rodneyleaton

I am about to make my first bike purchase. I am completely ignorant on bicycle stuff. I want to stay under $ 400. The bike will be used for commuting to work on a daily basis, about fives miles one way. I also want to use the bike for fitness. My knees are starting to bother me so I am thinking of switching from running to cycling. I have found three bikes in my price range but have no idea which is the best one. Here are the three bikes. Any advice or experience with the following bikes would be appreciated.

Gravity Avenue FB https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../avenue_fb.htm

Mercier Galaxy Tour https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...alaxy_tour.htm

Nashbar Flat Bar Road Bike https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0052_552047_-1

Cafe

Not sure why you are buying online if you are new to cycling. You would save more by buying from a good local bike shop IMO. You need a good lbs support system to size you to the right frame and offer free maintenance for the lifetime of the bike. I bought from BD recently and while my experience was good I knew what size fits me, and can perform my own maintenance.

rodneyleaton

I would rather buy at my LBS but I am on a budget of 300-400 dollars. There bikes start at around 600.

Pendergast

Here's my suggestion, FWIW. There's another bike from Bikes Direct you may have overlooked that I think would make a good commuter. It's $399.

Save up to 60% off new Cafe Bikes | Hybrid Bikes Cafe Latte 2014

What I like about that bike over the others is that the components(including the fork)are a bit better than the Nashbar, and unlike the two Bikes Direct models you are considering, instead of road calipers the Cafe Latte has V-brakes which should allow you to use considerably larger tires(or fenders) if you wanted to. The detail photos show a lot of tire clearance. Motobecane Cafe Latte (2010 White)

What I don't like are Bikes Direct's sizing recommendations for that bike. They seem to be going for more of an upright position than I prefer for that type of bike. The effective top tube measurements are really short for the sizes BD recommends for a person's height. Motobecane USA | Lifestyle Bikes | Cafe bikes, Comfort bikes, Hybrid bikes

I'd go up two sizes if I were buying that bike.

Cafe

Fit is the important thing..its the difference between enjoying cycling and not. Just want to emphasize that. I'd go to your lbs and try out some hybrids there to get an idea on size at least before ordering a bikes direct bike or that one on Nash bar.

Out of that list I like the mercier galaxy tour. The Nash bar seems fine to me as well.

There is also another option of say buying a used trek hybrid bike. Most I'd pay is 150 if going used though. At least then you have extra for racks since this is going to be a commuter/recreation bike. The old trek bikes with steel frames are popular hybrid commuters. I would personally go with a steel frame for what you plan to do.

dynaryder

Check this site to see if there are any co-ops in your area. They should be able to set you up with a quality used bike in your price range.

Fit is critical,and if you're new to bikes,you won't be able to judge properly how a bike will fit by just looking at charts. Also,if you do get a BD bike,be sure to budget for proper assembly at a LBS. BD bikes are just what they say,direct from the manufacturer. They require final adjustments to the drivetrain,brakes,and wheels. Lots of folks think that if you buy a new bike or wheel and spin it,and it doesn't wobble,it's ok. But machine built wheels need to be gone over by a person to ensure the spoke tension is right,or you can wind up breaking spokes.

Frizlefrak

A lot of LBS sell used bikes as well. Tell them what you're looking for and what your budget is....one of them may have another customer who is looking to upgrade and can get you on the road for a good price.

a1penguin

Craigslist for a used bike is a good choice for first bike. Do you have a bike knowledgeable friend who can help you scout out different bikes? People here can also provide comments on CL postings. BD bikes often don't come assembled very well and if you have to take the bike to a shop, you'll drop another $75. Your LBS will also help you with fit. Bike sizing can be tricky and being able to test ride cam make a difference.

rodneyleaton

Well I discovered there are two bike shops in town. Just went by the new shop I discovered. Turns out they sell trek bikes. I can get a trek fx 7.2 for $460. I believe I am gonna go this route. I will be paying 150 more. I believe it will be well worth it in the long run.

Pendergast

Good decision. That should be a fine bike for your purposes and having a shop to help you with fit and adjustments is nice.

Frizlefrak

The Trek FX 7.2 is a great bike. I bought mine (2013) off Craigslist for $300. The bike is like new, and I got lucky....soldier PCSing. I've yet to see another one turn up on C/L here. Ad was up for about an hour...I was the first one there and handed him the cash.

So far, I've put about 400 miles on the bike and it has performed flawlessly. You're gonna love the bike.

practical

I bought a Nashbar flatbar road bike for just under $300 this spring. It is almost exactly the same bike as a Trek 7.2. If you know your size, then you'll be pleased with the service from Nashbar. You may have to accept a green bike with absolutely no labels - very generic. (It leads me to believe that the bike is actually a Trek 7.2). A good LBS may be worth the extra costs, just something to think about.

Pendergast

It's on for $250 now at the Nashbar website. If anyone is looking for a decent bike on a really tight budget, that looks like a pretty good deal.

MrCoffee

Just go to the bike shop, and get the Trek 7.2. It may cost you an extra $200.00, but you'll also get a full warranty and at least one free tuneup and inspection. Plus, the bike will be properly assembled and adjusted to your specifications. You may even get a discount, so you won't have to pay full retail. That, and what you learn from the mechanics will be well worth the extra money you spend.

I purchased my Crosstrail Disc at a local bike shop, when I could have got a Diamondback Response XE with similar components at Dicks Sporting Goods on sale for a couple hundred less. I picked the Crosstrail anyway, because the bike shop showed a strong willingness to work with me. I don't regret my decision one bit. I would do it again in a New York minute. Oh yes I would!

Astrozombie

I wish I would have gone with a Diamondback Insight, definitely the best looking entry level hybrid.

MrCoffee

I think this one looks pretty good, too: