Hi all,
I've been trying to read as much as I could here and other places after finding out I'd be moving to California and deciding that I'd like to start riding a bike to work once I get there. Ideally, I'd like to have a bike for both commuting and a bit of light trail riding, although the commuting would be the priority I think.
I've seen lots of people saying that for my budget (which is, just, dirt cheap. Preferably no more than $300 and that's kinda pushing it) I should be looking for older bikes on craigslist. Part of my problem is that I'm not even sure what I'm looking at to know if it's a good deal vs a $200 walmart bike. Here's my deets, if that helps inform what I should be looking for: 5'7" male, 170lbs, 30" (about, should measure) inseam. From what I understand I should be looking at a 54cm road bike or a 19" mountain bike.
Here's a couple that I was looking at on Craigslist:
https://annapolis.craigslist.org/bik/5001190870.html
https://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/4999994058.html
Alternatively, I saw these at walmart:
GMC Denali 700c 19" Men's Road Bike - Walmart.com
26" Schwinn Sidewinder Men's Mountain Bike, Matte Black/Green - Walmart.com
Are any of those any good? I'm not against walmart bikes and have no particular brand loyalty or preferance, it's just I don't even know what I'm looking at. I also tried going in my local bike shop but it seemed like they were only interested in selling $1k+ racing bikes.
I'm sure you guys get tons of posts from new people looking for help, but I've quickly realized that I'm in over my head. Thanks.
- Cap