Eastern Canada - ~Looking to buy a bike in Ottawa~

Hello there,

I have previously posted on the general forums, when I wanted to buy a cheaper/used bike. However, thanks to my aunt's kindly offer, I have got a budget boost so I am looking for a bike price range 800-1000. So I am looking for a bike that first of all is safe on the roads, as I will be commuting with it to school about 10K total distance. Furthermore, I want a bike to do proper long distance traning with, which would be safe if I take it to the trails and considerably rougher surfaces.

So the question would be:


1.what kind of bike would suit me the best?
2.What models/brands are the best to look out for.
3.Where are the decent bike stores/shopsin Ottawa? I am looking for a fairly priced ones, not intrested in dealing with over priced dealers.


I will also appreciate if someone would be willing to help me out in person, and guide me on this.

I live in ottawa currently. Even though I frequently go to toronto, I need the bike in ottawa and considering the shipping fees, I am looking to buy the bike here in Ottawa.

Thank you for reading

Sina

http://www.xootr.com/folding-bicycle.html

downtube.com

help me out in person, - buy a cheap used bike and build it up to a dream bike over time. gain some experience with a cheap bike until you know what you like and need. try these people http://recyclore.org/

BTW from Ottawa craigslist it seems bike theft is common.

Your asking for one bike to do it all, when you really need two bikes to do it proper. An old road bike will help with the proper training as well as get you to school. An old mountain bike will take to the trails effectively and can get you to school too! Two bikes might be better than one in this case.
If you still only want one bike, I would look at the Specialized Crosstrail line of bikes. The one I saw at an LBS had the lockout feature for the front fork, 700c tires for fast travelling, and priced in your range.

I agree with the comments above. It sounds like you could use two bikes.

A couple of things to keep in mind in researching your purchase.

1. Bike security. At school, nice bikes become magnets for thieves.
2. Extras. To get the most out of your cycling experience, I recommend you purchase the essentials at the start: Lock, helmet, jersey, good shorts, and gloves. Plus, pump, extra tube, repair kit, water bottle & holder and oil.

All the above could easily exceed $200 for fair quality, entry level gear. So, if you're looking new, and accounting for tax, you're looking at a bike in the $600-700 range. Feasible for sure on entry level bikes. Entry level bikes are made to handle distances you describe.

On the other hand, Craigslist and UsedOttawa.com can be good resources. Just be sure you know what size frame you require.

I'll assume that by "trails', you mean packed gravel and not the root & rock infested type. Trek's 7.X series is a nice bike. And I'm sure Giant and Specialized have similar products. I highly recommend Full Cycle (St. Laurent blvd). Award Cycle (Carlingv Ave) and G.M. Bertrand in Gatineau depending on your location in the city.

If you have any specific questions, you can PM me. Good luck in your search. I'm sure you'll come to love the cycling opportunities in Ottawa.