Hybrid Bicycles - New to Hybrids/Forum - Budget Hybrid Advice for college bike

Hello everybody!

I am just getting into the world of bikes (from previously not knowing ANYTHING really except how to ride one around without falling off) and stumbled across this forum which struck me as a vibrant, welcoming and helpfull community.

Now I am going to be at College in the Fall (University of California Berkeley) and need to find a bike for it.



- PRICE:
Budget price preferably. I was hoping to shop for under $200 unless there's a really compelling reason to go higher than that (I was planning to use Craigslist or some other resources to find USED BIKES because I hear they are of better value)

- USE:
Mainly just for getting to class. There are paved roads 90% of the time and sometimes the road isn't perfectly smooth but again, its in the middle of an urban city

A rack or something might be nice to carry books or groceries but if the bikes without it are much nicer, I might consider dropping this luxury.


- LOCATION:
UC Berkeley, is in Berkeley California. No snow but can have lots of rain (afraid of slipping and hurting myself badly)

- ME:
I am a 5 foot 7 inch tall male.

- CONCERNS:
Hopefully not too flashy because it might get stolen (unless I learn some good bike locking techniques here).
PRICE isn't too high because I'm just getting into this bike world (coming from old cheap walmart bikes) and want an ECONOMICAL ride with a great USER experience.



Thank you so much! I've done over 10 hours of research online and am still very lost on WHAT bikes to search for and etc..

THANK YOU AGAIN!
ALL HELP IS APPRECIATED!

With a $200 budget you are definitely shopping on Craigslist for used bikes, or back at Wal-Mart & Target. Bicycle shops and the Big 4 companies (Cannondale, Trek, Giant, Specialized) don't try to compete with Wal-Mart. They make better bikes that generally start around $500. Let's assume 50% discount on CL... even starting with a really cheap Trek, $200 may not be feasible for a bike in decent working order. (I would not buy a rundown, neglected bike.)

You should look for a multispeed hybrid or city bike. They will fit your needs. A rear rack will be better than any front-mounted basket because it won't affect your steering and generally they hold a lot more weight.

Regarding theft, ALWAYS lock it. Get a quality cable at least 1/2" or 12mm thick, not a thin & cheap one that can easily be cut. A thick cable can be cut too, but it takes huge tools that may/would draw attention. I personally disfavor U-Locks because yes they are really tough but you can't lock both wheels and the frame without a cable.

You should look for a multispeed hybrid or city bike.

+1

You already came up with a point that I would make for a college bike and that is they will get stolen if they are expensive or even look expensive. Don't get hung up on brand names if it's just for riding around the campus. As mentioned, Craig's List and WalMart are a good place to start as well as pawn shops. Just make sure that you get a chance to ride the bike and see if it fits you before laying out any cash. Most WalMarts won't let you ride the bike before you buy and pawn shops may require that you leave something of equal value with them while riding the bike. Regardless of where you get the bike, unless you know how to do adjustments, take it to a bike shop and have them look it over and make any needed adjustments.

Thanks for the posts.

So what do I look up on ebay / craigslist?

I typed in "road bike" or "trek road" or "trek hybrid" and they didn't give me many options.

Also any cheaper bikes you guys recommend?

Lastly, WHAT are the CRITERIA I should be looking for when deciding on this bike for college and how do I evaluate them? (ex: whats a good frame, good wheels...etc.)

Thanks!

First things first, please avoid Wal Mart! I was in your shoes a few months ago. I wanted to buy a bike that would not only give me some exercise, but would be versatile and get me around to work/school. First, I bought a bike from Wal Mart and it was a living hell (heavy, tough to ride, didn't suit me right, gears messed up, etc). I returned it and ended up buying a multi-speed hybrid from my local bike shop for around $350 NEW. I chose to by a new bike as opposed to a used bike because, well, I didn't know what to look for in a used bike.

