srt12141992

i'm either buying a hybrid from my LBS or craigslist, anything i should look out for before buying the bike? I'm willing to spend up to $450 on craigslist, up to $550 at the lbs (so they can tune it and stuff)

edsall78

Give a little more info and I'm sure people on the forum will help you pick out a decent hybrid off Craigslist--you can take it to then LbS afterward for a tune up of you need it.


What size are you? Inseam?
Whats the intended purpose? Commuting or recreational? How long is the typical trip and how much di you weigh?

Whats the distance? Typical.

desertdork

$450 can get you a much nicer bike on c-list than $550 will get you at the LBS. Not always, of course, but often enough. But you're rolling dice if you know little about bikes.

The LBS offers choice of model and size. For $550, you get your questions answered, the opportunity to ride different models, a quick fitting, and a bike that's worth $375 the next day.

srt12141992

Ok, so I'm a girl and 5 '11, I plan to use the bike for shorter commuting trips, I will be bringing it when I go off to college at western washington university in bellingham in the fall, I'm living on campus but will probably use it to bike to my classes, and explore the bike trails around campus, probably will use the bus more for commuting in the city though. I weigh about 135lbs.
So I'll probably use it 4-5 days out of the week for short commuting, probably only a few miles a day.

I've started looking at bikes on BD. My sister bought an entry level road bike from them and loved the bike (sadly it was stolen, somehow the theif got through her U-lock)
I'm not finding anything good on craigslist and when I went to my LBS today everything was so overpriced for the lower quality components the bikes had.

Here are the 3 I'm considering now
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fe_latte_x.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...alaxy_tour.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../avenue_fb.htm - I like how this one is only 300 but still has the sora (had sora for my road bike and it was reliable enough for me, I just hated the drop bars on that thing) Plus that way I can spend the money I save on having the LBS assemble it

addictedhealer

Keep looking on CL, you will get more bike for the buck. If you decide to hit up the lbs I wouldn't spend under $500. Although if you can fight the urge of getting hardcore about bikes then I think under $500 you will be fine. Sometimes people on this site forget some cyclist dont care about sweet gadgets and the latest greatest. With that said, dont go to wal-mart, but for the everyday college student a $300 bike will be fine. Considering more often then not college kids ride the piss out of them for 4 years then part ways. I guess what I'm saying is you need to decide if you plan on getting "hardcore" or not. If not then buy a bike ride it while in school then upgrade.

Adam

SlimRider

Welcome To Bike Forums, SRT!

1) Will your bike ever be locked up outside overnight on or near your college campus?

2) Is bike theft a major problem on your college campus?

3) Will you be climbing any hills on your commute?

4) Would you mind having a single speed?


TIA

SlimRider

These are all fine bikes, but you may have other options that are better suited to a campus or college environment.

srt12141992

1) This i'm trying to figure out and won't know for sure until I'm given my room assignment on Aug 1. I am scared of leaving my bike out overnight because bike theft is a major problem at Western, people get their bikes stolen while they're in class, outside their homes/apartments near the college, even outside their dorms I've heard. I'm thinking I'd bring the bike into my dorm room somehow overnight

2) Yes

3) Not sure, there may be a few, I plan to use it mainly recreational and for classes I think so prob not too many. I think I would take the bus into the city since tuition covers a free bus pass

4) Not sure, I've looked into it as it is cheaper/easier to maintain, but not sure If I'm going to encounter alot of hills and need gears

SlimRider

SRT says:


Alright then!

If bike theft is a major problem, then all bets are off! You've got to invest as little time and money as possible into this venture.

Your only options are as follows:

1) Monitor your local Craigslist for an old 80's styled 10 speed, or any other kind of chromoly steel framed bike with gears and join a local bicycle co-op, so that you can have assistance in any future repairs, adjustments, or upgrades. Take someone with you who "knows bikes", that will be your "expert". They will be responsible for assessing the overall condition of your bike and determing whether you appear to fit that particular frame size or not, after your twenty minute test ride. However, if the bike doesn't feel comfortable, or you have a feeling that the bike might be too large, don't buy it!

