TylerK10

Hi, I'm obviously a newbie to the forum and I've come with a newbie question. Being experienced in the foruming world, I could only imagine how typical my question must be on a forum of this niché. But hey, I could use the help.

A couple of my friends and myself have decided to get back into hardcore biking as the warm weather approaches. And by hardcore I mean get around without a car from now on (well, to an extent) as well as go though some of the trails we have on Long Island like we used to.

Back in the day we when used to ride a lot we all had random bikes, I myself didn't even have a mountain bike; I did all that on a little X-Games BMX bike I got when I was little from, like, Toys-R-Us? But I loved the thing and it did a good job holding up to the abuse.

However, now that we're coming back, we've decided to all get new mountain bikes together. I don't want to go out and buy just any bike from Walmart or something, I want something decent, but also within my budget. I think I want to spend anywhere from $150 to $220 (give or take). Now if that seems a bit low, remember, we're just some casuals that want to ride around the island and beat on some trails.

I'm pretty sure the local bike shops might be overpriced (we're going out looking tomorrow), so I was browsing the Sports Authority website. I'm looking for a good bike, kind of simple and light-weight, but at the same time very durable and reliable.

Without giving it very much effort at all yet, I came across this one: https://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...ct_id=10660675 (yeah, ironic that it's from Walmart when I just said I didn't want that, but it's a Schwinn and a good example of what I am looking for). Another, a bit more expensive: https://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4016707.

Are these bikes any good? Is there a link somewhere that I can find the best bike for the buck? Please ignore my ignorance - I'm a newbie again! Thanks.

carkmouch

Be sure to search craigslists for your area/region for good deals on bikes. Be sure to try before you buy to make sure the bike fits and is in decent condition.

Craigslist is where I've bought all my bikes.

Crast

Hey new guy, where on Long Island?

Craigslist is probably your best bet if your budget is around $200; you'll probably have to drive to queens/brooklyn to pick something up though.

For about $300-$350 you can get a reasonable hardtail from an LBS; a low end trek/specialized/cannondale/gary fisher will be bit better than what you can get at WalMart, and you've got an experienced bike shop to assemble it for you.

Local bike shops vary; depending on where in the island I might be able to give you some suggestions.

TylerK10

Thanks, but I prefer to buy a new bike.

...Unless you meant to make sure the new bike is in decent condition? Because sometimes even those are damaged at the store, right?

TylerK10

Smithtown. I see you're in Port Jefferson! The first thing we had planned was to ride there this weekend. And then we get to ride back... up the hills... awesome.

Again, I'm not sure if I want to go through Craigslist as I kind of stay away from the site in general (I really, really don't like the layout and don't see how anyone can tolerate it). Having a well assembled bike sounds promising, lol, so maybe a LBS might be my best bet. Hopefully the owner can point us into the right direction for a decent bashing bike.

oneredstar

When you are looking for something with your budget I would seriously suggest buying used. You can get a much better bike that way. Those Schwinn bikes you are looking at on the WalMart site are not the Schwinn bikes of old. They are not even close to any thing the "real" Schwinn ever made. Buy used and take your time to find the right bike for you.

Crast

Well. Places I would recommend looking:

• Bike Discounters on Lake Ave in St. James: I hear they're decent, have spoken a few times on the phone with them, they seem knowledgeable enough, but I've never actually been in their shop. They are close to you guys and probably have a good selection in your price range.
• Brands Cycle in Wantagh just off Sunrise Highway: It's a bit of a drive coming from Smithtown, but there's nobody with as big a selection as them on the island. Sort of the mega-store for bicycles, they sell everything from low end to top end. When they have sales they're awesome, especially for clothing and gear; but even bikes and parts. I go there to buy things like shoes and little hard to find parts. You'll want to get out there soon, as the store will likely be mobbed in the coming weeks as it gets warmer. This really applies to any store I suppose, but especially Brands.
• Campus Bicycle in Stony Brook on 25A: A bit pricey for parts, a small shop so on-site selection isn't the greatest and they tailor more to the mid/higher end, but all three of the guys there are great and really helpful; I use them as my LBS, so I gotta give them a shout out.
• Carl Hart in Middle Island on 25: Also a bit pricey, I don't go there often since it's more convenient to go to campus bike since it's near school; but they seem nice enough. Also a pretty small shop.

