Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.Jean Beetham Smith
06-02-01, 01:12 PM
My current 2nd bike is 20 year old Ross 10 speed. It really is too big for me, and this spring it became a 5 speed when the bracket for the front derailleur cable snapped off mid shift. I've decided that I need a second bike, because if "Little Pony" goes in for maintenence overnight I have to drive to work. I've a couple of problems: 1) used bikes my size tend to have been owned by kids and are abused bikes 2) I can't afford to spend as much as I did on "Little Pony" 3) I'd like a 26" wheel so it is easier to get studded tires than it is for my 24" wheels. My budget for this bike is real low, $300 max. I need about a 13" frame. I'm currently thinking bottom end Giant (Boulder) or bottom end Specialized. LBS tells me the Giant has a freewheel, Specialized has a cassette. Both are 21 speeds with similar gear ratios. Keeping in mind that I commute year-round, through lots of sand and salt in the winter, does anyone have any suggestions on which would be better for me?