Looking for advice on first real bike!
06-24-17, 11:45 PM
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Looking for advice on first real bike!
Hey everyone, a friend and myself have been looking into getting bikes for ourselves, and we're not really sure what the best options are. I've done a bit of research myself and looked at a lot, ridden a few, but I'm not 100% sure if I'm making the right decision, so I figured I'd turn to the forum I've done the most research on for advice!
We're mostly looking at something for working out and fitness, a mix between light trails and street/pavement use. At our LBS, we both rode a few bikes, and I liked the Trek DS2, and she liked the Trek Neko 2. However, I'm not sure how much trail usage we'll actually be doing, leading me to also look at other bikes, and possibly try and dissuade me from getting a DS.
I rode an FX2 at the shop as well, and I really liked it, but they said if I was planning on taking it on trails, it may not be the best option, and the DS would be better.
I also don't mind buying used, there's a few nice ones available semi-locally via craigslist, including a 2015/2016 Trek DS 8.3 for 350, a Fuji Traverse 1.3 for 400, and a Trek FX 7.2 for 345. I'm in SoCal, so there's a pretty big list of bikes available used, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for and all that.
I'm 6' and 220ish, if height and weight are important for helping to suggest a bike, and I'm trying to keep my total costs around 800 total, which would include the bike and any gear I'd need between pump/helmet/lights etc. Obviously the less I need to spend the better, but I don't mind spending if its something that I'll really enjoy and take advantage of.
We don't necessarily need to get the same bike (her and I), but she would prefer getting hers new, and she really liked the Neko 2, so I think hers is pretty set between liking the bike and loving the color, however for myself it's still a bit up in the air.
Brand isn't a huge thing either, there's just not many used bikes I can find of other brands via craigslist. The ones I'll still end up probably riding within the next few days are a Giant Roam 2 and possibly a Specialized Sirrus, as those two have local dealers I can test a few bikes at.
Recommendations are welcome, and any questions which can help you guys guide me to the best option are more than welcome as well!
We're mostly looking at something for working out and fitness, a mix between light trails and street/pavement use. At our LBS, we both rode a few bikes, and I liked the Trek DS2, and she liked the Trek Neko 2. However, I'm not sure how much trail usage we'll actually be doing, leading me to also look at other bikes, and possibly try and dissuade me from getting a DS.
I rode an FX2 at the shop as well, and I really liked it, but they said if I was planning on taking it on trails, it may not be the best option, and the DS would be better.
I also don't mind buying used, there's a few nice ones available semi-locally via craigslist, including a 2015/2016 Trek DS 8.3 for 350, a Fuji Traverse 1.3 for 400, and a Trek FX 7.2 for 345. I'm in SoCal, so there's a pretty big list of bikes available used, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for and all that.
I'm 6' and 220ish, if height and weight are important for helping to suggest a bike, and I'm trying to keep my total costs around 800 total, which would include the bike and any gear I'd need between pump/helmet/lights etc. Obviously the less I need to spend the better, but I don't mind spending if its something that I'll really enjoy and take advantage of.
We don't necessarily need to get the same bike (her and I), but she would prefer getting hers new, and she really liked the Neko 2, so I think hers is pretty set between liking the bike and loving the color, however for myself it's still a bit up in the air.
Brand isn't a huge thing either, there's just not many used bikes I can find of other brands via craigslist. The ones I'll still end up probably riding within the next few days are a Giant Roam 2 and possibly a Specialized Sirrus, as those two have local dealers I can test a few bikes at.
Recommendations are welcome, and any questions which can help you guys guide me to the best option are more than welcome as well!
06-25-17, 08:24 AM
#2
aka Phil Jungels
You really need to define "light trail" use. Recommendations would be very different, based on what type of trails.
06-25-17, 09:23 AM
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Hey everyone, a friend and myself have been looking into getting bikes for ourselves, and we're not really sure what the best options are. I've done a bit of research myself and looked at a lot, ridden a few, but I'm not 100% sure if I'm making the right decision, so I figured I'd turn to the forum I've done the most research on for advice!
We're mostly looking at something for working out and fitness, a mix between light trails and street/pavement use. At our LBS, we both rode a few bikes, and I liked the Trek DS2, and she liked the Trek Neko 2. However, I'm not sure how much trail usage we'll actually be doing, leading me to also look at other bikes, and possibly try and dissuade me from getting a DS.
