TL;DR - I have an old, cheap bike that I leave locked up outside; for convenience. It needs some work and I'm quite tall, so it doesn't really fit me. Do I try to fix it up and mod it to make it easier for me to ride, or get another cheap bike that is a bit bigger? Any suggestions for a used, cheap bike that I can hop on and ride while wearing street clothes, with a fairly upright riding position?

Long version:

Hi all, I'm having a tough time deciding what to do with one of my bikes. I have an old Raleigh 3 speed that I got last year at a thrift store for $100. The reason I bought it was because I was in the middle of a major renovation, and my regular ride had a flat. It has locking wheel skewers and the key was packed away in a box, in the attic somewhere. I needed something to ride around on, so I got my cheap-o Raleigh that I aptly named "Ugly Alice".

I have since finished my renos and got my regular ride back on the road; which is great, but...I still have Ugly Alice. And I've found it useful to have a cheap bike, that I can keep locked up outside and just grab and go when I'm running local errands. I don't have to worry about it getting stolen and have put a rack basket, new seat and seat post, and grabbed new tires for it. All in, I've put about another $180 into parts to make it more useful. Many of these parts can be transferred to another bike, so I'm not too concerned about that; but I'd like to keep it on the cheap.

Here's where my problem comes in: the steel rims are just about toast. It's a 35 year old ride, and looks every bit it's age. Also, even though it's the large size, it's still a bit too small for me. I'm 6' 3" and Raleigh just didn't make bikes sized for me. The new seat post helped a bit, but it's not a great fix.

So, what do I do? I can get cheap alloy rims and lace them to the old hubs, which will help a little. But then I still have a bike that is too small for me. Alternatively, I could buy another used bike, for cheap, and fix up the Raleigh for my daughter to ride. Does anyone have suggestions for a bike that has an upright seating position, that I can hop on wearing jeans or shorts? My preference is for something used, that is cheap enough that people won't go to much effort to steal it (I have an orange series Kryptonite lock on it, on my front porch, in Toronto). I'd also prefer something with an internal 3 or 5 speed hub, because I'd prefer it to be fairly maintenance free.

If it doesn't fit, then get a new cheap bike.

GH

Love your TL;DR executive summary. Executives, like me, have short attention spans. IMO, it's best to ask the question first, then supply all the supporting information. As far as your question, my suggestion would be to go to your LBS and get a decent inexpensive bike. Trek and Specialized hybrids start around $350.

Although ugly to you, three speeds bicycles are very beautiful and highly appreciate by others. If you really dislike it to the point of neglecting it, finding a new home for it will be best.

What does "TL;DR" mean?

Sell the beast; look on Craigslist for another beater which will fit better. Why buy a new bike to leave outside? It'll be old in a few months.

Too long; didn't read. It is a phrase used when your explanation post is way too long and no one bothers to read it all. Sort of a more modern "blah, blah, blah" as it were.

To me the big problem with "starting another bike" is - finding the other bike. If the "right" bike frame fell into your lap this afternoon it would be a no brainer but used bikes in the right frame size can hard to find. I'd be for re-doing the bike that you have. If your luck runs like mine, about the time you finish, your next door neighbor will throw out a like new IHG equipped bike in the perfect frame size.

The thing is, you'll want to fix it up (at least replace the rims) before you let your daughter ride it anyway, just to be safe. So the answer to your questions is Yes.

Rethink being cheap on this buy. bk

Too Long; Didn't Read

If I see a long post and can't find out in the first few lines whether it's of interest to me or I have anything to offer, I move on. I don't even bother posting tl:dr. Start with the conclusion or question, then add all the detail and caveats.

Get a bike that fits.

To me... fit is the number one most important feature of a bicycle. I'd be more concerned about fit than type or style of bike. Mountain bike, 3-speed, road, cruiser, or fixie would all be fine.... as long as the fit isn't bad. But.... honestly... I know nothing of storing a bicycle outside in the weather. Doesn't that shorten the life span greatly?

I agree that fit is hugely important. I was hoping that someone might have suggestions for a used bike, that's as bomb proof as my Raleigh, that's cheap enough not to attract theives and might be available in my size.

A beater Schwinn Varsity or Continental.

me to ,haha