bikenovice

So in a nutshell I have a car that is on its last legs. I've been considering buying a bike, as it'll be faster and cheaper than using mass transit.

My commute would be about 4 - 4.5 miles without many steep hills, though there will be some gradual ones. I don't want to spend too much money on a bike, but I did happen to see this on Craigslist.

As I know next to nothing about good bikes and whatnot, I figured I'd ask people's opinions here.

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/bik/3250699275.html

I appreciate any input regarding whether or not this is a good deal. Thank you in advance!

acidfast7

fit?

caloso

How tall are you? This bike is a medium so I'm going to guess that it would probably fit you if you're between 5'5" and 5'11".

bikenovice

I'm in decent shape, I can typically bang out about three miles on an elliptical, more if I really push myself.

I'm 5'9".

mickey85

I don't like the sit-up-and-beg hybrids that are out there now. You can't use your torso properly and lose a lot of power. Best bet would be an older steel mountain bike that you add fenders to.

jettore

That bike looks fine for the commute you would be doing. Get it for under $200 and it's a good deal.

byrd48

I'm in ATL also, I started with a Trek 700 MultiTrack with 700C wheels. It is light and responsive, but for me, at 5'7, I felt so high off the ground and those monkey bar handles just didn't feel good for the times when I needed to lay into it going up a hill. I submitted a post here a few months back very similar to yours, and got the same advice, get an older steel non-suspended mountain bike. I ended up getting a 90's model Hardrock off CL for $75. I've since put about $300 into it with street tires, new wheels to accommodate a 9speed Deore drivetrain and it is quite the urban assault vehicle. It weighs in at 34 pounds with at least 5 of that being the bike lock, but after commuting about 200 miles on it, I'm glad I went that route. You're likely familiar with the broken pavement, potholes and road drains in ATL, they are horrendous. I do see other folks riding around on road bikes, but I feel a lot more stable in my "SUV", even in places in the Highlands where they lay fresh pavement, but it's like riding on a washboard. The higher speeds are a little less stable with the 26 inch wheels and shorter wheelbase, but I still can average around 12mph. I was in the bike shop today test riding a few of the 500 - 800 bikes with the alivio and acera drivetrains, and my custom build shifts faster and better than those new ones on the showroom floor. It also has 28/38/48 up front, which by today's standards is geared quite high for a mountain bike, but it's great for commuting. But that also depends on how involved you want to be in bike maintenance, I like wrenching the bike about as much as riding it.

Narhay

The best commuting bike is the one you feel good about riding, regardless of body position, style etc. if you like it, you will be more likely to continue. Road bikes may be a bit faster than a mountain bike but at 4 miles with stops and starts it wont matter.

bikenovice

Byrd, I'd be going from Midtown to East Atlanta, so I don't think I'd run into too much in the way of busted sidewalks (though I definitely know what you mean).

I'm leery about getting a bike I have to upgrade/build, as I'd have no idea what I was doing, and I expect to be shipping out to basic no later than February. I really just need something to hold me over for now, and I'm trying to find the cheapest solution.

bikenovice

Some other alternatives I've found;

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/bik/3281848727.html

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/bik/3245101344.html

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/bik/3281830708.html

byrd48

That trek is way too big for you. Next is the wal mart, they are very heavy and I think use steel wheels, which don't stop so good in rain, and is basically a junk bike. The Haro is probably your bet fit. I don't know much about them as bikes, but it looks like it would get you where you're going, with the short commute you have and the short time frame you'll be commuting.

Turtle Speed

My 2 cents, take with a large grain of salt as I am not as experienced or knowledgeable as most people here...

Pass on the NEXT as they are just kind of crummy. Heavy, made for off-road, some of the parts can be iffy. Can be hard to resell too.

The Trek seems like an OK deal, except the fit might be an issue, plus the knobby tires seem kind of pointless for what you're doing.

Not qualified to speak about the Vector. Given that it's a cromoly mountain bike with knobbies, it's probably not the fastest ride around. For $150, mmmm.

Personally I'd do best on the Nomad as long as it fits you OK. It's claimed to be new and looks that way as well. Some of the parts are decent quality for an inexpensive bike, and the fenders are a nice plus. IMO, try to get him down under $200 and I think that is a fair deal.

Again take my opinions with a large grain of salt and trust the more experienced riders here.

bikenovice

Okay so I've narrowed it down to these two:

GT Nomad (could probably talk him under $200): https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/bik/3250699275.html

Schwinn Road Bike ($150): https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/bik/3283171520.html

NCbiker

I think either of those bike would work for a commute as short as yours. Having a bike that fits is the most important thing. I suggest you go ride them and see which you like best.

rumrunn6

looks like a nice little hybrid, I'd throw drop bars and a rear rack on that baby

bikenovice

Thanks for all the input. I'll be testing both bikes out this weekend.

loneviking61

I'd say check out the Nomad. These little dirt bikes aren't all that fast, nothing like a road bike but at three or four miles that won't matter much. I can't believe that Schwinn weighing in at 44 lbs! My old Varsity that I cruise around on weighs less than that!

pdlamb

Sounds like you're just starting to bicycle commute, and maybe to cycle seriously. If that's the case, I'd suggest ponying up a few more $$ and buying a bike from a bike shop. They'll get you one that fits, it'll be new so you shouldn't have any problems past the 100-mile checkup (that may be included in the price of the bike), and you can learn bike maintenance slowly (and affordably!), rather than having to make sure you get everything in working order at once.

As for the Wally-world option, do a search on "bicycle shaped object."

ChrisM2097

Unless it's a long and hilly commute, don't even take weight into consideration. A 4 mile commute will probably take no more than 15-20 minutes depending on terrain, traffic lights and such. A lighter bike will only shave mere seconds off your time, and is probably not worth the extra money...unless you have to haul it up and down stairs or something.

Quality components. Good build quality. You want something dependable. You don't want to be on your way to work and have something come loose and/or break.
Get something that can accommodate fenders and a rack.
If you're going to be using panniers, make sure the chain stays are long enough that you don't have to deal with heal-strike.
Make sure it's a good fit for you, and that you're comfortable.

I have a 20" 2012 Trek FX 7.5. I'm 6'2", 265lb, size 15 shoes (a major consideration when it comes to preventing heal-strike). It works perfect for me. I have it outfitted with SKS Chromoplastic fenders and a Topeak Explorer MTX rack/trunk/pannier combo.

I bought the bike used, and all together, I think I have about $500 into the bike and the components mentioned. Probably more like $800 if you include the grips, lights, shoes, pedals, bottle cages, saddle, etc. For me, it's all about making it safe and comfortable. My commute is usually about 25 miles r/t. I like to take the scenic and hilly route home, so I prefer something that I can comfortably climb hills with.

Or you could just go the route of riding a mountain bike and wearing a backpack. As long as it gets you to work and back in one piece.

byrd48

I would go with the GT of those two, but do make sure it fits. When you pedal, take a glance down and make sure your kneecap is vertically in line with the ball of your foot when your pedal is forward. Also make sure you don't have to lean too far over for the handlebars, or it will give you lower back pain and numb hands.
I can't believe that Schwinn is really 44 pounds.. Weight isn't everything, but 44 is on the high end. And those handlebars are more suited for beach cruising than weaving around traffic.