Northeast - Buying a new vs used bike

Hello,

I'm buying my first bike as an adult. I've been doing research online as to what kind of bike I should get (looks like a hybrid) and how much I should spend. I'll mainly be doing city/bike path riding (2/3 times a week), but I also want to go do 'trail' rides (both paved and dirt roads) once in a while. I'm on a budget, can only spend about $300.

So, I'm wondering whether I should $300 in new a bike or $200 on an used one. I went to MetroBicycles today, and the guy recommended the Trek 7000, which they have for $280. He said it was a good bike that I could use for up to 80 miles a day. I also called a bike shop in Montclair, NJ and told the guy what I was looking for. He said that they had bikes for under and around $300, but that I should really try to spend $400 in a better bike. He recommended the Trek 7.2 FX, which they have for $350, whereas Metrobicycles has it for $400. However, Metrobicyles is much more convenient for me in the long run, so if I buy the Trek 7.2 FX I'd do it there, or some other Manhattan store.

I wonder why the Montclair guy told me to get a more expensie bike whereas the Metrobicucle guy didn't. Was he just looking for mor eprofit? Or, Would there really be that much difference between the Trek 7000 and the Trek 7.2 FX? Another bike I've been thinking of is the Schwinn Sierra GS, which came out as the best comfort bike according to Condumer Reports, and they have it at $330 in Metrobicycles.

Also, I wonder if spending 150-200 for a used bike might get me something better. I'm going to Recycle a bicycle in Brooklyn to check out what they have.

Sorry for the long post. I'll apprecciate any help anyone can give me, thanks so much!!!:)

What type of riding do you plan on doing? If its mostly recreational on roads and bike paths, the Trek 7.2 should be fine. that's what my wife rides. If you'll be hitting the trails, the $200-$300 price point won't get you much in a new bike. I'd suggest used for a mountain bike. If you go used, craigslist tends to be pretty good. you can meet face to face, ride the bike to make sure it fits, etc. Ebay is a good resource, but only if you know exactly what you want.

As for the differnece in prices among shops, no telling why the bike is priced $50 different. My advice is to go to the local shop, ask if they will match the shop in NJ. Even if they don't, they may give you a discount on hemet, under-seat bag, etc. I'd tend to go with the local shop because it tends to be easier for tune-ups and repairs.

test ride both bikes.

Then buy the one which is most comfy. It sounds really obvious, but you'd be amazed at how many people let color, a small price difference, etc. outwiegh comfort. Then they ride less.

I say, buy the bike you want between your legs. Comfort #1, wow factor #2.

Thanks for the advice! I went to Recycle a Bicycle (both in Brooklyn and LES) but all they had were mountain bikes. I'm going again today since they got a new shipement in, and if they don't have anything then I'll go buy a Kona Dew. I've been looking at Cragslist for over 3 weeks now and nothing's come through (bike's too small, too big, etc) and I just really want to start riding! :-) I tried the Dew last weekend and NYC Velo and it felt great! It looks like a nice hybrid for me start with. Next year I'll be afford a nicer bike if I see that that's what I need. Thanks!

An MTB with road tires and a hybrid like that Dew are not very different. (If you were talking about a flat bar/road bike type hybrid, I would not say that.)

And the differences are things I would argue weigh in favor of the MTB. (Sturdier, stronger wheels, etc.)

I would think about a used MTB with slicks (road tires) and maybe a different cassette (gears in the back) to give you a higher top end. (Basically, you want smaller teeth counts in the back for a higher top end.)

The MTB will hold it's value over the year or two and then if you decide to go dirt riding, you have the bike for it.