Commuting Bike
06-15-10, 09:07 PM
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Commuting Bike
Hi Guys,
been lurking in your forums for about a year now. Was shocked to find how little I actually knew about biking before I stumbled here. To find out that I wasn't even mounting or breaking properly (before somebody linked to sheldonbrown.com) or that I was abusing my bike by my lack of maintenance, suffice it so say, I am a much better rider now. Especially after learning how selfish/wrong being a "salmon" is, it just felt reasonable/safer before... Read and learn.
Anyway, I have finally come to a position where I could use some customized feedback. I am trying to get my dad on the whole bike commuting wagon and want to get him a bike for this weekend. He only needs to commute 4 miles each way along a pretty nice path, so nothing too complicated, he just doesn't like the hills. Again, the climb isn't that bad, but he is using a 15 year old lady's refurbished walmart rig, which is atrocious even at in the most generous evaluation.
Well, to the question: I found this Fuji Palisade bike on craigslist for $165: https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...792928751.html
Model: https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...sade&Type=bike
It seemed pretty good for his purposes, good price. Apart from the general stuff I've read about checking for rust, the drivetrain, bends/wobblyness, etc, anything else I should be worried about? Is that a reasonable deal?
Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it.
P.
been lurking in your forums for about a year now. Was shocked to find how little I actually knew about biking before I stumbled here. To find out that I wasn't even mounting or breaking properly (before somebody linked to sheldonbrown.com) or that I was abusing my bike by my lack of maintenance, suffice it so say, I am a much better rider now. Especially after learning how selfish/wrong being a "salmon" is, it just felt reasonable/safer before... Read and learn.
Anyway, I have finally come to a position where I could use some customized feedback. I am trying to get my dad on the whole bike commuting wagon and want to get him a bike for this weekend. He only needs to commute 4 miles each way along a pretty nice path, so nothing too complicated, he just doesn't like the hills. Again, the climb isn't that bad, but he is using a 15 year old lady's refurbished walmart rig, which is atrocious even at in the most generous evaluation.
Well, to the question: I found this Fuji Palisade bike on craigslist for $165: https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...792928751.html
Model: https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...sade&Type=bike
It seemed pretty good for his purposes, good price. Apart from the general stuff I've read about checking for rust, the drivetrain, bends/wobblyness, etc, anything else I should be worried about? Is that a reasonable deal?
Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it.
P.
06-15-10, 10:22 PM
#2
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$165 seems a little steep for an unremarkable 10-year-old bike that only cost $300 new. That being said it looks like it's in very good shape, judging by the pictures. I'd say it's definitely worth a look. Take it for a spin, and if everything works well, offer the owner $100 and haggle from there. Personally I love the look of the frame and I think that this bike would be a great basis for a solid commuter.
06-15-10, 11:00 PM
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It looks like it's been kept in good condition. However it's still ten years old. I'd offer no more than $100 if the bike is in top shape and nothing needs replacing. I sold a 2001 Trek 820 and all I could get for it was $100 because it was such an old bike and can be bought new for $350.
06-16-10, 12:42 PM
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I say take pops to a big bike shop so he can actually touch the bikes and sit on 'em and stuff. See what he likes the look/feel of. 4 miles one way means he can ride just about anything he wants and still have a good time.
Maybe the old man would groove on a retro lookin' cruiser bike with some gears on it?
Maybe Dad thinks a mountain bike looks like peak fun?
Maybe he likes the looks and performance of a road bike best?
Flat bar roadbike hybrid?
After picking a style, you can narrow down your craigslist options. Pick a budget. Then show him a bunch of choices. When does your town have the annual police bike auction?
I think it's cool that you and your Dad are into the commute thing. My Pops is an old time bike racer. Commuting just didn't register for him until last week! He can't believe he didn't start bike commuting sooner.
Maybe the old man would groove on a retro lookin' cruiser bike with some gears on it?
Maybe Dad thinks a mountain bike looks like peak fun?
Maybe he likes the looks and performance of a road bike best?
Flat bar roadbike hybrid?
After picking a style, you can narrow down your craigslist options. Pick a budget. Then show him a bunch of choices. When does your town have the annual police bike auction?
I think it's cool that you and your Dad are into the commute thing. My Pops is an old time bike racer. Commuting just didn't register for him until last week! He can't believe he didn't start bike commuting sooner.
