Originally Posted by
jerseybmx
how long are u looking for it to last? i had a customer in with a bike very similar to that last one. the bars cracked.. if u look at the close up images you'll notice there are grip shifters... the handle bar is 3 pieces to allow for that... the bar crack from the flexing where they join together. you may be better off on getting a cheap used bike and taking to ur LBS for a good tune up.. may be cheaper in the long run
Since I'm not sure if I'll end up having to just walk, pubtrans, or drive, I don't need a long-lasting machine as much as something to test while taking in the road conditions. If I spend $150 and find out it's less of a hassle getting around a different way, I'm not out too much.
Originally Posted by aMull
Get a decent bike from a bike shop. Puzzles me why you're so eager to throw your money away on such junk.
But it's easy to say "get a decent bike" when you're not the one spending the dough. If you can find me a road bike for under $200 from an LBS, I'll gladly look into it. Until then, I'd rather try a basic machine out before going whole hog. Personally, I'd rather ride a cheap bike than not have any bike at all, and I'd imagine most people on this site would rather have me as a fellow biker rather than as one more person on a car. Right? :^)