Hello,

I'm new to biking, and I need a cheap commuter bike for getting from point A to B and back daily. Also, I don't want to have to fret about it (before or after buying), and I'm on a (really) tight budget.

I had finally settled on getting a Mongoose Paver (at $100-$133 from Walmart), which seems to be a little bit better than the average department store bicycle-shaped-object at that price.

Unfortunately, it seems as though Walmart has stopped selling these. One other merchant still has it (CSN Stores).
I'm guessing it might have something to do with the new year (discontinuing old products, introducing new ones).

Anyway, two questions:
A) Does anyone know of any similar bikes? Perhaps at one of the other dept stores or online or something?
B) Does anyone have any experience with this "CSN Stores" in general (customer service, etc.)?

Thanks!

What do you want out of a bike ?,you can probably assemble it out of mostly low mileage parts,
Given just chain and sprockets.. and the braking tracks so, rims need be replaced as they wear out.

Who is CSN? If they are a big box discounter like WM you don't get ANY customer service or repair service. The Paver is a decent bike for the money and has been my top recommendation for someone that needed a decent bike for the money. However I wouldn't expect to buy one and ride off on it without having it checked out by someone that is a capable cycle mechanic. NONE of the big box stores hire bike mechanics to set up their bicycles properly.

I don't know where you live but Target has a couple of models that aren't a bad deal for the price. Then there is always used via CL or a bike co-op.

Do you have any bike oriented friends or neighbors that could help you out?

Aaron

You can get a nice used bike that was originally worth many times the cost of the Mongoose for the same price, and be way better off. Older, rigid (non-suspension) mountain bikes from big companies like Specialized, Giant, Trek, GT, etc. make great commuters.

This is a good idea if you live in or near a large metropolitan area with a busy used bike market, but not everyone does. Here in the Chicagoland area I see plenty of older mountain bikes with rigid forks for $50-150 on Craigslist that would be great for commuting. You’ll still need that bike expert friend or a shop to help you check out the bike before you buy... and then to give it the once over after. Figure a little extra money for any needed repairs or upgrades (like new brake pads and street tires) also.

With the Paver you shouldn't need any parts. Just someone to set it up and adjust it for you.

EDIT: OP where do you live? Maybe someone here can help you out.

FWIW, CSN Stores (according to a Google search) is an e-tailer, with no brick and mortar that I can tell. Here's a link to their "About" us page. https://www.csnstores.com/aboutus.asp

Wrong -- there's at least ONE. I work there. My co-worker and I both are mechs.

Good for you. Now just get all of your other associates in the company to at least lube the freaking chain.

My eldest girl was given a cheap bike from Wally World for Xmas. The thing felt like it was heavier than my commuter. Before loading it up for her in the back of her wagon when headed back to uni, I gave it a quick look over. That chain was D R Y. Put some Tri-Flow on it, worked it through the gears- told her not to use WD-40.

While typing this, it occurred to me why the chain was dry. They didn't want people to wipe greasy hands on packaging or other merchandise.

Like irclean said look for rigid late 80's to mid 90's big name Mountain Bikes. They do make excellent commuters. Check out craigslsit, co-ops, pawn shops, garage sales, LBS that sell used, etc.

Must be the only one out of 8,883 retail units. Were you hired for your wrenching abilities or did they just luck up? Do you do 30 day tuneups? How about replacing broken rear hubs under warranty....

YOU are the exception to the rule and there always is at least one.

Aaron

Wow, you guys are being a little tough on DX I'd say. It's not his job to train the associates in all the other stores or perform warranty work. Kudos to you for a job well done DX.

Thank you all for your replies. I have been spending some time exploring the subject a bit more so that I can give a better response.



I'm mainly after something that can get me around without costing too much.
Is building it from parts actually feasible? I figured it would either cost too much or require a LOT of time building and searching for parts (or both).

If I do choose to get a Paver online through CSN (my main hesitation is that it would take too long), would it be realistic to think I could assemble and inspect it myself using online resources?
I'm in San Antonio, TX and there's just about everything here. I was looking closely at the Paver because it seems to be mentioned in quite a few places. It's a bit harder to tell whether other dept store bikes are worth it or not; do you have any suggestions?

What about some of the older road bikes? Is the leaned over position bad? There seem to be more non-dept-store road bikes on craigslist than MTBs (especially non-suspension).

Do you think I might be able to do that kind of checking/adjusting myself? I don't really know any bikers in the area. I did talk to CycleLogic (an LBS), though, and they said they might be willing to look it over before and/or after I buy it (for a price after I get it).



Right now I'm looking at two main options: ordering a Paver from CSN which would arrive in 4-5 business days after Monday (too long, but is the "easy" way out), or trying to find something on craigslist. (The local bike shops don't have anything that would work for me right now.)

Any more advice for getting one on craigslist? How do I tell a "quality" bike on there from the rest of the stuff? By brand name? The main problem I'm running into is that I'm not sure how much a bike is worth.


Thanks!

Speaking for myself, I suggested big name rigid mountain bikes is for a number of reasons. First they are usually easy to find for not much money. Second, if components need to be replaced or fixed they tend to be easier to come by. Third, they tend to have beefy frames, stable geometry, and eyelets for racks and/or fenders.

The problem with some of the xmart bikes are not knowing who assembled them. Some parts are difficult to come by. Non quality parts are used.

