I know this has probably been asked a bit. Searched through the first few pages if this section to see if any recent topics. Anyhow, I have no experience commuting by bike. Last time I rode was probably when I was 13 or so. Now I'm wanting to try riding a bike to work. I don't have a lot at the moment, so wondering if there's some way I can find a decent temporary bike for around $200. My car was totaled by someone borrowing it and of course lucky me gets nothing in compensation. I will be saving for a new car over the course of the next 12 months and don't like payments, so I'll be using this as transportation to work for at least that time. Been reading all sorts of blogs and posts in other forums about it and seems there's not much of an agreeance on what to get. If the turnout is as enjoyable as I read, then I'll likely continue riding to work past the time I get another car. Also, if I can't get a suitable bike to ride for the 12 months for $200, then please give me advice on what to get temporarily and then what to get when I get the extra funds. Probably looking to spend 500-750 on the next bike, but I really need something for the next month or two while I save for that. I thought about going to a bike shop for recommendations, but what I've read doesn't seem too great of experiences with them.

My commute is fairly short, 4.5 miles one way. I'll also have about a 3 mile trip to go to the store once in awhile. 99.9% of riding should take place on roads.
Thanks for any advice and input.

Ive read a bit that it 's better to save up if you don't have much right away, but surely there 's something that'll work temporarily for $200ish. I would walk as I'd been doing lately, but I have to be to work by 5:30am at my new job and that'd have me leaving a bit early for some areas to be walking through.

You can definitely get something worth riding for $200 if you have some mechanical skills. I'd look at craigslist and find a vintage MTB with a rigid fork; figure at least a new pair of tires into the price as you will want slicks. You can do this for less than $200 and have a bike worth keeping.

Edit: if you post where you live and put up a posting on C&V appraisals, people will help you pick out which bikes are worth buying in your price range. Vintage MTBs and hybrids don't tend to go for much and make first rate commuters.

There's a big wish list for commuters, and a lot of different ideas about ideal commuting bikes, but the honest fact is that any bike that you can ride comfortably and doesn't have frequent mechanical troubles will work fine for a short commute.

Thanks for the responses. I live in Lubbock, Texas. Been looking on craigslist, but not really sure what's worth buying as I have no idea of anything bike-wise. I am quite mechanically minded though and could pretty easily fix something wrong, just need to know what's worth getting.

+1

I'm guilty of wanting lots of features too. But a commuter bike is one you commute on. (I commute on a road bike just fine, which lots say is far from ideal).

You might try paying attention to the wind the next few days. If you don't have headwinds, you should be okay with a single speed, given that there aren't a lot of hills in the panhandle.


I'd check craigslist, at that budget. Or pawn shops, and look for a reputable(not target/walmart/toysrus brand) brand.

https://lubbock.craigslist.org/bik/4736928573.html 21" is for tall people though...

I'm 5'11 is that tall enough? I had also seen a trek 1.2 with little use for 250 that I was considering trying to haggle down if it ended up being a decent choice.

If the bike in that photo is in working order, with decent tires, usable brakes, and no rust, it is definitely worth $100.

I'm 6-5", and my Trek yMamba 29er fits me well. I believe it is 21.5, if that helps. Frame size on MTB, however, is not as strict as on other bikes types, in my experience. At that price you can ride it for a few months and then sell again if it is not ideal.

Get the MTB; that's a good price and size. You'll need to put some money into the bike and you'll run through your $200 budget quickly enough.

Get it.
And then, here's a recent thread to read.
Don't forget the sticky thread at top of the page.

You can easily fix that bike to where you won't need that $500 bike later, and be good to go for a long time.

That looks pretty nice. I'm 5'10 and would be comfortable commuting on a 21 inch frame with 26 inch wheels. And those Trek steel bikes were good honest bikes with quality parts. I'd buy something like it if there were no evils discovered upon closer inspection.

