Hey all! I'm new and a 22 year old soon-to-be-PhD student at Mizzou. I have a car but only live a couple of miles from campus and would prefer to bike when possible. I enjoy biking for exercise and for the environment. It's just hassle free, too. However, I don't have a suitable/reliable bike right now. I used to have a huffy. My sister gave it to a friend in need while I was out of the country in the UK and it was 10 years old to begin with. I would ask for it back, but it really is very heavy and is hard to get onto the back of my car for transport if need-be.

I am looking for something used, lighter (this bike is like lead, my Dad's 40 year old road bike weighs less), and more suited for commuting. Do I need a road bike? A mountain bike?

A little about me. I'm 5' tall with a 29'' inseam. I am a short girl with no wingspan. Certain bikes are really uncomfortable just based on the fact that I cannot properly reach the handlebars. I was told by a bike enthusiast here that my bike's frame (an 18'') was actually too big for me and I needed a 16'' which would put me in the "youth" bike range.

Is it okay to buy a youth bike? Can you find a decent youth bike? As you can tell, I am clueless about bikes and really do hope to learn more. I have a tight budget because I am a poor student, so I am willing to put in the time to "upgrade" my bike. My Mom and Dad used to ride and know how to fix bikes, so I can get help over the summer while I am home, but I need a good frame that will work for me for cheap.

Take a look on line for a Womens Specific Design ... lots of 16' frames available

https://www.bikesdirect.com/primalstuff.htm

For short commutes, you may want to consider a Hybrid Bike (half way between road & mtn)

Thanks for the great link. Any idea how to find a used one of those? I only ask because $250.00 is still far out of my price range.

I think this is the best value available ...

Shimano Tourney 7 Spd Suspension $239.95
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/eclipse1.htm

Don't overlook the estimable Mongoose Paver.

It's a good deal on that site, but any ideas as to where to look for used bikes? I honestly can't afford that right now. The price needs to be around $150.00 or less to be fair. Otherwise, it really is not going to be a savings at all, which is how I am fitting the bike into my budget as-is. Just in general, not on that site?

Look for a bike co-op in your area that sells used bikes. The one near us has a bike swap in May where they have a larger selection than they normally would. Hopefully you can find something like that.

Or try eBay or Craiglist.... they have lots of quality used bikes there.

Also check your local bike shop (LBS for short) for used bikes. When considering used bikes, especially if you're looking at eBay, Craigslist etc. it would be good to have someone with you who knows bikes.

--J

And don't forget to consider things like gas and stuff in your pricing. I mean, even if you just save, say, $20 a week in gas, a $200 bike is going to pay for itself entirely in less than 3 months.

Well, the bike itself, not counting maintenance, accessories, etc. etc. etc...But the point is, if you've got a little cash or savings floating around, even just dropping down to car-light could make it work out in your favor.

Of course, this is coming from another newbie, both to here and to the whole cycling thing proper(as opposed to pedaling around as a kid for fun once every once in a while), so take my advice with a grain of salt, and good luck.

In Columbia, I've heard good things about Klunk Bicycles (but never been myself). Pretty sure they have a used selection that turns over pretty quickly, though I have no idea on their prices. It is the end of the school year, so if you are creative and have no shame about digging through trash/checking with University security for abandoned bikes/etc I'd guess you could find something free or cheap a lot easier than those of us in bigger, non-college towns.

Craigslist might work for you, but pickings can be pretty slim there. Also, don't forget to budget for a good lock, helmet, lights, etc. Going cheap on that stuff you could get away with spending $60 or so, I think. You could also try posting a bike wanted ad somewhere at school, and pick up something a student headed home for the summer may have just abandoned, along with any necessary accessories.

In other words, if you try hard enough, I think you can find something that fits your budget. Just to tool around Columbia/campus, your biggest priority besides cost should be fit, doesn't matter if it's hybrid, road, whatever. Of course, finding something light enough for you to easily lift is an entire other problem. Just think of it as a cheap workout. And if you start wanting something lighter/faster/slower/shinier/sparklier/whatever, you'll have a much better understanding of what it is that you want, and hopefully be able to save a little cash to get it. Good luck!

Thanks for all the good replies. TCJ, I am not in Columbia, I'm actually in Bloomington, IN. I am going to post a want ad. If I get a hit on that, I will go out and buy a lock (spend the money for something decent so my bike is not stolen and get a good helmet). Do you think I could tie it to the top of my Dad's roof rack on his GMC Suburban on the way home? My hometown near Chicago is NOT a bike town and NOT bike friendly, but I would love to bike over the summer. If I could find something here, it would be great I think. And yeah, comfort is key. Thanks for the information.

I will be buying a very fuel efficient car, too, so the bike has to be pretty cheap to make up for the gas. For me, it will also be an exercise machine, too, so that is another thing to consider, I guess.

If it were me, I'd knock down the car budget by a few hundred dollars and get a better bike. I bet you'll use it a LOT more than the car at school, so this makes sense. If your parents are helping with the car, I bet they'd agree to this too.

