General Cycling Discussion - my best option for under $300 ?

just recently the front brake cable snapped on my bike, I've probably spent over $100 in the last few years repairing different parts on this bike which was only about $180 new. I've basically ridden this bike to death and it seems ridiculous for me to put any more money into it so I'm thinking I should just get a new one.

I've been biking forever but I know zero about brands and what has changed (if anything) in the last few years.

I've owned this particular bike for about nine or ten years (I'm 22 now) and I've biked about five days a week, 5-10 miles per day, so like I said, I think I've basically worn everything into oblivion.

So I'm looking for a replacement, but I don't have much money and I may be moving in a couple years and selling everything before I do, so the bike I'm looking for now is not going to be the be-all-and-end-all of bikes for me, I just need something to get me between home, work, school etc, for the next couple years, so $300 is pretty close to my ceiling.

Probably 90%-95% of my riding is on pavement or cement, the rest is on dirt road, I almost never ride off road and I never race. And it's very rare that I ride through any kind of water (I'm in Arizona) so I don't know if this means anything brake selection wise.

The bike I have now is some old khs mountain bike, I don't know what model or any specs but compared to other bikes I've picked up it feels like it's made out of lead, I've ridden a road bike a couple times before and didn't really like it, maby I'm used to the fat tires or maby it was just that particular bike, beyond that I have no preference for hardware. I have never ridden a bike with shocks and can't currently tell the difference between a good or bad shifter (my current bike it's impossible to change to about 1/3 of the gears).


I guess my main questions are-

1. If I'm only spending <$300 on a bike is there any difference between one or another at that price range? is there going to be a difference if I do lots of research and buy one online or at a local shop vs just getting the first one I see at walmart or costco?

2. Is it worth ordering a bike like that online? I assume the shipping is going to be at least $30 or $40 on a bike, is the money saved or the greater selection going to make getting it online worth it or would I be better off getting it locally?


just glancing at the Trek page those two stood out the most

Trek 800 (all-mountain)
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2003/mountain/800.jsp
$250

Trek 7100 (hybrid, seat shock)
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2003/citybike/7100.jsp
$300

but like I said, I don't know anything about brands or models so maby I should avoid Trek or get a model from a year or two ago if anyone sells them?

any info would be appreciated =]

Look at Brands such as Trek and Specialized and Giant. They offer pretty good bikes at good prices. If your just using it for getting around, they will be sufficient.

Try going for a used bike, you'll get more bang for your buck. Probably better to see what you can find at an LBS(local bike shop)over a private deal, if you're not too familiar with newer bikes, as they'll offer some type of warranty. The main thing is to get something that fits you properly.

By the way, welcome to the Forums!

Get your bike local. You should get service after the sale and you ride alot, so you would want a shop that offers free adjustments.
At your price point, bikes from different makers will be spec.d pretty close. Go to several shops, ride some bikes and pick the bike and shop you like best.
As B110five says, those bikes are all good choices. My bias is to Specialized and Giant because that is what we sell, but Trek is good also.

thanks for the replies

there are 4 or 5 decent local bike shops where I live, going to check them out over the next couple days.

right now the two bikes I am looking at the most right now are these

Trek 7100
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2003/citybike/7100.jsp
$270 (local store)

Specialized Expedition Sport
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03ExpeditionSport&bl=comfort&my=2003
$260 (local store)

anyone have a preference between those two?

if I had the choice I would just get an older model but I assumed bikes were like cars and they get rid of last years models even if they are 99% the same as the current year so they could sell whatever is newest at a high cost, I guess I'll find out when I go look.

As for the free support from local stores, I have read about this a couple places but never had it myself, I guess it would have been nice since I destroyed nearly every part on my bike other than the frame itself, I'm sure there must be limits to this kind of support though.

I Ijust bought a new Specialized Hardrock CrMo for $280 from my local bike and shop and it rocks.

Sounds like you use your bike a lot, so it might be well worth your while to look at higher end bikes as well. Try some different road bikes to see if maybe a different one than the bike you tried appeals to you. Try some mid-level mountain bikes to see if you like the features they offer. Trek, Specialized, and Giant are all good brands.

