General Cycling Discussion - Choosing a new bike

Hi all.

Im looking to buy a new bike in the next few weeks. My budget is very limited as I am currently laid off from work. Im looking to spend no more than $250 in total. If theres something light years better for another few bucks I would spring for it, but I would like to stay extremely close to this price point.

Ive been monitoring my local craigs list and everytime a bike of interest appears its sold in under 1 hour...

A little about me:

Im 5'10.5" on the dot, weigh in roughly 220 Lbs although I might be a little heavier right now...

I currently own a "Jeep Wrangler SE" mountain bike. It is to uncomfortable to ride anything much more than a mile or two.

I am looking for a comfort type bike or hybrid, where it takes the weight off my hands. Something with an ample seat. My Uncle just bought a Trek Pure- its nice but far out of my budget.

Here are two bikes Im considering- in order of preference:

http://cgi.ebay.com/K2-Shorewood-Alloy-Cruiser-Beach-Commute-Bike-New-379_W0QQitemZ350202774331QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5189b6433b&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A30

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=150345068940

I personally like the K2 the best. The frame designs and heights are similar to the Trek Pure. The handlebars are positioned in a similar fashion as well.

The Gazelle bike is said to be built in the same factory as the Treks and Cannondales. This would lend to quality- although the components used may not be the best.

Comments please?

Or if you have any suggestions.

And for the fun of it... heres my Jeep bike...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/basstronics/For%20Sale/100_0427.jpg

Take your time in choosing a new ride. Poke around the forums for awhile. Going to an LBS can lead you in the right direction, and you get to test ride too! I fell in love with an hybrid this spring, a Specialized Crosstrail. Way out of my price, maybe in a year?...

Ryan,

For your price level, I would suggest the possibility of going used. Buying from Ebay you won't get the service of an LBS, so finding a good used bike can be a much better use of your money than going for a cheap new bike.

If you ask this question in the Clydesdale forum, there are a few people there that are good at finding good suggestions from among Craigslist offerings. And you will find them a very helpful group for us large riders.

Actually, I just looked, and I saw your ad in Toledo's Craigslist selling your bike, and didn't notice anything promising there in the first several listings...

I didn't see the picture of your bike because pictures are filtered for me at work, but I will look later, but there is also a chance that doing $100 worth of modifications to your bike may give you what you need.

craigslist sandusky has some listings. Check the garbage, police auctions, salvation army, ect.
http://sandusky.craigslist.org/bik/1188022885.html

As to your current bike, what is the problem, if the frame is ok I would say correct the problems with the saddle and handle bars. I would get a solid seatpost and a saddle with springs in back. Handle bars, I bet you can find a junk bike on the side of the road with bars you like, or put a wanted add on craigslist.

The biggest problem with most new riders and their bikes is fit. I picked up a Haro MTB as my second bike about a year ago. I liked the pike but the wrists would kill me after only about ten miles of riding. 5 miles on the dirt was all I could do even with bar ends added. I took it to the LBS where I got my road bike and with a different stem and saddle adjustment I was in business. I now have a Trek 800 and the first thing I did was duplicate the set up of the Haro and 20 to 30 miles is very easy on most portions of the body, if I don’t fall down. I don’t even need bar ends on the Trek. SO before you do anything or buy anything, go to a LBS, and see what fits you. Take measurements and then look for something. You haven’t mentioned price yet and sometimes a new bike can be had a lot easier than a used one. Remember to ask yourself if the person selling you their used bike has a reason. And then ask yourself if you know enough about bikes to know that you can discover if that reason in mechanical?

Budget is about $250

Ive been to the LBS. I rode the Trek Pure, Electra Townie 24spd, Trek 7200.

My Uncle bought the Pure, which seemed to be the best IMO.

Never thought about reworking my bike... It needs a new seat, 1 cable and the shifters adjusted in. Adding a new neck and handlebars would be a huge help.

Most people I know all just got new bikes, given the new bike trail in town. Its become a hot thing around here. Theres cyclists everywhere.

Yes thats my bike on CL. Figured I would put it up and see what happens.

After some thought I decided to stop at the LBS and see what they would recommend.

I got on a Trek 7000 and Im sold.

700cc x 35 tires like was mentioned.

Now the issue, $359... Being poor sucks right now.

I see the 08's were only $309. I would like to locate an 08 to get. Not sure where the $50 difference comes in...

Ryan, i won't be surprised to know the bike you're looking at went up $50, my Fx was $635 back in December 08' and now it's $750 excluding tax.

Most all bikes went up this year. It's the exchange rate. My Masi Caffe Solo went from $720 in '08 to $850 with no significant change in specs. That's the same 18% increase as KungPao's Fx. The Trek 7000's price is only up 16% this year. If you can still find a 2008 model, you should be able to get at least 10% or more knocked off. I did and it was only January.

Called a few shops around. One is selling the bikes at a small discount vs the MSRP. So I can get the $360 bike for $320.

A savings Im highly interested in.

The guy whom answered the phones was a bit.... scary and unprofessional to say the least... But $40 is $40 ;)

The guy whom answered the phones was a bit.... scary and unprofessional to say the least... But $40 is $40 ;)
I work in a bike shop and know what you mean. A lot of bike shop employees DO sound scary on the phone. :)

So what's the deal on the bike? i mean what kind in specific?

I work in a bike shop and know what you mean. A lot of bike shop employees DO sound scary on the phone. :)

Well this one...

Answered very funny. I thought I had someones house at first. I had to ask if it was the shop I was trying to call.

I told him what I wanted, he gave me a price.

Asked if I was checking price, told him yes.

He preceded to tell me they have the best price around because the employees work for crack. He continued on also... lol Im sure he meant to be funny and all, but IMO thats not how you deal with a cold call and people you dont know.

Providing they have good service, the price is right- I will buy there. I tend to like people with "flair" but this was a bit odd.