What bike should i get???
 

I would like to purchase my first "adult bike" for commuting purposes and light exercise. I will be commuting around college campus and possibly from campus to work or from home to work. I already know that I want a city bike, but there are so many options! At first I completely ruled out single speeds/fixies because I thought they would be difficult to ride but I will rarely be going over any hills so I am considering them once again. My budget is under $350 (would be willing to go over just a little for something really good). So, any recommendations on brands/models/anything? Or anyone want to point me in the right direction for a solid, entry level commuting bike?

Thanks in advanced!

Welcome! For questions like this I like to recommend that the first decision to make is whether you want a drop bar or a flat bar, but if you say "city bike", sounds like you are wanting a flat bar.

At a budget of $350, good bikes can be had, but it is a little more difficult. Don't give in to the temptation to buy a BSO (bicycle shaped object) from walmart or the like.

If you don't have a lot of hills to contend with, SS/FG is a good option, it can reduce cost. And it's very common for a bike to come with a 'flip-flop' rear wheel so you can install it SS if you want to be able to coast, or flip it around the other way for Fixed if you want to try that out.

Craigslist is usually a good option, depending on where in the US you are (or kijiji for canada, or maybe other local options). Post links of craigslist bikes that look interesting to you, this crowd enjoys looking at bikes and giving feedback. You might need to plan for working on the bike a little to get it in good shape (which might mean saving some budget for tools), or get a bike shop tune-up (also takes up some budget)

If you are in a big enough city that there is a used/vintage bike shop, and/or a bike co-op, I would check there, describe your needs, see if they have anything that would work for you. Also a co-op will help you tune up a craigslist bike, let you borrow tools, help show you how to do things.

bikesdirect.com is another option, they have a bunch of SS, but most of them are drop bar, I think these are the only 3 with flat bars:
Save Up to 60% Off Flat Bar Road Bikes | Track Bikes | Fixed Gear | Single Speed Bicycles | Dawes SST singlespeed bicycles | Save up to 60% off list prices
Save Up to 60% Off Road Bikes | Track Bikes | Fixed Gear | Single Speed Bicycles | Motobecane Fixie Flat Bar singlespeed bicycles | Save up to 60% off list prices
Save Up to 60% Off Road Bikes | Track Bikes | Fixed Gear | Single Speed Bicycles | Motobecane Fixie Flat Bar singlespeed bicycles | Save up to 60% off list prices
You have to partially assemble the bike yourself, but it's easy stuff like put the front wheel and pedals and seat on. Here's a 7-speed option
Save up to 60% off new Flat Bar Road Bikes - Gravity Liberty FB | Save up to 60% off new road bikes
if you search maybe you could find a 3-speed (internal hub) with flat bars instead of swept bars.

If you buy new from a bike shop, $350 is a pretty low budget, and it wouldn't leave you room for extra accessories (lights, helmet, rack, lock, ...). It's uncool to shop in brick&mortar and then go use the result of their time/expertise to buy cheaper online. But if you are not the DIY type to take on a CL bike with possible maintenance needs, or assemble a BD bike, then you should at least find out what a shop can do for your budget or near your budget. Almost always a shop will include some amount of forward maintenance free, which is part of what makes in-store pricing more reasonable, not to mention expertise, fitting, stock on hand, and ability to test-ride.

When I think "city bike" that is code word for something with upright positioning. Options for racks and fenders. Not quite the same as a fixie.

At $350 there aren't too many multi-geared options.

Public C1
Public V1 is similar with a diamond frame. Linus has similar bikes as well. And Brooklyn Bicycles. I don't know what their cheapest options are.

Bikes Direct brands their city bikes as Windsor.

If I could find one (used or otherwise) for a level, in city commuter, I'd love to find one of the old 3 speed internally geared bikes.

What city are you located in? Are there bike Coops/kitchens in your area?
Some of them sell used bikes that will be tuned up and might have a short warranty.
They exist to help cyclists; not profit from them. They'll guide you to a bike that fits
you and is intended for the type of biking you want.

As an example; here in NYC we have Recycle a Bicycle:
Recycle-A-Bicycle

Do you want a true all wheater bike, you want it low maintenance, do you want to sit upright, do you want to carry stuff, do you carry the bike upstairs, would you like gears, do you want hand brakes?

This bike looks super practical:

https://www.momentum-biking.com/us/b...et/blue-bronze

Lots of great built in features for city riding.

I've been riding a 1995 Schwinn Cruiser SS all year for at least 8 years now, and I don't chain, get studded tires and carry small loads of groceries occasionally.


I just avoid drivers for a day or two until they learn how to drive again.


I have MTB treads but the oval knobbed kind that it came with were just as good. You aren't trying to go 20 mph, slow and steady and get there.


The worst fall I ever had was when I was walking it down my own street as it never gets sanded and it an ice rink beyond compare.


If it's 28F your meat isn't going to thaw anyway.