Originally Posted by
imthatonegirl
Hello all,
I am new to biking and would like to ask for your opinion. I have been looking in the bike shops and the cost is a bit daunting. However I found this one on craigslist and I was wondering if a mountain bike would be ok for commuting to work (3miles) and just riding around town.
https://santabarbara.craigslist.org/bik/4843827316.html
Personally I would think that would be about a $100 bike, but perhaps the seller would negotiate.
The MTB is probably fine for a 3 mile commute, and I'd bet that 90% of the MTBs never see any more off-road than cutting across a lawn every once in a while.
Originally Posted by
acidfast7
Also, a good tune up at a shop for that CL bike will run between 20 and 100 USD.
Yes. A few sellers on Craigslist tune their bikes before selling, but a lot of the bargain basement bikes will need a few adjustments.
A bike is easy enough to maintain, and anybody can learn to do it. But, have a shop do a basic maintenance on it and it will cost you a bit (bringing the cost closer to a shop cost for a new bike).
Or find a good neighbor who is willing to give you a few tips.
Originally Posted by
acidfast7
I assume they see it as an investment.
An "investment" can mean many things. Investment in life. Investment in saving fuel, etc.
Most bikes depreciate quickly, especially if bought new.