Originally Posted by
andrewtclarkson
8- That's what I needed. And you explain it well. That being said, I do ride on gravel trails now and then, when I just go out for a ride. I'm trying to make my entire order from MEC, but their tire selection isn't that great... (LBS has nothing in stock, all winter/hockey stuff now)
Oh- and I will never ride a dedicated "road bide". I don't like the looks of them, and feel they are totally unnecessary for me.
See, you already know everything, bring prejudices that are based on at best misinformed opinions and already have answers for your own questions. For your short commute, as described, you should be OK on a Huffy BMX. Get some Planet Bike Blinkies and a Bell Factor helmet and some gloves from the farm store and cut the fingers out and a backpack and have at it. What could go wrong in less than a mile.
Many towns have used cycle shops. We have one here where any bike traded in at the new co-shop is re-cycled if it is at all worthy. Many of them are three speed 26 inch "English" type bikes. They get serviced, fixed, tuned and some even have a warranty or at least a free tune up. Many are twenty years old or even a lot more, all of them are better than any new BSO mtb dual suspension piece of crap from a box store. The BSO is worth about zero when you un-uh-box it and the old Miyata, Raleigh, Univega will be worth at least what you paid for it when you sell or trade it. But, some people will go to any expense to save a dollar.
We can employ our neighbors or we can employ the ChiComs. What is better for your little corner of the universe?
LC