New Commuter, Looking for Advice
 

Okay, so I have my eyes set on this bike on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Verso-Ladies-R...id=APLSYXPJH8N

It's pretty, it's got a cargo rack, it's got battery powered LED lights, it cuts my accessory costs in half and because of the 'sale' price it's the same price as the other bike I was considering, and it comes in the smaller frame size I need. However, the warranty on it is invalid if it's not professionally assembled when it arrives.

Now, my question to you, considering I'm going to have to save up for this bike anyways, is what is the general going rate of having a bike assembled(so I know when I call around whenever I have the money for the bike whether I'm being ripped off or not) or should I just hang the warranty, grab some basic bike tools from the sporting goods store and build it myself, if I can gather the knowledge? ((I haven't had a bike since I was little enough that my parents built it.))

Also, as a commuter, am I wasting my time on this? This bike will be my main mode of transportation. Not having a high income, I have to keep the cost of the bike in this range or lower. Does anyone have any suggestions if this bike is a waste of my time and money? I definitely want something with some form of cargo rack, as like I said, it will be my main mode of transportation, and considering the leaning position of bike riding, I bet a backpack would get real heavy, real fast on a bike ride. I know you can get racks separate, but from what I've seen, for a quality bike, buying the rack separate just ups the costs even more. Also, I doubt I'll be riding it more than a mile or two in any one direction; my work is a mile and a half away from my house, so while it may be fairly regular use, it won't be heavy use.

So, bikers, thoughts?

:welcome To Bike Forums, Sweetnightmare!

We will try to answer all of your cycling questions to the best of our abilities!

Reviews about the nexus 3 speed IGH appear to be favorable. Other than the usual concerns about suspended forks, I'd say that this Verso Roma bike looks pretty good.

- Slim :)

I hope those answers help. :)

Aside from the usual mediocre suspended forks that entry level bikes usually come with at that pricepoint and below, I was also wondering about the reliability of the shimano nexus 3 speed IGH. The few reviews read, appear to be favorable. I was thinking about the extra expense, should your 3 speed nexus ever need replacing.

That's why I asked about the occurrence of any hills along your commute. If there were no hills or inclines present, we could go with a more dependable chromoly steel single speed. A bicycle that could very well last an entire lifetime, with relatively few mechanical issues. Single speeds like long, flat, and smooth land surfaces.

Do your gentle inclines or "subtle sloping" hills, go on for great distances? Like do the inclines go on and vary during the entire commute? ...Do you think that having a single speed would be difficult for you, provided you could easily get that leg over?

- Slim :)

No more difficult than the walking would be. It's a constant gentle slope that I didnt even notice until I rode a scooter to work one day. (And boy did I look ridiculous doing it!) I think the bike I'm looking at also had a one speed version, back when I was doing research. I know it's entry level, but I figure I shouldnt sink too much money into a bike yet, see how I like commuting, then when I'm getting more hours and a higher paycheck, look into getting something a little more noteworthy. (I do know I want a hybrid though, I dont like road bikes, the tires feel too thin to me.)

Alright SweetN!

Here's the deal!

This bike is made of chromoly steel. That means, that no matter what problems may arise, they will only be mechanical and not structural. Your frame isn't going anywhere, it could very well last you for the remainder of your life. Any mechanical issues that may occur can be easily resolved by a skilled bicycle mechanic. That said, I would strongly advise you to join your local bicycle co-op. Obtain membership so that you can learn basic bicycle maintenance. They will teach you how to change a tire or how to repair a flat. They will teach you how to both install and adjust your derailleurs. They will teach you how to both install and adjust your brakes. They can also teach you how to inspect, adjust, and replace your chain. The bicycle co-ops around the country are staffed and monitored by skilled bicycle mechanics who can observe you, as you service your bicycle. After a few weeks or so, you'll be able to fix your bike and most of your neighbor's bikes, as well.

Anyways, this chromoly steel bike has 21 speeds. As the components wear, you can easily replace any of the components with top notch components, that are far better than many high-end hybrid, mountain, or road bikes.
In time, this bike can be the best equipped bicycle for miles around. That means, this bike harbors much potential. Unlike some bikes, that are pretty much a one shot wonder, this bike can improve as much as you want it to improve. There's practically no ceiling to its progression in quality!