+1 on the steel mtn bike. Started on one 3 years ago, moved to a Trek FX, then to a steel road bike, and I've gone full circle back to the same steel mtn bike with 2" tires. It was fun, but in the end it's hard to beat a rigid mtn bike for commute of <6 miles (30 min).

dont forget to budget for the other essentials for riding in traffic like:

helmet
taillights
frame pump
tool bag (enough atleast to change flat tire)

as far as im concerned, all cyclist should be required by law to use the first two items at all times (when riding on the streets). The next two just make good sense to me.

of course there are other items you will probably want eventually like:

water bottles/cages
bicycle specific clothes, ie padded shorts, gloves, rain jacket....
maybe a rear rack or backpack
clipless pedal system

You are fortunate in that your current commute is only 4.5 miles. That takes a lot of pressure off which bike you choose initially. What I mean by that is you could almost ride anything 4.5 miles. Commuting by bicycle is an evolution. And what I mean by that is what works today might not be the best tomorrow. Believe me ... We change and our situations change. I've been commuting by bicycle for the last 25 years. I've tried just about everything. Sometimes you need a truck and sometimes you need a Porsche. You will learn by experience and eventually, if lucky, end up with both :>). In a nutshell, you need to find out for yourself. But there are some basics that will be helpful to get you started:

1. Get something that fits reasonably well.
2. Get something that you can put a rear and/or front rack or basket on. You will need to carry things. Especially since this is now your car.
3. The less valuable the bike the more likely you will use it to grocery shop and make quick errands; bicycle theft is a real disadvantage. Regardless of value, get a U-Lock and use it.
4. At 5:30 AM you will need, at a minimum, a tail light. A headlight is also recommended. Getting hit by a car SUCKS!
5. Bike shops can be helpful. You will know which one is right for you. Check them all out and don't be intimidated. Be honest about what you can spend and what you need. The bike industry really isn't geared towards practical cyclists like ourselves, but if you are honest and adamant, a decent bike shop will work with you. But unless they have some trade-in's on hand you won't get out of there for $200. But you will learn a lot so do not skip this step! Even if you find something used from a private party start looking for a good local bike shop. They can be really helpful.
6. Steel frames are good. Wide, high volume low pressure tires are good. Handlebars at seat level or above are good. Seats ... well ... that is strictly personal preference, but generally. the wider the seat the more upright the riding position. Racers with the handlebars inches below saddle level like them narrow. A medium width is 155mm.

Most of all HAVE FUN !!! Biking can be life changing.

Matt

I should also add that simple bikes are best. You do not need all the latest technology. Keep things simple and learn to maintain your bike. If, after you learn the basics, you decide you want some of the latest wiz-bang stuff than great; go for it. But until than keep it simple and learn how to repair/maintain what you have. For me it is part of the fun.

As far as for grocery trips, you'll need a rack with panniers or baskets, a trailer, or some other way of handling "cargo". You can search through the threads here for tips & tricks and more detailed info, or you can head to the "car free" or "utility" forum sections. I personally live car free and do my big monthly grocery run in one 5 to 7 mile round trip & have found the info on here very useful.

For a 9 mile round trip, i'm sure these can be skipped.

- Andy

For big shopping trips, I have heard of people biking to the store, getting what they need, call a taxi and load up/pay them to drive to your house. I forget where I heard that, but I believe it was in reference to Costco trips. Genius.

I can't even.

- Andy

I can see it for really bulky stuff. Before I got my cargo bike,I'd get with friends who had cars for things like my bookshelves. They were flat-packed in boxes,but trying to get them home on a regular bike with a standard rack would've been a real PITA. With my Big Dummy,no prob. But not everyone has the space to park a cargo bike;I wouldn't own mine if we didn't have a parking garage because it won't fit in our elevators without the front wheel removed.

Usually for big stuff i have a friend or family help me. In reality usualy i'm the one helping them, as i'm very handy and would rather build or re-purpose something on hand or smaller and manageable than buy new. When it comes to large stuff like packs of water, they fit in the milk crate one at a time, with the smaller open end facing down if need be. I only buy for myself, bulk items make no sense, as i all ready do one month's shopping in one trip.

I would love a trailer, though.

- Andy

I am making an educated guess that Lubbock is pretty flat, which means that you don't need something with a lot of gears.

I contacted the guy with the $100 Trek MTB and will be check it out. On the phone he said the seat was cracked, something about one of the pedals and also the rear reflector has something wrong. How much would these cost to replace?

edit: yes Lubbock is quite flat, lol

I'd look for something that was substantially intact for a slightly higher price. You could easily nickel-and-dime your way right out of your budget.

I wouldnt worry about the seat, you'll probably want your own anyway. Reflector isn't a big deal, you should have a light anyway.

Pedals are $15