The seat will feel really hard. That's ok, you can always swap it out for something else. Take your time.

If you buy your bike through REI, they can ship it to the store for pickup, for free shipping, though there may be a bit of a wait.

They will offer you a $15 lifetime membership. I would take it. It will get you discounts on gear, though not the bike since it's already discounted. Repairs will also be discounted, and you should be offered a period of free tune ups, at least six months, if not longer. Accept no shorter period than six months.

If your medical school is attached to a larger university with a student bike coop, check to see if they offer used bikes for sale or repairs. If they only offer to teach, find out if someone will freelance repair for pay. Otherwise, go to REI. As a medical student, you will have no time to break a used bike down and restore it. REI offers free basic maintenance clinics. Local bike shops do so as well.

I mentioned this on another thread, and I'm not pimping for these guys, but www.nycbikes.com has some interesting bikes. But I think REI is better for you since they are near you.

OK, so you got the bike. Now they will push the gear. But what will you need? My guess is a rear rack, fenders, and panniers, and maybe a small wedge bag to live under the seat that holds tools. Here's my advice:

Buy the rear rack and fenders at REI and get them to install it for free in exchange for you buying the membership (bargaining chip). I would check the rear rack to see a) how wide it is across the top and b) how thin the steel is. I would go with wide and thin for reasons I will describe shortly. I would get either Planet Bike Hardcore Freddy Fenders or SKS fenders and ask them to pick the right ones for the bike and the tires. Ask them if you should swap to a 700 x 32 tire. (If you wind up installing the fenders yourself note that the front fender has a clip and it goes in FRONT of the front fork, not behind as shown in the instruction sheet!)

The helmets at REI are probably comparably priced to Performance so I might get the helmet there. More expensive is not safer; all helmets must meet a common spec. Some have more vents. Whatever.

I live near Chapel Hill, NC so my pricing is a little better than the Performance on the web but not by much. Here's what you might get from Performance:

Planet Bike front and rear light combo (not terribly bright but you will be seen). Put the rear light on the rear rack. It will come with a piece of thick vinyl that you can roll and stick inside the hole that clips around the rack to get a snug fit. The front light goes on the handlebar.

Epic Trans-it panniers (I have these on a Trek rear rack. The tubing is a little thick for the clips on the panniers. That's why I suggest thin tubing on a rear rack)

Pump and patch kit as listed above

Multi tool, go for the cheapest one.

cage and water bottle

degreaser and wet lube for chain and line maintenance (REI will instruct you on this)

U-lock and cable combo: tough call. I have the Onguard U-lock and combo # cable lock. I lock the rear wheel and frame with the U lock and cable lock the front wheel. I take the seat, panniers, and lights (they slide off clips, like a car radio) to work. It would take two different tools to cut both locks. It would take a pro with a battery operated power tool about five to six minutes to steal your bike. The Kryptonite New York lock takes about eight minutes to cut.

If a pro wants your bike, the pro will get your bike. You want the pro to look for easier pickings.

One possibility is to go to a Home Depot and find out if they sell a tough ass chain and a lock, the kind for locking fences. Leave both chain and lock at your destination site (tell security) Lock it up with that plus the other stuff.

Don't bother with the clip with the U-lock. Just bungee it to the rear rack, or split the weight between each pannier bag.


An alternative to the panniers: a milk crate screwed down through the rear rack, and bungeed over the top to hold your books. See if the repair jockeys at REI will do this for you.

I don't know if you could do a crate and panniers.....others want to chime in?

Lastly, your stethoscope can double as a mace if necessary :)

Take the bike back four to six weeks after you get it for a tune up and to resolve other issues you might have.

Oh my goodness. Thanks for all of the help, but I feel like you guys are speaking another language. I think I need to go out and buy bicycles for dummies... Anyone know of a easy to understand online tutorial?

Here's the other reason why I'm apprehensive about buying an expensive bike. Bike theft is the #1 crime in the city. It's a huge college town where most students bike. I just don't want to invest $500 and see my bike get stolen.

