Bike for Getting To and From School?
10-15-12, 07:44 PM
#26
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If you have no luck with a decent bike off of Craigslist, then these are your next options:
I say get the either the Giant Cypress or Sedona with the rigid chromoly steel fork, if you're on a budget and have no concerns about campus theft ($385).
OTOH, if you're on a budget, and are faced with any possibility of campus theft at all, I say cut your losses, and get a budget single speed, like the Mongoose Sinsure.
Otherwise, get whatever your heart desires outside of any budget, but do get the NY Fahgettaboudit U-Lock, anyways!
The OnGuard Beast U-Lock is cheaper than the NY Fahgettaboudit and will be more appropriate for a budget bike, IMHO...
I say get the either the Giant Cypress or Sedona with the rigid chromoly steel fork, if you're on a budget and have no concerns about campus theft ($385).
OTOH, if you're on a budget, and are faced with any possibility of campus theft at all, I say cut your losses, and get a budget single speed, like the Mongoose Sinsure.
Otherwise, get whatever your heart desires outside of any budget, but do get the NY Fahgettaboudit U-Lock, anyways!
The OnGuard Beast U-Lock is cheaper than the NY Fahgettaboudit and will be more appropriate for a budget bike, IMHO...
Last edited by SlimRider; 10-15-12 at 07:48 PM.
10-15-12, 08:19 PM
#27
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If you have no luck with a decent bike off of Craigslist, then these are your next options:
I say get the either the Giant Cypress or Sedona with the rigid chromoly steel fork, if you're on a budget and have no concerns about campus theft ($385).
OTOH, if you're on a budget, and are faced with any possibility of campus theft at all, I say cut your losses, and get a budget single speed, like the Mongoose Sinsure.
Otherwise, get whatever your heart desires outside of any budget, but do get the NY Fahgettaboudit U-Lock, anyways!
The OnGuard Beast U-Lock is cheaper than the NY Fahgettaboudit and will be more appropriate for a budget bike, IMHO...
I say get the either the Giant Cypress or Sedona with the rigid chromoly steel fork, if you're on a budget and have no concerns about campus theft ($385).
OTOH, if you're on a budget, and are faced with any possibility of campus theft at all, I say cut your losses, and get a budget single speed, like the Mongoose Sinsure.
Otherwise, get whatever your heart desires outside of any budget, but do get the NY Fahgettaboudit U-Lock, anyways!
The OnGuard Beast U-Lock is cheaper than the NY Fahgettaboudit and will be more appropriate for a budget bike, IMHO...
10-16-12, 01:42 AM
#28
Senior Member
Road bikes make fine commuters if you're accustomed to them. I advice you don't necessarily rule them out if something promising pops up. It depends on what you want--I commute on a a road bike (well, actually a cyclocross bike with road tires), but I also do a lot or road biking, and basically treat the commute like it's some kind of time trial, and often don't carry very much with me.
Potential issues with road bikes as commuters are: many are set up with relatively aggressive positions where your upper body is bent forward, which improves aerodynamics and power output, but can be uncomfortable for some, and can potentially mean it's more difficult to look around you if you have poor neck flexibility. This is variable: some road bikes can be set up with fairly high handlebars, but very few will put you in a very upright position like many hybrids or mountain bikes. I don't think this is a big deal honestly for a fit person, however. Also many road bikes have poor clearance for fenders and larger tires, and on many it's difficult to mount a rear rack should you ever want one.
In the price range you're considering, road bikes will mostly be older 70s-80s "ten speed" bikes with downtube shifters etc. These are fine and dependable bikes, but frequently are needing some love. Are you interested in learning some basic (and perhaps not entirely basic) mechanical skills?
Depending on how hilly your area is, a fixed gear or single speed bike requires less maintenance and may be available for less, although you're still mostly looking used at your (rather low) price range. Older mountain bikes lacking in suspension are also very good candidates for commuting, but you'll go meaningfully faster if you change the tires to slicks.
Mostly you should find a bike (whatever kind) that is more or less the right size for you(https://bicycling.about.com/od/howtor...e_size_hub.htm is an OK guide), and from a quality manufacturer (no Walmart bikes etc) with reasonable quality (even if old) components.
Potential issues with road bikes as commuters are: many are set up with relatively aggressive positions where your upper body is bent forward, which improves aerodynamics and power output, but can be uncomfortable for some, and can potentially mean it's more difficult to look around you if you have poor neck flexibility. This is variable: some road bikes can be set up with fairly high handlebars, but very few will put you in a very upright position like many hybrids or mountain bikes. I don't think this is a big deal honestly for a fit person, however. Also many road bikes have poor clearance for fenders and larger tires, and on many it's difficult to mount a rear rack should you ever want one.
In the price range you're considering, road bikes will mostly be older 70s-80s "ten speed" bikes with downtube shifters etc. These are fine and dependable bikes, but frequently are needing some love. Are you interested in learning some basic (and perhaps not entirely basic) mechanical skills?
Depending on how hilly your area is, a fixed gear or single speed bike requires less maintenance and may be available for less, although you're still mostly looking used at your (rather low) price range. Older mountain bikes lacking in suspension are also very good candidates for commuting, but you'll go meaningfully faster if you change the tires to slicks.
Mostly you should find a bike (whatever kind) that is more or less the right size for you(https://bicycling.about.com/od/howtor...e_size_hub.htm is an OK guide), and from a quality manufacturer (no Walmart bikes etc) with reasonable quality (even if old) components.
10-16-12, 05:01 PM
#29
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Road bikes make fine commuters if you're accustomed to them. I advice you don't necessarily rule them out if something promising pops up. It depends on what you want--I commute on a a road bike (well, actually a cyclocross bike with road tires), but I also do a lot or road biking, and basically treat the commute like it's some kind of time trial, and often don't carry very much with me.
Potential issues with road bikes as commuters are: many are set up with relatively aggressive positions where your upper body is bent forward, which improves aerodynamics and power output, but can be uncomfortable for some, and can potentially mean it's more difficult to look around you if you have poor neck flexibility. This is variable: some road bikes can be set up with fairly high handlebars, but very few will put you in a very upright position like many hybrids or mountain bikes. I don't think this is a big deal honestly for a fit person, however. Also many road bikes have poor clearance for fenders and larger tires, and on many it's difficult to mount a rear rack should you ever want one.
In the price range you're considering, road bikes will mostly be older 70s-80s "ten speed" bikes with downtube shifters etc. These are fine and dependable bikes, but frequently are needing some love. Are you interested in learning some basic (and perhaps not entirely basic) mechanical skills?
Depending on how hilly your area is, a fixed gear or single speed bike requires less maintenance and may be available for less, although you're still mostly looking used at your (rather low) price range. Older mountain bikes lacking in suspension are also very good candidates for commuting, but you'll go meaningfully faster if you change the tires to slicks.
Mostly you should find a bike (whatever kind) that is more or less the right size for you(https://bicycling.about.com/od/howtor...e_size_hub.htm is an OK guide), and from a quality manufacturer (no Walmart bikes etc) with reasonable quality (even if old) components.
Potential issues with road bikes as commuters are: many are set up with relatively aggressive positions where your upper body is bent forward, which improves aerodynamics and power output, but can be uncomfortable for some, and can potentially mean it's more difficult to look around you if you have poor neck flexibility. This is variable: some road bikes can be set up with fairly high handlebars, but very few will put you in a very upright position like many hybrids or mountain bikes. I don't think this is a big deal honestly for a fit person, however. Also many road bikes have poor clearance for fenders and larger tires, and on many it's difficult to mount a rear rack should you ever want one.
In the price range you're considering, road bikes will mostly be older 70s-80s "ten speed" bikes with downtube shifters etc. These are fine and dependable bikes, but frequently are needing some love. Are you interested in learning some basic (and perhaps not entirely basic) mechanical skills?
Depending on how hilly your area is, a fixed gear or single speed bike requires less maintenance and may be available for less, although you're still mostly looking used at your (rather low) price range. Older mountain bikes lacking in suspension are also very good candidates for commuting, but you'll go meaningfully faster if you change the tires to slicks.
Mostly you should find a bike (whatever kind) that is more or less the right size for you(https://bicycling.about.com/od/howtor...e_size_hub.htm is an OK guide), and from a quality manufacturer (no Walmart bikes etc) with reasonable quality (even if old) components.
My budget increased to $400 ish, so I'm looking into what new options I have (currently I have my eye on the GT Zum or Specialized Crossroads Sport, both are on sale).
Finally, I will definitely want to learn basic mechanical skills for maintenance and whatnot. Also, what's a good back rack to get? I want to put my backpack on it and occasionally a basket to help with groceries.
10-16-12, 05:32 PM
#30
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Those both look more or less reasonable. The Specialized has a triple crankset, and the GT has a single, so if you have considerable hills around your area or want to haul groceries up hills the Specialized might be a better choice. On the other hand the straight forward nature of a single chainring might be nice if you only have mild changes of grade in your area. You can obviously get much nicer bikes than that used for the price, but if you buy new the shop can help you with fit and you will have an easier time finding a bike in the right size.
Just don't get a seatpost rack and you'll probably fine given your needs.
Just don't get a seatpost rack and you'll probably fine given your needs.
10-16-12, 07:31 PM
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10-16-12, 11:01 PM
#32
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10-17-12, 05:07 PM
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Edit: It got sold, what about this one: https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/3331539258.html (assuming it fits). I realize it's a road bike, but I want to look at all options
Last edited by folkloricjungle; 10-17-12 at 05:24 PM.
10-17-12, 06:58 PM
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Sorry, I'm new to bikes..what's an 8 SP IGH? I googled it and it said 8 speed inner gear hub? What does it do?
Edit: It got sold, what about this one: https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/3331539258.html (assuming it fits). I realize it's a road bike, but I want to look at all options
Edit: It got sold, what about this one: https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/3331539258.html (assuming it fits). I realize it's a road bike, but I want to look at all options
As to that one bike you recommended, I think it looks pretty good but I'd wait for a second opinion on a price. I don't really know what they should go for. The bike itself should be good for commuting in the conditions you said your in.
10-17-12, 07:27 PM
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IGH is internally geared hub. It has all the gears in the hub, there is no external derailleur
