Mountain Bike for Commuting?
04-26-14, 08:04 PM
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Mountain Bike for Commuting?
I have not owned a bike since I was a kid, but have recently looked with envy at all the people on bikes that fly by me when I walk.
I can't spend much money right now on a bike, but I want to get on one ASAP.
Ideally, I would use the bike to get around town and eventually I would like to be able to take longer distance trips (25-50 miles) on mostly paved bike trails in my area.
Originally, I was going to buy a Schwinn from Walmart (just to get on the road) but I found this forum and it looks like a better option is buying an old mountain bike and putting slicks on it...? I would love advice about how to find a bike that isn't a ridiculously stupid purchase.
Is something like this reasonable? Ready-to-ride Trek Mountain Bike
Thanks for any advice, sorry I'm so clueless.
I can't spend much money right now on a bike, but I want to get on one ASAP.
Ideally, I would use the bike to get around town and eventually I would like to be able to take longer distance trips (25-50 miles) on mostly paved bike trails in my area.
Originally, I was going to buy a Schwinn from Walmart (just to get on the road) but I found this forum and it looks like a better option is buying an old mountain bike and putting slicks on it...? I would love advice about how to find a bike that isn't a ridiculously stupid purchase.
Is something like this reasonable? Ready-to-ride Trek Mountain Bike
Thanks for any advice, sorry I'm so clueless.
Last edited by pseud0nym; 04-27-14 at 12:57 AM.
04-26-14, 08:07 PM
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If the bike fits you, not bad at $88. Good that the bike has been stored indoors. Rigid mtbs make great commuters and this is a solid price.
04-26-14, 08:09 PM
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That looks like an old Trek 800. It might make a decent around town bike. Hard to tell, but it might need some work. Take it for a test ride.
Don't know if I would want to ride an old mountain bike 50 Miles, but then again, you will be hard pressed to find a decent road bike for less than $100.
Don't know if I would want to ride an old mountain bike 50 Miles, but then again, you will be hard pressed to find a decent road bike for less than $100.
04-26-14, 09:12 PM
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Since I live on gravel roads, all my bikes are some sort of mountain bike. The bike you linked to looks like something I would be happy to ride. If it fits you and you like it, it should do what you need.
I commute 36-42 miles (round trip) on both a trek sawyer and a salsa mukluk fatbike. I've ridden the sawyer 144 miles on a bike trail (I was pretty tired by the end of that) and taken it on a 2 day 185 mile tour. I'm planning on crossing Washington state (on the John Wayne trail) with the fatbike this summer. Riding a mountain bike for 25-50 miles is certainly not unreasonable.
I commute 36-42 miles (round trip) on both a trek sawyer and a salsa mukluk fatbike. I've ridden the sawyer 144 miles on a bike trail (I was pretty tired by the end of that) and taken it on a 2 day 185 mile tour. I'm planning on crossing Washington state (on the John Wayne trail) with the fatbike this summer. Riding a mountain bike for 25-50 miles is certainly not unreasonable.
04-27-14, 06:47 PM
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I agree grab it if it fits! Frame is worth that much.
Here is one of my converted bikes. I used this one as commuter back in the 90's, it has been repurposed as an expedition bike. I could put a narrower slick tire on it and use it as a commuter too.
Aaron
Here is one of my converted bikes. I used this one as commuter back in the 90's, it has been repurposed as an expedition bike. I could put a narrower slick tire on it and use it as a commuter too.
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
04-30-14, 09:35 PM
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If it fits grab it. I started commuting with a 50 pounds department store bike. I did put road tires on it and I enjoyed my rides. I road that rig for years before I replaced it.
05-01-14, 05:30 PM
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we be rollin'
Was that frame made for a suspension fork? The top tube is pointing downward.
05-01-14, 06:29 PM
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Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
