aznmochamike

Hi everyone!!!

My name is Michael and I am starting to bike... and I'm 22... anyways... I think I would just be biking around town or around school so I think what I am looking for is a communting bike right? I was trying to find something below 130 since I am a college student (=poor)... I saw this one and was wondering what you all suggest... https://www.sportsauthority.com/produ...entPage=family
I like a lot of black and don't want an aggressive one because it will attract attention and I'm not going with it on a mountain. I live in Sacramento, CA... if anyone can suggest another one around this area for that price range... that would be much appreciated... thanks

weavers

buy used. thats a no name bike with no name parts. you'll be paying for 150 dollars of greif cause stuff will break down, same problem with target bikes/walmart bikes also they are heavy. used bikes have arleady stood the test of time and old worn out parts are easily replaceable. look for a touring bike on craigslist, ebay, through your local paper(clasifideds), 2nd hand stores, grarage sales.

if you want new you gotta raise your budget not only for the bike but for two u locks also. like 300-500 for the low entry level bikes at your local bike shops. they can fit you and you'll often get free trueing of the wheels, tune ups ect

zorkon

Yeah, for cheap, you need to scour Craigslist and get a used road bike or maybe a big wheeled hybrid for starters. They're are bargains out there fo' sho. Hold out for a bike in good condition only.
Good luck.
Do not buy from a department store! you can get a much better bike used or for a little more, a new decent entry level bike from your local bike shop. Maybe around $300. The closeouts this time of year can be Stooopid good hunting. You can practically pillage the bike shops in this economy.

Yan 

This spring I bought an early 90's Peugeot mountain bike (hardtail) for $60 off of Craigslist. It carried me through four months of daily commuting with no mechanical problems. I moved to a different city in early summer and sold it on Craigslist for more than what I paid for it.

This is the type of bike you're looking for. Good luck.

PDXJeff

Hi Michael,

That looks like a cool bike, but it is more of a 'cruiser" style and not so much of a "commuter". It would be better for short distances, at lower speeds, since it has one gear and it might be heavy.
It may be comfortable, and it does have fenders, but maybe consider more gears and a taller bike.

For your budget, an older bike from Craigslist is often a better deal than a new one.
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/814321281.html
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/813969415.html
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/810773181.html
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/810140680.html
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/809775918.html (This one! - classic cyclocross)

I like cruisers. But, if it's your only bike, make sure to consider how far and fast you have to go...

Good luck, have fun.

lbear

Craigslist is the way to go to save money, but expect to pay more then $200. Otherwise you will end up spending more $$$ in the long run on repair work.
If you do not know what size bike you need find out. A even good bike that does not fit you can be a pain (pun).