New Purchase - Help Needed!
 

Hi All,

I am new to the forum as well as the bicycle world. Live and work in Jersey City, NJ. Plan to get into bicycling sport slowly but surely. After careful though and consideration
I figured that a Hybrid Bike may be the best choice for me (also considered MT and Road). I plan to ride for fitness and pleasure and trying to get back in shape for the summer. Also may take a leisure Sunday Ride in the NYC - central park etc. So need a fun, comfortable, versatile yet fast / efficient bike.

Now comes another difficult choice of what to buy and where to buy from? Guys welcome you input, help and guidance.
I tried to check out some cycles at Target and Walmart - but not very comfortable with the equipment and assembly. My initial budget was $200 - don't mind spending more if required.
Think Shops like Dick's Sporting / Sports Authority may be a better choice. Also open to online shopping.
What are the recommended / Suggested bike out there....:)

Also let me know if there are any good deals/ coupons out there.

Thanks in advance!

CB

For $200, you definitely won't get much bike. I'd say you need to up your budget to at least $500 to end up with something that will be of substantial quality.

If you want new, your choices of decent bikes will be very limited, but stay away from the mart bikes. With a $200 budget, you can do very well if you shop the used market. Read these forums to get an idea of what to look for in a used bike. One member is in the process of putting together a guide to buying a used bike. If I find that thread I'llpost it here, lots of good tips in that thread. If you run across what sounds like a fair deal, you can always post it in the forums for feedback on it.

Here are a couple of examples of what kind of deals to look for, pulled from my local Craigslist:
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bik/3101250453.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bik/3060067617.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/3101253921.html

Although some are listed as "Mountain bikes" the older non-suspended types are excellent hybrid bikes with just a tire change to something more streetish. I have an '88 Trek 900 that works great that way.

Here's an example of what to look out for.. The fork is bent backwards. This bike hit something hard. Otherwise it would be a good buy.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bik/3101527624.html

Point take ! can definitely up the Budget

Question to the forum - what are your impressions on Diamondback Adult Insight Performance Hybrid Bike 2012 - Dick's Sporting goods is selling for $369.98

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...18012.12458051

http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/produ...12297518dt.jpg

Found the thread(s) I mentioned earlier with tips for buying used:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/823370-Giving-advice-on-buying-an-older-bike-Part-I-brands-to-avoid-brands-to-seek

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ting-condition

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...y-poor-quality

Thanks much !

Diamondback seems a perfectly good bike. My advice is to test ride as many bikes as you can--cheap ones like the ones you found uncomfortable and expensive ($500+) ones, so you know what good and bad bikes feel like. Make sure you find what size fits you. One that doesn't fit won't feel good no matter what the price.

New bike--advantages are that you aren't getting someone's problem child. Bike shop will help you out with fitting and accessories, etc. I recommend a local bike shop (LBS) for at least your first purchase, rather than online. Shop around for a good shop--they will encourage and help you.
disadvantages--more expensive and may attract bike thieves more than a used model.

Bike shops are way more knowledgeable than a sporting goods store about bike styles, fit, etc. Are there any bike clubs in your area? They are a valuable resource. Check out the regional forums on this site for shop recommendations.

There is Local Bike Shop - went there to check out a few bicycles put there was nothing in the store for less than $1000 so walked out of the store. Did not get a chance to speak to a rep and discuss my options. Maybe I need to go back in there and talk to them.
http://grovestreetbicycles.com

+1

This is a good bike for someone who cannot afford a better entry level hybrid. If you purchase this bike, I would strongly advise you to join a bicycle co-op, so that you can have it inspected, immediately after purchase. You should be prepared to make adjustments yourself, should any be required. The co-op leaders and bicycle mechanics will guide you through the inspection/adjustment process.

Of course, as you most probably already know, you could spend slightly less for a used 80's model road bike made of chromoly steel, that will be of much greater value in the future, once you've reconditioned and upgraded it.

Have to be honest - I am shying away from the used bike purchase - since I do not know much about the frames & equipment - will not be in a position to make a educated decision and would not have a clue if its a good deal OR what issues the bike may have and how much I may have to invest in getting tuned etc. Tried surfing the local craigslist for some used bicycles and its a confusion ocean on bikes out there and not exactly a bargain price.

So an entry level new bike would be my first choice.

+1

That Diamondback looks like a pretty good entry level bike for riding paved trails and some road riding. If I were you, I would have the bike professionally assembled by a bike store in your area. Have them "tension and true" the wheels also. Then, get out there and hit the trails! Also, Slim has a good point about seeking out your local bike co-op. They will show you how to mantain and repair your bike and will be a great resource for information and recommendations (besides BF) in case you get bit by the cycling bug.

Very fair point - makes sense I could buy it online and have it delivered / assembled by the local shop. Lets see how that works out. Still shopping around aggressively.