Commuting - A spot of help?

Quick and easy, I'm new so please forgive if this is in the wrong spot.

I live downtown, and there are NO places to park, so I generally save my car for bigger commutes, and I need a bike to get me around town.


I've been cycling a bit on a mountain bike that my dad's had for years. I grow weary of it and began to look for a nice beginner cycle, and I came across this. http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=25174&estore_ID=1791 (Yes, I know it's out of stock)

I like the price a lot (I wanted to keep it under $500 for my first bike), though I have a few questions. Sorry if they're simplistic. I'm also a fan of the drop bars.

1. It says the bike is single speed, and after riding BMX for a good 7 years I realize I no longer wish to have that. Is that able to be changed out in the future with more gears?

2. Is it worth the money?

3. Any other suggestions for beginner cycles?

4. Size. I'm about 5'5" and weigh 135 pounds, how do I know what size to purchase?

5. Will I have to worry about rust? And if so, how can I prevent it?

I understand these may be a bit stupid questions, though I'd appreciate it tons of someone could shed a bit of light an any subject.

Thanks a ton!

-Zak

Changing out to gears will shoot the price up pretty high, a whole new drive train isn't cheap.

Might as well go find something with gears already on it. Though it looks OK enough vOv

Say what some people will www.bicycling.com/biketown is a reasonable source of information for beginners. www.sheldonbrown.com is another source of general information. I feel that the one-speed you mention is not ideal as a starter/commuting bike. Rust is not a problem if you take good care of the bike and use fenders in rainy weather. I have seen fully equipped commuters for under $500 but the $800 range can get you a lot more. My current commuter and all the gear and clothing that go with it would run you close to $3,000 but then I have been at this a long time and have developed exacting tastes.

Thanks for all the help guys, speedy and I appreciate it. I might just go take a swing up to Performace at some point and see what they got in-person. Thanks again for the expert help! :thumb:

-Zak

+1 for all of above

1. Single speed isn't for everyone. It has its advantages, ie. lower maintainability. Depends on your commute really.

2. Yes, it seems good value for money. But the big problem is availability/sizing especially when you're buying online. Check out your LBS (local bike shop) first, see if they've got any good deals and get them to size you up. The advantages of buying from your LBS is that they may offer stuff that online stores may not necessarily offer. ie. free service for the first year etc. bargain with them, they may sort something out. People who buy online generally know what they want, and are comfortable with servicing their own bike, building it up etc. (big generalisation)

3. Your ass will hurt in the first few weeks of commuting.. generally it wont be the bikes fault.. just a weak ass.. you'll toughen up, and so will your legs. The "Advice for New Commuters (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=90213)" thread has some good advice.. and so does Sheldon Brown. (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/) Be sure to adjust your seatpost to a correct height.. again your LBS should be able to help you out with this.. and same with Sheldon Brown.

4. LBS. Many bikes have weird geometry these days so its hard to tell you what size you need. Also depends on arm/leg length etc aswel. Sheldon Brown has some information about bike sizing but all in all id probably see someone at a Bike Shop who can size you up.

5. don't need to worry about rust for a new bike... unless you start getting chips on your paint etc, your bike wont really start to rust.

For a first bike don't be afraid to buy second hand. That way you can resell for a similar price if you don't end up liking it. So you can try different bikes and sizes without losing too much $$. Once a bike rolls out of a shop new, its resale value will instantly go down.. just like a car. Once you find the bike that you know you want and like you may consider buying a new one..

Good luck with it all!

For a first bike don't be afraid to buy second hand.

Buying a bike new is very expensive on the wallet. Craigslist is your friend.

You can nearly always find high quality bikes that someone bought... rode 3 times... and parked in the garage. Be patient, and you can nearly steal one that someone is ready to get rid of...

Oh gosh I didn't even think of craigslist. Thank you, and to the others who helped. Much appreciated!

-Zak