Southern California - San Diego: Need suggestions for first bike investment~!

Hello all:),

I'm Jonathan, a second year student at UCSD looking to use the large part of my work earnings to purchase my first bike. I've been lurking around the forum for quite some time now, but have yet to make up my mind. I need your help!

I had my buddy buy me a bike from a swap meet in oceanside, and he got me an old specialized hardrock that was pretty much rebuilt with junk, for $30. It worked for 1.5 days, then the chain snapped, taking the gear shift mech.(derailer?) with it. That bike is hopeless.

1. Budget: I've saved up a decent amount, I believe, to invest in a bike ~ $400
2. I plan to need this to get through campus, off campus to run errands, and take the occasional challenge course :D

I have been tracking craigslist, but so far everything just gave me an "ehhh" reaction...:x

If you can--suggest:

1. Should I purchase a bike online? Or are there any good LBS in the La Jolla/UTC area to go to instead?
2. What brand and model of bike? I've seen tons in the commuting section of the forum, but I still need some specific ones...

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side note.--from what I found, there appears to be a 17% off coupon link that works at fogdog.com. They have bikes like the schwinn seneca road bike (http://www.fogdog.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2427135&clickid=body_rv_txt), and it rings up to $240.69 shipped, not inc. tax. Is this what I should be going for in my case? I'd like to have the freedom to get wider/partially treaded tires for going off road in...but then again, you all know more than me.

Hope to hear from you, fellow SoCal peeps!

-J0nathan :)

for a decent entry level road bike you are looking at arpund $700 at least.

the under $750 road bike thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=268941)

Look for something used on craigslist, sdreader, etc... If you're going to ride it at school, it needs to be beyond fugly so that you still have it after the 1st day. :) You'll get much more bike for your $400 by going used. Something $400 new is going to have low end components. It will also look new which will attract thieves. Oh, there's a bike swap meet at the SD velodrome this weekend not sure if it's sat or sun, you can always get a deal on something decent there. Good luck, and get one that's sized right.

You might want to check out the San Diego Velodrome swap meet this Sunday. Maybe you can pick up a good deal.

go to the swap meet or go order from here http://www.bikesdirect.com/

If you don't know your size yet, go to a few bike shops and "look around" and try different sizes to see whats in your ballpark

UC Cyclery is real close to campus. There is also a bike shop on campus. Personally, I would not buy your FIRST bike online, and I haven't had the best of luck with craigslist. Go to a shop, or a couple of shops, try out several models to see what you like.

A nice looking bike has a greater chance of being stolen on campus. Lock it up properly, or bring it into class with you.

If you're looking to go offroad, most entry level mountain bikes are ~$500. In this price range, bikes with V-brakes (rim brakes) usually have better drivetrain components than those with disc brakes.

Some shops will be blowing out models at the swap meet, and it's this Sunday.

Also, not sure how your existing hardrock mtb is like; new ones are like this http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?a=b&minisite=10029&spid=22089&language=US. It's probably $40 or so to change the rear derailleur and a chain so that you can use it as a backup or for your occasional challenge courses. :)

I've never been to this used bike store, but I've heard quite a few nice things about it (http://www.newtosandiego.com/Ye-Olde-Bicycle-Shoppe-and-Cafe/).

If you're set on online purchasing, remember to get the geometry/sizing of the bike and compare it to your own measurements from calculators like this http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO.

Have fun!

There is a used bike shop right near you in La Jolla (Bird Rock), called VeloCulture. Large variety of vintage and classic bikes, both road and mountain with single speed and fixed gear conversions. The owner is a huge bike enthusiast and good mechanic.

Take your time and fix up the Hardrock, (assuming it is your size) use it as a beater/commuter and keep saving your "new bike" money while you educate yourself about what you need/want.

If you are in LA go to the Bike Oven. We have lots of parts and bike knowledge for cheap/free.

http://bikeoven.com/

I even have an extra derailleur that I just took off a MTB I would give you...

Wow, thanks! I've been looking at ss/fg recently as well. :D

You don't say specifically whether you are looking for a road bike or a mtb but I inferred from you comment about "occasional challenge course " that you mean mtb. It's just barely possible to get an acceptable MTB for ~$400 in a local shop. You might check out Performance in Sorrento Valley or Kearney Mesa. They carry Iron Horse and other brands and always have things on sale.

You could also try to pm BF member adxm. He is a student there and a great rider. He might be able to help.

Thanks for all those responses! I read each and everyone one of them, and checked out all the links.

Sounds like the velodrome is a very popular suggestion~ I might just try to get there this sunday...Are any of you going to be there?

As much as I'd like to repair that Specialized HardRock I mentioned in the first post, I really have little confidence in it. I'll get a pic up of it when I can. :)

Thanks for your awesome generosity and constructive comments! I'm really glad I posted here.