By the way, entering into a PhD program when you're 22 is pretty admirable. I didn't finish my bachelor's degree until I was 28, hehehe. (was working full time) Congratulations! What's your major?

I'm poli sci. I do research on health politics and policy.

And yeah, the car is my own. I think you are right, though. I hate, hate, hate parking. MU has good parking compared to here, but it is so much easier to lock up a bike properly and tight and just walk away.

I have a good lead on a bike that should work - a hybrid sort of bike in good condition here in town. It's $45.00 and the couple that has it just really wants to get rid of it because they are moving and don't have space for it in the u-haul. If all goes well, I will be going over there on Saturday to check it out.

In my personal experience commuting by bike has not saved me any money. I'm one of those who can't stand it when the bike makes any noise at all, and I want it nicely tuned etc. So I find myself spending money and time tweaking the bike. There will be maintenance cost and consumables you may need to buy right away.

For example, I just got a 90s Cannondale mtb of craigslist for $40 (which I thought was a great deal), but I've thus far spent $200 on tires, tubes, handlebar grips, chain, lights, and new cables, and I already have all the tools grease and lube to keep it maintained.

You don't have to spend that much money on the bike, but you will most likely have to spend some (like a lock for campus parking).

A good Kryptonite U-lock and cable cost less than $50 together. We here sometimes get carried away with what is necessary and what is preferred.

The difference is that to regulars here, it is also a hobby. To others, for example the folks who show up and want a decent bike for $100-200 it is way out of line to buy a $1000 bike or even a $600 one. For basic transportation, it is overkill.

Yeah $50.00 for a good lock is no big. I have no problem spending money on a good bike lock and a safe helmet (I know that $40.00 can buy you a good one these days, so no big). When the bike is only $40.00, you can afford to pay for your yearly tune-up and such. For me, commuting isn't just cheaper for work, but also going to get groceries and the like. I have supermarkets on a few blocks from the apartment I am leasing and this will mean I can go pick up things quickly. If I spend $250.00 total, I can recoup that. If I spend $500.00 total (buy a $200-$250.00 bike) it's not going to save me money.

What kind of distances are you actually talking about? Generally, anything under 2 miles, you can ride any bike you want. As long as it mostly fits you. But you could ride a beach cruiser for 2mi without any problem. 2-10, pretty much any bike as well, but fit is more important, as is reliability, because walking a broken bike for 5mi is a hassle. Over 10mi, you probably want thinner tires and more hand positions and fit is even more important.

It's about a 3 mile commute to school every day. It would be a mile further to "downtown", but all the shopping I could really ever need for a quick run to pick up milk or the like would be within 1/2 a mile. Anything further, I would be taking the car. For my summer job, I also may be biking. It's a mile and a half to work.

I think a sports type bicycle like a Raleigh Sports or Gary Fisher Simple City should fit the bill. You can easily do a round trip commute on one. With a longtail bike, you can of course eliminate a car for grocery shopping and the like but a car will always be essential to those out of town trips. No getting around it.

Norman,

Thanks for the tips. The LBS here had a Simple City on Friday that I fell in love with. Unfortunately the frame was too big an it is out of my price range right now. My goal is to save up and buy something like this that may need a bit of work in the future.

I got the bike! Frame is a great size for me! It's LIGHT which is another plus. Needed some bolts tightened, some work on the breaks, which I did myself. I actually don't mind doing that and am learning a lot by taking things apart and putting them back together. I put the basket on and was on the road. Already went grocery shopping and to work - perfect. The tire kit is great and convenient and I love my helmet. The LBS was really helpful in finding a bike size for me and getting me a helmet that it. I have a very small head for an adult, so I had to pay a little more, but they made sure that I could get something in my price range. I was so glad I went there instead of a big box. We used to have a great bike shop at home when my parents would bike every weekend (they both had rode bikes that easily cost a couple grand each), but then there were really no more good LBS's around and they pretty much quit cycling. I really forgot how nice a local shop is. The bike lock (u-lock) was on sale and works great. Most people don't even bother with those.

The bike is definitely not "pretty", but nothing is wrong with it and it works great for what I need. I rode it 10 miles home through some treacherous traffic and through construction without an issue. I am glad I kept up with spinning and use my sister's trainer in the basement a lot because I am able to keep up with the cars on city streets okay. Hills are the bane of my existance, but the frame is SO MUCH better than my old bike. I don't have back pain like I used to!

I rode it to work today in 5 minutes instead of the normally 20-minute bike ride. So much easier. And I love the breeze I get on the downhill!

So you ended up with the Simple city? Ok thats great but FYI did you know that around here anytime a person gets a bike, new used or otherwise it is required that said person posts pictures of the new ride.

She said it was out of her price range but the shop may have given her last year's model at a significant discount. I'd have to add that is always the way for a bargain shopper to go.

Haha pics when I am back at my parents place for the summer. Right now I am in the process of moving out and don't want to charge the batteries on the P&S or deal with my DSLR.

+1

We'll all be waiting for that pic and kudos and your new bike! Sounds like something totally great by the way you have been describing it.