I tried looking at Ebay and Craigslist, but honestly, I don't think I know enough to buy something on my own, which is why I came to this forum. I was hoping for some brand/model recommendations and then use those to look on Ebay or Craigslist. So far, I haven't seen anything that fits me. I stand in at 5'2" in shoes.Keep it simple! People here know so much about bikes that their fancy advice scares off newbies. (No offense--it's all great advice, just a little advanced for a beginner. Also, some of them don't know the meaning of "budget" when it comes to bikes. :))

I started cycling by buying a used bike from a want ad for $40. That lasted me about 4 months, then I was able to buy a pretty nice used bike because I knew a lot more about it. For now, all you need is a bike--any bike that works. A helmet is a good idea but not absolutely necessary. Oh--a lock is needed, but the cheaper the bike the cheaper the lock! Ride el cheapo around until it starts to mess up on you--a few months. By then you will have saved a little more money, and you will know a lot more about bikes and cycling. Another bonus is that a cheap bike that is heavy and old will get you into shape faster. If you learn on a beater, you will really love the first nice bike you buy.

Also--when colleagues and professors see you seriously riding a piece of crap, they may remember bikes that have been gathering dust in their garages. Hit up your old college buddies too. Some may be so busy with new families and careers that they don't have time to ride, and will at least loan you a bike for a few months.

A budget of $350 does not mean someone needs to ride "junk" bikes, or bike pulled out of a trashbin.

My neighborhood Trek dealer has a nice entry level Trek mountain bike for $250. That model is often "on-sale" for $225, sometimes for $199. Add an OnGuard Mini U-lock for $30. A combination cable lock for the front wheel for $10. A helmet for $30. A air gauge for $5. A pump for $20. Good to go.

And, unlike a "used" bike, a new Trek will be carefully fitted to a new rider, and carefully assembled and tuned up. And, most Trek dealers will do another "free" tuneup in thirty days or so, after various parts of the bike have settled in a bit and cables have stretched.

Worried about theft? The great majority of bikes I see at colleges in my town are NOT properly locked. Most have ONLY a cable lock. Or, they have a U-lock attached ONLY to the front wheel (making a "gift" of the frame) or the U-lock is only on the frame (making a "gift" of the wheels).

A crook goes after the "easy" bikes. He has no reason to bother a bike that is properly locked. That means an OnGuard or Kryptonite Mini U-lock around the rear wheel, just behind (but NOT around) the seat tube. And, a cable lock, attaching the front wheel to the frame or to a pole.

A crook COULD defeat that system with time and tools. But, why bother? The other bikes on that same rack are NOT properly locked. Those are the bikes a crook will go after.

...if you'd really want to save some money, the aluminium framed Trek 3500 mtb is $250.
http://www2.trekbikes.com/Assets/Bikes/Mountain/Hardtail/Alpha_Aluminum/3500/asset_upload_file468_3403.jpg

I've seen this Trek "on sale" for as little as $199. My local Trek dealer puts as much care into the assembly and set-up of THIS Trek as he does with the $3,000 snob models. This bike is heavier than a mega-buck bike, but would provide ten or fifteen years of reliable service, with reasonable care.

As for getting parts from performance bike I think Nashbar is way better on price.

get a book that looks readable to you about repair (i like the ones that have some humor), and buy used or even walmart and check all the adjustments yourself.

I disagree with all you who say dept. store bikes are impossible. They just need to be adjusted correctly and maintained, besides, I can buy a new one every year for less than you are spending on your showy machine.

Here in Sacto., there is a great reliable shop called College Cyclery, and also some others I have dealt with and been disappointed.. Ask folks who repair bikes or belong to a club what is the most reliable used shop in town, and they will steer you right.

At 5'2", you are on the smaller side for a cyclist so take care with the fit.
A smaller frame works best with smaller wheels, so limit your search to bikes with 26" MTB size wheels. The Trek pictured above is the type of thing you should be looking for.
Suggest you find a decent bike shop, the place where you can find all your accessories and see what brands they offer. Most brands have an entry-level leisure MTB in a small size. If you can, try it for size and check it for height and reach to find out what size you take. It is a bit of a cheek if you are not buying the bike, but they make more money on accessories anyway so dont feel too bad.

I think Performance owns Nashbar and always matches price.

Oh my goodness. Thanks for all of the help, but I feel like you guys are speaking another language. I think I need to go out and buy bicycles for dummies... Anyone know of a easy to understand online tutorial?

Here's the other reason why I'm apprehensive about buying an expensive bike. Bike theft is the #1 crime in the city. It's a huge college town where most students bike. I just don't want to invest $500 and see my bike get stolen.

I tried looking at Ebay and Craigslist, but honestly, I don't think I know enough to buy something on my own, which is why I came to this forum. I was hoping for some brand/model recommendations and then use those to look on Ebay or Craigslist. So far, I haven't seen anything that fits me. I stand in at 5'2" in shoes.

