sorry about this but the threads already posted like this one werent helping out too much.

ill be using this bike about 6 miles a day, 5 days a week for college, its hilly where i life (southern cali), and i probably wont be taking this off road, at least not much.
im in between trek urban bikes and trek bike path bikes, and know little to nothing about bikes. i can spend about 500-700, and might use craigslist, depending on your guys' advice.

if this is too vague let me know, and thank you, really thank you, for any advice

What, if anything, have you ridden? You could be pretty happy with either of the bikes you have identified, as long as they suit you. It probably depends more on your personality, riding style and objectives rather than anything about the bike itself. For example - Are you a speed freak? If so, the bike path bike probably won't do you. Are you about 'fitting in'? if so, the trek Urban bike might not be your thing -- they're kind of 'out there' (single sided forks, right?).

You might consider renting or borrowing a bike, and see how you like your options. At the very least, try for an extended test ride under as close to your commuting conditions as possible.

If you're set on a Trek, get one from the FX series. A 7.2 or 7.3 would seem to fit your requirements and budget.

I firmly believe the less you know about bikes the less inclined you should be to buy without the help of your LBS. Unless you know someone who knows bikes who can help you identify something on craigslist, you may end up wasting good money, or at least not getting a good deal for your money.

And whichever way you go, test ride, test ride, test ride.

Note, too, that brand new bikes and college campuses can be a dangerous combination. I wouldn't ride a new bike to class if it has to be locked outside, but that's just me. If you just need something to ride to class, you may want to get something cheap and second-hand, preferably with a chain guard and fenders. It won't look as nice and probably won't ride as well, but it'll get you there. Plus, nobody will mistake you for a freshman if you ride a beater bike.

Which campus?
If you're going to UCSB or some place with roving gangs of bike thieves, I would get the ugliest, rustiest, most undesirable bike you can find.

A new Trek doesn't have the rust, but two out of three ain't bad.

But seriously, for riding around a campus environment, I would get a junky, used bike; then spend the same amount on a gnarly lock.

For a first bike (and something not too attractive to thieves) I would choose something like this: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...980883697.html

Get a local bike shop (LBS) to tune it up, add a set of fenders and some slick tires, buy a u-lock/cable combo, and start commuting. By the time you graduate you'll have a better idea of what you want, and hopefully a degree that will help you get a job so you can afford it!

i have a kent glendale cs
https://www.kentbicycles.com/images/products/82680.jpg
26" Wheels
Comfort Bike
Aluminum Full Suspension Frame
Front Shock with 70mm of Travel
26" Alloy Rims
oV-Brakes with Alloy Levers
Adjustable Alloy Stem for your ideal comfort
Custom Comfort Saddle
Alloy Quick Release Clamp
Kickstand and CPSC Reflectors included
This has been my only bike, got it about 5-ish years ago, have been riding it pretty consistently since then. Its in all right condition. You think this would be fine for the job? And if i wanted to fix it up, what would i want to do? I still have all the stock parts, tires too.

thanks again

Also ill be talking to my friends father who is a serious rider, he started the bike club (pretty sure thats what it is) and ran his own bike shop where i live, scv

And just to be sure, is there any point in getting a fixie?

Given what you're looking for, a Salsa Vaya would be just the ticket.

You can ride it to commute to school and as your interests change you can take if off road.

If I had to have only one bike, that would be all the bike I would ever want to buy for commuting and adventure.

For riding 6 miles your current bike is fine. No need to spend money on a new bike right now. Use the money to equip your current bike with puncture-resistant tires, fenders and lights. Get a rack and waterproof pannier(s). Since school means books, backpack may not be a good idea, rack and panniers will make your commute much easier.

No, don't get a fixie, they're just a fad, not practical, although many people will swear by how superior they are to regular bikes. Singlespeed but freewheel has its place but only if your ride isn't hilly.

But again, your bike will do just fine. You're already used to it. Ride it.

Adam

Or he can sell his current bike to get an all-arounder. Its possible to have a bike you go different places with.

The Road Adventure category Salsa created is a sign of what a bike that can do everything would look like.

Commuters simply have better choices today to go to places they can... and where they couldn't go before.