I agree with the above posts. Buy a multi-speed hybrid. They're quick, lightweight, and perfect for commuting. I would advise you up your spending limit a bit and get more bang for your buck. Check out the one I purchased, the Origin8 Cutler 7. Maybe a local bike shop will have one or something similar in stock. Buying from a LBS is better because the bikes are set up by hand and tuned by someone who knows what they're doing.

http://www.origin-8.com/?page_id=91&short_code=Cutler+7&cl1=BICYCLES

BTW, congrats on your acceptance to the University, man :)

Inquire with Campus Security- they'll be able to tell you which types attract the thieves the most and they might have some that have been abandoned/impounded that they auction off from time to time.

My advice, FWIW, is to look for a decent, older, unsprung MTB... hopefully for less than $100. After a thorough inspection and test ride (take a bike-savvy friend along if you're unsure) take it to your LBS and have them tune it up. If you can do it yourself, all the better. Slap some slick tires on there and you should have some reliable transportation to get you through to graduation. Don't forget to budget for a helmet, lights, and fenders to go along with your rack.

As for locks get a nice u-lock and a cable or chain. Potential thieves will walk by a bike that has two different types of locks to defeat, especially if said bike is an old rigid MTB.

This one would be perfect: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/2529162258.html

repus, I will tell you what I told my own father in law last night - and it broke my heart to have to say it.

You should look into spending more money on a bike.

Not knowing anything about them Craigslist will be taking you for a ride more likely than not.

Wal Mart sells sculpted scrap metal that just sits in garages waiting to rust (too heavy, too unreliable to be used as real transportation).

I know "spend more" is never good advice, but think about the cost in terms of the fact your buying transportation and a gym membership that will last you through college. If your willing to ride in the rain, it sounds like your prepared to save hundreds of dollars against the cost of other forms of transportation down the road. Personally I would have taken out a a student loan to get a decent bike if I had known what my work/class situation would be like back in college. As it was, I was doing 13 mile commutes on a beater to get to my night job - you never know what will happen, but you do know that a bus pass or a car is a high fixed cost.

Last year, I know Felt had some good deals running for between 3-400 at various places online. Performance Bikes & Nashbar might help. If you have to go through second hand bikes....try another student who used the bike in the same way you will.

For a totally different slant, look at Nashbar's single speed Nekkid bikes. Can get them in four different bar styles, for $250 - 300 depending on current "sale". A single speed is no maintenance, can sit out on a rainy day, and you have no worries. You can play with gear ratio to cover yourself for hills, and you can run freewheel or fixie depending on what you prefer.

or you could get something from BikesDirect. :D

(thread destruction in 5, 4, 3...)

Or you could go with a folder. Take it with you into class...

Thanks for the replies guys.

I think at this point I've decided on an upright position.

So for a lower price range (definitely sub 500), what are good bike MODELS that you guys would recommend?

I've spent countless hours on research on "road bikes" which gave me racing bikes with the horizontal rest position (not comfortable) and have trouble finding bike models to further investigate the price on.

Thanks so much!

what are good bike MODELS that you guys would recommend?
As with most threads of this nature, I can only tell you what I'd buy with your money. A better approach would be to visit the bike shops in your area and test ride as many bikes in your price range as possible. Once you've narrowed down your choices, come back here and ask for opinions from owners of said bikes. That way you'll get some real-world experience. The only caveat I have is to stay away from bikes with suspension; at your price range suspension is inefficient and adds weight. My earlier suggestion of fixing up an older rigid MTB still stands.

I didn't have many bike shops nearby. I like to research things ahead of time, so visiting the manufacturer's websites (Trek, Giant, etc.) to look at the features of the different models might suit you. Then, of course, you need to visit the bike shops to actually try some bikes out. Some shops are more helpful than others, or at least that was my experience. Even if you don't buy from a bike shop, that would make you more knowledgeable about looking for a used bike. Good luck with your purchase!