My personal inclination is to stay away from comfort bikes (although I have never tried one) because they seem to designed more for leisurely weekend rides rather than regular commutes. I think if I were in your shoes, I would get a rigid frame or a hardtail mountain bike and put slick tires on it.

Were you comfortable on your old KHS? Maybe you should look for something that feels similar.

Stay away from the walmart bikes. ***[5+ miles a day] x [5 days a week] x [52 weeks a year] x [10 years] = 10000+ miles!*** (nice job :D ) A walmart bike will never last that long and a costco bike is doubtful. With proper maintenance, a brand name bike probably will.

For a low end bike, you probably won't come out ahead buying online because the shipping will make for your savings. Plus, buying in the shop allows you to try the bike out and make sure it is comfortable!

Definitely ask if the shops have any of last years models left because if they do you will get a great deal. It is very unlikely however, because it is only 2-3 months before the 2004's start coming out and they probably won't be closing out the 2003's yet either.

Do your research, ask questions, shop around and then....
Tell us what you get! :D

I just bought a Specialized Hardrock ($329) at my LBS after extensive research (about a month). I was on a strict budget (<$400). Here are some places I went to check out bike reviews:

www.mtbreview.com
www.consumerguide.com under sports and rec, bicycles link

I also checked specific manufacturer's sites (Giant, Trek, Specialized, Ironhorse, Jamis, etc.). I checked LBS that were online. After all my research, I compiled a list of 3 or 4 bikes, I called\visited LBS near me for brand and size availability. It came down to a Giant, Iron Horse and Specialized. Final decision was made based on LBS proximity and service. Good luck!

BTW - took my Hardrock on the trail last Sat and it's easily the best $329 I've ever spent!! Love it!

Check out one of our shops in AZ. We offer free service for life on any bike purchased from us. Any labor, tune-ups, or whatever is free. You just pay for any parts used. We have great bikes for under $300. Check us out.


Yes, I know it's a blatant plug for our shops, but he asked.

For that kind of money, you really should look at a good used bike. Of course, condition is the primary concern, so look around for a while, see what's available.

Originally posted by lonestarcyclist
Check out one of our shops in AZ. We offer free service for life on any bike purchased from us. Any labor, tune-ups, or whatever is free. You just pay for any parts used. We have great bikes for under $300. Check us out.


Yes, I know it's a blatant plug for our shops, but he asked.

Does Cycle Spectrum carry other brands then Motobecane and Peugot in Az.? I know that is what they carried in the Dallas area shops for quite awhile that and closeout GT's.

I think those were the two brands the guy listed over the phone when I called there yesterday

looking at the website I think most of those are out of my price range.

I'll look at whatever used bikes people have when I go around town tomorrow

If I can't find a decent deal on a used one and don't see a good one I haven't heard of yet I think I will probably get one of those (might have to click on one of those regions for it to load)
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03HardrockCroMo&bl=mountain&my=2003
from a local place for $260

unless there is something bad about those I haven't heard yet

i also live in tucson and recently purchased a bike. i was very pleased with "ajo bikes" they had a good selection and awesome prices. they are on ajo and benson highway...just south of I-10 exit park ave. check them out. i wasnt looking for a bike like you want but was pleased with the service i got.

HungLikeJesus:

that's one of the few places I didn't look into just because they are pretty far from me, but I'll give them a call tomorrow.

when calling around looking for that particular bike-
Fairwheel had it for $260
Full Cycle had it for $270 but said I would have to order it
Ordinary Bike Shop didn't have any I asked about, I guess they are kinda specialized
Tucson Bicycles had it for $270 but not assembled (so no test ride)
Bargain Basement never answered the phone (maby they close early?)
Cycle Spectrum doesn't carry Trek or Specialized according to the phone guy
Bicycles West had it for $280 and they were the only place where the guy said they had no repair coverage

the place I usted to go to was Catalina Bike Shop by Bookmans on Campbell but they shut down a while ago, every time I went there I was amazed at how cheap repairs were, I guess they were a little too cheap.

anyway thanks for the info