spaceman817

Hi Everyone -

New poster here. I've been living in Boston for two years now and have decided it's time to start biking to work rather than taking the bus. However, I know next to nothing about bikes. I've been looking on and off for two months for used bikes, but haven't had much luck with finding anything at a decent price. I found this listing on craigslist (https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/3214893658.html) that I really like, but the price seems a bit high - especially after seeing some posts about Travelers going for around $50. I had planned to ask for a lower price, but what do you guys think? Is $200 way out of the ballpark for this type of bike?

Blinkie

Give it test ride. Also, some here could estimate if the size is close enough to yours if you give your height and cycling inseam.

spaceman817

I used the sizer at https://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer and came up with 21.5". My height is 5'7", and my inseam is approx. 31.5". I'm assuming a frame .5" smaller than recommended isn't going to be a huge deal?

FastJake

I wouldn't pay near that for such a low end bike, but maybe in Boston that price isn't so far out of the ballpark. If you're just looking for something to ride to work I think you could do a lot better to find a higher end bike in worse cosmetic shape. Steel rims = 0 braking power when wet. Plus it weighs 32lbs which is pretty hefty even for a commuter.

oddjob2

[QUOTE=FastJake;14623798]I wouldn't pay near that for such a low end bike, but maybe in Boston that price isn't so far out of the ballpark. If you're just looking for something to ride to work I think you could do a lot better to find a higher end bike in worse cosmetic shape. Steel rims = 0 braking power when wet. Plus it weighs 32lbs which is pretty hefty even for a commuter.[/QUOTE

+1 iMHO a $135 ride, tops. Cheap saddle, nutted rear axle, steel rims guaranteed to be eaten up by road salt, turkey wing brake levers, steel seat post. Furthermore, this bike expert hasn'T serviced any of the critical wheel or crank bearings.

wrk101

+3 Traveler III is really bottom of the line. Pass.

spaceman817

Thanks for the replies everyone. I never realized there was so much involved in bicycling. I feel like I should do some more research before jumping the gun on anything. Time to hit google to learn more - if anyone has any recommended material that would be great as well.

Thanks again!