Hello Guys:

So after doing lots and lots of research and cragistlist scrounging I've found these options. It would be great if you guys could recommend a few models(or tip me on ones I haven't found) of these bikes as I have no idea what to ask or what model is better ...etc.:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2528197562.html
http://cgi.ebay.com/2010-ALUMINUM-HYBRID-BICYCLE-COMFORT-ROAD-BIKE-SHIMANO-/130556996278?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e65cdaab6#ht_9376wt_1163
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2522304036.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2525538537.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2522185555.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2510138035.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2510601014.html

Basically all I want to know is:
"If you were me with a sub 250 budget, what bike would you bring to college?"

Heeding the advice here, I decided to steer away from Walmart bikes and go for used bikes because they will give me much better quality for within my budget price.

Again I am 5 foot 7 inches with an inseam length of about 29.5 inches so I heard 19" - 20.5 " frames were good for me. (I'm a male)

Thanks so much!

Hello Guys:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2010-ALUMINUM-HYBRID-BICYCLE-COMFORT-ROAD-BIKE-SHIMANO-/130556996278?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e65cdaab6#ht_9376wt_1163


my friend got that one from Ebay, I tried her bike, pretty decent, definitely lighter than my old "K-mart" bike (not W-mart :D ) I am pretty happy with the shimano tourney components. that ebay seller has some other nice budget bikes you may want to look at them. And my another friend bought a "lamborghini urbano" when it was on sale for $180 from Dick's. again, basically the same components except that the the "Lamborghini" labeled on the frame... Looking at the price point and components, they are really the same as Walmart Schwinn Varsity and GMC Denali (To be clear I never tried Varity and Denali).

My whole life is on a crappy bike so $200 for a bike is already very nice to me. In my opinion, there's nothing wrong buying from Walmart. I own a Huffy myself ($80 6 years ago). its heavy, but it serves its purpose. I had it for more than 6 years for urban commuting only and I never had any mechanical problem with it. biggest advantage is I never had to worry about the bike getting stolen... If you know some basic bike mechanic I think you will be fine with any crappy bike. Now I switched to a better, lighter hybrid I custom built, I'll just leave my old Huffy lying around for backup.

The choices I mention above I think are the best multi-speed hybrid you can get for $200.

The Spalding Blade is an interesting find; I'd wanna take a closer look just to see if it is salvageable. Both Fujis and both Raleighs might be worth a look as well. Personally, I'd be checking out that Miyata; it looks ready to go and was a decent bike in its day. The fresh upgrades and new tires means less $$$ for you to put into it.

try this place http://recyclebicycleshop.com/ mikes bikes in berkeley has a single speed for 200 in large if your ride is mostly flat. looks like 6-7 bike shops in that town

Thanks guys:

It seems the the miyato looks like one of the best of all the bikes I've listed in that post.

However, the post says that it only fits 5' 9 and above comfortably and I'm only 5' 7 which is a real downer.

Any other suggestions among the bikes i listed or other sub 250 used bikes please?

Thanks!

At 5'7", I think 17" to 19" will be your ideal frame size. Smaller and you'll feel cramped, bigger and you might be too stretched out. I am 5'8" and I ride a 19" frame 700c hybrid. It took me a few rides to decide between 17 and 19 inch frames which is one advantage of purchasing new from a bike shop but I dropped about twice as much on my bike. For me, 21" was too stretched out.

Is the $250 for just the bike or does it include accessories also? If you ride at night, front AND rear lights are a must for safety. If you are under 18, then a helmet is required (state law). After that, it's on you whether you wear a helmet or not. Plan to spend about $30-50 for a set of lights and $30 and up for a helmet.

Some bikes to consider:
Trek 930 - Not sure what a fair price for these are to be honest, but $250-300 that some of these people are asking for seem like a bit much
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2529090536.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2486365802.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2523591245.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2534601319.html Close to you and definitely worth a look IMO
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2533548022.html Newer bike but low end. Seems like an ok price
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/2520852449.html Seems like this would be a decent beater bike at $150. You'd have to figure out how to get to Santa Rosa though. BART doesn't go up that way.

Thanks so much jsdavis! I'll get looking into them and try to compare them with my novice eyes.


Would you still go with the Miyato out of all of these models or if not, which one (of these we've listed)?

