Hello all!

I'm in need of assistance/guidance for a new purchase. I'm looking to get the right bike for my needs.

Here is a list of criteria.

1) Reliable. I'm wanting to use this bike for the next two years as my primary source of transportation. To and from school and around town. For the most part, my in-town/school commute overall, will be at the most 4-5 miles.

2) But I live in Colorado, so I also want to be able to use the bike for the trails in the natural areas and state parks (which can be quite hilly and rugged).

3) $300 is all I'm looking to spend..maybe $350 for the right bike.

4) Also, I'd like to be able to put some storage on beings I will be using it for school. A back rack that i could put a milk crate on for my backpack and laptop case.

I hope this was all clear!

To Bike Forums, RockyMtnHighCO!

We'll be happy to answer all of your cycling questions.

When were you planning on making this purchase?

Will you be climbing any hills on your commute?

- Slim

For a relatively cheap, jack-of-all-trades bike, I usually recommend looking for an older mountain bike, with no suspension. These work great for short-distance commuting and general transportation. You should be able to pick up one in reasonable condition for very little expense. They are rugged enough to cope with almost any riding conditions, have good brakes and gears, and can usually be equipped with a rear rack and fenders without difficulty. Swap the knobbly tyres for some slicks and you're good to go.

Thanks man! I appreciate the help! Any recommendations on models of older mtn bikes?

I was hoping to make the purchase within the next month or so. No hills on the commute and through town, just on the trails.

Well you have several options available:

1)You could patiently research your local Craigslist in hopes of finding a chromoly steel hybrid/mtb bike from back in the '80's.

2) You could order a hybrid online:
www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/elite_sport.htm

Or a road bike online:
www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/wellington1_IX.htm

3) You could order a single speed online and then join a bicycle co-op to build up a hybrid/mtb frame that you get from that very same co-op. You'll end up with two bikes, instead of one. The single speed will take care of your commuting needs. The co-op project will be your trail/recreation bike.
www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_504148_-1_202339

4) You could just volunteer at a bicycle co-op. Obtain your membership. Share with others about your desire to become a bicyclist, but have no bike. They will then, work with you in terms of building your own bike. You can start with one of their donated frames.

5) You could get a Schwinn Frontier MTB ~ $330 @ a Schwinn LBS
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/mountain/2012-frontier-mens-14351

6) You could get a Jamis Trail XR MTB ~ $330 @ a Jamis LBS
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/trailx/12_trailxr_bk.html

7) You could get a Giant Sedona Chromoly Steel Hybrid ~ $350
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/sedona.st/9025/48885/

8) You could get a Giant Cypress Chromoly Steel Hybrid ~ $350
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/cypress.st/9019/48871/

- Slim

I agree with Monster Pete. Both my wife and I have pretty nice bikes for "real" rides, but we commute/shop/hang out on two old steel mountain bikes. I bought my Bridgestone MB-3 new about 20 years ago, but her Specialized Hard Rock came from a thrift shop for $25--WITH a $40 Blackburn rack and Cateye computer. Where I live you can find rigid mountain bikes--Diamondback, Bridgestone, Specialized, a few others--for $40 or so in places like Good Will or the salvation Army, and many have barely been ridden. They're sturdy, fast enough (a change of tires helps), fun to ride and not particularly attractive to thieves.

You can't pick and choose in the used market but anything butted chromoly with nice looking rear dropouts is a winner. Make sure it has threaded rack eyelets. Colorado basements must be full of nice old MTBs so maybe get more pro-active in your hunt.

Thanks slim, great help!

So, I looked at all your suggestions and am kind of leaning towards ordering a hybrid online. I liked the looks of the suggested motobecane elite sport but I also noticed the motobecane elite trail, just an upgraded sport for only $50 bucks more.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...lite_trail.htm

Any input on this bike?

I've done some research and it seems like it has pretty decent components and would double as a fast commuter as well as something I could certainly take to the trails. Am I correct about this?

Hey there Rocky!

Well that's certainly a step up from my original recommendation. Yes! I'd go for that one too!

- Slim

Of course, there is this one from the REI outlet:

The Diamondback Insight RS Commuter ~ $390
www.rei.com/product/826110/diamondback-insight-rs-commuter-bike-special-buy

This one spares you the cost of adding a rack and fenders. Well, you're technically paying for them. You're just getting them for dirt cheap.

If you are planning on riding off road, DO NOT get a hybrid.

Look for a Used bike on Consignment in the Bike Shops..