Southern California - Need a Reliable Road Bike in Orange County

Hello all,

I've been spending every extra minute scouring Craigslist in San Diego, LA, OC, and Ebay trying to find a bike to commute to and from work with. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find anything that'll do the trick in my price range. I'm a USC student and am working full time in Orange County so the bike will be used year round and needs to be as reliable as possible. I take great care of my bikes; I just sold my fixie because it was too difficult to deal with the gear ratio and hills. I have $300 cash (I know it's not much but maybe a good samaritan could help me out and point me in the direction of a deal??). Does anyone know of a friend who wants to help a fellow Southern California bike lover out? I might be able to muster up a little more cash if required...

Thanks in advance,

Matt Thompson

Maybe mention size or dimensions?

I believe a slightly dented model will be available later this evening.

Thought I couldn't stretch this out over three different subjects. Did you MB?

Slightly dented?:D

Sorry about that- the size would have to be between 50 and 54cm. I'd prefer road but slightly dented would be alright...unless that's "slightly" and it doesn't roll straight. hah

Nice choice for your college. Is the "bike guy" still at USC? The one with the backyard of stolen bikes? I bought a beach cruiser from him for $20. 2 years later, it got stolen (U lock was cut). I went to buy a replacement, and found my bike again. This time it cost me $10.

You go to SC. Can't you just borrow your maid's bike?

hah, clever with the maid comment. Actually, we make sure we pay her well enough to afford the bus ;)
We all make mistakes. Only a few are as extreme as supporting an over rated school.

I haven't heard anything about the "bike guy" but lions bikes on Vermont and 29th is the usual place to find a bike after it's been stolen.

Seriously though, I need a bike. Anyone?

How about this one? http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/720053662.html

Or this one...http://cgi.ebay.com/Classic-Schwinn-World-Sport-Road-Bike-w-Shimano_W0QQitemZ250258422650QQihZ015QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

What kind of bike are you looking for? If it's just for transport purpose, you can pick up hybraids & low end mountain bikes for little $$$$$. Bought me a Univega hybrid in excellent shape for just $20.00 last week. I'm in Orange County. Pure road bikes within a reasonable budget are a little harder to find.

I haven't heard anything about the "bike guy" but lions bikes on Vermont and 29th is the usual place to find a bike after it's been stolen.



That came after my time there, but it sounds like the same idea.

I'll echo what the others have said - what are you going to use the bike for? How far are you commuting? If you're not going too far or doing any climbing (like commuting around SC), a beach-crusier would be perfect.

I'll be using the bike for 25-30 miles daily commuting in orange county over the summer then back and forth to classes during the rest of the year. I'm following a couple on ebay right now that'll need some work but should pay off in the long run. Thanks for all the responses so far.

Check these out. The prices are actually really cheap.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/723874842.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/723871178.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/723867215.html

They probably need a little bit of work, but it doesn't look like anything major. These old bikes probably ride really nice.

or if you come into a little bit of cash....

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/724068162.html

Check these out. The prices are actually really cheap.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/723874842.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/723871178.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/723867215.html

They probably need a little bit of work, but it doesn't look like anything major. These old bikes probably ride really nice.

or if you come into a little bit of cash....

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/724068162.html

I've looked into them and am waiting to hear back from the Specialized owner. Thanks for the help! Would you say the bike is worth $500-575?