Recreational & Family - Nubie Needing Input

I was looking for a bike for my son, a senior in college just to get around campus and I came across this hybrid
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7188103376&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT

A motobecane elite fs.

As I did more looking I decide that I may get one also as I need to start exercising. I am 50yrs old and will be riding on the road mostly but like the idea that I could go on some relatively smooth trails. So I have decided on a Hybrid. I just don't know alot about cycling and brand names etc.

I came across the motorcane elite fs for $295 and it looks good to me, but what do I know???

Can someone look at the bike and tell me if they think this would be a good buy??

scrap

I was looking for a bike for my son, a senior in college just to get around campus and I came across this hybrid
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7188103376&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT

A motobecane elite fs.

As I did more looking I decide that I may get one also as I need to start exercising. I am 50yrs old and will be riding on the road mostly but like the idea that I could go on some relatively smooth trails. So I have decided on a Hybrid. I just don't know alot about cycling and brand names etc.

I came across the motorcane elite fs for $295 and it looks good to me, but what do I know???

Can someone look at the bike and tell me if they think this would be a good buy??

scrap

Since you are new to the sport, I'd suggest you don't buy anything off E-bay. I'm anything but new to the sport and I wouldn't buy anything off E-bay. Bicycles need to fit to be comfortable. You can't tell whether or not a bicycle will fit off of E-bay. Go to a local bicycle shop (do not go to WalMart!) and look at what they have. Ride everything that looks good - including mountain bikes! Then go to another shop and look at every thing they have. Maybe even go to another shop. And when you've ridden enough bicycles in the price range you've chosen, pick one. You'll be much happier with it.

Bicycle shops also offer something that E-bay and WalMart don't, service. Most of them will offer service after 1 year on a bike to adjust cables and bearings and other stuff that may need adjustment. None of the adjustments are hard but if you don't know how to do them properly, your bike won't run as well as it should and you won't be happy with it.

Go to a bike shop!

I'm 60 and agree with cyccommute 100%.

Go to a bike shop or two and talk with the owner or manager about the types of riding you'll be doing, distances, how often, goals (such as weight loss, fitness, whatever), your budget, etc.

Stay away from ebay or other online bike sellers.

I appreicate your inputs, but I still would like some input to my question as to what they thought of that bike, brand and deal. Anyone?

I appreicate your inputs, but I still would like some input to my question as to what they thought of that bike, brand and deal. Anyone?

The bike is pretty much what you'd expect for the price. It's not a super deal or a super bike. Kind of middle of the road. That's why I suggested going to a bike shop. You'd get about the same level of equipment at that price just about anywhere. And you have the support of the shop which is worth a lot by itself.

X2.
Your LBS is a wealth of information, and they don't cost any more than what you can get on ebay.

We are thrilled with our new Trek bikes. There is quite a selection from various brands in that price range, but like anything else, the more you spend the better the quality. Ours were in the mid-$300's to $400. Everything is just a little nicer and works better. The shops you visit will quickly educate you with enough info to make an informed decision.

I wouldn't buy a bike off ebay either-- and I have the hunderds of dollars in bike tools, a bike stand and some know-how fixing bikes.

If you don't know what a third hand tool is, or a crank puller or the difference between Presta and Shrader-- stay far, far away from ebay bikes.