Matryx

i'm planning to get a bike to drive to work and back. I'll be mainly driving on the pavement. It's around 13kms 1 way. There would be a couple of steep hills going over the freeway.
What bike would you recommend for this? I'm not looking to spend too much maybe around $200-300...Also I wouldn't mine buying a used one.

I know very little about bikes and don't think I can fix it up.

I saw a bike on craigslist and was wondering if you guys would recommend it

https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/297000596.html

diff_lock2

No, you can find a much better ROAD bike.

500$ is a great price limit. But since you said you don't know much...you can't really fix it up. You might as well try. You should learn after you mess up a few times.

aMull

For $500 you can get a much much better bike.

fat_bike_nut

I agree with what's been said so far. $500 is a ridiculous price to pay for that bike. I personally wouldn't pay more than about $150 for a bike like that.

If the mountain bike was newer, then it'd be more justified.

M_S

Guys, read the craigslist ad- the bike is 150 bucks. if it's in good shape, that's about the right price for that bike, probably. I'm assuming you're riding on roads though, in which case you'll want to change the tires most likely, so factor in that expense. Also you'll need, no matter what bike you get, a frame pump, patch kit, spare tubes, and a good multi tool--or at least tire irons, if not the tool.

So with that bike, probably add a good 70 bucks to the cost to get yourself set up.

Of course, if you are willing to spend as much as 500, there are better options. You get what you pay for, of course. The Jamis Coda would be fairly fast--the Coda series are basically flat bar road bikes, and the series runs the gamut from 450 to 1750 dollars. Obviously for you and most people the basic coda would be more than enough.

fat_bike_nut

Hmm...that's odd. I thought I saw $500 when I looked at the add

ottawa_adam

I have the Kona Dew. It's a great hybrid bike that sells for $499 CAD. I rode it from April to November last season. It handles great on roads, paths and gravel and is light enough for even long trips. My commute is about 11 km each way but I also go on 40-50 km rides on weekends with it.

Matryx

actually I don't think I want to spend that much on a bike now... seems $200-300 is more of wat im looking for. Also I'm around 5'6-5'7 and about 150lbs... would a 18" frame be suitable for me?

Yeah I guess your right...I should learn how to how to fix it up. Can you recommend me a thread or website that would provide me with some info?

are these any good?? I'm not sure which one I should pick up.

https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/297383010.html
https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/298200478.html
https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/297000596.html
https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/298373184.html
https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/298348726.html
https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/298347397.html
https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/298553480.html
https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/297454807.html
https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/296607931.html
https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/296316831.html

M_S

Can you please describe the types of riding you will be doing? First of all, stay away from the first bike on the list--it's in major identity crisis mode. Skinny tires and full suspension? Weird.

I would stay away from even fork suspension unless you will actually be doing trail riding with it. Eliminate all but the rigid frames from your list if you are only riding on pavement.

Bill Kapaun

Skip suspension bikes.
"" one piece cranks.
Be wary of a seller that "doesn't know". Maybe they don't or maybe they do and don't want you to know the truth.
Actually, the first bike you posted and the Bridgestone would pique my interest first.
The first bike is supposed to have new cables and "road" tires. You don't want knobbies if you only ride on pavement.

slvoid

Go to a bike shop and find a last year's model road bike. You can get a full blown road bike brand new for $500.

AndrewP

The first bike you posted would be a great commuter with a rack and fenders. Rigid fork mountain bikes are early 90s, so the asking price $150 is high - you should offer $100 and be prepared to pay a bit more. Buy a few tools, pump, patch kit, tire levers, spoke wrench, cone wrenches, hex key set - then go to the Sheldon Brown or Park Tool websites to see how to use them. I used to commute from Finch/Islington to Downsview in the 70s and early 80s. Good luck.

x37

Before buying any bike, go to several bike shops and test ride all the bikes you can, so you will know what size feels best.

I agree that you should stay away from mountain bikes. They're unsuitable for the kind of riding you'll be doing.

In my opinion, a road or touring bike with clearance for larger tires (28+) and eyelets for fenders and racks is the way to go. Trek, Miyata, Bridgestone, Bianchi, etc., are good brands to look for.

You might try placing a want ad on Craigslist.

Matryx

Well I did e-mail a couple of local bike shops and they recommended Giant Cypress ST for $299 which was the least expensive bike they had or Giant FCR and it starts at $499. I did put a want ad out on Craigslist also.

someone asking for $250 for the bike
Raleigh( Alluminum)

The specs are as follows:
Shimano xtc gears
Giant Seat (some rips)
Judy Rock Shock Fork
Zoom 170 alloy Hnadle bar
Shimano RC cranks Airline Vuelta Rims


https://mail.google.com/mail/?attid=0.1&disp=inline&view=att&th=111772adf7cc24de
https://mail.google.com/mail/?attid=0.1&disp=inline&view=att&th=111774bbfb60ddfe

Matryx

are Nakamura or Raleigh good brands?? There's one a Canadian Tire for half price and I was wondering if I should pick it up for my commute.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/pr...5476992671c5d8

M_S

OK, um, a lot of people here have said to stay away from mountain bikes. That thing is great for hardcore trail riding, but even if you have gravel on your commute it's still seriously overkill.

neoz

Sounds like you and I ride alike and are both on a pretty limited budget. I recently bought a Trek 7000 and am very pleased. Alot of bike for $259.

The last bike I bought new was a $400 Trek MTB in the early 90's and I am struck by how much more bike you can now get for less money. Anyone agree? The technology that was top dollar and coveted is now on the entry level bikes. Wish everything was like that.

Matryx

this one looks like a decent one



https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/274813475.html

or this one

https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/281958427.html



https://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/299142820.html

M_S

That first one looks great! I'd snap it up if it wasn't 2500 miles away.