He won't get more than 50% of what he paid for it. If the bike is in good condition and he rides it regularly I really see no point in getting another bike. Unless, he doesn't like it that much and/or simply wants another bike. We're talking 6 miles, you can walk that distance easily in under 90 minutes. Riding in a slow pace he'll do that in under 30 minutes, no need for a "special" bike.

With thicker tires this bike can go places like any other.


Adam

how much slower would my bike be compared to the trek ones i mentioned?
the only reason im even thinking of getting a new bike is because ive had this one for so long and it feels to be "lower quality" compared to my friends. now i finally have money, and i wont be getting money like this for a while, so i want the best bike for what i need thatll last me for years

but if this bike can do that like you said, thats cool too, just trying to think ahead

so if i do get a new bike, ive narrowed it down to the urban allant, atwood, and belville, but if i got the belville i would want to get a a new 7 speed rear hub, like the other two have. so are these three bikes "better" than the one i have?
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...leville,atwood

You said it was hilly. That might be a problem with a fixed gear, unless you are looking for a workout. Do you normally ride up the hills in one gear?

Don't get me wrong, plenty of people do it. You just have to ask yourself if you want to spend the money to do it too.

Speed is a combination of many factors, with the #1 being the rider; your legs control your speed. That said, your suspension equipped comfort bike certainly absorbs more of your pedaling power than a rigid (i.e. no suspension) bike, and that power loss translates into less speed.

One thought: can you justify keeping your current ride as your commuter, and getting a second bike for 'fun'? As many have mentioned, bike theft is a real issue (as I learned, again, last week). This might satisfy both of your needs -- a good commuter is, often, one that gets you where you are going, and is still there when you come out. A good fun bike is one that lets you do the riding you want to do, the way you want to do it. Theft is far less of an issue, as you don't tend to leave fun bikes unattended as much. I certainly understand that this might not be an option for you, but if it is, that might be a great solution.

Agreed. Don't forget to take the seat with you.

Yes, the bikes you have identified are 'better' bikes than your kent. But that doesn't necessarily make them better for your intended use. As to the Belville, specifically: Note that exchanging the 3 speed hub for a 7 may prevent you from keeping things affordable (unless your LBS has already given you a price for this option; the parts alone might make this a prohibitive option, presuming it is mechanically feasible - the cost of a 7 speed hub appears to be in the $200 range).

Also -- your earlier question was speed; while these bikes might be faster than your current ride, I don't think of any of these as being 'fast' bikes. Are these compatible with what you want to be able to go riding with your friends? I'd say these are all very practical bikes -- if it were my money, I'd favor the Allant, but that's because it is closest to fitting /MY/ needs. But then, I'd never choose any of these :-)

You'll be ahead of your friends (and smarter) if you save your money now, consistently. That means going with just what you need and not a bit more. If you had posted on the 50+ forum, you'd hear this quite a bit.

Make certain that the tires are good. True the rims. Lubricate the drive train. Add racks and panniers (great suggestion prior) by finding them on Craigslist or eBay (if you're careful not to overpay). Get a really good lock, lights and fenders, and you'll be set for school. You can buy the better bike in your 40s, once your financial situation stabilizes. You'll be glad that you saved.

My two cents. Phil G.

Save Your Money

$90. Good Lock.
$90. Helmet
$75. Panniers
$50. Rack
$30. Lights
That leaves $365 for a bike at max budget and other stuff I didn't mention. I recommend saving your money by using what you have now.

If you have upgraditis or yearning for the new bike tailwind, then I suggest the used market. Pickup a decent bike for half of what remains of your budget so you have a bit of leeway for any surprises.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/bik/1981702032.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/1981676008.html

I think your current bike would be fine for a 6 mile commute. If you really want something better I would check bike shops that sell used, coops, pawn shops, yard sales, and craigslist. You can also check and see what campus security does with confiscated bikes as well. I do like the early to mid 90's rigid mountain bikes as good all arounders.

Security may or may not be a concern as every college campus is different. Check with your campus police department. Just make sure your bike is locked properly. I see a lot of bikes locked on our main campus with nothing more than a cable lock. But since our campus is located in a suburban and relatively secluded location I don't hear of anything ever being stolen. But it is better to be safe than sorry.

Sounds like a tailor made match for a Torker - they have 3 bikes in the "urban commuter" line: https://www.torkerusa.com/bikes/commuter-life

The KB 2 is VERY interesting. Anybody ridden it, and how is it on hills?