I rode an FX2 at the shop as well, and I really liked it, but they said if I was planning on taking it on trails, it may not be the best option, and the DS would be better.
I also don't mind buying used, there's a few nice ones available semi-locally via craigslist, including a 2015/2016 Trek DS 8.3 for 350, a Fuji Traverse 1.3 for 400, and a Trek FX 7.2 for 345. I'm in SoCal, so there's a pretty big list of bikes available used, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for and all that.
I'm 6' and 220ish, if height and weight are important for helping to suggest a bike, and I'm trying to keep my total costs around 800 total, which would include the bike and any gear I'd need between pump/helmet/lights etc. Obviously the less I need to spend the better, but I don't mind spending if its something that I'll really enjoy and take advantage of.
We don't necessarily need to get the same bike (her and I), but she would prefer getting hers new, and she really liked the Neko 2, so I think hers is pretty set between liking the bike and loving the color, however for myself it's still a bit up in the air.
Brand isn't a huge thing either, there's just not many used bikes I can find of other brands via craigslist. The ones I'll still end up probably riding within the next few days are a Giant Roam 2 and possibly a Specialized Sirrus, as those two have local dealers I can test a few bikes at.
Recommendations are welcome, and any questions which can help you guys guide me to the best option are more than welcome as well!
We're mostly looking at something for working out and fitness, a mix between light trails and street/pavement use. At our LBS, we both rode a few bikes, and I liked the Trek DS2, and she liked the Trek Neko 2. However, I'm not sure how much trail usage we'll actually be doing, leading me to also look at other bikes, and possibly try and dissuade me from getting a DS.
I rode an FX2 at the shop as well, and I really liked it, but they said if I was planning on taking it on trails, it may not be the best option, and the DS would be better.
I also don't mind buying used, there's a few nice ones available semi-locally via craigslist, including a 2015/2016 Trek DS 8.3 for 350, a Fuji Traverse 1.3 for 400, and a Trek FX 7.2 for 345. I'm in SoCal, so there's a pretty big list of bikes available used, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for and all that.
I'm 6' and 220ish, if height and weight are important for helping to suggest a bike, and I'm trying to keep my total costs around 800 total, which would include the bike and any gear I'd need between pump/helmet/lights etc. Obviously the less I need to spend the better, but I don't mind spending if its something that I'll really enjoy and take advantage of.
We don't necessarily need to get the same bike (her and I), but she would prefer getting hers new, and she really liked the Neko 2, so I think hers is pretty set between liking the bike and loving the color, however for myself it's still a bit up in the air.
Brand isn't a huge thing either, there's just not many used bikes I can find of other brands via craigslist. The ones I'll still end up probably riding within the next few days are a Giant Roam 2 and possibly a Specialized Sirrus, as those two have local dealers I can test a few bikes at.
Recommendations are welcome, and any questions which can help you guys guide me to the best option are more than welcome as well!
1. What do you mean by light trails? What are your local riding conditions actually like? Obviously there are roads, but what about the local bike trails? Are they paved, crushed limestone, dirt, gravel? In my home state of Wisconsin, there is a huge network of paved bike trails, and some crushed limestone. You don't really need a dual sport for these types of trails. On the other hand, there are some trails that are a good bit more rustic where a dual sport might help some. IMO, a sport hybrid like the Trek FX 2 or 3, Kona Dew, Specialized Sirrus, and many others fitted with an appropriate tire would be fine for a mix of 75% road or paved trail 25% crushed limestone or groomed dirt trails. If the mix is reversed or if you actually ride some light single track as well as groomed trails, and just a little bit of paved trail or road, than go with the dual sport. If you do 75% single track, some of it technical, than go with a mountain bike.
2. Your height and weight put you just a little on the tall and heavy side, but just a bit. For the most part, you should be able to find a stock frame that will fit you and the stock wheels should be OK to get you started.
3. $800 total budget is tighter than you might think for everything if you are starting from nothing. $800 is a reasonable budget for a bike and sales tax. How much to budget for accessories? It depends on whether you buy it all locally at full retail or if you can find deals online or at bike swaps (look for these as you can get a lot ) Why?
