LongIslandCamper

I'm interested in buying a new bike to commute to work about 5 miles. I'd like a new one but am open to a used craigs list bike if I come across a good deal. The only problem is that I really don't know my donkey from my elbow when it comes to bikes since I'm just starting out.

If I provide my local Craigs List ads would you guys be interested in telling me if something is a good deal or not? Anything I should be looking out for on a used bike?

RaleighSport

drop my my10speeds.com the site admin guy is a member here and it's a nice guide for someone just starting.

SlimRider

Hey there CM,

It would be best to start out by stating what type of biking you intend to do and what type of surfaces you'll be traveling on.

What is your past experience with cycling?

- Slim

LongIslandCamper

I appreciate the comments guys. I'm still doing research on all of this as I'm still new to the game. Riding around a 10 year old Pacific bike now. A hybrid was suggested for me as I plan to commute about 5 miles to work and also be able to take it on some local trails if I want.

IF I post my local craigs list then would you guys be willing to tell me what is a good deal and what's overpriced? I'll look into the site suggested above but it's not time for bed. Going to the RV show in Pennsylvanie tomorrow!

SlimRider

If you want valuable reponses, we'll have to have the previous questions, answered.....

LongIslandCamper

Only past experience is basic recreational riding around the block. The commute is just over 5 miles, all paved. The first 1/2 is more or less residential. The last half is a 2 lane each way road 45 mph limit, but it has a wide shoulder. I see many folks riding there everyday.

I'd also like to take it on the local trails too. I've never been to one but they seem to have some paved, some off road. I don't plan on anything aggressive.

SlimRider

Alright CM!

Sounds like you'll do well with something like a hybrid. Do your CL searches include hybrids?

- Slim

ratdog

If you are asking people to recommend CL listings, your weight, height, inseam will also help get your listings that are appropriate for your size.

bigbadwullf

As with anything on CL, being able to see it in person is a must.

jrhii

answering information about your height and build and such will help, and you will soon enough be able to learn if a bike is even worth looking at from a rough glance at the picture. If the bike is too big or small, you will know to just pass it up and be patient, depending on hyow populated your CL is. I went through this process last spring and found the "Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries" forum to be supremely helpful. If you can do some rough google search on a model before hand to figure out if the price is anywhere near right, then ask about it there, you will find a lot of help. I had people eventually talking to me about bikes they had in my size (Someone had a good bike in KC for me, but I didn't have the time or budget to drive across state at the time).

To be honest, the forum was a godsend, as a couple of St. Louis folks (where I live) pointed out some bikes to me. In the end, Tugadude had bought an 80's lower-end Bianchi off of CL and decided it was too small for him, and thought of me. I have to give him huge credit for his good deed. He PM'd me, offered to sell me the bike, met me halfway (geographically, not figuratively) because we live on opposite ends of the city, and sold me the bike for what he had picked it up for ($80-mind you he had already dedicated some of his time to shining it up a little and making sure everything was in working order) If I weren't a broke college student, I would've thrown in a little more just because he was so cool about it.

Anyways, point is, yes there will usually be people here who can help you, for someone new to the whole thing, this place can be an excellent resource, and finally, make sure you hit of the C&V appraisals section.

RonH

The suspense is killing me. Post the CL link.

Jyyanks

From your profile, it looks like you live in Long Island. There are TONS of bikes available there and in NYC and the surrounding boroughs. In fact, there is even a huge used bike sale this weekend in Suffolk County - I think its in Bellport. Have to find the link but the NYC+Boroughs and Long Island craigslist has a TON of stuff.

LongIslandCamper

Here's the local link.

https://longisland.craigslist.org/bik/

no1mad 

Since NYC and the surrounding area is such an urban wilderness, surely there is a bicycle co-op or two that could help you out...