Here she is! Introducing the Giant Sedona Comfort Hybrid in 100% chromoly steel ~ $350
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/sedona.st.w/9056/48956/

There's no hub to stress out that has to be replaced. Everything is simple to the point where you can fix it yourself, if need be. Therefore, no extra added expenses. With the savings you can purchase a nice rack. In time, you'll be able to fully accessorize a solid bike that will last indefinitely!

Your current components promise to last for years......

Alternatively, you could get an entry level chromoly steel mountain bike and gradually upgrade it, until you have a very unique, top-of-the-line MTB

Like this women's Boulder, for example:
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/boulder.w/9043/48966/


- Slim :)

PS.

Just add your rack ~ $30:
http://ecom1.planetbike.com/4001.html

Perhaps some fenders ~ $55:
http://ecom1.planetbike.com/fenders.html

If you have these accessories ready and available upon purchase, the LBS will most likely install them for you, free of charge.

These are very simple to attach. They even have youtube videos to show you.

* You can add these whenever you get ready. Whenever, extra cash arises. You don't have to go all in, at once.

Personally, I think women look sexier when they ride male bicycles:
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/sedona.st/9056/48885/

That seems like a lot of dough for that bike, and the warranty would be hard to activate. Local bike shops would probably try to gouge you on assembly if you didn't buy the bike from them. If you DO buy a bike from them, professional assembly is assumed and included. In my local shop, accessories are 20% off within six months of buying the bike.

So I think the better approach is to see what brands your local shop carries and find something similar that you can buy locally.

Many shops carry Trek, Giant and Schwinn.

I'm a big fan of 3-speeds with an upright frame; I've bought two in the last couple years. They've both had that Shimano 3 speed and it has been great. The first one was a Gary Fisher that is no longer made; it was stolen. I replaced it with my Schwinn Coffee. The ladies version is called the Cream. Check it out. I actually like this better than the Fisher, as it is more upright, cost less, better brakes too. It was only $330, ordered throught the local shop. Rack and fenders are included. It also has that timeless style that I like.

We got Giants similar to the one Slim shows above, but with front suspension and a shock in the seat post. They're nice, but the weight savings of the aluminum frame is regained in the fork, so unless you'll be riding somewhere really bumpy, I wouldn't pay extra for suspension. The tires on the coffee, plus the sprung saddle make it plenty comfy enough. Also, remember that with these upright bikes, most of the weight is on one's butt, so the suspended fork is kind of superfluous.

If you don't like the vintage look, Schwinn also has some really neat modern designs with integral racks. Take a look.

If your local shop carries Trek instead of Schwinn, check out the Belleville, with it's generator front hub and dual racks.

Don't be too impressed with included battery operated lights. Lights are not that expensive and can be picked up later.

I think you're on the right track with an internal geared hub for your kind of riding. They're much cleaner and less maintenance than external derailleurs. You're also on the right track with the chain guard; you won't have to be so careful with rolling up pant legs to keep them clean.

I think the traditional ladies frame is a good idea too. I wish they were socially acceptable for men too in the US.

I don't quite understand what you are saying here. If a weld fails on the steel frame, are you considering that a mechanical problem?

Hi there Hubcap!

Mechanics is more related to classical physics. As such, it involves the interaction of energy, mass, and the physical dynamics that involves them. Therefore, when I say mechanical here, I'm referring to some component that is essential to the proper function of getting the bicycle to translate human energy into motion.

Structural, involves the form of the bicycle, the way it appears, and the material from which it's made. Therefore, when I say structural here, I'm referring primarily to the frame. Structural concerns itself more with form. Mechanical concerns itself more with function.

If you're riding down the street and your chain snaps, that's mechanical. It involves a component that is housed by the frame and is necessary as an integral part of bicycle motion. If you're riding down the street and your chain stay snaps. That's more structurally related, because it deals primarily with the frame and the actual form of the bicycle, that aids in its structural integrity.

There's mechanical engineering and there's structural engineering...

Structural engineering deals more with housing the parts that produce a load. Mechanical engineering deals more with transferring a load or a force to a component to affect its operation.

So to answer your question...No. I would not consider a failed weld as a mechanical problem. It's more related to a structural problem.

- Slim :thumb:

PS.

When your car's engine fails your take it to the "mechanical" guy, the mechanic, for repair.

When your car's fender gets smashed your take it to the "structural" guy, the autobody repairman.