Helmets - These are personal, so it maybe makes sense to get your first one locally. And you should never buy a used helmet as you don't know if it was dropped or how old it is. Once you get a feel for what you like, you can look for deals online. How much to pay? Look for deals, but plan on spending $40 to $50 for a basic helmet. If you figure out what works for you, you might find deals for $25 to $30, though you might pay the same $40 to $50 for a higher end helmet on sale rather than settle for the entry level model.
Seat bag - $20 to $30, maybe 30% less online.
Spare tube - $6 to $8
Tire levers - $3 or $4
Bottle cage - $6 to $8
Water bottle - $5 to $15
Lock - $30 to $100, depending on whether you want a lock meant to minimally deter the casual bike thief or a lock meant to deter all but the most dedicated professional bike thief.
Floor pump - $40 to $50
Frame pump - $30 to $40
Add up just the basics (not including lights or any clothing such as shorts, jersey, shoes/pedals etc) and you are looking at $160 to $200. So, doable to stick to a total budget of $800 if you buy something in the $500 to $550 range plus sales tax.
If you ride regularly, you will acquire lots more accessories than you know what to do with but at the beginning, you can easily spend as much on accessories as you do on a new bike. My recollection is that is just what I did after I bought my first bike.
Last edited by MRT2; 06-25-17 at 09:46 AM.
06-25-17, 09:51 AM
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Agreed. We seem to run into this a lot. I suppose you can't really blame newbies who haven't been riding. I know more than 90% of my local bike trails are paved, but if you haven't been riding, you might have the impression they are not.
06-25-17, 09:52 AM
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The dilemma is whether to get a bike with suspension for or not because you're thinking of riding on 'light' trails. To me that means perhaps a few unpaved gravel, or possibly hard-packed dirt trails. If you're riding these trails just occasionally but most of your riding is on paved roads, ditch the suspension. It's heavy and unnecessary.
Whatever bike you buy it isn't going to do everything for you, or at least not everything well. So decide where you'll be riding most often and go with a bike that best suits those conditions.
Whatever bike you buy it isn't going to do everything for you, or at least not everything well. So decide where you'll be riding most often and go with a bike that best suits those conditions.
06-25-17, 10:51 AM
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Most of the trails I was thinking of are hiking trails, so mostly dirt/gravel trails. The actual bike trails nearby are all paved roads, built into the streets and stuff, so those should be fine.
If asked to give some sort of ratio, I'm sure it'd be most likely 75% street/paved roads, and maybe 25% (possibly less) dirt trails.
You ask a number of questions. I will address three.
1. What do you mean by light trails? What are your local riding conditions actually like? Obviously there are roads, but what about the local bike trails? Are they paved, crushed limestone, dirt, gravel? In my home state of Wisconsin, there is a huge network of paved bike trails, and some crushed limestone. You don't really need a dual sport for these types of trails. On the other hand, there are some trails that are a good bit more rustic where a dual sport might help some. IMO, a sport hybrid like the Trek FX 2 or 3, Kona Dew, Specialized Sirrus, and many others fitted with an appropriate tire would be fine for a mix of 75% road or paved trail 25% crushed limestone or groomed dirt trails. If the mix is reversed or if you actually ride some light single track as well as groomed trails, and just a little bit of paved trail or road, than go with the dual sport. If you do 75% single track, some of it technical, than go with a mountain bike.
2. Your height and weight put you just a little on the tall and heavy side, but just a bit. For the most part, you should be able to find a stock frame that will fit you and the stock wheels should be OK to get you started.
3. $800 total budget is tighter than you might think for everything if you are starting from nothing. $800 is a reasonable budget for a bike and sales tax. How much to budget for accessories? It depends on whether you buy it all locally at full retail or if you can find deals online or at bike swaps (look for these as you can get a lot ) Why?
Helmets - These are personal, so it maybe makes sense to get your first one locally. And you should never buy a used helmet as you don't know if it was dropped or how old it is. Once you get a feel for what you like, you can look for deals online. How much to pay? Look for deals, but plan on spending $40 to $50 for a basic helmet. If you figure out what works for you, you might find deals for $25 to $30, though you might pay the same $40 to $50 for a higher end helmet on sale rather than settle for the entry level model.
Seat bag - $20 to $30, maybe 30% less online.
