First off let me say this Forum is great. I have been reading it off and on for the past 8 months. About 8 months ago I was going to get me a bike to ride in order to lose some weight and get in better shape, plus it looked fun. Well that didn't happen due to me always thinking I should buy the better model and the ones I looked at might not be good enough. So my $300 turned into $1000 way too quick. I decided to back off and wait, then I bought a house and had to do that thing. Now I want to buy a bike. I dont want to buy a new one, due to the fact that I might not like what I am getting myself into. I am looking for a bike to ride to work on the weekends and then take my 8 year old son on rides in the evening. 2 bikes I am looking at are on craigslist: https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/bik/1795043072.html and https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/bik/1791474715.html any input would be appreciated.

thanks

Thomas

If you don't know if you're going to like it, I'd get the Giant. And if you're going to be commuting somewhere that you don't have to roll over tree-roots to get to, I'd recommend putting slicks on it instead of those big 'ol knobby tires.

And then... I'd recommend you ROCK OUT!

Seriously... riding bikes is fun. And the more often you do it, the more you'll love it.

Your desire for a bike (type) will change as you become used to riding and become in 1/2 way decent shape.

I agree with Tony, the more you ride the better you will like it. Though you will have to break into the sport through some pain. For me it was about 3 weeks.

Thanks for the quick replies. The guy with the Hardrock will take $325 and I might be able to get him to $300 if I really want it and stand firm, If this bike make a difference. My commute will be flat paved roads. My boss lives in the same neighborhood and he rides a road bike when he rides, so I dont think slicks would be a problem.

Thanks

Thomas

Honestly, both those bikes are good bikes. Either one will get you from A to B reliably.

The reason I said to go for the Giant is it's cheaper.

And that's good for a number of reasons:
1: If you don't like cycling, you've spent less.
2: If it get's stolen, you're not out as much money.
3: There's not that much difference between these two bikes anyway.
4: It makes you WAY more likely to get out and start riding if you can just pull the trigger and buy one.

I'm a big fan of getting the ball rolling. I think you're better off if you get a walmart bike (even if it broke after 2 months of riding, which it won't) and start riding over sitting at home carefully considering which bike to get. Pick one, and let's do the damn thing!

While those both seem like decent bikes (and I've heard nothing but good things about Hardrocks) they are both mountain bikes. What I mean is that if you're planning to use your bike for commuting, and it won't see any off-roading, then these bikes are overkill; suspension will only rob you of forward energy. Don't get me wrong - mountain bikes can make great, comfortable commuters. My suggestion, FWIW, is to get a cheap, rigid (no suspension) bike and see how you like it. Something like this: https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/bik/1796174248.html. That way, if you don't like it, you're only out $55. Opinions vary, and this is only mine.

I concur... but as stated before, what kind of bike you ride is a DISTANT 2nd to "Get on out there and start riding!"

One caveat to that... gloves and bar ends are mandatory. If you don't wear gloves and have bar ends, your wrists will hurt and then you won't want to ride anymore.

The Hardrock is disc brakes. The Giant is not. You need to consider which type of brakes you like better.

Will you go into trail riding and dirt riding for recreation purpose? If so then consider the Hardrock. Eventually like everyone said, you might change bike later on as you commute more. If so, the Hardrock is better off road if you plan to keep it for dirt trail riding if you do happen to get another bike later on down the line.

I've got a fondness in my heart for Giant bikes, so get that one.

I agree with the comment about getting a cheaper bike with a rigid fork. It looks like your CL is loaded with late 80's/early 90's mountain bikes for $150 and less, many claiming they've hardly been ridden. This is a perfect type bike to get started commuting, and their resale value is almost identical to their cost, so even when you decide you love biking and want to drop $1000 on a new bike, this won't have taken any of your budget.

+1, those are good starter bikes. Don't forget that it's cheap to change pedals, seats, and handlebars, so don't let one point of incompatibility dissuade you from a given bike.

All good advice so far. My favorite and most important advice when asked about bikes, frame material, etc. is fit. Don't go by anybody's reccomendations to buy a bike if it doesn't feel right. No matter how smoking hot the deal is, if it doesn't fit right you won't like riding it and you won't ride it and then you've just wasted your money. It could be that both of these bikes fit you just fine and both feel good, that's wuold be cool, just don't buy one that you think is nicer or is a better deal if the other feels better. Fit, fit, and fit!!! Have fun!

Thanks for all of the replies. I ended up buying the Giant. I went and rode it and it was nice. Now I just need to get a helmet and a couple of other things and all will be good.

Thanks again

Thomas