-Jonathan :)

Buy two bikes: a beater bike for campus travel and a nicer one for your fun rides with friends. Hit your folks up for transportation assistance, at least to cover the beater bike.

Hmm...it's going to be a strange day tomorrow. Is anyone on the boards going to this event tomorrow? Looks like I'll be going alone, if at all. What should I expect in terms of a price to quality ratio? Are the set prices from sellers fair for new bikes, or is there a lot of leeway to talk down the price?

In an urgent and nervous manner,
-Jonathan :)

Hello all:),


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side note.--from what I found, there appears to be a 17% off coupon link that works at fogdog.com. They have bikes like the schwinn seneca road bike (http://www.fogdog.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2427135&clickid=body_rv_txt), and it rings up to $240.69 shipped, not inc. tax. Is this what I should be going for in my case? I'd like to have the freedom to get wider/partially treaded tires for going off road in...but then again, you all know more than me.

Hope to hear from you, fellow SoCal peeps!

-J0nathan :)


Aaacckk!:eek::eek: No no no nononnonono!!!! Every single part of that bike is junk. You simply cannot get a new $250 road bike that won't be junk. If you're want a bike that is good on the road but can do limited off road, you are looking at cyclocross or hybrid bikes. Cyclocross bikes are fairly uncommon, but hybrids are easy to find on Craigslist. Avoid the ones with front suspension as the forks add weight and are useless offroad anyway..

Hmm...it's going to be a strange day tomorrow. Is anyone on the boards going to this event tomorrow? Looks like I'll be going alone, if at all. What should I expect in terms of a price to quality ratio? Are the set prices from sellers fair for new bikes, or is there a lot of leeway to talk down the price?

In an urgent and nervous manner,
-Jonathan :)

I'm going in a little while. I'll be wearing a "SPAM" t-shirt.

Don't forget the time change last night. I may bump into you guys too. Most likely a wash-out yellow "Life is Good" t-shirt. I have to admit, I don't know bikes so I wouldn't be of much help. :p

I guess I'll be heading there. Sniffing for parts.

Thanks for the early bump! I'll be heading over there...hope to see some of you. I'm wearing a "Music Mentors" Tan colored polo shirt with my name on it.

Aaacckk!:eek::eek: No no no nononnonono!!!! Every single part of that bike is junk. You simply cannot get a new $250 road bike that won't be junk. If you're want a bike that is good on the road but can do limited off road, you are looking at cyclocross or hybrid bikes. Cyclocross bikes are fairly uncommon, but hybrids are easy to find on Craigslist. Avoid the ones with front suspension at the forks add weight and are useless offroad anyway..


Yea..it seemed too good to be true. i really hope I'll find one at the velodrome today. I'll be looking for your SPAM t-shirt. :p

Let us know how the swap meet went...

Just came back. Didn't see Jonathan. Bumped into Mark and Dan though. None of us got anything; but for me it was a nice morning walk in Balboa Park. :)

Hi guys; I walked around from 9 - 11 ish...looked around for bikes. Didn't get anything, nor did I see any of the above described t-shirts...I must be blind. I think I saw a destitute-looking person pick up a bike on the side of the velodrome..not sure if it belonged to him. He kinda walked away with it. ..

But...it did open my eyes to how big of a hobby this whole cycling thing is...people buying parts as if getting ready to modify their "ride". It's excellent!

I stopped by at UC Cyclery on the way home though. I talked to Billy, who, was coincidentally also at the meet. He was one of the ticket people taking entry fees at the small door. He assessed what I really wanted in this bike. I didn't get a bike today, but we came up with a few options:

1. Save up for a Specialized Sirrus ~ $679 sale in store
(http://uccyclery.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=2318)2. Save up for a Tri-Cross ~ $1049 (http://uccyclery.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=1672)
3. Call up the UCSD Cycling team -- ask if any members have a cast-off road bike they'd like to sell.

-Jonathan :)

Interesting...looking at the bike from #2..found this (http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=4096). Same website layout, same bike, same reviews, but different price. hm?

-Jonathan :)

Interesting...looking at the bike from #2..found this (http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=4096). Same website layout, same bike, same reviews, but different price. hm?

-Jonathan :)There are a bunch of online stores that use that same software. I think the Trek Superstore is another.

Hi guys; I walked around from 9 - 11 ish...looked around for bikes. Didn't get anything, nor did I see any of the above described t-shirts...I must be blind. I think I saw a destitute-looking person pick up a bike on the side of the velodrome..not sure if it belonged to him. He kinda walked away with it. ..

But...it did open my eyes to how big of a hobby this whole cycling thing is...people buying parts as if getting ready to modify their "ride". It's excellent!