Spare tube - $6 to $8
Tire levers - $3 or $4
Bottle cage - $6 to $8
Water bottle - $5 to $15
Lock - $30 to $100, depending on whether you want a lock meant to minimally deter the casual bike thief or a lock meant to deter all but the most dedicated professional bike thief.
Floor pump - $40 to $50
Frame pump - $30 to $40
Add up just the basics (not including lights or any clothing such as shorts, jersey, shoes/pedals etc) and you are looking at $160 to $200. So, doable to stick to a total budget of $800 if you buy something in the $500 to $550 range plus sales tax.
If you ride regularly, you will acquire lots more accessories than you know what to do with but at the beginning, you can easily spend as much on accessories as you do on a new bike. My recollection is that is just what I did after I bought my first bike.
1. What do you mean by light trails? What are your local riding conditions actually like? Obviously there are roads, but what about the local bike trails? Are they paved, crushed limestone, dirt, gravel? In my home state of Wisconsin, there is a huge network of paved bike trails, and some crushed limestone. You don't really need a dual sport for these types of trails. On the other hand, there are some trails that are a good bit more rustic where a dual sport might help some. IMO, a sport hybrid like the Trek FX 2 or 3, Kona Dew, Specialized Sirrus, and many others fitted with an appropriate tire would be fine for a mix of 75% road or paved trail 25% crushed limestone or groomed dirt trails. If the mix is reversed or if you actually ride some light single track as well as groomed trails, and just a little bit of paved trail or road, than go with the dual sport. If you do 75% single track, some of it technical, than go with a mountain bike.
2. Your height and weight put you just a little on the tall and heavy side, but just a bit. For the most part, you should be able to find a stock frame that will fit you and the stock wheels should be OK to get you started.
3. $800 total budget is tighter than you might think for everything if you are starting from nothing. $800 is a reasonable budget for a bike and sales tax. How much to budget for accessories? It depends on whether you buy it all locally at full retail or if you can find deals online or at bike swaps (look for these as you can get a lot ) Why?
Helmets - These are personal, so it maybe makes sense to get your first one locally. And you should never buy a used helmet as you don't know if it was dropped or how old it is. Once you get a feel for what you like, you can look for deals online. How much to pay? Look for deals, but plan on spending $40 to $50 for a basic helmet. If you figure out what works for you, you might find deals for $25 to $30, though you might pay the same $40 to $50 for a higher end helmet on sale rather than settle for the entry level model.
Seat bag - $20 to $30, maybe 30% less online.
Spare tube - $6 to $8
Tire levers - $3 or $4
Bottle cage - $6 to $8
Water bottle - $5 to $15
Lock - $30 to $100, depending on whether you want a lock meant to minimally deter the casual bike thief or a lock meant to deter all but the most dedicated professional bike thief.
Floor pump - $40 to $50
Frame pump - $30 to $40
Add up just the basics (not including lights or any clothing such as shorts, jersey, shoes/pedals etc) and you are looking at $160 to $200. So, doable to stick to a total budget of $800 if you buy something in the $500 to $550 range plus sales tax.
If you ride regularly, you will acquire lots more accessories than you know what to do with but at the beginning, you can easily spend as much on accessories as you do on a new bike. My recollection is that is just what I did after I bought my first bike.
2. Glad to hear it, I wasn't sure if I'd need to get anything special due to weight or anything.
3. I don't mind buying more things down the road, 800 is just assuming "I'm going to buy everything today, here's my budget" if that makes sense. The things I ideally would need are
Pump - I hear you gotta add air once a week or so depending on riding, as they'll leak air
Helmet - Not legally required in California that I'm aware of, but better safe than sorry
Cages/Water Bottles - Useful to stay hydrated
Lock - I don't see myself taking it outside where I wouldn't be on it, but if I start using it to commute anywhere I'd definitely invest in a good lock, spending 80-100 on something to save myself from buying another bike is worth it
Haven't looked at all into spare tubes and tire levers, and as for clothing and the like, I've got plenty of workout gear and stuff already, though it may not necessarily all translate to biking specific clothing. The only real things I've been looking to get clothing wise are the UV protecting sleeves.
So far, from just these posts, it makes me think a sport hybrid may be the better option, and there's a good amount of Trek FX bikes if I don't mind buying used, which I don't.
