sunv

Im posting this here because i would ilke to know the opinions of road bikers.

I want a low cost bike under $200
the area i live in is somewhat hilly but I think I can handle it.
it would be a lightweight and fast, commuting bike to get from my apartment to campus (im a college student) and maybe riding on weekends.
Of course with a college budget i wont be spending much on repairing or upgrading the bike. Therefore I want an inexpensive, low maintenance bike

I'm asking, would it be stupid for me to buy a single speed or fixed gear road bike for this purpose? I have never done any road cycling before but I've read lots of good things on single speed bikes.
I've looked at that GMC Denali road bike on Amazon and im tempted by the price ($190), but I dont want it to break down on me. I plan to keep this bike for at least 2 years.

What do you guys think, can i get a good single speed for under 200, would a single speed last 2 yrs, would it be low maintenance? Thanks for your opinions.

Cyclist0383

Go to a second hand shop like goodwill or check on Craigslist. Any new $200 bike will be a complete piece of garbage and a waste of your money.

SingleSpeeDemon

BAM!!! Under $200. I'm gonna get slammed for recommending this.

SingleSpeeDemon

...oops. you said "low maintenance". sorry.

EGreen

What he said.

On CL one can often find an 80's ten speed in pretty good shape- cause it's been sitting in somone's basement for the last 15 years- that would suit your budget and purpose. Please don't get any thing new for that money!

eyefloater

Hit up those garage sales. Don't even worry about Craigslist. Anything good that gets posted on there for $200 will get snatched up by someone who recognizes the value. You need to go completely under the radar as it were and get something off of some dude's lawn. When it doubt, buy the first bike that ends in a vowel and isn't rusted. And for the love of God, test ride that ****.

Then get out and start riding.

PS. Many old road bikes can easily be converted to singlespeeds. You basically rip off all the extraneous crap, pull the freewheel and slap on a bmx one instead. The big requirement is horizontal dropouts, which were common back in the day. Check out www.sheldonbrown.com and do a search for singlespeed. That'll teach you everything you need to know (and a bit more) about ss/fg bikes.

LordOpie

just a reminder to anyone buying an x-mart bike... make sure all the bolts are tightened down, the wheels look relatively straight and round, and buy a book on bike maintenance.

Remember, the guy who assembled your bike at Wal-Mart had just stocked pickles and took inventory of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toys. So they're not experts at bike assembly.

SaintAndrew

there are the classifieds at craigslist and roadbikereview.om where you might be able to find a nice 80's racer. and of course keep your eyes on the local classifieds and garage sales. do like the others have said and do not buy a new road bike for $200.

CTAF

go to all the LBS and ask if they have any used bikes for sale. I got a pretty decent entry level road bike that way for $300 i've seen some selling for less though.

oilman_15106

At least your willing to pay $200. Most of the bike wanted ads on Craigslist want free bikes.

kk4df

I was able to pick up a 1992 Schwinn Paramount for $125 with local classifieds. It was listed for a few days before I saw it. I've seen some '70s 10 speeds (rideable) for around $50 and less.

HWS

I'll second (or third) the thrift store/garage sale. You would be amazed at some of the really nice older bike that go for pennies.