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Dear BikeForums.net community,

I found this post via craigslist.
https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/4376663742.html

Is it a good deal? Its a little bit small (I'm 6'1 with a 33" inseam so my ideal is a 23.5" and this is a 22") but I think I can manage. I would use it to commute 4 miles to work and back 5 days a week. It seems like a great deal, especially in light of all the accessories. What do you think?

The alternative is something like this:
Amazon.com: Critical Cycles Fixed Gear Single Speed Fixie Urban Road Bike: Sports & Outdoors

It's much lighter and easier to carry on the subway if I need to but will require a lot of extra parts and seems much less comfortable.

Thanks!

RaleighSport

If you want us to compare, you probably should add the craigslist link or the info and pics from the sale post. But I'll say this much... personally I would not pay money for that amazon bike.

fietsbob

you got a walkup in the city ?

Dutch bikes sit out in the weather, because the Houses in Amsterdam, like the Canal district Are narrow ,

in NYC it would'nt last long , before stolen or stripped, so then you have to bring it in.

exile

You really won't know how the bike feels until you ride it. But don't buy a bike to small hoping you can make it work.

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Fletsbob, I live in NYC. You really think I need to keep it indoors? That's a bit of a let down.

Do you guys recommend any alternatives in the 200-400 range? I need something for an 8 mile total commute 5 days a week, preferably upright. Thanks!

RaleighSport

Maybe an SS from bikes direct? I think the basic ones are about 300, and of a higher quality than most anything else you'll find new in that price range. The bikes do require some minor mechanical skill and tools to assemble though.

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Do you recommend a specific model?

RaleighSport

Really depends.. do you want something with a more upright design for comfort, something more like a road bike which will have you in a fairly aero arch, or something even more extreme like a track geometry?
If I were picking one for myself and wanted to stay on the lower cost spectrum, I'd probably go with a Dawes SST Alum.

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Dear Raleigh,

Thanks for the specific suggestion! It looks nice but its a little bit above my price range. I also would prefer something upright. I have a slipped disc in my lumbar spine so comfort is a priority.

What do you think of something like this:
Save Up To 60% Off Town Bikes | Classic, Stylish Three Speed City Bikes | Urban Bikes | Commuter Road Bikes | Windsor Oxford from bikesdirect.com
or
Town Bikes | Classic, Stylish City Bikes | Urban Bikes | Commuter Road Bikes | Windsor Essex from bikesdirect.com

RaleighSport

Ahh good, see much easier to work with if we know your needs! Upright indeed then, and might I suggest a step through frame for more ease of use? Now since we're getting into the nitty gritty, is SS really right for you? Are there many hills there?

From what I know so far, that ladies Windsor Essex may be an excellent choice for you. Easy to step through, upright,fenders/chainguard are good for wet weather, as is the coaster brake (coaster brakes are bad for hills, as they are prone to overheating).

The Oxford's also seem about right for you, three speed internal gearing will drop a lot of maintenance off the bike, again in your case I'd suggest a ladies frame.

Good eye on your part, unless there's some more and extreme details you've found some excellent starter choices, even leaving a little room for accessories.

Now to play devils advocate:
If you want gears and upright there's some basic options on there as well
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../avenue_fb.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...alaxy_tour.htm

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Wow! Thanks for the advice RaleighSport!

Is it normal for a man to ride with a woman's frame? To be honest, I always preferred the easy step-through but felt like it was somewhat taboo.

There are almost no hills in NYC. I prefer SS for the easier maintenance and lower weight, but I figure having just 3 gears on the Oxford probably won't contribute much to either of those and the rim breaks will be more responsive and reliable (which is important for NYC traffic).

The gravity seems excellent! It's probably lighter and faster than the Windsors. I was just hoping to avoid complicated gears since they aren't really necessary for NYC.

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What do you guys think of this bike?
Schwinn City Single Bike - Comfort / Hybrid

gregjones

Four miles in the city...................

I'd go with the Merrell Moab. $90

After I had a compression fracture of the L1 my orthro doc said 3 miles a day, minimum, walking. Great for a bad back.

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Ha! Way to think outside the box. 1 hour and 15 minutes each way is quite the schlepp though and not through the nicest areas (it's BK).

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I wound up purchasing this based on Nashbar's recommendation:https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Produc...0052_560653_-1

gregjones

That will work well for you. I have a small front basket and love it. You need to do some searching about locks and technique before it gets to you.

You can start here. He has several videos on securement. It's generally recommended that one spends about 10% of the bike value on locks, but given your location I think I might err on the high side. Look on the Krypto site----they list different levels of security for different environments.

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Thanks for the tip, Greg.

I have a heavy duty Krypto chain that just needs a lock. Can I buy any heavy duty lock at the hardware store or do I need something specific? Are combination locks out of the question? Thanks!