happy_accident

Hello, all. I am looking to get my first adult bike, which would be my first bike since early childhood, and I was hoping you could help me decide between these two. I am in my early 20s, around 5'6 to 5'8 (don't quite recall), in not-so-terrible shape, and weigh ~130 lbs. I am a fairly inexperienced rider, as I have never ridden in traffic before.

My primary purpose for wanting to get a bicycle is for commuting - I haven't worked it out precisely, but I would estimate 13-16 miles a day during the week, and recreational riding on the weekend with a friend. There is one steep hill on my way to school, but road conditions are otherwise mostly flat but crappy in my immediate area. I hope to complete a century one day. Hopefully, with proper preparation and conditioning, I would be able to ride year round as my primary mode of transportation.

With that being said, my budget is pretty limited and I am trying to get the most value and longevity possible. I know it comes at a premium, but I think the additional support and security of purchasing from a LBS would be necessary for me to feel comfortable investing this much money into a brand new endeavor. Enough pretext, I suppose...

https://www.khsbicycles.com/05_flite_220_10.htm

https://bicyclehabitat.com/product/sa...le-69438-1.htm

These are the two rides I am leaning towards. The KHS is from an awesome shop. The staff, despite hearing my budget concerns, treated me with the utmost courtesy and consideration. I felt very at ease asking questions there. I would feel comfortable spending my money there, thanks to their "life long customer" attitude.

The Salsa is from a shop I have not yet had the chance to visit, but comes recommended by a friend and triathlete. I noticed that the Salsa doesn't come with pedals.

I was initially hoping to find something in the $300-$400 price range, but it quickly sunk in that that is pretty much unfeasible when dealing with bike shops. At least in the case of the half a dozen that I have been to.

EDIT: Either way, I intend to install front and rear fenders, rear rack, lights, reflects, and a bell (required by law in NYC). Copied from Road board.

ratell

As much as I love the Casseroll the KHS is a much better deal. The Casserol you linked to has one gear which probably isn't what you want unless you think you'll be able to buy another bike in the future. Have you considered used?

monsterpile

This is a pretty big investment for you so I suggest trying out a bunch of different bikes from a few shops. Try out some more expensive bikes to find what you like and get the bike that is within your price range that feels the best. The KHS looks like a similar budget package type bike like the Torker Interurban.

https://www.torkerusa.com/bikes/commu...011-interurban

It sounds like you might have found the shop you want to buy from where they have the KHS. When testing out bikes you are shopping for a great LBS since you are planning on relying on them for support. If one shop seems much better or you just feel more comfortable there buy a bike from them. Good luck in your search and post when you get your new bike!

happy_accident

Thank you for the responses.

I certainly have considered used - I spent hours checking CL for non-suspicious, reasonably priced bikes in good condition. The problem is, "good condition" is entirely relative. At present, despite the wealth of knowledge that I have acquired by browsing this site, I feel that I lack the knowledge to shop with confidence for a used bike outside of a shop. The more I learn, the clearer it becomes that it is pretty easy to sucker a naive buyer. I have a friend who is an experienced rider (which to me means he can safely ride in city traffic without ending up on the news), and he is really good at telling me when to walk away from a "deal", but not so much when to pounce on one. And the LBS's that do carry used were asking ~200-400 for 40 year old Schwinn Varsities, which, even in my ignorance, seems like a pretty low price/value ratio. I am not opposed to getting a low end bike, but I expect to pay low end prices heh.

BTW: I just measured and I am actually a little over '5 "8, so the Salsa would have been too small anyway, as it was only available at that price in 49cm.

no1mad 

Sounds like you've found a good LBS. And KHS is one of the value brands out there. Like someone else said, test ride as many models as you can. I've personally looked at getting a 220 as well, but like most road orientated frame, it didn't have much room for rubber (that and I'm not allowed to run drops- long story ).

puppypilgrim

The KHS is solid value and will last you a reasonably long time unless you hit the jackpot. It is also not so flashy a brand that attracts thieves. Make sure you have enough in your budget for a good lock.

happy_accident

Theft is actually one of my biggest concerns. At either of my jobs, I should be able to find a non-intrusive place to store my bicycle. However, when I am in school, I usually don't leave till after 9pm, and the campus is pretty open to the public. I have been told that there IS a bike thief on campus and an undercover actively trying to catch him.

I am looking into getting a Kryptonite, but the thought of lugging around one of those huge locks is off putting.

EDIT: The Interurban really appeals to my bike design sensibilities - simple and understated. That mentality is appears to be present throughout the entire design - from the small, quiet make/model demarcations in out of sight locations to the choice of parts. I will certainly try to find a dealer tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion.

happy_accident

Update on the search: The only stores that were listed as carrying Torker in my area sounded confused when I mentioned the name, so that is a no-go.

I found a used Fuji Newest 3.0 w/ aluminum frame, carbon fork, and sora shifters for $500. The bike is a former rental from a rental/repair shop. I cracked a smile while I saw it because they added auxiliary brakes to the hood.

Another shop showed me the SE Draft for ~$350, if I remember correctly. I was told that it was a popular model.

But my friend is still totally convinced that I shouldn't be spending more than $300, since I am a totally atrocious rider.

monsterpile

I read something after posting the Torker Interurban that its sold out everywhere. Thats not surprising at the MSRP its at.

If you have the money buy a bike that you like and will actually ride don't settle for soemthing you are not really happy with. In your area there has to be some budget options that would help out a beginner rider like you if you want a drop bar road bike. $500 at a bike shop is entry level money and not a ton of cash to be spending. To me $500 is alot of money, but its very reasonable to spend that on a bike at an LBS. If your friend is so concerned about your budget he should be suggesting great deals on craiglist and taking you to check them out. =)

happy_accident

I am now a bicycle owner. And its all thanks to a seat adjustment.

Here's the story. After some convincing, my friend decided to come with me to help me test ride the KHS. One of the mechanics, presumably the one who assembled it, brought it out and actually stuck around to help me feel it out. The first time I got on, just riding down the block and back up was incredibly nerve racking. I would say I was more nervous than when I did my first back handspring. It was just a very unnerving gut feeling. However, although both the mechanic and my friend agreed that the seat could be a bit higher for a move experienced rider, dropping it ~1" would be a good idea for me. And oh, were they correct.

I'm not saying I became pro in 10 seconds because of the seat height, heh, but it really took the edge off. Further adjustments were made, and after a few times up and down a traffic-less street, I was convinced that I a) I did want a bicycle and b) this was the place to get it. I'm pretty sure my friend realized what I was saying about the shop - everyone was so reassuring! We were actually out with it for almost 2 hours, and no one came to hassle me. In fact, they came out and asked if I had questions. Not to mention the owner gave me ~$90 worth of discounts. The bike was priced higher than MSRP b/c even though it was an earlier model, it still costs him the same amount to get it - he dropped it to MSRP for me. Threw in head and tail lights, etc, and showed me how to lock up the bike properly.

I am very happy about finding this place. The way that they treat me, its as if I were a long time customer. I am not yet comfortable riding in traffic, but I'm going out to bike path in the city with said friend. Hopefully after a couple hours, I might even be able to ride home -we'll see. Thanks to everyone who posted here. I made a huge investment, financially and in other ways, and this place was one of the resources that helped me to make a more informed decision.