Help a new commuter choose a bike!
 

Howdy all,

Recently decided to start commuting to work. Deciding that I to be a cautious as possible, I promptly went out and bought a...

...clunker from Craigslist. Been riding around after work for the past few weeks and I feel like the muscles are ready for the daily 6 mile round trip. Got the practice, the training, and the gear ready. The problem? The bike. Even though I got it tuned up, it was someone's project bike that they assembled from random parts. They're good parts and the bike rides super smooth at a casual pace, but the bike creaks when I try to sprint, my foot touches the front wheel from certain turning positions, and it doesn't feel stable at faster speeds.

So back to Craigslist I go. I'm looking for a full sized hybrid bike that can be used mostly for commuting on pavement and the occasional flat dirt path. I'm 5'11, so I'm guessing the frame should be a Large? Here are the bikes that I found that I THINK match what I'm looking for, and I'd love your input.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2559204792.html
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2608871806.html
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2608583791.html (Not sure bout this one, don't know what a multi-track bike is)
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2597364400.html (The one I'm leaning towards)

Any advice is appreciated!:love:

Hey there PandaExpress!

Sounds like in addition to an improperly installed (or adjusted) part, the bike just does not fit you!

Wish you could buy new.....That would be so much better. If you could sell your current bike for whatever you paid for it, plus add three hundred more bucks, you could get a brand new bike.

However, from the list you've presented here, I'd go with the Giant Acapulco too! Problem is, the fit. If it doesn't fit, move on.

All of these bikes look just fine, but you've got to choose the most reliable one with the best fit!

Good Luck! :thumb:

- Slim :)

Yep, fit is everything when it comes to comfort. But, us poor people have to live with what we can get - often off of CL. In that case, pick the one that fits you the /best/ it may not be perfect, or built with the best parts (but it sounds like you can cannibalize your current ride), but a better fitting frame with weaker parts is preferable to a badly fitting frame with good parts.

Yeah the bike I bought was never intended to be used for primary transportation, more of an occasional ride around campus (it fits easily in the trunk of any sedan with). Any more opinions of the bikes I'm looking at now though?

The Giant looks like a good one to me. If it feels right it sounds like its worth the money. Its not a crazy good deal, but totally worth the $100 and it sounds like a good seller and you are getting a very solid bike for just $100.

Go for the Giant. If nothing else (if what the ad claims), maybe the seller will have something else in the pipeline that may work better.

PandaExpress:

I took the liberty of hunting CL. I like this at $150.00 to 165.00, not sure if this is in the budget. Happy hunting and driving your new bike. Let us know how it shakes out.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2511185881.html


TREK 7100 Mens bike - $200 (RSM)

Date: 2011-08-11, 11:34AM PDT
Reply to: sale-wdkrn-2511185881@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

Selling Trek hybrid- I no longer ride it. Good condition, tire tread in excellent condition. Use link below for bike product info, retails for $459.00 new, I priced this post based on similar bikes posted here on Craig's list.

Color: silver/burgundy
Frame: Trek fit and sizing chart= Medium, previous rider was 5'10"
Bike was purchased in 2005, light mileage. Has been in storage from 2008- 2011. Selling because I'm moving on to road bike.

Call or text 949-887-3106 or reply by email to this ad.

Thanks Chicago, but they're a little too far for me to go for a bike. I'm also looking to stay under $100 if possible. Here are too that I'm looking at, with the Raleigh being the backup due to price.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2593958689.html
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2564714527.html

The Raleigh looks more reliable. However, I can't really tell from here.

The Schwinn looks good for the money...

_ Slim :)

...does that mean that the Schwinn isn't worth picking up?