Autolysis

Hey guys, class starts on the 26th, and was wondering if y'all could help me get a road bike + lock and pump. I have a problem with being cheap, but hating to buy sub-par products.

Craigslist has a depressing selection of bikes. I pretty much have it down to a few low-end(?) bikes.

I'd start with just a basic trek to my college campus and then back at the end of the day. Total distance would be around 1.5 miles a day. But, I'd also like to start biking to the store and to places nearby. The city I live in is almost as flat as possible, so many gears aren't required.

The bikes I've really been looking at are probably horrible bikes, but:
- Gravity Avenue B: $279 shipped(no tax). I love the simple style, and reviews seem very positive. It's been compared to a Trek 1.1, if that means anything.
- Schwinn Varsity at Wally World(ugh): $229 + tax. I could pick up the bike within the next hour if I'd like, which is a huge plus.
- Schwinn Intersection Single speed bike: $218 + free two day shipping at Amazon.
- GMC Denali Bike: $157 + tax. Seems by far the cheapest, and my roommate seems happy with his. I really don't like the color scheme.

This is the lock I've been looking at. A friend online told me that the chain locks are harder to break open and cheap u-locks could be opened with a, "Bic pen cap."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Or this:
https://www.amazon.com/Alcatraz-4ft-H...m_cr_pr_sims_t

I have no clue what type of Tire pump I'd need or want, but the cheaper the better.

enjoi07

really? nothing on CL? i found my univega viva sport for $100...i loved that bike and regret selling it, even if it was for a $50 profit
what area do you live and what size bike do you ride? i love CL hunting.

locks- i always hear u lock is best.

pump- im thinking something you could carry with you as not to get jacked from the bike.

Keep SA Lame

I'd bet you could find an older Trek mountain bike that would fit your needs for $150ish. pawn shops and thrift stores can also be good places to hunt. Make an afternoon of it.

Autolysis

Hey enj, I live in Lubbock Texas. I looked and found like mountain bikes(which I'd rather not get) and bikes which would sell for $500+. You're more than welcome to look man, thanks.

I'd rather get a road bike, I'd have absolutely no use for a mountain bike living in West Texas. haha

enjoi07

woooow. there really is nothing there. unless you want to ebay...you really have no other choice besides what you listed. it sucks getting a fugly bike...but you really can not afford to complain i guess.

Autolysis

Any more tips guys?

Exactly, I just wish I browsed the DFW listings before I left... I bet there are plenty of nice stolen bikes on CL.

StephenH

Several years ago, there was a big deal about a particular brand of U-lock that could be opened with a pen. That has since been remedied and is not an issue. I'd go with a U-lock myself, and have two or three of them.

Lubbock is flat. It is also windy as heck half the time (TTU grad here, by the way). You don't need the gears for the flat; you might appreciate them on a windy day.

Speaking for myself, for a 1.5 mile ride, I'd try to pick up either a new or preferably used single-speed cruiser, and put a basket on it. It'd be ugly and slow but would work okay for no more distance than that. And the uglier it is, the less likely to be stolen, is my theory.

Two other suggestions: Check your local bike stores. This is end-of-biking season time, and they do sell some cheaper cruisers and comfort bikes, so see if you spot anything there in the way of bargains. And also check Nashbar. They have some fairly cheap bikes ($200 range) on occasion. I haven't used them, so can't vouch for the quality.