And also, I found out that the Miyato is a 20"...which I'm hoping wont be too big. I'm 5'7 with an inseam of about 29.5 inches. (measured from ground to my groin area as one website told me).
Also, the seller hasn't told me the year or model of it even after I emailed him for that stuff....should I bug the seller about it to get the specs before looking into it further or is it already, according to your eyes, a great buy without knowing the specific model?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2510601014.html

That is the link to the miyato one.

Thanks so much ! I really appreciate it!

a 20" MTB-type frame probably is usable for you on-road, but you won't have enough standover clearance to safely use it offroad. a 5'7 / 29" inseam you should be on a 17.5" MTB frame for trail use. but like I said, probably not a major concern around campus.

jsdavis really threw out some good options, the marin in berkley for $175 is my favorite. some of these will go FAST I bet. my local CL churns through bikes really quick, unless they're overpriced.

a 20" MTB-type frame probably is usable for you on-road, but you won't have enough standover clearance to safely use it offroad. a 5'7 / 29" inseam you should be on a 17.5" MTB frame for trail use. but like I said, probably not a major concern around campus.

jsdavis really threw out some good options, the marin in berkley for $175 is my favorite. some of these will go FAST I bet. my local CL churns through bikes really quick, unless they're overpriced.

Hey guys,

So it seems to be a showdown between the Miyato Valley Runner (220 dollars, which comes with a gel seat):

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2510601014.html

and the Marin FS Hybrid:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2534601319.html
.

Thing's I've noticed:
-It seems the Miyato has a lot less support because Miyato has apparently exited the US market.
- The miyato comes with a gel seat.
- Marin is 19' frame and the Miyato 20'
- It seems the Miyato is a much better bike? (has 18 speeds v the 7 speeds of the marin fs hybrid).



1) This is the final showdown (unless you guys find better school commuting contenders) I think.
Your thoughts have been GREATLY HELPFUL and I really appreciate the prompt responses I get from you guys.


OTHER CONCERNS:

A) - I need to lock the bike and make sure things don't get stolen. Are there any concerns I should have? (the gel seat being stolen off Miyato?, quick release wheels on them because they don't say if they have quick release or not?...etc.)

B) - What should I look for when I am checking these bikes out to see if I should buy them (when I go see the seller/ bike in person)

THe Marin is 21 speed, not 7.

The Marin is a much better bike.

The Marin was made in this century, the Miyata is older than you.

If you had a gel saddle like that, you would hope it gets stolen.

Both bikes have quick release seatpost bolts and quick release wheel skewers. You can buy a bolt on seatpost collar and bolt on wheel skewers or secure saddle and wheels with cables when you lock up.

Grab the Marin before someone else does.

Make sure the frame isn't broken or bent.

A wheel has been replaced, so the bike might have been in a collision.

Ditto what qmsdc15 said. Make sure the bike tracks straight when riding, and look a the two wheels head-on to make sure they line up vertically. Again, if you know squat about bikes, make sure to take a bike-savvy friend with you when shopping.

THe Marin is 21 speed, not 7.

The Marin is a much better bike.

The Marin was made in this century, the Miyata is older than you.

If you had a gel saddle like that, you would hope it gets stolen.

Both bikes have quick release seatpost bolts and quick release wheel skewers. You can buy a bolt on seatpost collar and bolt on wheel skewers or secure saddle and wheels with cables when you lock up.

Grab the Marin before someone else does.

Make sure the frame isn't broken or bent.

A wheel has been replaced, so the bike might have been in a collision.

Glad you caught the replaced wheel. Looking at the Marin Bike archives, it looks like the bike is a 2005 Marin San Anselmo and should have an 8 speed cassette. Something happened to the rear wheel.

Marin page for 2005 Marin San Anselmo: http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2005/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_san_anselmo.html

Marin names all their bikes after places in Marin so the description on the CL ad is a bit off. Fairfield is a municipality about 30 miles east of Marin.

Thanks for the replies guys.

