Looking for some recommendations on buying a bike.
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Looking for some recommendations on buying a bike.
Hello everyone.
I apologize if this is in the wrong section and I'm sure you guys have heard this topic a million times, but I'm really looking for some good advice on a bike to purchase and thought I would ask some people who have a lot of experience with buying / riding bikes.
So, I recently have wanted to start riding a bike again. I'm only 19 so the last time I was riding was when I was....like 12 or so =P. Thus, I have no knowledge at all on what type or what the difference really is in each bike.
Some things I am looking for are:
-Small (need to at least be able to fit it in my little ford focus)
-Comfortable
-Versitile (I'll probably be riding it around the neighborhood but I'm not sure yet.)
-Easy to operate
-Somewhat stylish
-Fun to use!
I'm basically looking for a starter bike, something that I can easily take out and ride when I feel like it. My price range is about 200-250 dollars. My friend "supposedly" can get me "any" bike for a fraction of the cost so anything a bit over would be cool to.
ANY suggestions, tips or feedback is GREATLY appreciated. Again, I'm new to this site so I apologize if this is in the wrong section. If there is another thread with a good list of beginner bikes I would love to see it.
Thanks so much!
I apologize if this is in the wrong section and I'm sure you guys have heard this topic a million times, but I'm really looking for some good advice on a bike to purchase and thought I would ask some people who have a lot of experience with buying / riding bikes.
So, I recently have wanted to start riding a bike again. I'm only 19 so the last time I was riding was when I was....like 12 or so =P. Thus, I have no knowledge at all on what type or what the difference really is in each bike.
Some things I am looking for are:
-Small (need to at least be able to fit it in my little ford focus)
-Comfortable
-Versitile (I'll probably be riding it around the neighborhood but I'm not sure yet.)
-Easy to operate
-Somewhat stylish
-Fun to use!
I'm basically looking for a starter bike, something that I can easily take out and ride when I feel like it. My price range is about 200-250 dollars. My friend "supposedly" can get me "any" bike for a fraction of the cost so anything a bit over would be cool to.
ANY suggestions, tips or feedback is GREATLY appreciated. Again, I'm new to this site so I apologize if this is in the wrong section. If there is another thread with a good list of beginner bikes I would love to see it.
Thanks so much!
#3
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TO BIKE FORUMS, ARCHETYPE!
We will try to answer all of your cycling questions as best we can!
If you're going to be placing your bike inside of your compact car, I would suggest getting a nice folding bike, at that price point. Either that, or monitor your local Craigslist for a used chromoly steel bicycle that has a quick release feature on the front wheel. That way, you could just quickly remove the front wheel and load your bike.
Then there's always the BMX option at your local WALMART!
Let's give a shoutout to Schwinn's folder called the LOOP!
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/urban/loop-aluminum-frame-7-speed
Good Luck!
- Slim
We will try to answer all of your cycling questions as best we can!
If you're going to be placing your bike inside of your compact car, I would suggest getting a nice folding bike, at that price point. Either that, or monitor your local Craigslist for a used chromoly steel bicycle that has a quick release feature on the front wheel. That way, you could just quickly remove the front wheel and load your bike.
Then there's always the BMX option at your local WALMART!
Let's give a shoutout to Schwinn's folder called the LOOP!
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/urban/loop-aluminum-frame-7-speed
Good Luck!
- Slim
Last edited by SlimRider; 02-06-12 at 06:53 PM.
#4
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https://bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/clockwork.htm
I'd use it as a single speed, but if you have hipster blood you can flop the hub and make it a fixie.
I'd use it as a single speed, but if you have hipster blood you can flop the hub and make it a fixie.
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For an easy-riding, car-storable, utility bike, look for a 20" folding bike. Dahon do loads and there are lots of me-too designs. The 3-speed hub gear versions are very clean and easy to use.
#7
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As far as full sized bikes go, I've always found road bikes with dropped bars to fit into cars more easily than mountain bikes. Partially due to the bars, and partially from lighter weight. Take the front wheel off and they slide into a back seat or hatchback quite readily. I find my road bike quite comfortable, but if you haven't been riding in a few years, you may not agree.
I'd say a hybrid or an older (non-suspension) mountain bike would be a reasonable choice.
I'd say a hybrid or an older (non-suspension) mountain bike would be a reasonable choice.
#8
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Stay away from road bikes: the position is all hunched over and leaves you unable to breathe properly. Also, it's much harder to see the sights around you when you can only see the ground in front of you. B-O-R-I-N-G!!!
#9
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I keep a Dahon Boardwalk in the trunk of my car and it gets a surprising amount of use. When parking is tight I can drop my people off and find a remote parking spot and ride right back. Having work done on the car? No problem. Instead of hanging around I can ride to something interesting. Find an interesting neighborhood and want to explore? Can't beat a bike.
Small and stylish.
Here's a link to Dahon
And if you go to the folder forum look for posts by member brakemiester he sells Dahon and is a GREAT guy to do business with.
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#11
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Interesting perspective. We all have different preferences, of course, but I've never had a problem with watching the scenery while on a road bike. In fact, my most comfortable position on the MTB is hands on the bar end extensions, similar to being on the hoods on a road bike.
#13
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@$250 you need to find someone that is more Knowledgeable to assess the condition
of used bikes to buy and fix up.
of used bikes to buy and fix up.
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Radagast the Beige-and-Black, Orion, and The Black Pearl mentioned in my sig line do not fit the description of "'bent." Yes, even the Premio is set up for upright riding. I'm not a racer wannabe, don't wear "kit," and have never liked drops.
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Google mini velos. They look funky, they're small, and you can buy a mercier minivelo on bikes direct for only 300. You can also buy a folding bike but don't expect much at your price range.
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