Commuting - a hundred fifty bucks and a claoud of dust

OK I know there are many serious bikers here and the idea of buying a cheap bike causes hair to stand on end.

But let's be real. I drive an old Jeep Cherokee that cost me $2500. So the idea of spending much more than $150 on a bike is an alien concept. I just took a job about a mile from my house and plan to bike most days. I live downtown in a pretty large city.

So here's the question.


With a budget of a hunnirt and a half what's my best bet. I'm considering one of the retail outlet Schwinn options (walmart or Target).

Can I find a relaible bike that won't piss me off on a daily basis for this kind of money? If so, any recommendations?


Thanks a ton for the input.

Rick

Get a used bike off ebay. There's no way you can find a bike that cheap at Walmart or Target that won't break down within 6 months.

Koffee

If it's just a mile.... what about walking?
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=44493

My work, my watering hole, my gym and my grocery store are all within a short distance from my "hood". So a bike makes sense for more than just a work commute.

I am not a total newbie. I used to have a Rockhopper and did some light trail riding etc. I gave the bike to a buddy a couple years ago.

I just want good cheap (and soemwhat stylish) transportation at this point.

I see no long rides or bad ass Mt, Biking in my future.

Used is your style, check out the usual suspects, ebay, st. vinnies, garage sales, pawn shops, use the web as a resource to learn how to fit yourself and to review quality, good luck, where are you located? I may know of something if your in Denver.

And I am a dedicated Ebayer.

But shippin a bike ain't exactly like droppin a dvd in the mail. No?

I am not in Denver. However, my ex-wife is (which motivates me to avoid the Mile High City)

I live in Kansas City (BTW: F the Broncos)....


Anybody know of a good used bike resource in the KC area?

RJ

Just for laughs though what's the Denver deal?

I do have non-hateful connections there..

RJ

http://www.stealitback.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgrfnbr=32029932&cgmenbr=31895249

Low end name brand bikes, cheap.

Usual shipping is less than $40.00 in most cases regardless of where you buy.

check out these deals (slightly out or you range):

http://www.nicolletbike.com/index.php3?page=viewdeal.php3&dealnum=30

http://www.nicolletbike.com/index.php3?page=viewdeal.php3&dealnum=29

I used to buy a bike each year at the local Police auction. Then, it got popular and the bids got unreasonable. I was paying $20 - $30 for rideable ten speeds. Got a Peugeot, a Fuji...

You might want to call the police department and see when the next auction is. They're kind of fun to attend anyway.

Just for laughs though what's the Denver deal?

Someone left a Panasonic road bike chained up back of our apartment, its in great shape, drops were replaced with a flat bar, needs a check up but it would be a great bike. Oh yeah, its free.

http://www.stealitback.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgrfnbr=32029932&cgmenbr=31895249

Low end name brand bikes, cheap.

Usual shipping is less than $40.00 in most cases regardless of where you buy.

check out these deals (slightly out or you range):

http://www.nicolletbike.com/index.php3?page=viewdeal.php3&dealnum=30

http://www.nicolletbike.com/index.php3?page=viewdeal.php3&dealnum=29

Nicollet bike has Specialized Hardrock Cr-Mo's for $199. I think they charge $40 shipping. You can probably bargain with them as well. I got my Allez Elite Cro-Mo from them for a good price.

Hey Rick,
I picked up my commuter bike at the local Salvation Army Thrift store for under $25.00. It is a Raleigh Mustang SIS ATB bike. It even had a rack and simi-slicks on it. Looks to me that it was someone elses commuter bike. :) It needed a tune up, but heck, for the money, a guy can afford to have your local LBS go over the rig.

So, like others have said, go with a used quality bike. I think you'll be much happier.

Hey Rick,
I picked up my commuter bike at the local Salvation Army Thrift store for under $25.00.
Roger that.

Deffinatly check the thrifts, I just picked up a Trek road bike from the mid 80's for $2.07 at the DAV. It only needed air and bar tape.

You might also consider an open aire market (flea market). I bought a 1970 Hercules 3 spd. English racer for $15. (If I had waited until the afternoon, I may have gotten it for $12.) After I removed all of the rust, replaced the seat, which cost more than the bike, new seat post, cable, and oiling, I have $40 invested. It has a great basket in front and a nice rack in the back; and all Sturmey Archer. Before I got my latest bikes, Gary Fisher range bike, and a Cannondale Cyclocross, I never worried about theft. In fact, when I locked the used racer up at the corner grocer, kids would laugh at me, I'm sure thinking "what's he locking that up for?" It's a great short run bike which I use to haul my daughter's in tow (they have a trailer). Just another idea.

Cheers,

Urbanmonk

Used Used Used Used Used Used

Did I say Used.

Great bang for your buck and it can be very stylist since you can find some really unique or uncommon bikes and you can upgrade them without feeling too much of a pinch on the wallet.

Miyataphile

I picked up and old Schwinn for $70 on ebay. (not the walmart kind). I converted it to SS. It's a nice riding bike, and gets me to work, to the Safeway, and to the bars with ease. Here's a picture because I want to show it off to you all....

I picked up and old Schwinn for $70 on ebay. (not the walmart kind). I converted it to SS. It's a nice riding bike, and gets me to work, to the Safeway, and to the bars with ease. Here's a picture because I want to show it off to you all....

Looks like a damn goos setup. Congrats!