Gothic Sunshine

I took my bike to the repair shop for significant problems with my real wheel, and it turns out that the parts needed to fix it aren't readily available, and getting them will be a challenge that isn't worth the time, effort, and expense given the age of the bicycle and likelihood of further problems later on down the road.

So, I need to get a new bicycle. As a college student, I can't really scrape together that much, and it'll take me a couple weeks before I have the cash. I'm looking at the $300 to $400 range, and I'm going for a used bicycle, not a new one. I'm considering city bikes or touring bikes, and I prefer steel frames. Age isn't an issue so long as everything works properly. The bicycle will be ridden on urban roads in Silicon Valley, and used heavily for commuting and shopping. Rider weight is around 270 and height between 5'8" and 5'9", and I've been known to carry a pretty heavy backpack when going to school or the library. Also, anything made in Scandinavia makes me squeal with pleasure.

What I'm looking at with this thread is talking about brands and models I could look for and recommendations as to which to consider and which to avoid.

Vexxer

I know your looking used, but if you change your mind for any reason, Giant has several entry level bikes that would fit your need in your price range... they recently reduced the prices on them in order to compete more for people on a budget who would normally be forced to go to Walmart or somewhere like that.

spdracr39

For that price IMO you would be better off buying an up to date new entry level bike with warranty and parts that are readily available for the foreseeable future.

Black wallnut 

Before you give up on your existing bike seek out a co-op and see if they have the parts needed to fix what you have. Watch craigslist. You may be able to find a used steel bike in decent shape for under your budget, however you may also be buying yourself right back into the same predicament of having an obsolete bike.

donalson

what exactly is wrong with the rear wheel that can't be fixed? for some reason when I hear that I think of a somewhat incompetent shop that just doesn't know or care to fix it for you, sure it may not be easy to find and it might not be avl outside of NOS but outside of a dead frame whatever it is can be fixed... as Black Walnut said a co-op or something like that should be able to get that taken care of

Cycle Babble

OP posted: I need to purchase a new bike.

My reply: This is a problem?

John