a1424344454

I am a pretty short lady, about 5'1''. I will need the bike to go around the city (Austin TX). Sometimes I will need a combination of bus and bike, so it is important to have the bike light enough that I can carry it. I am not very strong, so I think 7-speed is enough for me.

I am conflicted between the two below. Both of them are sold at a similar price at bike shops nearby (around 370). Trek seems to have a bigger reputation; the Jamis one comes with a rack, which I absolutely need! If I buy the Trek, I will need to pay another $30 for a rack.

I am not sure how much bike depreciates. There is a chance that I may stay in Austin for 5 or more years; there is also a chance that I will have to move out in three months or so (if I cannot find a job)... So a bike that can be sold at a reasonable price would be a plus too.

Thank you so much for making this decision for me. I went to the bike shop today and he noticed that I goes to an engineering school. I told him that I am a civil engineer and don't know anything that moves around. So any advice on this would be greatly helpful and appreciated.


https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...brid/7000_wsd/
https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...ter1st_sg.html

a1penguin

I think bikes are like cars: as soon as you drive them off the lot, they depreciate quite a bit. The Jamis has a nice rack AND fenders. Rack and fenders would probably add $60-70 to the cost of the Trek. Jamis are pretty popular here, but I've not seen much about the Commuter line, mostly the Coda line. The frame on the Commuter is unisex, which might make it easier to sell. I also think the less V like frame of the Jamis will give it a more solid feel and be less likely to flex. I also like the green color. The Jamis claims weight of 32 lbs for *some* size. Smaller size might weigh less. The Trek weight is probably similar, but does not include rack and fenders.

Perhaps you could find a nice commuter bike on craigslist for less? If you ad to sell it, you could probably sell it for as much as you paid for it.

Did you test ride each of these bikes? Which one did you like better?

SlimRider

Welcome To Bike Forums, A1!

Well between the two bikes you've listed, I'd have to go with the Jamis Commuter 1. However, there are other routes to take, if you'd like to be more frugal. Consider the following:

1) Buy a Giant Sedona or a Giant Boulder at only $350. If you find a job, get your rack and fenders later. If you don't find a job, you could most probably get at least $270 back after you sell, before the flight.

The Giant Sedona.st ~ $350
www.giantbicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/sedona.st/9025/48885/

The Giant Sedona.st.w ~ $350
www.giantbicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/sedona.st.w/9056/48956/

The Giant Boulder.st.w ~ $360
www.giantbicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/boulder.w/9061/48966/

2) If you don't have any serious hills or inclines to climb, your best bet would be to purchase a single speed. Perhaps something like the following:

The Nashbar Hounder ~ $200
www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_504148_-1_202614

The Dawes Revolver ~ $200
www.amazon.com/Dawes-Revolver-Single-Speed-Track/dp/B007R6RRRE

a1424344454

I did test ride both bikes. Jamis feels a bit better - but it might be that I was testing it in a parking lot. While with Trek, I tested it on roads that are not that great.

I have been on craigslist for a few days. Not having a car/bike, it has been painful for me to go around the town and try various bikes that do not work out in the end. I am getting tired of that process now honestly. Thanks for the suggestion though.

a1424344454

Thanks! I checked out the local bike shops and that's what they have. I don't want to order one online because I would hate to wait and assemble it later. Those are good suggestions. I was considering Giant Escape too but then dropped it because it was a bit pricey.

SlimRider

Alright then, just check this one out:

The Alite 40 ~ $270
www.khsbicycles.com/04_alite_040_12.htm