Having a SBRA (or MPBC in the case of Brands) membership ($20/year for membership to either) can get you a 10-15% discount at most shops; this may not be as big of a deal to you for buying inexpensive bikes, but if you ever decide to go for a higher end bike this can be a significant savings. Just ask the shop what sort of discount they give to SBRA members.

pwdeegan

not liking the CL layout seems like a small excuse for potentially saving lots of money on a better-than-walmart bike. plus, holding out for a new bike seems overrated; guarantees you nothing in terms of failure (both new and used bikes may have minor failure issues for different reasons; both are easily self-serviceable or serviceable by your LBS).

TylerK10

I'm not denying the lame reason to literally never visit CL, but I actually have a pet peeve about buying many things used, if that makes a difference.

Thank you so much, Crast! Your post is perfect for our little bike-hunting journey tomorrow. We'll most likely visit all of them; I know exactly where all of the spots are that you are describing. You've made Brands sound like it could be a winner.

Randochap

Avoid department store bikes. Go to a proper bike shop. It'll cost you less in the long run.

As others have said, used is an option where budget is a concern. Have a look around VeloWeb for tips on different bike styles.

Panthers007

Spend more at a bike-shop - get more at a bike-shop. Like a warranty and skilled people. Buy a cheapie - stuck with a cheapie. They fall apart in the first year - you pay the repairs at the bike-shop.

acorn54

i went to my local bike store and told them that i was only looking to spend 300 dollars for a bike. they were able to come up with a bike i wanted in their inventory that had an original cost of 442 dollars but they gave it to me for 300 dollars. maybe you should go to a few local bike stores and tell them you only have 200 to spend and they will work with you to get what you want? i think you will like the personalized service you get at a local bike store.

KungPaoSchwinn

Trek still offer a 6 months with no interest, i bought my bike in January 09' and haven't paid a cent however, i will send Trek $600 as my first payment,their entry level hardtail is about $320, i am thinking about getting one myself,good luck in your finding.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...dtail/820/820/

dar83

Hey man, I don't want to come of harsh or anything, but if I was you I would hold off and save up a little more scratch if having a new bike is that important to you. Please please don't buy a wal-mart bike. I was thinking the same thing when I started riding 2 years ago. Just wait and save up for a few more months and buy from your lbs it'll be worth it in the end. walmart bike normally ends with you getting fed up with the hobby and not enjoying riding to its fullest

KungPaoSchwinn

Wallyworld bikes are a hit or miss kinda deal, my Schwinn Skyliner lasted for 3 months before i sold it,it worked nicely without any problem.

Condorita

Fixed that for you.

JoelS

Your budget is too small for a quality new bike.

Kimmitt 

What they said -- your budget just isn't big enough for even a passable machine new. It's good for a used decent bike.

It is of note that even the low-end bikes have gotten $50-100 more expensive recently, for reasons that are not entirely clear. But this is an industrywide thing, so there's probably something going on.

brokenknee

I also vote for craigslist, there are some good deals on there if you spend a little time looking. I purchased a Trek 800 last fall for $75. Yes it was old but not ridden very much and stored inside the whole time. Owner said he purchased it years ago and just never rode it like he thought he would. He figured it was time to clean out the garage and decided to get rid of the bike.

rae

My first choice would be to see if I could get a deal at a LBS. Or save for the more expensive bike, but if you don't want to or can't (which I can understand, since you don't want used (which rules out eBay too) there are Schwinns sold through bike retailers--like Performance, and some LBS' also. I assume they are better quality ( as of last year the website disavowed any affiliation with the Walmart Schwinns).

You might also check out Target.com for their Forge bikes. I have one for errands & like it very much. It was $190 w/ free shipping.

Unknown Cyclist

Put your hand in your pocket, tightwad.

Tapeworm21

To the OP,

You're doing 2 things wrong.

A) You're willing to spend $200 on a bike.
B) You want to commute via mountain bike.

Research and proceed with caution.

no1mad 

And just what exactly is wrong with using a mtb to commute with?

BA Commuter

If you prefer to buy new, try to save a few more bucks, stop in a LBS and see what they have within your budget.

As many have said, it will cost you less in the long run and you'll still be riding the right bike. The cheap one will have flat tires and will be collecting dust somewhere...

geo8rge

In Central LI try propertyroom.com