I stopped by at UC Cyclery on the way home though. I talked to Billy, who, was coincidentally also at the meet. He was one of the ticket people taking entry fees at the small door. He assessed what I really wanted in this bike. I didn't get a bike today, but we came up with a few options:

1. Save up for a Specialized Sirrus ~ $679 sale in store
(http://uccyclery.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=2318)2. Save up for a Tri-Cross ~ $1049 (http://uccyclery.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=1672)
3. Call up the UCSD Cycling team -- ask if any members have a cast-off road bike they'd like to sell.

-Jonathan :)

Sorry we missed you. The only thing I saw their that might have been OK was a steel framed Trek 520 someone was asking $450 for. It's a drop bar touring bike with canti brakes and bar end shifters. Not light, but smooth riding and bulletproof, and it would work fine in cyclocross mode. BTW, do you know what frame size you need?

As for the new ideas, saving up to get into the $650+ range makes it much easier to find a suitable new bike with servicable components.

Sorry we missed you. The only thing I saw their that might have been OK was a steel framed Trek 520 someone was asking $450 for. It's a drop bar touring bike with canti brakes and bar end shifters. Not light, but smooth riding and bulletproof, and it would work fine in cyclocross mode. BTW, do you know what frame size you need?

As for the new ideas, saving up to get into the $650+ range makes it much easier to find a suitable new bike with servicable components.

It's alright :)...I walked around 5 times or so..i might have seen it. Didn't really stand out to me for $450. Billy from UC Cyclery guesstimated me at 56 cm. I'm 5' 9.5", 150lbs....anything else to know for sizing?

I brought along $400 to the swap meet, so I guess I was limiting myself. But for around $600, I'd really prefer a new bike. My family and I have had bad luck with used stuff...cars, etc. strange.



i looked at the under $750 road bike thread, and it has a lot of options, I must say. The problem that stood out to me is how I would order one of them. I doubt it'd be safe to assemble myself, though I'm not completely illiterate when it comes to building things.

-Jonathan :)

Sizing and assembly are the two reasons I think it's a good idea to buy from a shop until you've got some experience.

I lied and didn't wear my pale-yellow t-shirt. I was wearing a bright orange KD/Kraft Dinner one. The 3 of us were posing on the inclined track near the entrance/exit area.

Right now quite a lot of shops are selling their 07 inventory at a discount. You may want to shop at a few different places if you have a car to nav around.

If you have a way to get down the college area (near SDSU) check out Ye Olde Bicycle Shoppe (somone mentioned that above) and Pedal Pushing Bike Shop. They both sell used bikes. You'll probably pay a little bit more than being a used bike on craigslist, but you'll get personalized help from the staff. Both are great shops with great employees. And you can get a quality used road bike for $300. It won't be the lightest bike around, but it will be a good bike.

I bought my new Felt for 550 bucks few yrs ago, but now a days you need close to 700-750 to get a sora bike now. Spring a few more hundred and you can get ultegra level stuff!!!

This is a score right here with STI tiagra shifters for under 6
http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.13227/.f?sc=7&category=53

or this sora equip'd for 400

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.8108/.f?sc=7&category=53

I bought my new Felt for 550 bucks few yrs ago, but now a days you need close to 700-750 to get a sora bike now. Spring a few more hundred and you can get ultegra level stuff!!!

This is a score right here with STI tiagra shifters for under 6
http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.13227/.f?sc=7&category=53

or this sora equip'd for 400

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.8108/.f?sc=7&category=53

Sweet finds!

I'm actually willing to do any of those two you posted....problems:

1st one--only 61 cm.?? huge, just a bit.
2nd one-- no free ship available (free ship comes with purchase over $500)

Any others? I know too little about bikes...Need your help! :) I can potentially buy tonight. seriously. :)

-Jonathan :)

hmm...for $20 more than the first one?

Same Italian brand i think: Monza (http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.21407/.f?sc=7&category=18536)

How does this italian brand hold up? I haven't seen any around before...Anyone recommend Tommaso?


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Is this one (http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.15064/.f?sc=7&category=18375) a complete NO-NO? It looks nice and ...feasible?

Hopefully something goes down tonight..

-Jonathan :)

How does this italian brand hold up? I haven't seen any around before...Anyone recommend Tommaso?

It's not Italian any more. Used to be. Now it's just a trade name for some distributor sourcing Taiwanese frames and having bikes put together. Which is not to say that it's bad in any way. Most bike frames are made in Taiwan now.

Bikes Direct has a low-budget cyclocross that looks OK:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_cx.htm

If you actually want to ride the dirt some of the time, a straight road bike generally not going to be happy with fat cross tires - you need the canti brakes and frame clearance of a cyclocross frame.

