Hello everyone!

I am a total newbie when it comes to bicycles, and I was wondering what your guys' thoughts were. I am from the Bay Area, and have looked at a couple of LBS: Re-cycles (used bikes in Berkeley), and Cycles of Change in Alameda (used bikes). Yes, I am looking for a used hybrid/commuter or road bike. I will be commuting from Alameda to Berkeley almost five days a week when the school year begins.

What are your recommendations? How much should I pay for a used bicycle?

I found a Specialized- Crossroads bike with 700c wheels for 230.
and 20 (something) year old Fuji 12 speed road bike for 220

Should I wait, or try and pick up one of these?
I am particularly interested in the specialized.

Thanks :)

Here's my free advice (and worth every penny!). I'm not familiar with either bike specifically, but just some general thoughts:

You can get a used bike off Craigslist for $100 or more, but then you have to search and go check out the bike. It can take awhile to find what you're looking for and even though you test ride it, you may find out that it wasn't exactly what you were looking for (ask me how I know!).

If they are coming from the LBS then they should be tuned, checked out for safety and ready to ride (with a private sale you may end up with something that's been sitting around for years and needs some work - not always, bu often).

If they fit you and feel good I would say go for it: you can get plenty of rides in before school starts. Just make sure to take it for a decent test ride so you can see how it handles and if there are any issues with the mechanics. One last thought: you can often get a much better component group with a used bike, which is one reason I went used for my commuter...

I'm sure others will chime in with more specific recommendations...

If they fit you and feel good I would say go for it: you can get plenty of rides in before school starts. Just make sure to take it for a decent test ride so you can see how it handles and if there are any issues with the mechanics. One last thought: you can often get a much better component group with a used bike, which is one reason I went used for my commuter...

I'm sure others will chime in with more specific recommendations...

Haha, thank you for your free advice :) It is greatly appreciated.
I am curious though, what do you mean by a component group? Is it the brand that sets them apart?

Haha, thank you for your free advice :) It is greatly appreciated.
I am curious though, what do you mean by a component group? Is it the brand that sets them apart?

See "group" on this page:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_g.html

Sheldon's site has a TON of useful information.

craigslist is your friend for used bikes. ive seen some very nice road bikes for under 100 dollars. also look for bikes at garage sales. you can get garage sale bikes for less than 50!

Get whichever one you like! it's your reward for cycling! Indulge. :D

Does either shop have a maintenance policy? The shop I picked up my road bike from has free tune ups for life, which is nice, even though I rarely use it. That could be helpful especially if you're new to cycling. I started out doing my own repairs, back in the day, and I always ended up with extra parts in the end:eek: Just my thoughts, something to consider (Life after the purchase :) )

OP: what size of the bike you are looking for? or, if you don't know, how tall are you?

I'm 6 foot, 175.
I think I'm looking for a 19.5
does that sound about right?

19.5" mountain bike or hybrid.

56-58cm with a 56cm top tube in road bike.
(See the frame sizing of ex-framebuilder here, http://www.prodigalchild.net/Bicycle6.htm)

Check craigslist in your area for great buys. You just have to be quick in order to get the deal.

The folk at Missing Link are very nice; accross the street they have used bikes. The mechs there are good. You won't find pressure sales (check out Mike's, just up the street for that).

It's in Berkeley, right downtown; as I recall just up from the McD's - I can walk there from the downtown BART by landmark, but it's been 20 years since we lived there, so street names have... faaaded aaaway.

Bay Area Craig's List bikes are, for the most part, li$ted too high, by far. No way any used bike is worth even half of list w/o the warranty transfers, sorry greedy listers! Only some brands will honour transfer of warrantee.

Now, with massive upgrades and low to no miles, maybe...

Thank yo uvery much. spiduh man, that was especially helpful