Another College Student - Suggestions for a Bike?
07-12-12, 09:14 PM
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Another College Student - Suggestions for a Bike?
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Last edited by animabella; 03-06-14 at 09:53 AM. Reason: I left the forum and wanted the post removed.
07-12-12, 09:31 PM
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Normally, I'd say go visit your LBS or see if there is a co-op in your area. However, if you all you want this bike for is basic transportation, then I'd suggest getting a Nano. That thing will be just odd enough that it will stick out like a sore thumb on CL or the pawn shops if it gets stolen. And a 6' woman riding that frame should stand out in traffic as well.
Then you'll enough money for a NY FU lock.
Then you'll enough money for a NY FU lock.
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07-12-12, 09:59 PM
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Welcome To Bike Forums, AnimaBella!
Do you have any hills to cycle over?...Any serious inclines at all?
Do you have any hills to cycle over?...Any serious inclines at all?
07-12-12, 10:23 PM
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I expect Slim is compiling a list of SS bikes for you...
(He's been on a SS/FG bent of late
)
(He's been on a SS/FG bent of late
)
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07-12-12, 10:25 PM
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Another quick question- are you planning on wearing a bag (backpack or messenger) while riding or going a bike mounted cargo solution? Also, how much gear/stuff do you anticipate hauling daily?
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07-12-12, 10:37 PM
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It helps.
Now do you have a bar preference- flat/drop/other and will you be leaving your bike outside at night or bringing it in?
Now do you have a bar preference- flat/drop/other and will you be leaving your bike outside at night or bringing it in?
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07-12-12, 10:48 PM
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If you don't have to cross that bridge on a daily basis, then I would suggest that you purchase a single speed bicycle. They're inexpensive, efficient, and require very little maintenance.
I would recommend the following single speeds:
The Schwinn Racer ~ $300
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/urban/2012-racer-14445/
* The Schwinn has no rack mounts...
The Nashbar Hounder ~ $200
www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_504148_-1_202614
Good Luck!
PS.
Get the New York Fahgettaboudit U Lock...
Last edited by SlimRider; 07-12-12 at 11:00 PM.
07-12-12, 10:56 PM
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I'll second the BD Nano suggestion above, or a folding bike.
Oh, please stop giving away bikes to low life's. Keep them inside, if all possible.
07-12-12, 10:59 PM
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07-12-12, 11:16 PM
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There are rear and front racks available for it.
Dahon Echo 7 already comes with everything for commuting. Just add a rider.
Dahon Echo 7 already comes with everything for commuting. Just add a rider.
07-12-12, 11:18 PM
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The Giant Cypress ~ $350
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/cypress.st/9019/48871/
* Also Google the Schwinn 700c men's Empire XL ~ $250
07-12-12, 11:42 PM
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I asked earlier because I wanted more info before making any kind of suggestion. While this narrows it down a bit, I do have another question for you- will you have to lug the bike up any significant flights of stairs? And if so, are they interior or exterior?
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07-13-12, 12:17 AM
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Okay, my suggestion would be as follows. The Nano from BD that I linked to earlier in a size M/L (biggest they have), a Topeak Explorer rack, and then a basket or crate big enough for your school bag. Your budget is too tight to explore panniers fully at this time, but baskets and/or crates are handy and generally cheaper. This will allow enough money left for that lock.
This is based upon the strictly for commuting 10 miles r/t purpose. If you're also considering doing longer rides on the weekend or possibly some trail riding, may have to rethink the bike recommendation...
This is based upon the strictly for commuting 10 miles r/t purpose. If you're also considering doing longer rides on the weekend or possibly some trail riding, may have to rethink the bike recommendation...
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07-13-12, 01:23 AM
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animabella,
Welcome to the Forums! Hope you've enjoyed yourself so far...
I'm going to take a different approach to your search. Everyone has made great recommendations for bikes and equipment. My only concern is with the 'newness' of your
potential choice and a bike thief's nasty inclination to go for something new and shiny... know what I mean?
I was just thinking that there are a lot of older mixte frame road bikes on Craigslist in larger frame sizes (21" and up) that would make great commuting bikes while
keeping the price down and the theft factor lower due to the age and style of the bike. That would leave you additional funds to outfit the bike with a rack, either
commuter baskets or panniers to carry your goodies and a good lock system for campus and town use.
Just thought I'd throw that option out... helps to recycle an older bike and keep the $$ down. Besides, mixtes look cool!
Welcome to the Forums! Hope you've enjoyed yourself so far...
I'm going to take a different approach to your search. Everyone has made great recommendations for bikes and equipment. My only concern is with the 'newness' of your
potential choice and a bike thief's nasty inclination to go for something new and shiny... know what I mean?