Since your price range looks to be around $150 there are fewer choices. Most importantly get something that fits and you would enjoy riding.

Department store bike almost always come equipped with bottom-shelf components, and are often assembled by unqualified personnel. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule but most members here will caution you to stay away from big box stores.

Nothing wrong with a road bike for a commuter. As with MTBs look for big brand names like Trek, Giant, and Specialized. If you're gonna commute in all types of weather they you'll probably want a bike with eyelets and braze-ons for fenders and racks, so a cyclocross or touring road bike would be something to look for.

Any LBS worth its salt will be willing to look it over for free. If not, move on to the next shop. After all, you're gonna need to buy some accessories and upgrades, and perhaps eventually buy a bike from them.

Bikepedia is a good source to find general information on bikes; they list bikes as old as 1993 from all the major brands, and usually include the original retail price. IMHO the best source, however, is right here. If you want to get information on a specific make/model/year of bike ask about it in Bike Forums. For older bikes you could ask in the Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries sub-forum.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

Here's one. Looks like a good buy from the description.

https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/bik/2150562470.html

More..
https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/bik/2146361623.html

See if you can haggle on this one.
https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/bik/2140198166.html

' hope this helps.

You could get stuck with a bike from CL that needs work ($$$) since you don't know how to properly inspect it. Beware of bikes that look beat up and well used. Having said that, the Trek 800 DVC45 linked above looks and sounds like new. You should be on your way to see how it fits.

+1 Be very picky about what you buy used on CL since you don't know anything about bikes. Look for those bikes that really look pretty much new or lightly used. There are deals out there you might have to be quick to them and have a little patience. That link looks to be very promising and it has a ridged fork which is a bonus.

My goodness, you're all so helpful!

I do like the sound of that "never used it" regarding the Trek. Based on the color and BikePedia, I think it's a 1997 (though it might be a 1995 or 2000). Also from BikePedia, it seems it originally had an MSRP around $240. Is that new/used price ratio about right? That is, is the $100 a good price?

Also, bike fit seems to be one of the more important factors, isn't it?

Another question:
When a fork's description says something like "50mm travel", that means it's a suspension fork, right? I'm specifically referring to a Trek Navigator 200 (which is also on CL)


In any case, I'll probably be getting more info from the Trek 800 Sport owner tomorrow morning.

Thanks for the help.

or an older Mongooses from when the company made decent bikes... Sorry had to make a plug for my old Hilltopper.

Your description of the Trek 800 seems bang-on. The 800 was Trek's entry-level mountain bike. It has been replaced with the 820, which retails today for $349.99 USD, so $240 in 1997 dollars sounds reasonable. That being said, $100 may be a little steep for a 14-year-old bike, but if it's in the shape that the owner claims then it might be worth it. The "Tourney"-level components on the bike aren't Shimano's best, but they've been around for years and are still being produced. A well-maintained Tourney drivetrain should give you years of faithful service.

You are correct in assuming that 50 mm of travel refers to a suspension fork. In entry-level bikes suspension is cheaply made, heavy, and unneccessary... especially if you're just using the bike for commuting. If you want to tackle some singletrack then be prepared to spend some real money and get a MTB with quality suspension.

I like that Trek. If it fits, and if it really has been unused, I think the price is reasonable. I paid slightly more for a 1995 Trek 850 last summer, and it was well-used. It had a new chain, front derailleur, and cassette, but everything else was circa 1995. Then I put my own choice of tires, grips, and pedals on (which I was always going to do anyway, with anything). I ride it more than any of my expensive bikes now.

Most of all, make sure it fits.

If you give us your height we could give you a rough estimate of what sizes to look for. You might also try a google search for a bicycle fit calculator.

Prices vary by region. Just because the guy is asking $100 doesn't mean he won't accept less. Before going you should do google search on buying used bicycle.

Basically take the bike for a ride to determine fit or adjustment needs. It will also allow you to check brakes, shifting, steering or whatever else. Inspect the bike for dirt, grime, wear, and so on.

Also don't be afraid to ask the guy questions such as; How long have you owned the bike, Where was it bought, Where has it been ridden, Why are you selling it, Has it been in any accidents, etc. If it seems shady then buyer beware.

Go to your local Bike shop and see what brand they have access to,
distribution goes with a sales territory .

so talking about a bike brand that is way far away is no help.

Service after the sale from Wally World .. Zero .. it's just a thing to ring up
on the cash register, marginally thrown together in the back room.

if you are going to rely on a bike to get you to work
you need a well assembled bike , that is what bike shops do, better,
and they service what they sell..

have a Proper bike shop on your commute route?

Tried to contact the Trek owner yesterday (Sunday) morning, but apparently it was sold by then (never got back to me and the listing now reads "SOLD").

I will keep looking and move faster next time.


I'm 5'9", and I had used the MTB size calculator at ebicycles. It said I need a frame size around 44cm or 17". It also said 55cm or 20.5" for a road bike.
Is this difference due to the way MTB's are used (obstacles, rough terrain, and such)?

Yup, I have a "Bike World" in the area and some other shops not too far from that. I figure I'm covered for quick/local accessories, supplies, and maintenance.


Thanks all, I'll post back when I find something.

Here's another chance.

https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/bik/2152278416.html


https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/bik/2153277339.html

Move quick!