Are there any other bikes you guys would recommend in that style and rough cost that could work?
The dilemma is whether to get a bike with suspension for or not because you're thinking of riding on 'light' trails. To me that means perhaps a few unpaved gravel, or possibly hard-packed dirt trails. If you're riding these trails just occasionally but most of your riding is on paved roads, ditch the suspension. It's heavy and unnecessary.
Whatever bike you buy it isn't going to do everything for you, or at least not everything well. So decide where you'll be riding most often and go with a bike that best suits those conditions.
Whatever bike you buy it isn't going to do everything for you, or at least not everything well. So decide where you'll be riding most often and go with a bike that best suits those conditions.
06-25-17, 11:09 AM
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I kinda thought I should explain this more last night, but it was fairly late and wasn't thinking clearly haha
Most of the trails I was thinking of are hiking trails, so mostly dirt/gravel trails. The actual bike trails nearby are all paved roads, built into the streets and stuff, so those should be fine.
If asked to give some sort of ratio, I'm sure it'd be most likely 75% street/paved roads, and maybe 25% (possibly less) dirt trails.
1. Trails question answered above, and based on my answer and your post, I think the FX or Sirrus might be a better option, but I'll still see what thoughts are.
2. Glad to hear it, I wasn't sure if I'd need to get anything special due to weight or anything.
3. I don't mind buying more things down the road, 800 is just assuming "I'm going to buy everything today, here's my budget" if that makes sense. The things I ideally would need are
Pump - I hear you gotta add air once a week or so depending on riding, as they'll leak air
Helmet - Not legally required in California that I'm aware of, but better safe than sorry
Cages/Water Bottles - Useful to stay hydrated
Lock - I don't see myself taking it outside where I wouldn't be on it, but if I start using it to commute anywhere I'd definitely invest in a good lock, spending 80-100 on something to save myself from buying another bike is worth it
Haven't looked at all into spare tubes and tire levers, and as for clothing and the like, I've got plenty of workout gear and stuff already, though it may not necessarily all translate to biking specific clothing. The only real things I've been looking to get clothing wise are the UV protecting sleeves.
So far, from just these posts, it makes me think a sport hybrid may be the better option, and there's a good amount of Trek FX bikes if I don't mind buying used, which I don't.
Are there any other bikes you guys would recommend in that style and rough cost that could work?
Yeah that's pretty much it. I was figuring if I got a bike with suspension I'd mostly have it locked anyway, so I'm thinking a sport hybrid more and more now.
Most of the trails I was thinking of are hiking trails, so mostly dirt/gravel trails. The actual bike trails nearby are all paved roads, built into the streets and stuff, so those should be fine.
If asked to give some sort of ratio, I'm sure it'd be most likely 75% street/paved roads, and maybe 25% (possibly less) dirt trails.
1. Trails question answered above, and based on my answer and your post, I think the FX or Sirrus might be a better option, but I'll still see what thoughts are.
2. Glad to hear it, I wasn't sure if I'd need to get anything special due to weight or anything.
3. I don't mind buying more things down the road, 800 is just assuming "I'm going to buy everything today, here's my budget" if that makes sense. The things I ideally would need are
Pump - I hear you gotta add air once a week or so depending on riding, as they'll leak air
Helmet - Not legally required in California that I'm aware of, but better safe than sorry
Cages/Water Bottles - Useful to stay hydrated
Lock - I don't see myself taking it outside where I wouldn't be on it, but if I start using it to commute anywhere I'd definitely invest in a good lock, spending 80-100 on something to save myself from buying another bike is worth it
Haven't looked at all into spare tubes and tire levers, and as for clothing and the like, I've got plenty of workout gear and stuff already, though it may not necessarily all translate to biking specific clothing. The only real things I've been looking to get clothing wise are the UV protecting sleeves.
So far, from just these posts, it makes me think a sport hybrid may be the better option, and there's a good amount of Trek FX bikes if I don't mind buying used, which I don't.
Are there any other bikes you guys would recommend in that style and rough cost that could work?
Yeah that's pretty much it. I was figuring if I got a bike with suspension I'd mostly have it locked anyway, so I'm thinking a sport hybrid more and more now.
