General Cycling Discussion - SPEAK UP! Your pick for best bikes under $400.00

Hello people :)

I would like as many people as possible to respond thoughtfully to this thread if you would be so kind:

Many of us spend a fair amount of time researching bikes and bike prices. Also, there are quite a number of struggling students on limited budgets and people who just appreciate a good bargin in our midst. (me included) :)
So my question to all is this: If you had a firm budget of $400.00 or less to spend on a new bike, what would you buy? And although a great bargin can be found in the thrift stores, I would like to keep focused on new bikes if possible.
Thanks so much!

Devinci Coyote hardtail MTN bike. I guess that would be less than $400 US.

NEVER EVER GET A MINELLI! anything else

I believe that the Giant Yukon (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2004&bikesection=8841&range=145&model=10763) is pretty good at that price point.

Best for what? What would this bike be intended?

A used touring bike in great shape.

Last years model on closeout. I bought my Trek 6700 Mtn for something like $599. I helped a friend of mine buy a Specialized at the same shop for 30% off retail.

Buying last years model on closeout can save you 25-30%. Make sure the MSRP is realy the MSRP and not marked up 25% then sold for 25% off.

Hello people :)

I would like as many people as possible to respond thoughtfully to this thread if you would be so kind:

Many of us spend a fair amount of time researching bikes and bike prices. Also, there are quite a number of struggling students on limited budgets and people who just appreciate a good bargin in our midst. (me included) :)
So my question to all is this: If you had a firm budget of $400.00 or less to spend on a new bike, what would you buy? And although a great bargin can be found in the thrift stores, I would like to keep focused on new bikes if possible.
Thanks so much!

I am tempted to say a hot Litespeed Vortex from a guy in an alley in Brooklyn, but check out the Raleighs, as they have some pretty decent mtn bikes for $400 or less. But, then, so does Trek and a few others. Got to an LBS or two and shop!

I suppose the intent of this thread was to compile a list of quality new bikes under $400.00 that members of the boards had first hand knowlege of. Since this is a question i've seen asked on the boards at least a dozen times in the short amount of time I've been a member, I thought it would be nice to have a list.

Also, i am truly interested in what people have to say on the subject. I can go to the half dozen LBS's in my area and perhaps a few in neighboring cities, and look at bikes, but what a more valuable and practical tool to have so many different people and opinions right here. Anyway if anyone else as an opinion or otherwise on the topic, please speak out. I'd love to hear what bikes you suggest.

P.S. No one particular kind of bike.... This is a broad catch-all kind of topic. I suppose you could leave out the tiny bikes clowns ride on at the circus, but really, anything goes.

Hello people :)

I would like as many people as possible to respond thoughtfully to this thread if you would be so kind:

Many of us spend a fair amount of time researching bikes and bike prices. Also, there are quite a number of struggling students on limited budgets and people who just appreciate a good bargin in our midst. (me included) :)
So my question to all is this: If you had a firm budget of $400.00 or less to spend on a new bike, what would you buy? And although a great bargin can be found in the thrift stores, I would like to keep focused on new bikes if possible.
Thanks so much!

Way under $400 is the Bianchi Rollo (fun bike, but a single speed)

For a budget all around bike, Bicycle Magazine gave high marks to the Kona Smoke.

Now see this is what I'm talking about:love:
I never heard of a Bianchi Rollo, and now I just gotta have one of these freakishly cool bikes..... Keep em comin :D

Hello people :)

Many of us spend a fair amount of time researching bikes and bike prices. Also, there are quite a number of struggling students on limited budgets and people who just appreciate a good bargin in our midst. (me included) :)


If you're a student, do not buy a new bike like the Bianchi Rollo. How are you going to lock this bike? Don't even think about locking it on some bike rack with a $20.00 dollar cable lock from Bell! A bicycle like the Bianchi Rollo would need about $150.00 worth in locks.

I like the Dahon folding bike for college students because you might be able to store it inside at night instead of leaving it on a bike rack. On a college campus, any bike that must be left on a rack at nigh should not cost more than $70.00 dollars. Good news. There are plenty of used bikes in this range.

Then buy $150.00 dollars worth in locks and hope the campus doesn't have organized bike criminals. Make sure the junker has new brakes but overall, the bike should be in poor condition to discourage theft.

Otherwise, you may need to buy a new Bianchi Rollo each month!

Marins are really nice for the money!

At least a few years ago the "new" Motobecane had steel 8 speed roadbikes right around that pricepoint. I think Fuji roadies start somewhere around that money as well. Haven't ridden either but can remember when a 23-24# steel framed bike with a 5 speed freewheel was considered a good to better bike so I'm sure these new ones would be good riders.

iron horse bikes are real nice too

Ok so far we've got a pretty good list going of quality bikes under $400.00. Thanks to all contributers!
But of course this list is by no means done, more suggestions are very much appreciated!!!


Devinci Coyote hardtail MTN bike
www.devinci.com/english/roadbikes2004.html

Giant Yukon
www.giant-bicycle.com

Bianchi Rollo
www.bianchiusa.com/rollo.html

Kona Smoke
www.konaworld.com

Marins
www.marinbikes.com

Motobecane steel 8 speed roadbikes
www.motobecane.com

iron horse bikes
www.ironhorsebikes.com

Bianchi Pista

For Bianchi, I'd go with the Sparta, although tax will probably bring you just a bit over the $400 mark.

Ok so far we've got a pretty good list going of quality bikes under $400.00. Thanks to all contributers!
But of course this list is by no means done, more suggestions are very much appreciated!!!


Devinci Coyote hardtail MTN bike
www.devinci.com/english/roadbikes2004.html

Giant Yukon
www.giant-bicycle.com

Bianchi Rollo
www.bianchiusa.com/rollo.html

Kona Smoke
www.konaworld.com

Marins
www.marinbikes.com

Motobecane steel 8 speed roadbikes
www.motobecane.com

iron horse bikes
www.ironhorsebikes.com

Always been a fan of the lightweight and simplicity and funky moustache bars of the .......

Van Dessel Straight Up (http://www.vandesselsports.com/b_straightUp.shtml)