So I shot the Marin owner an email.
And it turns out to be the Marin Fairfield model which I can't find any information on online (the seller claims it is a Marin Fairfield)

So what I'm hearing is:

1) Make sure when I am casually riding the bike that the wheels are aligned

2) Make sure the frame isn't broken or bent (Is this easy to spot or are there some places I should look specifically to check?)

NOTE: I probably won't be able to drag a bike savy friend alll the way to Berkeley to test it so I will most likely be on my own inspecting this bike.

Anything else?

Thanks so much guys!

Maybe he means Fairfax, not Fairfield? But Fairfax is a flat handle road bike not a hybrid with suspension fork.

Are you not at Berkeley yet?

I am not at Berkeley yet but I do commute there for work everyday (berkeley is a big city) so I want to make sure I know what I am looking for / checking on the bike before I go there.

I found a couple of hits for "Marin Fairfield" but there were again , only a couple and could have been mistaken search results. I'm confused as to why I can't dig up anything for this bike.

I'm starting to wonder if this bike is stolen. The mismatched wheels and the Schwinn tire makes me suspicious that one bike was locked by the rear wheel and the other did not lock the rear wheel and someone made a complete bike out of the two.

The other thing is that the seller keeps insisting it's called Fairfield which doesn't sound like an appropriate name for a Marin bike since Fairfield is in Solano County. There is a similar sounding city of Fairfax in Marin County, but that is a flat handle road bike with carbon fork.

Compare the link to Marin I previously posted and compare it to the photos on CL. The bikes look identical down to the sticker on the fork and red mark on the top tube.

Marin San Anselmo originally came with an 8 speed cassette. It doesn't really make sense to install a 7 speed cassette on a replacement wheel if the rear wheel were damaged beyond repair or stolen. While I don't know prices of 7 and 8 speed cassettes, I'd imagine installing a 7 speed shifter to to match the cassette would negate any time and monetary savings. If the shifter was not changed out, then the shifting will be horrible and the seller might try to say it just needs a tune up. I think Deore came out around 2000 as a 9 speed group and replaced 8 sp STX-RC. I wonder if it could even handle bigger 7 speed chain.

Interesting now that the CL page, the seller has changed the name from Fairfield to Kentfield which is an actual Marin bike model, but Kentfied doesn't come with Deore components and is only available with a rigid fork until Marin started using the curvy/stylized top tubes in 2008.

Actually,

Ive confirmed with the seller that it's a Marin Kentfield FS and if I'm not mistaken, it is this bike:
http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2010&Brand=Marin&Model=Kentfield+FS&Type=bike

The seller claims it is three years old, 700x32 tires in new condition and had a tune up 2 weeks ago.

So that bikepedia page shows it as a 7 speed. Not a 21 speed.

I need to decide on this one soon, any quick replies and advice on this bike would be appreciated!

UPDATE with a reply from the seller:

So basically, I figure that I need to meet up with the seller soon because he wants to meet up asap (his exact words in the email are below):

Marin kentfield FS, 700x32 tires in new condition, I'm the second owner, 3 yrs old, had a tuned up 2 weeks ago. I'm trying to schedule other people to come see it so if you can confirm with me that would be great.

[B]


Essentially, I'm at a loss for what to do right now. I don't know much about bikes so I'm not sure about checking the components or anything and basically would LOVE any thoguhts on this bike (or perhaps another bike?).
(should I: A. pressure him for more details or B. just show up, check up bike following some guidelines you guys can hopefully give me and buy it if it passes the things you guys told me to look out for?)

The frame looks completely different than Kentfield. Get some better photos of the bike. The name of the bike is located on the top tube somewhere.

Kentfield does not have Deore components.

I think jsdavis is right; it looks like a 2005 Marin San Anselmo to me, too. That "Schwinn" rear tire is probably a re-badged Kenda, and can be found on many dept. store Schwinns. The whole rear wheel likely came off of another bike, hence the 7-speed cassette. The whole thing seems a little suspect to me, so caveat emptor (i.e., it looks like a real "steal").

It's a Fairfax, er, I mean Kentfield, er, I mean...

It's neither.

