Beginner Cyclists Looking for a better bike to use vehicularly
 

So right now, I'm using a cheapie box store mountain bike as my recreational ride but I'm seeking a better bike (with a decent price range for me) that can really give me a better experience while riding. The bike I'm using now, her name is Imani, is quite difficult to get moving when you first try to ride. I end up having to grunt and really propel the bike forward to get it rolling (I now truly know what they mean by 'rolling resistance') and in doing so, I've been getting black and blue all over my legs because of how heavy the bike is. I need something that will get me moving fast on the roads but has the sort of upright position I'm seeking (along with fenders and a rack so that I can really enjoy my bike anywhere, anytime). So I've seen these two and I'd like some advice. I hope that posting these links won't get me into trouble...

Kmart.com

This bike has everything I'm looking for and the price is awesome (its on clearance and I can just pick it up at the store) or

http://www.amazon.com/Critical-Cycle...ixed+gear+bike

This bike also has everything I'm seeking buuuuuut it has some very interesting 'issues' considering it is being shipped to your home. So I dunno, you guys help me out. Thanks!

It's possible those two bikes will not be much of a step up from your current one. You don't mention a budget but you will probably be better off going to a bike store and riding a few to get a feel for what you want.

With your current bike; are the gears working properly? The description you're stating; makes it sound like you're
in a high gear. So; before buying another bike - make sure the gears are mechanically okay and that you're using
them properly. Where are you in NYC; I can give it a quick look. No charge of course.

If after checking the gears and you still want to get another bike; check out Recycle a Bicycle. It's a non profit
organization that sells/builds used bikes. Unlike some shops that sell riders incorrect sized bikes just to make a sale;
RAB's reason for existence is to get folks on bikes. They will sell/build a bike that's right for your riding style and size.
Hope this helps, keep us posted.

Shops | Recycle-A-Bicycle

I'd take him up on his offer to look at your MTB. It's an inexpensive one but if you have it working properly it should be ok.

Good bikes are expensive, especially new! A Schwinn Collegiate, which is from the old days but pretty similar to the style you are looking at, sold for $130... in 1977! What do you get for $130 today?

A decent 1977 Schwinn Collegiate! lol

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/s...iesbrnside.jpg

One word - Craigslist.

For a quick getaway you need low weight, low gears and a bike free on unwanted flex. Aluminium frames are a cheap way to low weight, but decent butted steel frames weight the same as mid-grade Al.
How low gears depend on your terrain and load. Low is different to many. Gear size is measured and compared using "gear inches"
Efficient tyres and lighter weight wheels make a big difference. Wheel diameter makes little difference.

Two words for Craigslist -- stay away

Particularly in bicycles, unless you really know the product category, and you have demonstrated that you don't, you are much more likely to get burned than to get a deal.

Bought 3 Great bikes from Craigslist.

Just know your size.

Yep.

Since the OP is just looking for a inexpensive commuter and not planning on racing, hitting any hard trails, or touring across the country, and only wants to spend $150, Craigslist is a good choice.

OP, just look for a Trek, Giant, Specialized, or Fuji. Find one about $50 less than your budget, do a test ride to make sure it fits and that the brakes and gears workl. Then take it to a bike shop and get a tune-up.

There's nothing new for $150 that's worth buying.

I would listen to the advice of [MENTION=182364]1nterceptor[/MENTION], I'm guessing you are starting out in way too high of a gear, and/or maybe your brakes are too tight and rubbing your rim constantly. If you are still having trouble, definitely try a co op or recycle a bicycle. If you want to look at craigslist, suggest you pick some out that you like and post here and we can help you with advice.

Americano One Women's Single-Speed City Bike

New, comes with full bike shop support, and even an extremely generous money back satisfaction guaranteed return policy.

And unlike most wally world bikes, it comes in 4 sizes to ensure a good fit.

Craigslist is a gamble for those who are inexperienced. It can also be time consuming looking for that great deal or the right bike. And don't forget to add on the costs of going out to look at bikes and then have the one you buy repaired.

My mom and dad had a matching set, same color...back in 1975 or so. I had a Varsity. This was when I was in 7th or 8th grade. We used to go on family rides on weekends. Good times.

Cool. I actually found the above ladies model on the curb on trash day along with a men's model a few years back. Both are '74 models and had been used so little that the pedal blocks didn't even show any wear! Amazing (to me) that someone would just toss them out, :eek: but glad I picked 'em up.

