mbkumar

Hello All,
I am new to bikes and buying my first bike to commute on craigslist.
Which one is better: scott s50 or trek 7.1fx?
Details: scott s50 ... spring 2010 ... asking $450
trek 7.1fx ... jan 2011 .... asking $375
Are the prices reasonable?
All suggestions & comments are appreciated.

scroca

Both look overpriced to me, judging from what you'd pay for new -- 549.95 for the Scott, 449.99 for the Trek.
You could get something at BD for less and have $ left over for lights, rack, panniers, fenders, or whatever.

Whatever you get, you will need to consider what you have to carry. That will lead you to how to carry it, which leads to a backpack versus a rack/panniers or trunk bag or seat bag or baskets, etc. If you want a rack, you'll need something to attach it to.

I'd always want the ability to put fenders on it, unless you live in the desert.

Above all, make sure whatever you get fits you, or it will be an uncomfortable waste of money.

monsterpile

Yep those bikes are too much for used. They would be good new prices.

Here are some questions to help us help you.

1. Is it 4 miles each way or round trip?
2. About how tall are you? We can look on craigslist and suggest a few bikes with that info.
3. What kind of bike do you think you like? Have you tested anything out?
4. What is your budget high and low?
5. Have you considered accessories like lights fenders etc?

mbkumar

1) The commute is 4 mile each way.
2) I am 5'8".
3) I rode bikes before in my college campus, but those are cheap walmart mountain bikes . I prefer mountain bike style handle bars and platform pedals.
4) I just got my first job after graduation, so can afford a better one in the range of $400. I don't want to go higher because I am
still new to high end bikes.
5) My total budget is $500. I did some research in the last week and decided on helmet, lights, fenders and other essentials.
I'll get what I can get for $500, the remaining, I will buy next month. Helmet and lights are the first priority.


Both the bikes are roughly of my size.
The seller of s50 agreed to sell the bikefor $400 without pedals. Do you guys think its still high?

mbkumar

Thanks for the reply. What is BD?

monsterpile

I still think the Scott is kinda high unless thats exactly what you want then it might be alright.

Here is a couple nice bikes for the price. They are not not high end, but for $300 for a legit bike with fenders and rack its a pretty good deal IMO. With either of these you can at least take the bike back to the store and you have a warranty if you have issues which is nice. Can you assemble a bike if shipping it to you is the only option. BD is Bikes Direct which can be another online option. These 2 bikes would give you plenty of money for accessories and they will be good for day to day commuting IMO.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...-cpc-_-product

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400307

bt93

He's referring to BikesDirect.com. They have extraordinary deals on new bicycles, but you have to know what size you need and then when you get it you'll have to put it together yourself. Some say you have to have the wheels trued out of the box also. If you're mechanical and know how to pick your size sight unseen then they're about as good of deal, but if you find you'll need to run to the bike shop for help and such, you might as well buy local. With just $400 you may want to check out pawn shops and such for used, or do like I did and wait for January, but that's too far away.

AltheCyclist

OP says he's newbie, so I'd be inclined not to recommend anything mail order (even partially assembled, like Performance Bike, will take some assembly/tuning skills to get it running).
Even in the desert, I'd recommend fenders (keeps rocks, other roadstuff off of you).