Hi there,

Im looking for some advise on bikes, this will be my first time buying one and I look forward to replace my car for a bike. My plan is that I would be commuting 2.5 miles to work/home and 2 miles to the nearest trolley station to commute to school.

I went to a local bike shop and I got offered a used road bike for 250dlls; the guy told me that it was the bike I was looking for. I figured that I could spend that amount of money in a new one (and probably better). Well, I did a review on a couple of bikes and found these two that are in my price range and seem good by the specs. Both are 250dlls.

Option A.Nashbar Flat Bar Road Bike

Option B. 2013 Dawes Eclipse 1.0

Right now, I like Option A the best.
Please let me know what you experienced guys think. Any advise is highly appreciated.

Thank you!

What was the used one you were looking at, and are you comfortable working on your own bikes?

I believe it was either this or this; both bikes rode good. However, I do not have any experience on bikes, but I will learn.

I like my IGH bikes , others prefer Derailleurs .. different strokes , etc..


IGH, and drop-bars, these are Cool (for Alfine 8 & 11 speed) https://www.sussex.com.tw/versa.html

Both are fine choices. Nashbar has from time to time a 20% off sale which, when it applies to bikes (sometimes the sale excludes bikes), is a nice discount.

You need to get focused on your size. Fit is essential, whether you are getting a 20yo bike or a new one, the wrong size is a headache as long as you own it.

I've heard Diamondback Insights can go on sale for ~$250

Thanks for you answers.
For the Nashbar, should I go with 17 or 19'' ? I'm 5'9'' (~200lbs guy)
and for the Dawes, I'm safe with a 18M, right?

Hi. Congrats on deciding to bike around!
So there is a big difference between the used bikes and new bikes you are looking at. The old ones are steel frames and probably have friction shifters (the sekai might have indexed on the rear, depends on the year). The new ones are aluminum. Those are going to have a totally different ride quality. I would really suggest that you test ride a few steel and aluminum bikes and see if you like one over the other. I ride a 1977 steel frame and it is amazing. I have yet to find an aluminum bike that rides as good as steel.
The other thing, I totally agree with FrenchFit. The two used bikes you posted are seriously different sizes and that is probably the most important thing to figure out. Here is a link for a general size calculator if you are not sure what you should be measuring. https://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer
I am partial to steel frames and I think both of the used ones have a much higher value than the new ones you are looking at. Either way, I would see if your local bike shop has something similar to the nashbar and dawes so that you can test them out.
If you do decide to do maintenance on your bike yourself, here are some good online resources:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/
https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help (park tools also has alot of repair help in video format so wander around their website)

Good luck!

Hi SilverNitrate, I am in the same situation as you, looking for an affordable entry level bike as a daily commuter.

I came across this article and thought I would share this, and seek for opinions:

https://hubpages.com/hub/top-5-entry-level-road-bikes

What do you guys think about these recommended bikes?

Of those, the Nashbar bike has the best components and would be my choice.

However, you'd be well served to go to an LBS and see what they have, possibly even in a used bike, to fit your needs.

Hi,

Thanks for the article zs3889. After reading it I added an Option C to my list: Schwinn Phocus 1400 (see option A-B on top) Let me know what you think between those 3.

What type of handlebar would be the best to start my commuter experiencewith, in terms of position/conformability, using a drop and a flat?

Also, in regards of getting a lock, I read that "Kryptonite" is a great look. I was wondering what kind of locks do you guys use. Thanks for the help!

Thanks for the article. the Schwinn Phocus 1400 is a nice bike to add to my options. what you think about my option A-B ?

A fifteen minute ride, you can ride anything. Each below are better than anything new.

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/4010659410.html

Add two 26 X 1.5 road slicks and a new chain, $40 to a $75 bulletproof MTB.
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/bik/4010493004.html

I'd get one with wheels, seat and handlebar and cheaply as possible. For 4.5 miles split you don't need much of a bike.