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/s...teMensblue.jpg

Darth Lefty has some good advice. The price for the Schwinn is $188 on Amazon so I would say don't rush into.

Have your present bike evaluated (either by a friend who knows how to maintain a bike or the local bike shop) and see what it would cost to have it adjusted and repaired so it is usuable. Perhaps it would be cheaper to do that.

There are risk to both suggestions:
1. Craigslist takes some time and effort, and does require some knowledge. (But gaining that knowledge will benefit you in keeping your bike maintained.)
2. Having the Mongoose repaired may end up just polishing a ....
(I picked up a Mongoose off the curb a couple of years ago. Fixed the brakes, stripped off the derailleur and shifters and made it a single-speed; it was OK for a beach beater but I lent it to my brother when his bike got stolen and he managed to break the crankset within 2 weeks.)

Like others have suggested - If you have a friend who knows anything about bikes, have them take a look at it and see if it can be adjusted, lubed. and cleaned. But think twice before spending much money on it.

If you have the time and expertise, a used bike is a good value. If you don't know what you're looking at, it could be a waste of time and money.

Bike shop bikes start at $400 or $500, and they are worth it. The quality is markedly better than big box store bikes (which we call bike shaped objects or BSO's) or even mail order bikes from Amazon and the like. Also, bike shops assemble bikes properly. Assembling a bike properly isn't hard, but doing it wrong is even easier, and there are more than a dozen opportunities to mess up. There are many little details that make a big difference with a bike. A bike is very light weight compared with the duty it performs, so performance is critical. A badly tuned bike is much harder and less pleasant to ride than a properly tuned bike..

+1
Look at bikes of the Specialized Sirrus, Trek FX variety. Visit any local bike shops, all major manufacturers have bikes in this category. You'd end up spending about $400 - $500, but it will be worth it.

Thank you to everyone for the suggestions. Craigslist is out for me. I just don't have the know how yet to deal with that sort of bike shopping. The recycle a bicycle sounds wonderful, I will definitely look into that. I'm in Brooklyn for the person who asked. To give a bit of background info, this is my first bike ever and I honestly always ride in the lowest gear. I generally don't like the fuss of switching gears, I don't feel a difference when I ride. Its all a struggle but the lowest gear helps me pedal without feeling like I'm going to totally faint. I feel like I should've just gotten a beach cruiser as my first bike (Imani is my first bike ever!) because I know my future bike will be the wabi se lightening. Single speed is all I need! In regards to the chain being lubed and such, I don't know. It was pre-assembled at the store and I just took it home from Kmart in July but I didn't actually start riding it until September so I'm not sure if that is the problem. The brakes are fine, I check those before every ride, the wheels turn smoothly but when I just get on and try to pedal, it is like I'm trying to move a mountain. I really want to continue riding in the winter but if I'm having trouble now in fine weather, I feel like I have to give up my first love until I get a decent bike. Which will be a while away because of bills and life and blah. I really love cycling and owning the road but it is difficult when I have to take a break every block because I'm exhausted. Thank you everyone for your help. :D

Put slicks on your mtb and call it good.

Any way you could spend more? Even a $500 entry-level Trek will be miles better than your Kmart bike.

Get your gears checked out, and make sure you're in the right one. Goal should be easy pedaling at any speed.

This. All mountain bikes come with insanely low gears. I'd venture to say there's no way you are in the correct gear if you are getting exhausted just starting up and going one block.

Are your brakes dragging? Lift each wheel off the ground and give 'em a spin. Should keep spinning for a minute or so.

New chains are factory lubed. Unless you left the bike outside or rode it (lots) in foul weather, it is doubtful that the chain is in dire need of lube in such a short period of time.

Low gear? If it's hard to get going, you're in a HIGH gear (small gear on the back, larger gear on the front). A low gear will be super easy to get going from a stop, but you'll be going slow even if you're pedaling like mad.

I don't understand this "fear" of shifting. I've known or heard of a number of different women say this, including my wife. She almost never shifts her bike, and I really think she enjoys it less because of it (pedaling too fast downhill, hard to pedal going uphill). Yes, there is a difference in feel, and a huge difference across the range. Try to find someone who can teach you how to shift and use gears effectively, it will definitely increase your enjoyment and ease of riding.

I have a set of slicks but since winter is coming, I don't think putting them on would be beneficial. I'll use them in spring.