Is there a reason to tell you model names other than what's printed on the top tube?

Call the sheriff's office and run the serial number by them.

I think jsdavis is right; it looks like a 2005 Marin San Anselmo to me, too. That "Schwinn" rear tire is probably a re-badged Kenda, and can be found on many dept. store Schwinns. The whole rear wheel likely came off of another bike, hence the 7-speed cassette. The whole thing seems a little suspect to me, so caveat emptor (i.e., it looks like a real "steal").

Oh geez....
Well, if it really is the Marin kentfield FS then the bike SHOULD have a 7 speed cassete according to Marin's site:

http://www.marinbikes.com/2011/bike_specs.php?serialnum=1581

I plan to see it tomorrow and is the concensus that if I can ride the bike up and down the street, pull the brake levelrs 1/2 to 3/4 of the way and stop the bike, the bike should be fine (obviously no super load noises of gears clanking or something obnoxiously wrong with it). Or are there finer things I have to check up on?

Because it seems it is a really good deal for the price if there isn't something horribly wrong with this bike...right?

It is not a Kentfield. The seller is lying to you. I believe the bike is stolen.

It is not a Kentfield. The seller is lying to you. I believe the bike is stolen.

How do you know its not a kentfield?

And even so...I don't know how to find the number of my local sherrif (I didn't even know they had local BIKE sherrifs! or unless of course you are referring to the police department?).

Regardless if it was stolen or not (hopefully not), and assuming my serial check (where's the bike serial?) turns out negative, would it be a good buy if I don't notice anything horribly wrong with this bike?

From my previous post:
"
I plan to see it tomorrow or the day after and is the concensus that if I can ride the bike up and down the street, pull the brake levelrs 1/2 to 3/4 of the way and stop the bike, the bike should be fine (obviously no super load noises of gears clanking or something obnoxiously wrong with it). Or are there finer things I have to check up on?
"

It's not a Kentfield because Kentfield FS doesn't have straight tubes. Kentfield FS first appeared in 2008 when Marin started using the stylized/curved top tubes. Only on 2007 and earlier were the tubes straight as shown in the photo and there were not Kentfield FS models then. Not between 2005 to 2007 anyways.

Taking a closer look at it, judging by the length of the head tube and seat tube, I'm also starting to doubt the bike is a 19". Looking at my 19" hybrid, the rear end of the top tube is about even with the top of my wheel. The top and down tubes on my bike are also much closer together at the heat tube.

Check out the photo of this bike with 22" frame: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2535510387.html
The top tube on the 19" Kentfield looks to be about the same height and the head tube looks like similar length. On a 19" frame, the top and down tubes should be closer together I think.

Hmm.. Seem's a bit too fishy ...

What about this one?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2535581995.html

Or would you guys vote for another craigslist hybrid bike to go for? (sub 220 dollars preferably)

Either of those look fine.

Personally I'd go with the Specialized for 700c wheels and more aggressive riding position. It looks like 17" which should be about right, or maybe a bit small.

The Fuji looks like 26" wheel upright comfort bike which isn't my thing. It might feel good at first, but ride it often enough and long enough and you might find it limiting and uncomfortable.

Either of those look fine.

Personally I'd go with the Specialized for 700c wheels and more aggressive riding position. It looks like 17" which should be about right, or maybe a bit small.

The Fuji looks like 26" wheel upright comfort bike which isn't my thing. It might feel good at first, but ride it often enough and long enough and you might find it limiting and uncomfortable.

I was looking at the Specilized also. This is what the seller told me:
"... bike approximately 17 or 18 inch."

So a 19 inch frame would suit me best? (I'm 5 foot 7 , inseam of about 29.5 inches)
And yeah, i heard upright is most comfortable but I DEFINITELY did not want a road bike position. So you're saying these hybrids (like the speciliazed ) offer a 45 degree ish semi-aggressive riding position?

So...is this the best one to look at now or would any the other linked bikes be a better candidate (or non linked so far, but out there on Craigs to find)?

Thanks!

