rookie86

I'm looking to get a bike I can use to commute on occasion and also use on some joy rides with my kids. Would a hybrid be a good option here?

I'm 6'2" and on a limited budget. Any suggestions on a value hybrid under $300?

dr1445

at your price point you might consider used or a bike shop used & refurbished. a hybrid would be great fit for your needs, also a mtb with slick tires would work as well.

dynaryder

Google for co-ops/bike kitchens in your area. They are usually the best source for used bikes. At your price point,you'll probably get a much better bike going used through a co-op/kitchen than getting a new,low-end bike through a big box/sporting goods store.

rookie86

Thanks for giving me a place to start. I will see what I can find.

thebird55

I'm going to go against the common advice, and suggest something like what I'm riding. I got a Gravity "Dutch", like the ones sold at Bikes Direct. https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/hybrid_bikes.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._dutch_xii.htm

They have changed the model some since i got mine. I found mine even cheaper on ebay (from https://www.ebay.com/usr/chicabike) after looking it over at Bikes Direct. I chose it because it was available in a very large frame size. (I am also 6'2", and most of it legs.) This bike fits me better than my old Raleigh C-40. And I have much more control with this one.

The gear range isn't large (14 - 28) but that translates into easy shifting. It is a freewheel, which is drawback for anyone expecting a long bike "relationship" (and an issue I came here tonight to address, and then found your post). Paint scratches easily, too.

I also had to make a few inexpensive modifications to mine (swapped out the front DR with the old one off the C-40, and a more comfortable saddle), but now it rides well. I could have done a lot worse for that little bit of money. And I use it as a pack mule. It came with fenders, and I added a rack and panniers. It has held up well. (Except for that paint I told you about.)

For no more than you want to do, this might be the route to go.

rookie86

I sold my kindle so I could put a little more towards a bike. I bought a 2013 diamondback trace sport off of amazon for $430. I was initially going to go with the diamondback insight 1 for $400, but the trace sport looked like a slightly higher quality bike for a few bucks more. This seemed worth it even though the insight would have been slightly more geared towards how I was going to use it.

rookie86

Also as an FYI the first place I went to was a local bike shop. They did not have anything in stock to cater towards my needs at the moment. They suggested I go to Dicks Sporting Goods as a quality box store to buy from because they actually care about what bikes they put out. They also recommended to stay away from Walmart, Target, and similar stores.

deerfly

If you time it right, you can get an Insight 1 from Nasbar for $263 when they have one of their 20% off sales.

hey_javi

Hi Rookie! I was in the same situation or almost as you as far as budget. I ended up getting a Diamondback Insight 1 from costco, great price! it is the 2012 model and here is the link:

https://www.costco.com/Diamondback-In...100082564.html

I really like the bike just got it last Friday! If you decide to get this one, you can check the best fit from Diamonback's web site, I am short so I got the smallest one and it's just perfect for me. They have a fit calculator that you can see your size.

https://www.diamondback.com/2012-insight-1

Good Luck! and looking forward to what you get

Javier.

rookie86

Thanks for the extra advise and links. The issue I've seen with a lot of these great deals is the 21-22 frame that should fit me is no longer offered. I get the feeling either not a lot of tallish guys ride. Is nashbar a trusted/quality site to order from? I've browsed come of their stuff when searching the web, but I was never sure which sites were trustworthy.

hey_javi

Sorry I have not ordered from Nashbar. If you want to order online and know your size and model, you might want to try Amazon, I believe they also do a price match.

deerfly

I had ordered a bike from Nashbar back in May, it took 4 days to arrive and the box was in good shape. After that it's just a matter of a little assembly work. No issues at all.