themogul

Hi All,

Newbie here. I haven't biked for about 10 years now(rat race got in the way). I taught my 6 years to ride his bike this week and now want to start going with him and also get him into biking(learning it came naturally to him and an excuse for me start biking again). I would mostly go on paved roads and maybe once in a blue moon on a trail. I also play other team sports on the weekend and have a couple of years of left of weekends(father time almost upon me... can't run down the fly balls as I used to ). After that, all I will have left will be biking ( I am 5'9" and about 160lbs).

Since I am just starting back and have a 2-4 years of which I have to accompany my son, I am looking to get a relatively cheap hybrid to see how much I use it. Now I know "relatively cheap" is a relative term , but is getting something around 250-300 just impossible. I went to a LBH and tried a $500 Cannondale and it was sweet but I am afraid to commit too much money at this point.

Would you recommend getting something at bikesdirect.com if so which one ? OR anything else.

I realized it's one more exasperated newbie question, apologize for that -- but would really appreciate help. Want to get it soon as in now and start going on the road again

Much much appreciated.

MRT2

Giant Escape 3 is $330 retail. Probably your best bet under $400.

WestPablo

+1

MRT2 beat me to it!

Of course, there's always single speeds at $300, too!

Astrozombie

Dawes Eclipse on Bikesdirect, but i would spring for trigger shifters in the $300 range (Gravity Flat Bar Road bike) or a Fuji from PerformanceBike.

Gunga Dan

I've been trying to get feedback on 2 similar bikes for a friend, any thoughts?

Save Up to 60% Off Comfort Bikes - Dawes Eclipse 3.0
Save up to 60% off new Cafe Bikes | Hybrid Bikes Cafe Latte 2014

TIA

Dan

Edit: Just saw Astrozombie's post mentioning the Eclipse.

headloss 

Best bet is to find something used... I currently have four bikes, all used and barely ridden when bought. People buy bikes then don't use them, especially hybrids. If you are in a decent market, shop craigslist and buy something barely used for 1/3 the cost. The funny thing is that I've only bought one brand new bike to date and that's the only one I later ended up selling; go figure.

Best deals are definitely a Giant, Fuji, or some generic house brand (REI's Novara, Performance's Scattante, etc.). I'd avoid BD unless you actually have some experience building up a frame.

MickeyMaguire

Here's another vote for the Giant or a Fuji. The Absolute series of bikes start in your proposed budget and go up from there with improvements in components and lighter weight as the price increases. Even the lowest priced models are well-made and have decent components. Same with Giant, for the money, they are good bikes.

camjr

As others stated...

Giant Escapes start at $330.00
2013 Fuji Absolute 2.1 at Performance Bicycles is $349.

Another option to look at. A friend of mine picked up a Nishiki Manitoba from Dick's Sporting Goods for $349. Nishiki is an exclusive brand at Dick's and not really the brand from years past. I rode one at the store as part of my search. It's a nice bike with good features as well. He's very happy with his.

A little above your stated price range, but two weeks of bringing your lunch to work solves that.

jon c. 

You get a lot more bike for the money on Craigslist.

MickeyMaguire

Nishiki bikes (those sold at Dick's) are made by Raleigh. They function okay, but, components are pretty cheap for those in the $250 to $300 range. They are heavy, too.

Delmarva

You can get good deals on Craigslist if you know what to look for and what to avoid. I don't know if the original poster has that background.

NormanF

If you look on eBay, you can find 20-30 year old vintage steel hybrids - even top of the line steel hybrids for $200-300. If you can find one you like with free shipping, it can be a sweet deal.

yashinon

Keep an eye out at Dicks - you may be able to get a Diamondback Hybrid in your price range. The Wildwood Classic is nice comfort bike. Otherwise I suggest c-list.

qhua

Since no one has mentioned it yet... You can get a cheap hybrid from costco for $199. Its a Diamondback Edgewood. Honestly though I would spend the extra money on the Escape because its a better entry level bike. My cousin ended up getting a couple for his kids. Realized after a weekend of ride that he wanted a faster bike so swapped it out for an entry level Defy road bike.

Only downside of going costco is they only have one size. Its the same models they sell at sports authority for around $350 so it is a better deal considering it comes with a kick stand.

themogul

Apologies for being late in replying.

THANK YOU EVERYBODY FOR THE HELP. It really has been very helpful(and educating).

I got the Giant escape in the end for about #350 out the door from LBS. And till now I am loving it . I think it's perfect for what I want for now. And it's fast when I want to.

The only complaint -- I can't drive too far/fast with my 6 year next to me

Roopull

I'd go the used route, but recommend getting it from a local bike shop. They'll have repaired anything broken, at least put new tubes in it and tuned it. They'll also help you with the fitting...

Wanderer

Around here, anything decent is absurdly priced on CL. An $800 bike new, goes for $600+ three years old............. Better to buy a new Escape or Absolute.

BaseGuy

Craigslist. Don't try to buy new.

dt1027

Thats the boat I am in, seems like everyone wants way too much for their bike based on age/wear. Looking at the moment and have a LBS with the Raleigh Misceo 2.0 at $499 but that is the best deal I've seen. May have to look into the Escape 3, thanks to those that suggested it.

Vexxer

+1 Definatly the best I could find in LBS...

Of course you probably can find lower prices online like bikesdirect, you just wont get the service guarantee's with it.. and that is something I have unfortunately needed a couple times with my Escape 3.

Vexxer

I got mine at All Star Bikes in Cary.

peskypesky

Good to know the OP is happy with his Giant!

linnefaulk

A hybrid would be nice but probably too fast to ride with your kid. I would suggest an Electra Cruiser which is $249 new. I got my son a cruiser and I ride a hybrid. I have a hard time not riding too fast for him.

practical

I bought a Nashbar Flatbar Road Bike for under $300 and it's a good bike. Weighs about 27 pounds, aluminum frame, eight-speed, 28 tires. It arrived in about 2 days and was easy to assemble (attach handlebar, seats and pedals).

NormanF

We're having a discussion about the new hybrid bike for the mass market on the Priority Bicycles thread - the company launched on Kickstarter yesterday - in a word, the consensus here is a high quality hybrid bike for under $300 is impossible. You have to compromise on quality to do it. And its not worth buying anyway. If its around $400.00, I think it could be done with an online bike store model. Taking the BD online store business model a bit further but instead concentrating on selling the kind of bike most people are looking for - a hybrid bike to ride for fitness and fun.

That the route the new start up Priority Bicycles wants to pursue for the future because it thinks that kind of market exists for a high quality mid priced bike for beginner bike riders.