A general rule of thumb to determine if a frame is the right size for you is to straddle the top tube, lift the bike up tight against your groin, and look for a space of about two inches under the wheels. Having the right sized frame means you won't geld yourself when you come to a stop. When you're in the saddle, your leg should extend almost fully on the downstroke, and you should have to come off of the saddle when stopped. That way you get full power and the most efficient use of your pedal strokes.

At 5'7", you are kind of on the fence for 17 to 19. You'll have to ride the bike to see how it feels. I tested a 17 and 19 when I bought my bike. I rode a 21 also, but it took all of 500 ft to know that wasn't for me. The difference between 17 and 19 is subtle; in the end I picked the 19 since that was the one that made me feel warm and fuzzy.

Upright position I think is more comfortable initially, but in the long run I think a forward position is a bit more comfortable especially if you are riding a few miles at a time. Hill climbs are easier too I think. Although my primary goal is to get from one place to another without getting hurt, I ride hard and fast, so your requirements may be different.

The riding position will probably be close to this:

http://www.marinbikes.com/2010/images/bg_images/action_STREET-Hybrid.jpghttp://www.marinbikes.com/2010/images/bg_images/action_STREET-Hybrid.jpg

http://www.marinbikes.com/2010/images/bg_images/action_STREET-Home.jpg

Thanks guys.

So at this point, because we have dropped the Marin FS hybrid, do you guys have any other bikes you recommend?

I probably will only have time to decide on ONE offer from a craigslist posting and evaluate that one before college starts.

As mentioned earlier, I try searching on craiglist but I cannot find the good deals you guys see because:
- I don't know what are "good deals/good bikes"
- I only know to search up with words like "hybrid" or "trek hybrid"

So if you guys can find some killer offers like before and recommend one out in the next 2 days, that would be GREAT! And i'll go check out that bike and , assuming it is good, will buy it and be a happy college student.

Here are a few that looked to me that I found so far:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2535581995.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2536684411.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2540719133.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2534795053.html


Thank you so much guys! I bet you guys can find something much better than my noob searches.

Thanks again!

Heck Jon, Guess this has been kicking around a bit (long 'nuff for me to show my ugly head)
Fit
17 vs. 19, yeah you're probably good for either to some extent depending on personal geometry. I'm always inclined to the larger end but I'm old beat-up & less flexible. Make sure you clear the top bar by 2cm+ inch for road, 5 cm for MTB is the old rule that seems to kinda work (no flames please if ya got another opinion just state it)
Other stuff can be tweaked to a point. If your wrists hurt & you have a lot clearance consider the bigger bike or at least raise your bars.

Money:
If you can't do your own work, then you may want to try out some LBS bikes & spend the money up front to get something you'll want to ride, or save an extra 150 bucks over the purchase price to account for things like
- Tires - older bikes often have inappropriate (nobby) or shot tires (cracking on the side etc))
- Tuneup
- The one component that will be broken that you must replace (brakes etc) that you miss on the inspection

Bikes
- There are a couple of Xmart bikes that would probably do, but overall I think they're a bad idea, too many bad stories, & have seen too many of them personally.
- If you're buying a late 80's or 90's vintage bike AVOID Suntour's indexed stuff (shifters, back wheel/cassettes). It was great in it's day, but is now made of unobtanium..(my 750 started with Suntour)
- I don't know Berkeley, but do live in Hilly Seattle..for the most part the diff between 18 & 27 speeds is pretty much nil for 90%+ of riding. In the worst case you can always walk it up the hill. I realistically use 5 or so of my 24 gears & rarely get to the lower cog unless I'm really shot.

I've mostly messed with Trek stuff, but bear in mind other good mfr's like Diamondback, Specialized, Novara (REI company brand), Panasonic, Nishiki Jamis etc also made/make perfectly nice bikes in the same categories.

I favor steel bikes, but Aluminum's OK, lots of folks like it, I just haven't found an AL bike I really liked. It's a preference & I ain't gonna get in a flame war here, make up your own mind after riding for a while.