2. bike clothes. It is only a matter of time before you get some shorts, jersey, and even shoes. It is about comfort on the bike. I wouldn't ride more than 10 miles without cycling shorts, shoes and clipless pedals. Gloves cushion your hands from road buzz, help you to keep a good grip on handlebars, and protect them should you fall. Jerseys are probably the last thing you will get. They are made of technical fabric to wick sweat away from your skin. The back pockets are handy for stowing away food, keys, or other things you might need, and the front zipper helps you to cool off on hot days, or zip up on cool ones. And bike jerseys are fit longer in back and fit closer than a T shirt so it doesn't flap in a wind like a giant sail.
3. Other sport hybrids in the $400 to $600 range. Jamis Coda. Specialized Sirrus. Kona Dew. Cannondale Quick. Giant Escape. Fairdale Weekender Archer. And no doubt, lots of others as this is the most popular type bike made.
4. Lock - even if you don't plan to leave your bike unattended, it still pays to get something, even if it is to deter or slow down a thief. Yesterday, my wife and I rode 17 miles out to a local bike race, where we watched from a local restaurant. I locked our bikes to a parking meter even though I was sitting at a table just 20 or 30 feet away just because I didn't want a bike thief to snatch my bike and ride it away before I could have time to react and chase him down.
Last edited by MRT2; 06-25-17 at 02:01 PM.
06-25-17, 11:10 AM
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Hey everyone, a friend and myself have been looking into getting bikes for ourselves, and we're not really sure what the best options are. I've done a bit of research myself and looked at a lot, ridden a few, but I'm not 100% sure if I'm making the right decision, so I figured I'd turn to the forum I've done the most research on for advice!
We're mostly looking at something for working out and fitness, a mix between light trails and street/pavement use. At our LBS, we both rode a few bikes, and I liked the Trek DS2, and she liked the Trek Neko 2. However, I'm not sure how much trail usage we'll actually be doing, leading me to also look at other bikes, and possibly try and dissuade me from getting a DS.
I rode an FX2 at the shop as well, and I really liked it, but they said if I was planning on taking it on trails, it may not be the best option, and the DS would be better.
I also don't mind buying used, there's a few nice ones available semi-locally via craigslist, including a 2015/2016 Trek DS 8.3 for 350, a Fuji Traverse 1.3 for 400, and a Trek FX 7.2 for 345. I'm in SoCal, so there's a pretty big list of bikes available used, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for and all that.
I'm 6' and 220ish, if height and weight are important for helping to suggest a bike, and I'm trying to keep my total costs around 800 total, which would include the bike and any gear I'd need between pump/helmet/lights etc. Obviously the less I need to spend the better, but I don't mind spending if its something that I'll really enjoy and take advantage of.
We don't necessarily need to get the same bike (her and I), but she would prefer getting hers new, and she really liked the Neko 2, so I think hers is pretty set between liking the bike and loving the color, however for myself it's still a bit up in the air.
Brand isn't a huge thing either, there's just not many used bikes I can find of other brands via craigslist. The ones I'll still end up probably riding within the next few days are a Giant Roam 2 and possibly a Specialized Sirrus, as those two have local dealers I can test a few bikes at.
Recommendations are welcome, and any questions which can help you guys guide me to the best option are more than welcome as well!
We're mostly looking at something for working out and fitness, a mix between light trails and street/pavement use. At our LBS, we both rode a few bikes, and I liked the Trek DS2, and she liked the Trek Neko 2. However, I'm not sure how much trail usage we'll actually be doing, leading me to also look at other bikes, and possibly try and dissuade me from getting a DS.
I rode an FX2 at the shop as well, and I really liked it, but they said if I was planning on taking it on trails, it may not be the best option, and the DS would be better.
I also don't mind buying used, there's a few nice ones available semi-locally via craigslist, including a 2015/2016 Trek DS 8.3 for 350, a Fuji Traverse 1.3 for 400, and a Trek FX 7.2 for 345. I'm in SoCal, so there's a pretty big list of bikes available used, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for and all that.
I'm 6' and 220ish, if height and weight are important for helping to suggest a bike, and I'm trying to keep my total costs around 800 total, which would include the bike and any gear I'd need between pump/helmet/lights etc. Obviously the less I need to spend the better, but I don't mind spending if its something that I'll really enjoy and take advantage of.