I got my first road bike for $300 (I wasn't good at bargining, I should have gotten it for less). There are many foreign students at college campuses who get decent bicycles and have to sell them when they graduate.

eBay is a good source for cheap bikes, but is hard to tell what you get.

My advice. Get a decent used road or mountain bike of reputable brand: Trek, Rayleigh, Speciallized, etc. Don't worry too much about the accessories. Just get the bike and make it work. When you have a problem, like needing to ride in the rain and not having fenders, go ahead and get the accessory you need.

I was a student once on a budget. Get what you can afford, but no more. Spend more on the bike and don't worry about the other stuff. And get a used bike of reputable brand. Go to a bike shop to look around the find out what the good brands are. The bike shops may even have used bikes.

And stay away from department store bikes. They are not only heavy and put together badly, they are also non-standard, so what you have, you will have with no real hope of repair or replacement of parts if something should break or wear out. Any reputable branded used bike will be much better than anything you will find in a department store.

For size reference, I stand at 5' 11" and ride a 58 cm road frame. Someone else can tell you the equivilant for a mountain bike. For a road bike, something around 50-52 cm is probably what you are looking for. The best way is to go to a bike shop and have them estimate a size for you. They will talk to you if you let on that you are looking to buy a bike.

I hope this helps. Just try to get quality used stuff instead of cheap new stuff.

BR

go to a specialized dealer and get a cheap but relible mountain bike and put some kevlar line slicks on it along with some mr. tuffy tire liners.

AND BUY A HELMET!!! AND LIGHTS!!! SOMETHING LIKE THE BLT FLARE!!!

I'm sorry, but some of you people are absolutely nuts. All you need to commute via bike is a BIKE and a LOCK, maybe a tailight... if you need other stuff, you'll figure it out as you go. I know when I was away at school and commuting everywhere all I had was a backpack and a Kona mountainbike and I made it anywhere I needed to go.

I agree with seely. (Once in a while us Michiganders get it right!)

Plus it's OK if your first bike is a piece of crap. Spend your money on books or beer. That's what college is for. Sounds like seely has a couple nice bikes now. After you graduate you can buy a great bike to celebrate. After all isn't that why you go to college--to afford great bikes?

There's a Performance store in Sacramento, and there's one back home, in Campbell. It's at the intersection of Bascom and Hamilton(don't ask how I know this SO well). It's in the shopping center on the southeast corner, right by the end at Hamilton.
My guess is it's going to be a bit hard to find something used in your size. The bottom line Giant Cypress should have no suspension, and would be good for your needs. Check out any Fuji bikes also, those are pretty good bikes for the price. Performance or REI would call around to other stores to see if they had a bike in your size at another store.
Are you almost finished for the year, or will you be taking classes in the summer?

So I did what someone suggested and found a used bike within my budget. Discovered this bike used in my size for $360.

http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2003/html/spec_millvalley.html

Can someone break the specs down for me? What makes this bike good? Materials? Manufacturer? Or at least point me in the right direction of a tutorial.


I'm the stereotypical girl when it comes to all things mechanical. =)

Thank you everyone for all of the replies. I've been surprised by how attentive everyone has been. So far, there have been two schools of thought...Get a nice used bike or a crummy one to start with. I'm still very undecided. A lot of the used bikes that I see on Craigslist are too big. I'm looking for a 48cm or 50cm frame. If I spend my entire $350 budget on nicer bike, I will be asking for accessories for my birthday in July. Well the hunt goes on...

I agree with seely. (Once in a while us Michiganders get it right!)

Plus it's OK if your first bike is a piece of crap. Spend your money on books or beer. That's what college is for. Sounds like seely has a couple nice bikes now. After you graduate you can buy a great bike to celebrate. After all isn't that why you go to college--to afford great bikes?

Damn straight. Only I'm still in college :p Oh well, cheaper rum = more money for bikes.

hvn: That's a pretty sweet bike for the price, but you'll be blowing your budget.

how are these?

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/47943568.htm?vcat=OUTLET_SSHP_CYCLING_SA

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/47926364.htm?vcat=OUTLET_SSHP_CYCLING_SA

I think for 350 or so you could get a road bike if that's what you are looking for. I love my road bike as find it faster...

You know I think we're all overthinking it, just like Seely said. What he really needs is a bike with shocks and pegs, and can handle sweet jumps.

bike, lock, HELMET.