Suspension vs. non. (My opinion)
Unless you're going offroad suspension will only cost you more, & maybe make the bike more appealing to thieves.

MTB vs, Hybrid (In general)
MTB's
Smaller, stronger wheels/harsher ride. - Smaller wheels may make a frame fit you better at 5'7"
Faster steering/ a bit more maneuverable due to wheel size, & trail (Yes I know any bike can have short trail, I owned a Kog..)
A bit twitchier (the downside of faster steering)
Hybrid
Bigger wheels, often a bit higher bars (more comfortable) slower steering (more stable on road, but not as maneuverable)

Either one will work ride both & if you change your mind, change your ride.

Models you can find fairly cheap I've messed with include

Hybrids (somewhat limited, but heck I hit the home-run the first one I bought)
Trek 750 (the 730, 720 & 700 are similar enough to be indistinguishable for this purpose, a hair heavier with lesser components)
Trek 7200 (with front shock similar to the 7300, 7500 etc)

MTB's -

Trek 830 (sibling of the "Antelope", 830 , 850 etc)
Specialized Rock Hopper(short experience, someone backed into it & broke the frame)
Trek 930 (cousins include 920 etc)

I own a 90 750 & have had it for years while other bikes came & went. Don't get one if it still has Suntour. Cost to upgrade is high.
The 930 was a nice bike owned by a friend of mine, wouldn't mind nabbing one someday. Not as smooth as my 750 but a bit more suited for some of the trails I contemplate.
The 7200 is probably not the one, shock is not HD 'nuff to hop curbs & adds weight as well as being pricey to fix if necessary. It did smooth the road nicely when I had a badly messed up shoulder.
The 8xx stuff, not a bad choice, I recently steered a friend to an 830..of note the crank had a recall on it so he got a free replacement (not a great replacement but heck it was free & new). He dropped about 150 bucks into a tuneup, lock etc..
The Rock Hopper (old steel one) was much like the 8xx in my short time with it.

MTB's -

Trek 830 (sibling of the "Antelope", 830 , 850 etc)
Specialized Rock Hopper(short experience, someone backed into it & broke the frame)
Trek 930 (cousins include 920 etc)



If you can find a Trek 930, those would be better than an 830 or 850. The higher spec components will probably last longer. IIRC, the 930 came with STX or STX-RC parts.

For Trek hybrids and MTBs, 3 digit model number is usually steel and higher number is higher model. A 4 digit number means aluminum.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2535581995.html Did you check these out? I think either one should be fine if they are in good condition.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2536684411.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2540719133.html I'm not sure what's going on with this one. This ad has been up for a long time repeatedly. This might be a bike rental place or bike tour place, but I cannot say that for sure as I've never contacted them. Give a choice, my preference would be the San Anselmo since that's more of a street or performance hybrid. The Redwood is more upright and I think it has 26" wheels so if you ever get in the need for speed you are kind of stuck in an upright position. I think the San Anselmo has adjustable stem so you can get the bars up and down to your liking. My thing is that more speed usually leads to more fun even if it's for transportation; but that's just me. If it turns out to be rental, then you'll have a big selection and you should be able to try it out. Usually you just leave a credit card with them.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2534795053.html This might work out well, but I'm not too sure the size. You'll have to try it to see how it goes.


Thank you so much guys! I bet you guys can find something much better than my noob searches.

Thanks again!

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2542393209.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2541641909.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/2544979211.html

Thanks guys.

@tromper. Yeah, and it's hard because there so many listings and I'm not sure which one is the best of the options with my limited knowledge. I scour bikepedia and google for reviews but , especially with the older bikes like the one's jsdavis linked just now, it's hard to find reviews and thus compare them.


I haven't been able to find good trek bikes on craiglist but did take a look at the links jsdavis provided.

Which would you recommend?

Also, they all seem to be mountain bikes instead of hybrids? or are these bikes essentailly good commuter bikes for college students?

Also, for the bridgestone MB 4, I found an MB 2:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/2544377287.html

for cheaper. Would that be better or is the fact that the MB4 is tuned make it a great deal?

Thanks!