We don't necessarily need to get the same bike (her and I), but she would prefer getting hers new, and she really liked the Neko 2, so I think hers is pretty set between liking the bike and loving the color, however for myself it's still a bit up in the air.
Brand isn't a huge thing either, there's just not many used bikes I can find of other brands via craigslist. The ones I'll still end up probably riding within the next few days are a Giant Roam 2 and possibly a Specialized Sirrus, as those two have local dealers I can test a few bikes at.
Recommendations are welcome, and any questions which can help you guys guide me to the best option are more than welcome as well!
06-25-17, 01:46 PM
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Welcome! I'm glad to see someone who isn't afraid to buy a used bike. Used bikes can be an incredible value. Price and availability will definitely differ by market. What's your local Craigslist region? I ask because I do have another suggestion for you.
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/6181776520.html
I'm showing you this as an idea. This particular example is pretty expensive because the guy has customized it to meet his needs. Trek built a bike called the "MultiTrack" in the 1990s that was built on a full chromoly frame that was built in Waterloo, Wisconsin (for the 730 and 750 models). These are really cool bikes and can make great touring/hybrid bikes for someone who might like the older style of bike frame (with straight tubes, etc).
I have a 1997 Trek 750 that I bought a month or so ago...paid all of $65 for it (an incredible price). It has some marks here and there, but it's in very good condition over all. I mounted some Continental Speed Ride 42mm tires on it and it makes a GREAT gravel road/paved trail bike. You can often fit larger tires on these older bikes than you can the new "sport" hybrids, if you prefer larger tires.
There are other very nice steel hybrids from the 1990s that might appeal to you. Specialized Crossroads bikes were very nice, as were various offerings from Schwinn (Criss Cross, Cross Cut, etc). These '90s hybrids are more-or-less the Trek FXes and Giant Escapes of their day, but they have the more classic lines if you like that look.
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/6181776520.html
I'm showing you this as an idea. This particular example is pretty expensive because the guy has customized it to meet his needs. Trek built a bike called the "MultiTrack" in the 1990s that was built on a full chromoly frame that was built in Waterloo, Wisconsin (for the 730 and 750 models). These are really cool bikes and can make great touring/hybrid bikes for someone who might like the older style of bike frame (with straight tubes, etc).
I have a 1997 Trek 750 that I bought a month or so ago...paid all of $65 for it (an incredible price). It has some marks here and there, but it's in very good condition over all. I mounted some Continental Speed Ride 42mm tires on it and it makes a GREAT gravel road/paved trail bike. You can often fit larger tires on these older bikes than you can the new "sport" hybrids, if you prefer larger tires.
There are other very nice steel hybrids from the 1990s that might appeal to you. Specialized Crossroads bikes were very nice, as were various offerings from Schwinn (Criss Cross, Cross Cut, etc). These '90s hybrids are more-or-less the Trek FXes and Giant Escapes of their day, but they have the more classic lines if you like that look.
06-25-17, 02:47 PM
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I have no issues with used bikes, they seem like good deals, so why not?
I'm in Orange County, though I don't mind driving a bit for a deal, really depends how far out they are.
Thank you once again to everyone for the help and suggestions!
I'm in Orange County, though I don't mind driving a bit for a deal, really depends how far out they are.
Thank you once again to everyone for the help and suggestions!
06-25-17, 06:42 PM
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Welcome! I'm glad to see someone who isn't afraid to buy a used bike. Used bikes can be an incredible value. Price and availability will definitely differ by market. What's your local Craigslist region? I ask because I do have another suggestion for you.
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/6181776520.html
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/6181776520.html
The bike above is a nice setup, good option, I like it. Here's another, with a flat bar: Jamis Coda. A bit away from you... but with a really good price.
https://modesto.craigslist.org/bik/6148747547.html
With this you can put on 38 tires (comes w 32s) and combined w the steel frame/fork, will feel solid like a tank! Should be no problem on light trails!
Just don't do hard jumps, slam the wheels against obstacles, you know, the kind of stuff a mountain bike would go over, because I know a guy who distroyed the front wheel of a Coda like that...
Last edited by Mihail C.; 06-25-17 at 07:15 PM. Reason: More cowbell
06-25-17, 06:49 PM
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Excellent advice re:Jamis. I think they're the only mainline manufacturer offering new steel hybrids, right? (I guess Surly is another, and Co-Motion a third, but I don't consider them "mainline".)
