Bike purchase tips for first time buyer?
 

I'm looking to purchase a bike for the first time and would love some advice about what bike to buy.

It will primarily be used for my 8 mile round-trip commute in Boston (i.e., mediocre roads) and some other similar distance rides. I'm interested in getting a single speed and would love a very light bike. I've preferred riding with bullhorn handlebars in the past, so that would be nice, as well.

My primary concern is speed. I don't really need racks or anything like that -- usually I'll just have a light backpack with me. My secondary concern is durability. I'm 5-9 and 155 lbs, so I'm not too worried about excessive weight on the bike, but I'd like it to last.

I'd like to keep it in the 3-digit price range, and ideally closer to $500-ish. I know I can go out and spend a ton but I don't think I'd appreciate what I'm getting quite yet.

I know very little about specific models and brands, so any specific recommendations would be very much appreciated!

Your light backpack will be great until it's not.

Buy a bike you like to look at, if you don't you won't ride it.

Don't judge a bike at the store buy it's saddle, you're going to replace it.

Don't buy a bike at the local bike megastore no matter the deal the people there are stupid (with a few exceptions)

Because you've never heard of the brand doesn't make them bad

You don't need a race bike of any sort no matter how "normal" they are.

If the salesperson could be your kid, leave.

No 700x23's are not OK to commute in (if clinchers)

Remember to save $100 of your budget for everything else i.e. the stuff that makes the ride comfortable

Yes you're commuter should have 28 or more spokes peer wheel, no this is not hip and no you're light weight doesn't compensate.

=========

If you don't feel like riding don't, if it becomes a burden you won't do it.

Find a peaceful way to work if you can, if not find the combative part of your personality.

You own the ******** road when it's necessary no matter what the drivers behind you think.

The shoulder in the winter is bad on many levels.

To clarify, I've commuted via bike in the past. I've just never purchased a bike myself. The last one I rode consistently was borrowed. So, thanks for the advice, Germany_chris, but it's not really what I'm looking for. I'm looking for tips on which brands, models, etc fit my criteria.

Thanks everyone

If I were you, I would spend some time shopping at the local shops. Wheelworks is my shop of choice in the greater Boston area, but International has its supporters, as does Back Bay. I heard about a new shop- very commuter oriented opening in Somerville recently,so maybe check them out as well. Don't worry about brand- anything in a real bike shop is going to be of good quality. It is ALL ABOUT FIT & FEEL. Ride everything they suggest, and everything that looks like it might be right. Ask questions- lots of questions, even if you think they are dumb questions. The right bike will tell you it is the right bike.

This one. $850. No rack or fender mounts. Sensible tires for commuting. Cheaper than Surly.

http://www.bigimagerack.com/cfs/img/...559/webmed.jpg

http://www.masibikes.com/bikes/compe...ale-cx-ss-2013

If you have experience with bikes, I would suggest searching craigslist. It is likely you can find a really great deal if you spend the time. Just try out a lot of bikes until you find one that feels good and then negotiate. Brand does not matter. Though I would suggest avoiding carbon fiber, particularly if used or in the price range your specifying, for a commuting bike.

If the only place you find a bike is on the internet , it will be hard to test ride it , before you even know if it fits you.

That doesn't sound sensible for commuting.

OP says in his first post that he doesn't need them.

We're assuming he just doesn't know that he needs them yet.

Actually,he said:
He didn't mention fenders,and he prolly will eventually want them.

Yeah maybe... but lots of folks (including me until a few years ago) are fine with being fair weather commuters. I assumed he knows what kind of riding he'll be doing.

When I went foul weather commuter as well... I bought another bike!

Anyway - sitz - a SS/FG cyclocross bike like the Masi I posted is a good choice. If the similar one you find at your LBS has fender eyelets, all the better. A Surly cross check SS is one but will be about $200 more.

I just wanted to say that the absolute, #1 item for buying a new bike is buying the right **size** bike.

Components, brand, etc are all secondary. Even with brand it's only a difference between walmart/target brans and "real" bike brands. Basically if the retail price of your bike is $350 or more you're generally fine. I've had to replace a wheel on an $800 bike, but it's not like the whole thing broke down or anything.

P.S. Oh, and almost certainly if you commute for a while you will find it much easier to have a rack. You don't need panniers, but nearly everyone who commute finds that a rear rack bag is a lot better than a backpack. Rack mounts are so common as well, that I wouldn't buy anything without them.

don't get emotionally attached, don't rush it, always be prepared to walk, use multiple dealers, start out of town and work your way back to your own neighborhood, because as you learn you become less of a dork/ass. you don't want to embarrass yourself in your own town

TT X-Over

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=334272

There's plenty of other stuff your wheels can throw up on you besides water.

I love my Jamis Coda:

http://www.myjamis.com/SSP%20Applica...cat_grp=strt_2

but I'm not sure whether you prefer drop bars. If so, Jamis has steel road bikes like the Aurora, Quest and Satellite. One advantage of the Coda is the wide tire clearance, as well. I'm running 35s with fenders on, which means you can probably accommodate 38s on this bike.

Why steel bikes? I prefer them for their looks, and the plusher ride. Maybe the latter is just in my head, but I swear, I feel more comfortable on the Jamis than on my other bike with an Aluminum frame and Carbon fork, all things being sort of equal (tire pressure and load.) And I go over tons of tree roots and bad roads on my commute, also in the Boston area.

Why Jamis? I'm shallow and just prefer Jamis' paint job, color and design. The scroll pattern on the frame gives the bike a more classic look, in my eyes.

I hate second-guessing people on their preferences, but keep an open mind on the availability of fenders and rack mounts. I love racks because it's easier to get groceries and take-out when you have them. The take-out is indispensable for me during lunch time at work.

Anyway, enjoy the test rides!

I'm going to be a little non-PC but here's my two cents. Not specific brands but in general.

Malipsitz at 155 pounds any bike is going to be more durable than it would be for larger folks. You don't have to worry so much about wheels, or whether your tire is big enough, or that the crank's going to bend. Flex isn't the issue that it can be with 200+ pound guys and track sprinters. So you have more feasible choices. I would operate under the assumption that the frame (ie, "brand") isn't that big of a differentiator at that price range and select based on a minimum level of components. Which on a single speed would be the rear wheel and hub, brakes, headset and bottom bracket (I guess, I'm not into the single-speed scene). Something to think about, lower end single speeds can be heavier than you'd expect compared to stripping parts off a decent road bike. Shimano components are good, even at the low end.

I'll be non-pc about the fenders and rack also. They are convenient, but not necessary if you'd rather keep them off your fast road bike. I'm that way myself and it isn't a hardship.

Go to the REI store and check out their closeouts. Some incredible deals to be had.

http://www.marketantique.com/cambridg.htm

go down to the basement