He needs a bike to commute to class and run errands, not ride on trails. Priorities!

That's messed up, but I think I can do one better. A guy who lived in my dorm (who, BTW, always struck me as being too naive to be able to scam anyone) tried to sell his bike at the end of the year for $800. I don't remember what it was, but I do remember finding them listed new for about $200. I warned all my friends who were wondering if it was worth looking at, but I also had to figure out what he thought was worth $800 on it. He told me he had replaced a bunch of expensive parts including the seat (one of those gel ones that pinches your butt after about an hour) and a really fancy set of wheels (hmmm...single-walled rims, no-name hubs, and straight-gage spokes add $600 to the price.). Either his simple-minded appearance successfully belied his underhandedness, or he got conned really hard by someone else and still didn't realize it.


Anyway, to the OP. I second the other opinions offered that the best option is a craigslist bike. You can usually find something used, but in decent shape that will serve you well. Find one that fits you fairly well, as that can have a huge effect on comfort and ease of riding. If you don't find anything to your liking, a x-mart bike will also serve fine for commuting within a couple miles, but in general will be less comfortable and durable. If you do go with an X-mart bike, keep it simple. Something like this

What do you guys think of the specialized p1? it looks like a dirt bmx bike though..

// edit

i just realized the specialized doesn't' have gears. so i think i'll have to pass.

Singlespeeds are actually better for commuting if you lock up outdoors or ride in bad weather. A singlespeed will actually be cheaper and perform better than a cheap multispeed bike.

But that bike looks terrible for your purpose anyhow.

I would not buy tubes at Walmart, let alone a whole bike.

Department store bikes are usable, but certainly not good quality bikes. The main problem is the assembly is horrible. You really have to go through everything and fiddle with it a lot since the compenents are not the highest quality, to make them work.

I also vote for good used. A Volvo with 200k miles that has been maintained is a much better car than a brand new Yugo. If you buy new crap, it will always be crap, never get better.

YES!!!!!!!! Bells and whistles on a bike at any price point will of course take quality chunks out of the rest of the machine. What I like to advise at any price level is, buy the most quality you can afford and the least technology that your ego will allow you to accept. Another thing--the line between dept. store bikes and bottom-end bike store bikes is getting fuzzier. Two things you get in a cheap bike store bike are the skilled assembly, and the bike store acting as the factory's last quality control step. Shop at a bike store that has a reputation as an expensive store. The reason is that the mechanics are often snobs in a very positive, constructive way--they make decisions for the bike company and will try to get the best function possible out of all of the store's bikes. You want a bike store where the mechanics think that they know more than the folks who designed the bikes--and this is often true, anyway.

I ended up getting a fully tuned, adjusted, and oiled 1980s Miyata Road Bike for $100.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/9310/dsc00304nm1.jpg

Had to doubletake... for a second there, I thought you chained your bike up to that post.

Good choice.

Very nice catch.

i got my gary fisher for 107 bucks off ebay and i love it, the deals are out there

Looks to be in good shape. Take care of it and don't forget to pick up a decent U-lock to make sure some druggies don't deprive you of your ride home after a late class some cold night.

I've owned two bottom-feeder bikes in my adult lifetime. POS.
First one the frame snapped, second one lasted ONE DAY.

You want cheap? Go to Wallymart or Target.
You want cheap and good? Buy second hand.

Walmart bikes may seem OK, they're not, they're not OK,they are definately not good.Fatal flwas have rendered them unacceptable for LBS's to sell, buy and large.Anyway, if you have a problem, then what?
People that work at w.mart don't even know where to find stuff they sell.Some will say "why not, just return it if you don't..." I say,"why bike anything based on returning it".Target is better if you know what to avoid.If you absolutely ,possitivly, must go the cheap route, try a large sporting goods store: Dick's,Ski Barn,Curry's, you know a big sporting goods store that even sells bowling balls and rain jackets and tents. eemmmkkkaaaayyyy

Very nice mount, ya done good. :beer:

Enjoy it.

Congrats. That's a beautiful bike! :)

That bike looks like it's in incredible condition! Enjoy it.

nice bike! enjoy!