Until I got my Trek 750, my primary experience with steel is a '95 Motiv mountain bike. It has a chromoly frame (probably straight gauge, based on weight!) and a high-tensile steel fork. I wouldn't consider it all that comfortable. Then I bought a 2015 model aluminum hybrid (a Verve) with a suspension fork. It felt like a Cadillac riding on clouds compared to the Motiv.
My '97 Trek 750 is challenging my thinking on steel bikes, though. It has a fully double-butted True Temper chromoly steel frame (made in the USA!) with a chromoly fork. The fork has a ton more flex than my Motiv's fork does and it's actually a rather comfortable bike to ride. As I continue to get to know it more, my heart and mind is getting pulled back to traditional steel bikes. My '15 Verve has a super stiff frame -- I feel like I really want the suspension fork on that just to absorb some of the road vibrations that the really stiff frame doesn't. The 750's frame feels a little more "squirmy", but that also makes it absorbent.
They're both fun, though.
Until I got my Trek 750, my primary experience with steel is a '95 Motiv mountain bike. It has a chromoly frame (probably straight gauge, based on weight!) and a high-tensile steel fork. I wouldn't consider it all that comfortable. Then I bought a 2015 model aluminum hybrid (a Verve) with a suspension fork. It felt like a Cadillac riding on clouds compared to the Motiv.
My '97 Trek 750 is challenging my thinking on steel bikes, though. It has a fully double-butted True Temper chromoly steel frame (made in the USA!) with a chromoly fork. The fork has a ton more flex than my Motiv's fork does and it's actually a rather comfortable bike to ride. As I continue to get to know it more, my heart and mind is getting pulled back to traditional steel bikes. My '15 Verve has a super stiff frame -- I feel like I really want the suspension fork on that just to absorb some of the road vibrations that the really stiff frame doesn't. The 750's frame feels a little more "squirmy", but that also makes it absorbent.
They're both fun, though.
06-25-17, 07:07 PM
#13
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Excellent advice re:Jamis. I think they're the only mainline manufacturer offering new steel hybrids, right? (I guess Surly is another, and Co-Motion a third, but I don't consider them "mainline".)
Until I got my Trek 750, my primary experience with steel is a '95 Motiv mountain bike. It has a chromoly frame (probably straight gauge, based on weight!) and a high-tensile steel fork. I wouldn't consider it all that comfortable. Then I bought a 2015 model aluminum hybrid (a Verve) with a suspension fork. It felt like a Cadillac riding on clouds compared to the Motiv.
My '97 Trek 750 is challenging my thinking on steel bikes, though. It has a fully double-butted True Temper chromoly steel frame (made in the USA!) with a chromoly fork. The fork has a ton more flex than my Motiv's fork does and it's actually a rather comfortable bike to ride. As I continue to get to know it more, my heart and mind is getting pulled back to traditional steel bikes. My '15 Verve has a super stiff frame -- I feel like I really want the suspension fork on that just to absorb some of the road vibrations that the really stiff frame doesn't. The 750's frame feels a little more "squirmy", but that also makes it absorbent.
They're both fun, though.
Until I got my Trek 750, my primary experience with steel is a '95 Motiv mountain bike. It has a chromoly frame (probably straight gauge, based on weight!) and a high-tensile steel fork. I wouldn't consider it all that comfortable. Then I bought a 2015 model aluminum hybrid (a Verve) with a suspension fork. It felt like a Cadillac riding on clouds compared to the Motiv.
My '97 Trek 750 is challenging my thinking on steel bikes, though. It has a fully double-butted True Temper chromoly steel frame (made in the USA!) with a chromoly fork. The fork has a ton more flex than my Motiv's fork does and it's actually a rather comfortable bike to ride. As I continue to get to know it more, my heart and mind is getting pulled back to traditional steel bikes. My '15 Verve has a super stiff frame -- I feel like I really want the suspension fork on that just to absorb some of the road vibrations that the really stiff frame doesn't. The 750's frame feels a little more "squirmy", but that also makes it absorbent.
They're both fun, though.
I tested the Verve too, 3 years ago, and I agree on the Cadillac feel. I wanted comfort and speed, though.
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