We are on the same page with that definition then. But I'm not sure why you think a steel frame could not have a structural failure. I have owned several aluminum and steel framed bikes. The only one of those that ever had a structural failure of the frame was chromoly steel.

Yes! Sometimes steel structures are not welded properly. However, when they are properly welded, its quite difficult to get the welds to break.

Yes, true, with a cheaper bike I can afford to add on the other stuff. (Though to save money for all important fenders, lights, and racks, I'll probably buy accessories that go on me off amazon.) My problem is a lot of the LBS in my area carries more expensive bikes. Not only is it a rich neighborhood, but it's also a serious biking town, signs everywhere, gangs of people with road bikes everywhere, people super serious about their biking. But, I will ask once I've saved up the money if they can order in something a little cheaper than an eight hundred dollar racing bike. :P

So, in my price range, Trek, Schwinn, and Giant are good, anyone else I should look out for? We also have an REI nearby, but I dunno if I trust them quite as much as a bike shop. (Though their bike girl was really helpful and knowledgeable.)

Hey! REI is the place to go! That's where you get the 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you should ever have a problem with your bike, say like five years from now, just return the bike to REI, and you'll get a full refund! That's if you have the original receipt. However, if you become a member, you don't even need a receipt!

Check these out!

www.rei.com/outlet/category/22000029

It is really hard to go wrong with an REI. Their employees may not be as knowlegable as the LBS ones, but they will keep helping you until you are satisfied. If for whatever reason you don't like the bike you get from there, they will take it back no questions asked. I believe the 20% off coupon, good for Novara (REI's house brand) bikes is still active too.

Unfortunately, I'm not a member at REI. But please, tell me about this mistical twenty percent off coupon of which you speak. I know they're having a huge 20% off sale for their members, but I said, I'm not a member, and it only lasts until april 15th, at which point I'll still be saving money. But, while we're on the subject, which REI offered bike do you recommend for commuting?

You can become a member the day you go in to look over and/or buy a bike. You would then be given the 20% off offer. I'd have to spend a little more time I don't have at the moment looking at what you are considering above for a comparable Novara bike. I'm sure they have them. I can get back to you later.

I would suggest that you seriously consider the Diamondback Insight RS Commuter bike as well as the Marin San Rafael EZ Step bike! That's thru the REI outlet online.

However, at the REI store, I would suggest the Cannondale Quick 4...

Doesnt it cost money to become a member though? :/ Why is finding an affordable bike so hard?

There's also a performance bike in my town, how do you guys feel about them? There's a smaller time lsb as well, but their prices are either ridiculous or they only carry higher end bikes.

Performance is both respected and reliable.

What do you mean? ....Did you checkout the REI outlet bikes?

REI has a one-time $20 lifetime membership fee. You would get more than that back in dividend at the end of the year if you bought a bike much over $200. (dividend doesn't usually apply to Outlet purchases or certain sale items though) For bikes, the 20% off coupon is only valid for the Novara brand.

Since your commute is less than a couple miles, you can do that on just about any bike. That said, I would encourage you to go somewhere that you can check out the bikes and ride them since you don't have ton of experience yet. REI or Performance would be great places to check out, as well as any local bike shops.

I'll definitely pop into REI again(this time with proper shoes for test riding, lol) to see what I like. I also want to ask if I can have an outlet order shipped to the store as well, like their normal store orders. I'm pretty sure I can though. And yes, I'm checking it out, but when I first considered commuting a few months ago I was still thinking that under two hundred would get me a solid, reliable bike. I'm not used to thinking of something that's almost four hundred dollars as being low end. o.o Just a perspective shift. But much more affordable than trying to get a car.

Under $200 and you're pretty much talking about either a used bike or a Walgoose!

Didn't you say you had a hard $200 limit for the bike?

Only the beach cruisers and kids' bikes at REI are less than $200. Everything else seems to be $350+, which is out of the question even with a 20% discount.

The online bike places mentioned earlier have a better selection of entry level bikes. Save your gas and buy online, IMO.

Maybe call the "local" shops and ask what they have for $200 or under. Maybe someone has a sweet used bike in this range, and after you look it up online, you can decide if it is worth a try.

Did you look for a local bike co-op online? I don't know if this is more of a big city thing or not, I've never looked too hard for one myself....

I didn't see where the $200 limit was mentioned. The linked Amazon bike looked like it was between $400 and $500.