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-   -   Help buying a bike. (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/938989-help-buying-bike.html)

Visionnn 03-19-14 09:12 AM

Help buying a bike.
 
So I have literally been refreshing craislists for the past two weeks since my crap BMX bike crapped out on me after 7 years. When it comes to bikes I just don't know what a good, fair or bad deal is. Could someone please help me out with looking for a bike. I would prefer a mountain/hybrid bike over a road bike for simple fact that I don't like their handles. My general riding would be to the gym and work. Both less than two miles away. The thing is though I may end up getting into riding more in the future if I start to actually enjoy riding a bike. I am 5'11 weighing 140lbs. I would really appreciate it if someone could give me a hand. Here are two bikes I were looking at. My budget is about $175.


Novara Aspen Mountain Bike
GT Outpost Aluminum Mountain Bike 21 speed


richmond, VA bicycles - by owner classifieds - craigslist


Thanks~

MRT2 03-19-14 09:23 AM

At 5'11" both of those bikes look too small for you, so a no go. You need at least the next size up. 20" or better yet, 21" or if metric, 55 or 56 cm.

You are on the right track. Older hybrid or mountain bike with a solid fork is the sort of bike that might work. At a glance, both of those bikes look reasonably clean, though you never know until you ride it. The tires on both bikes look better suited to dirt or gravel trails than for urban commuting, errands or leisure riding. If you get a bike like that, I would switch to a street or urban style tire with a smooth tread, rather than knobbies.

So keep looking for a bike that fits you.

MRT2 03-19-14 09:35 AM

OK, this is a longshot, because the picture isn't great and the tires look dirty, but if this bike is a size L, or 21", it might be worth a look.Misceo 1.0 Avenir series Raleigh bike

Decent level of components, fairly recent model, but for some reason, Raleigh doesn't have great resale value.

Visionnn 03-19-14 09:47 AM


Originally Posted by MRT2 (Post 16591997)
OK, this is a longshot, because the picture isn't great and the tires look dirty, but if this bike is a size L, or 21", it might be worth a look.Misceo 1.0 Avenir series Raleigh bike

Decent level of components, fairly recent model, but for some reason, Raleigh doesn't have great resale value.

Hah, the funny thing is I had just emailed him about the bike asking if he still had it. It does look nice. I tried looking for reviews on the bike but I couldn't really find any. Should I try to offer $150?

MRT2 03-19-14 09:54 AM


Originally Posted by Visionnn (Post 16592035)
Hah, the funny thing is I had just emailed him about the bike asking if he still had it. It does look nice. I tried looking for reviews on the bike but I couldn't really find any. Should I try to offer $150?

From the color scheme, it looks to be a 2013 model. According to bikepedia, that model sold for $470 new. Even if it is a 2012 or 2011, $150 for a quality hybrid seems pretty decent. But it needs to fit. So go check it out.
2013 Raleigh Misceo 1.0 - BikePedia

Visionnn 03-22-14 12:31 PM

I guess he must have sold it since he hasn't responded to my emails. However about the 18inc being too small. I did try THIS a few weeks ago at a LSB and it did seem to fit decently. Maybe 18 inches isn't too bad?

MRT2 03-22-14 12:41 PM


Originally Posted by Visionnn (Post 16601366)
I guess he must have sold it since he hasn't responded to my emails. However about the 18inc being too small. I did try THIS a few weeks ago at a LSB and it did seem to fit decently. Maybe 18 inches isn't too bad?

It looks too small to me. I am just under 5'9" and I can ride an 18" hybrid or mountain bike, but it is a tad small for me. But you have been riding BMX bikes which are generally small.

WMcCready 03-22-14 12:57 PM

I'm same ht. and, getting shorter every year, due to age. I ride 21, 22,23' framed, and like older MTB, non-shock forks, with 26" wheels. If you can look for bikes that have at least 2 sets of holes Braze-on's) on frame for water bottles, from 80's, and see if front forks have double eyelets( for Racks & Fenders if you want them later on ) These type bikes can be verstile Touring/Commuting/Utility

Visionnn 03-26-14 10:35 PM

Okay. A friend of a friend said he had this bike that he doesn't use anymore. It is THIS. He said he paid about $700 for it. I have tried to find what and how much this bike actually cost. But the only thing I keep finding is how Pacific has **** bikes. He wants $100 for it. Anyone have any info on this bike?

Little Darwin 03-27-14 09:55 AM

If he paid $700 for that bike, he was ripped off. Pacific is pretty much department store quality, and I would be surprised if it cost more than $200 new.

For comparison, a different brand, but likely to be the same quality, probably with the same level of build/components for $129 new: Havoc Full Suspension 26" Mens' Mountain Bike - Walmart.com

On a more generic note, you should avoid full suspension bikes for your use, and cheap full suspension bikes for any use. They will suck up power, add weight and provide no real benefit.

WestPablo 03-27-14 10:19 AM

If those 2-mile trips are on flat terrain, I'd get either the Mongoose Sinsure or the Detain Urban bike, on your current budget :thumb:

Always try to stick with single speeds when buying new from X-Mart stores...

MRT2 03-27-14 10:22 AM


Originally Posted by Visionnn (Post 16615433)
Okay. A friend of a friend said he had this bike that he doesn't use anymore. It is THIS. He said he paid about $700 for it. I have tried to find what and how much this bike actually cost. But the only thing I keep finding is how Pacific has **** bikes. He wants $100 for it. Anyone have any info on this bike?

uh, no. That looks awful. $700 new? Not likely. I would especially not buy from a person who tries to sell you a used $100 or $200 department store bike for $100. Stay away from department store bikes

Visionnn 03-27-14 11:25 AM

That is exactly what I was thinking. One, I couldn't find the exact bike. Two, my research had told me that Pacific is department store bikes and in general sucks. Just wanted to check with you guys.

WestPablo 03-28-14 08:40 AM


Originally Posted by MRT2 (Post 16616605)
uh, no. That looks awful. $700 new? Not likely. I would especially not buy from a person who tries to sell you a used $100 or $200 department store bike for $100. Stay away from department store bikes

This is really the best advice! :thumb:


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