If a true road bike works for you this is a good deal too:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/grand_record08.htm

(http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.15064/.f?sc=7&category=18375) a complete NO-NO? It looks nice and ...feasible?

Hopefully something goes down tonight..

-Jonathan :)

No, actually it looks pretty OK if you don't care about having drop bars.

Thanks for posting again Indolent;

How much is assembly at a LBS (UC Cyclery?)? I really want push for the cyclocross too, but the prices are pushing me out of the zone. If assembly will add another large wad of cash, I'd prefer to do the free ship promotion and $49 assembly from rscycle.com.

I'm really liking that matte silver color for the Motobecane...:)
Fine print: * the seatstay has the wrong decal on it* --um...can't you just peel it off?

Should I buy from them and drive it to a LBS? I think it's either that, or I get one of those aforementioned Tommaso's from rscycle.com...within the next 1.5 hours. My brain is truly starting to get fried. :)

hope to keep hearing from you all,

-Jonathan :)

Thanks for posting again Indolent;

How much is assembly at a LBS (UC Cyclery?)? I really want push for the cyclocross too, but the prices are pushing me out of the zone. If assembly will add another large wad of cash, I'd prefer to do the free ship promotion and $49 assembly from rscycle.com.

I'm really liking that matte silver color for the Motobecane...:)
Fine print: * the seatstay has the wrong decal on it* --um...can't you just peel it off?

Should I buy from them and drive it to a LBS? I think it's either that, or I get one of those aforementioned Tommaso's from rscycle.com...within the next 1.5 hours. My brain is truly starting to get fried. :)

hope to keep hearing from you all,

-Jonathan :)

I don't know what UC Cyclery charges but a friend of mine had a BikesDirect bike assembled for $50 at his LBS. There's really not much to it. I live near UCSD. If you buy a bike online, I'd be happy to help you put it together. I have the tools.

i'm not sure if all bikesdirect bikes are shipped partially assembled, but this is how my fix looked when i got it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v413/middnight_son/misc/IMG_3378.jpg

Thanks for the reply and the pic...gives me an idea of what to expect if I order from BikesDirect.

I'm quite sold on the near-fact that the motobecane cyclocross is the type of bike I'm looking for. Durable, comfy, quick when needed, and capable all in one. If there's no other bike that is comparable to this in componentry and price, I'm sold on this Motobecane, in a non-yellow, please. :)

Last remarks?

-Jonathan :)

i dig the yellow and black. i think it's one of the better color combos out there, hence the yellow bar tape on my black fix.

It kinda screams "steal me! steal me!" when I look at it. Then again, it's probably my college thievery mentality.

I'm going to order this motobecane. Had a long talk with parents about it. They're quite worried about my safety...reading so many horror stories about terrible drivers and such.

For sizing:
From ground to crotch w/o shoes, i measure 30 inches..
My height is almost exactly 70 inches w/o shoes, or 5'10". I must have short legs.
According to http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/roadsizing.html, I should get a 54 cm?

Confirmation would be nice. In addition, is there anything else that I would need to order to get it moving?

-Jonathan :)

http://www.prodigalchild.net/Bicycle6.htm

Mike (?) from bikesdirect.com mentioned a bike store in Mission Bay or PB that carries some of his bikes. I wasn't able to dig that up. Anyone else remember?

54cm or 56cm you can probably make work. I would probably get the 56cm if you're 5'10".

To clarify:
a 54cm will likely put the bars lower (more "drop"), which is usually uncomfortable for new cyclists. This can be compensated for by a stem with higher rise.
a 56cm will put the bars up higher, typically more comfortable. A 56cm will also slightly lengthen the top tube, which can be compensated for by a shorter stem.

If you were in a shop (or can find a shop that carries these bikes), you could try both of them see which fit is more comfortable for you, but I think that either will work out fine.

Mike (?) from bikesdirect.com mentioned a bike store in Mission Bay or PB that carries some of his bikes. I wasn't able to dig that up. Anyone else remember?

I forgot all about that -

http://www.bicyclediscovery.net/

It's in PB. They may or may not have the specific model in question but the sizes will be more or less the same to get a point of reference.

56 might be too big for him w/ a 30" standover

I have a 34" stand over and ride a 55 frame!! but I wanted the more aggressive drop as well.

If you are going the bike direct route which is a good deal look here

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/roadsizing.html

Looks like with your stand over you need a 54, not the 56!! If you have a longer torso, you can add a longer stem later down the line for cheap.

Do you live on campus at UCSD? I'm a big fan of used bikes, especially for beginners (as you can tell from my previous post). But unless you can store your bike in your dorm/apartment on campus I would make sure you get something that doesn't look too fancy and get some heavy duty locks. When I was going to school there a couple years ago numerous friends got bikes stolen in broad daylight, I would be very cautious about leaving a nice bike locked up over night.