I was just thinking that there are a lot of older mixte frame road bikes on Craigslist in larger frame sizes (21" and up) that would make great commuting bikes while
keeping the price down and the theft factor lower due to the age and style of the bike. That would leave you additional funds to outfit the bike with a rack, either
commuter baskets or panniers to carry your goodies and a good lock system for campus and town use.
Just thought I'd throw that option out... helps to recycle an older bike and keep the $$ down. Besides, mixtes look cool!
07-13-12, 02:57 AM
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My budget for everything (bike, lock, rack, fenders, lights, everything else) is $650; probably should have been more clear about that at the beginning, sorry! I am considering doing longer rides on weekends, since I do enjoy riding for leisure, but not necessarily trail riding at this point. 
1) The Raleigh Detour 4.5 ~ $500
www.raleighusa.com/bikes/hybrid/detour-4-5-12/
2) The Gravity Libery CX ~ $400
www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/liberty_cx.htm
3) The Motobecane Cafe Latte Disc ~ $500
www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/cafe_latte_x_disc.htm
4) The Norco Rideau W ~ $465
www.norco.com/bikes/urban/700c-hybrid/rideau-w/
5) The Giant Via 2 ~ $520
www.giant-bicycles.com/bikes/model/via.2/9017/48862/
6) The Schwinn Sporterra Sport ~ $495
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/hybrid/2012-sporterra-sport-womens-14581/
PS.
Get a really good U Lock:
The New York Fahgettaboutit U Lock ~ $72.00
www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Fahgettaboutit-Bicycle-U-Lock-Inch/dp/B000OZ9VLU/
Last edited by SlimRider; 07-13-12 at 11:21 AM.
07-13-12, 03:01 AM
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07-13-12, 06:18 AM
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I'm trying to think what I would recommend to my daughter if she were to take a bike on campus (neither one did), and I'd say an older non-suspension hybrid or mountain bike with a rear rack, 3 x 7 speed gearing, and fenders. I'd be searching Craigslist for somethink like a Trek 720 Multitrack or a Univega Alpina Pro from the mid-to-late 1980s, in a larger size.
You sound like you have about a month to get this ready and working. If you keep your eyes out, you will find something that will fit and work. The basic bike should be less than $200, likely in the $125 range. Next, you'll need to take it to a bike shop for brake pads, cables, and adjustment. You can change out the tires yourself - choose a slightly knobby cyclocross tire of the size appropriate to your rims. Put in heavy duty tubes, too. The adjustment and tires should run about $100, if you're careful.
That leaves some money for a rack (if the bike lacked one - get a good one), your lock, a floor pump, and some of the sundry items you'll need - like bags for the rack. So, this will require probably $200 of your remaining budget.
As a final thought, you might look at a mid-1970s Schwinn Suburban or 5-speed Continental. Heavier, but just a sturdy, and less of a theft magnet. Prices will be about the same - may require more maintenance depending on condition.
Get to work!
Phil G.
You sound like you have about a month to get this ready and working. If you keep your eyes out, you will find something that will fit and work. The basic bike should be less than $200, likely in the $125 range. Next, you'll need to take it to a bike shop for brake pads, cables, and adjustment. You can change out the tires yourself - choose a slightly knobby cyclocross tire of the size appropriate to your rims. Put in heavy duty tubes, too. The adjustment and tires should run about $100, if you're careful.
That leaves some money for a rack (if the bike lacked one - get a good one), your lock, a floor pump, and some of the sundry items you'll need - like bags for the rack. So, this will require probably $200 of your remaining budget.
As a final thought, you might look at a mid-1970s Schwinn Suburban or 5-speed Continental. Heavier, but just a sturdy, and less of a theft magnet. Prices will be about the same - may require more maintenance depending on condition.
Get to work!
Phil G.
Last edited by Phil_gretz; 07-13-12 at 06:27 AM. Reason: added "hybrid or"
07-13-12, 07:00 PM
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animabella,
I was thinking something along the lines of this as an example:
https://denver.craigslist.org/bid/3137740311.html
Large ladies frame size, and at $140.00 it would be inexpensive to change the bars to Tourist bars, add a rack, and have a great commuter!
Phil G's idea is a good one, too. We'll help you find one, if we can!
EDIT: Saw this in Mobile CL for $130:
https://mobile.craigslist.org/bik/3076406724.html
I was thinking something along the lines of this as an example:
https://denver.craigslist.org/bid/3137740311.html
Large ladies frame size, and at $140.00 it would be inexpensive to change the bars to Tourist bars, add a rack, and have a great commuter!
Phil G's idea is a good one, too. We'll help you find one, if we can!
EDIT: Saw this in Mobile CL for $130:
https://mobile.craigslist.org/bik/3076406724.html
Last edited by oldskoolwrench; 07-13-12 at 07:05 PM.