Hello!

I'm going to be needing a bike for the summer for commuting to work (~2 miles), getting groceries, and general transportation through the city. I have very limited knowledge on the market though, but from my understanding I'm looking for:

- thin wheels (as I'd be on pavement 90% of the time)
- upright position, or slightly leaned over I suppose (being leaned over doesn't look comfortable, but I've never tried it so maybe?)
- under $500 and good resale value (likely won't need the bike after summer; there is a rental service but it comes out to ~$480 for 3 months)
- an included rear rack would be highly preferred, but if not, at least have the mounts for one to be added.

If you all can give me some recommendations that would be appreciated. Thanks!

edit: If my info matters, I'm 5'8, 125 lbs, male.

Sorry, forgot to include that information. I'm 5'8, male, 125 lbs, and there are likely hills (downtown Seattle).

https://www.rei.com/product/837487/novara-buzz-bike-2013

Under $500 if you buy it at the REI Anniversary Sale this weekend (Membership is $20 for a lifetime, which still totals just under $500).

If your just going to sell it at the end of summer and your commute is less than two miles any bike will really do. You don't necessarily need to buy a bike from a bike store. A department store bike or a cheap used bike off Craigslist, less than 100$, will suit your needs. Your going to take a hit on the new bike price wise if you try to sell it. The lower end bikes are not necessarily that desirable for resale unless they are a lot cheaper than new, but you might get lucky.
I commuted round 5 months 20 mile round trip on a department store bike before I bought my Trek and that was manageable, so two miles one way on a cheap bike would be nothing.

But if your planning on keeping a bike and continue commuting longer than summer, which would be a wise thing to do, then you better off spending closer to the 500$ mark for a good entry bike.

I don't know if I should mention this, but if you really wanted to game the system, you could return it at the end of the summer under their "100% Guarantee Policy". I feel dirty having typed that... But if you honestly didn't like it, it definitely lowers the risk of purchase.

New bikes have a horrible resale value - worse than new cars. If you buy a new bike for $500, you'll be lucky to get $250 from it.

However if you buy a used bike, then someone else has already eaten up the depreciation. Look for a used bike on Craig's List or in bike shops.

Since you're only going to use it for the summer, just get this Bridgeway from REI and cut your losses:

www.rei.com/product/855378/marin-bridgeway-bike-2012-overstock

I'm sure you could resell it on CL for at least $300

There's also the KHS Alite 40, a rigid fork 26er mtb:
https://khsbicycles.com/bikes/2013-khs-models/alite-40/

I'm sure you could advertise this bike, as a brand new mtb, for only $300.
Have the bike shop dealer swap the tires for some slicks, and use the slicks as a selling point, after the summer.

That's pure evil.

Hard to beat Craigslist if you are willing to put some work into finding a bike for an inexpensive commuter.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I'll first try looking for used bikes on CL and local stores. Is a 700c bike ideal for me? Anything else I should be sure to get when looking?

My $0.02:

1. Your requirement for "thin wheels"? It isn't the width of the tire that works against you (especially for a ~2 mile trip), but the amount of tread on the tires. Smooth, wide(r) tires lend themselves to an urban commute rather nicely

2. From a monetary standpoint, you might just be better off renting. You won't recoup your initial investment if you buy new and trying to sell it after the Summer is over is not the best time to be selling either, as demand goes down for bikes as the temps drop.

3. Honestly, unless you have serious time constraints, consider walking.

Well I've only used two bikes in my life: a ~$130 department store (Magna) mountain bike and an even cheaper looking, ancient bike that made noises whenever I pedaled (unsure of the brand, was in Japan). Despite this, the later was so much easier to ride. It had thinner wheels so I figured that was the reason.

So are you saying that if the mountain bike had smooth wheels, but the same thickness, it would fare just as well as the other?

I'd like a bike for reasons other than commuting. I'd like to explore the area without having to take the bus. Plus, it would make it easier to transport items.

"Mountain bike" wheels with smooth tires are great for urban commuting, even if you're not going to short distances.

What I'm saying is that unless you ride in snow or muddy conditions, aggressive, knobby tread patterns aren't the wisest choice. Here are the ones that I'm using currently- https://www.amazon.com/Tioga-City-Sli.../dp/B000C17KJG, which are mounted to the bike in my avatar.

Got it, thanks! I think I'm all set then. If anyone else has anything to add though, please do!

Just buy an inexpensive bike that can be sold at a bargain price. At the end of the summer, the cost will be much cheaper than renting a bike, IF you're able to resell it.

A lot of variables to consider, though.

Going the CL route, the OP might luck into one in decent shape at a fair price. If something needs work, however, the costs can escalate rather quickly for a novice that doesn't have a well stocked parts bin or has to rely on the LBS for repairs. IF the OP still intends that the bike will be a short term thing, a rental takes away the hassle of assessing the condition of a potential acquisition, servicing it, and then reselling it (most likely at a loss).

However, the OP is in SF, where he has access to co-ops and bike kitchens- I suggest the OP explore those options first when buying used.

+1

Excellent Advice!

Since I decided to buy used now, I'm not too worried about the resell. There is a chance I'll be returning to the city after I finish my studies in my hometown, in which case I would hold onto the bike.