Three step method

1. Buy a thrift store bike for low dollars.

2. Ride it all over the place

3. Get settled. Select new bike. Buy it at your leisure. Return thrift store bike to thrift store.

A bike may actually save you money. I don't know if you ride the rocket (a misnomer if ever there was one), but at $2+ a trip, a bike can save a lot of money over the course of time. If you're a metropasser, you may ride enough that you can ditch the pass and pay as you play. Same goes for gas at $0.85/litre.

Sit down and do some math, a good used bike may pay for itself in a hurry. Don't forget to check out the garage sale bikes. Oscar's 3 step method will work equally well with a garage sale bike. A friend of mine once said that the first bike you buy will show you what you want in a bike and the second bike you buy will be the one you like.

Hi everyone!

I've found this used bike shop on Queen Street East. It's called Recycled (or something like that). I think I might check it out. If any one else knows any more really good used bike places in Toronto let me know.
:angel:

Don't forget the three most important things to remember when buying your bike:

1) fit
2) fit
3) fit
;)

Er, um, Angeleyes, don't mis-read sumo man here. He doesn't mean to "have a fit". ;)

He's right, as usual, tho... I can't tell you what a difference it made for me to get a bike built for my 6'2" height. It is really important to get one sized right. If you are not certain what to look for, go by the LBS and have them give you an idea which bike is your size. It's okay, they'll get your business when you get your next bike. :)

Magnificent advice, Oscar.

What's more, you are recommending, perhaps the very best in proactive environmental conservatism.

Not only are you recycling (a bicycle), but by bicycling, you also reduce fossil fuel emissions.

Cheers to you, Oscar.

Kind of gives the term "recycling" a new meaning, doesn't it? (shades of Cambronne!):D

Hi everyone!

I am getting my bike next week! I'll keep all of your advice in mind and I'll let you know what happens. :angel:

HOOAH!!!!!! It's party time!!!! You go girl!!!

You can check BIKE SWAP along Yonge between Davisville and Eglinton Avenue, they are selling used bike also and as well as there 2000 year bike models at a greatly reduce prices

there's no way that I could offer any better advice than that already given...so, I'm going to head off on a bit of a tangent which is just as important as the right bike.

This is your safety gear - talk to the pros at the bike shop about the helmets they use for their rides...it's money well spent....