What to buy?
08-13-13, 12:48 PM
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What to buy?
I grew up riding on bmx and mountain bikes. I've got kids now and want to bike along with them. I'm also thinking I'd like to use the bike to commute to work. 12 miles round trip. I won't be hitting any trails, jumps, or attempting any "stunts" lol. I am drawn quite a bit more to the bmx look. I'd like to get out of a bike shop paying under $600. Opinions please on what I should get.
08-13-13, 12:53 PM
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Naturally a Mountain Bike seems like a good suggestion. Plenty of gears for any hills you may encounter on the commute, defintely a good choice to knock around on with the kids.
Fat tires won't do you any favors while commuting, and can make you slow, but you could replace them with thinner tires.
Or you could consider a hybrid, though I personally loathe hybrids with a white hot intensity.
The issue could be your budget ... $600 won't get you much, unless you happen to get really lucky with a 2012 model, or as fall starts to arrive, a 2013 model.
Fat tires won't do you any favors while commuting, and can make you slow, but you could replace them with thinner tires.
Or you could consider a hybrid, though I personally loathe hybrids with a white hot intensity.
The issue could be your budget ... $600 won't get you much, unless you happen to get really lucky with a 2012 model, or as fall starts to arrive, a 2013 model.
08-13-13, 01:07 PM
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I'm a fan of the Trek DS 8.3 
My brother just ordered a Specialized Cross Trail. Both seem like they would work for what you are looking for.
My brother just ordered a Specialized Cross Trail. Both seem like they would work for what you are looking for.
08-13-13, 02:58 PM
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What are the kids riding? BMX, mountain bikes, road bikes? If you want to ride with them you will want similar capabilities.
08-13-13, 03:27 PM
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If all you want to put into a bike is $600, check what's available on Craigslist.
08-13-13, 08:54 PM
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Why would I spend more? I stated what I would be using the bike for. Nothing to justify dropping thousands of dollars on a bicycle for. I'm questioning whether or not I should even spend that much. I asked for opinions on what to buy. Not where to shop. Thanks for nothing.
08-14-13, 05:28 AM
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Get a brand new Giant or Specialized performance hybrid with thar budget and your needs.
08-14-13, 06:10 AM
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Agree with above. Trek fx series might be good. I once test rode a diamondback insight that might be right up your alley. It's a flat bar non-suspension bike that has a fairly moderate drive train (not crazy high or low but with a good range). It comes with 32c street tires (not knobby off road). Basically a good street bike for someone who wants a flat bar ride. It was a very smooth ride from what I remember, and I think it was at the top of your price range, but I do agree looking for a used name brand hybrid might be a good way to save some dough. After I test rode that diamondback which I liked a lot, I ended up buying a used lugged steel road bike for half the cost of the insight.
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