2) Buy the Nashbar Hounder Single Speed ~ $200
www.nashbar.com/Prouduct_10053_10052_504148_-1_202614/

* Assemble this bike at the co-op! If you don't have a co-op, then just watch the following video a whole bunch of times:

www.bikesdirect.com/instructionhelp.htm

3) I hear that many college kids are buying popular Walgoose bikes, like the GMC Denali ($170), the Schwinn Varsity ($250), the Schwinn Empire XL ($250), and the Mongoose Sinsure ($150)

* The Mongoose Sinsure is a very popular new single speed!

You will need an Onguard U-Lock at least. Try for a NY Fahgettaboudit U Lock. That's even better!

Always have a certified bicycle mechanic inspect your Walgoose for proper assembly, immediately after purchase. Walgoose bikes can kill you, if not properly assembled.

4) Of course, you could always buy a nice folding bike, to take with you to your various classes and then return it, back to your dorm room.

Set

I check Bham CL everyday looking at hybrids as well, I'll tell you if something comes up.




Are you willing to drive south to purchase something from Seattle CL?

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/bik/3105193252.html Cannondale "Quick 6" Hybrid - $198 (Bellevue)


https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/3084333564.html Cannondale Hybrid H400 w/ Topeak rack, Duralock combo - $335 (Eastlake)


https://bellingham.craigslist.org/bik/3088370173.html Woman's Novara Hybrid Bike - $200 (Bellingham)


Not sure if those work for you or not, just some ideas.

Bunnicula

I disagree that these are her "only options". She has many options if she buys used.

A couple of brands you may find new in your price range: GT, Marin, Felt. Comfort bikes can be had new in the $500 range, as can some lower end hybrids. But a used bike may be less attractive to would-be thieves.

SlimRider

The used option is included in option #1, so you really don't disagree.

However, I would strongly object to the OP spending too much over $250 for a bicycle that has a greater likelihood of being stolen than being ridden by its rightful owner...

Bunnicula

Yes I really do. Your statement says:

"Your only options are as follows:
1) Monitor your local Craigslist for an old 80's styled 10 speed, or any other kind of chromoly steel framed bike with gears"

She can get many different kinds of used bikes for her $450 (HER stated budget for used) - an inexpensive used road bike or a hybrid that is a couple years old, a comfort bike. She isn't limited to an old 80's bike. I'm selling my '11 Trek Navigator 2.0 with only a couple hundred miles on it for $300. Perhaps you should have stated "SOME options are". Certainly a steel bike isn't her only option.

And unless you are her parent buying the bike it doesn't matter if you strongly object to what she wants to spend. It is her money and she's the one who has to like riding the bike she picks out.

OP, keep a watchful eye on CL if you want to buy used. Many decent and often not very old bikes do pop up. There are entry level hybrids that you could buy new within your budget, even from bike shops, but a used bike might be a little less enticing to would-be thieves. I'd stay away from Wallyworld bikes. And at 5'11" keep in mind you'll more than likely be needing a larger frame size, especially if buying WSD.

SlimRider

The general idea is for the OP to find a used chromoly steel framed bicycle, as this frame choice will give her the optimum likelihood of service. So monitoring Craigslist would be a vital activity in order to obtain a used bike. Of course, a chromoly steel frame would assure less risk, so quite naturally I'm going to advise in the OP's best interest.

The OP has already indicated that theft is a major problem on her campus. Therefore, investing in an expensive bike would be a blatant display of both ignorance and stupidity. The OP has stated that her budget at most is $550 dollars. Any mature adult with common sense, would not spend anywhere near the upper limit of their budget, knowing full well that the risk of having their bicycle stolen exceeds the probability that it won't get stolen. At that point, most intelligent people would want to exercise a certain amount of discretion by limitting their bicycle expenses and their losses.

Why risk losing $400 when you can accomplish the same goal and only risk $200 or less?

While "Wallywolrd" is most certainly not the best resource for buying bicycles, it does seem to be the an expedient solution for many college students due to high theft statistics on their campuses. For a young lady at 5'11", losing an XL Schwinn Empire at $250 would hurt much less than losing $550 spent on a higher quality bicycle, and that's for certain.

Of course, if money is no object, then the OP should purchase whatever she wants from any LBS that has a bicycle that suits her fancy.

The OP is here asking for advice. I feel quite capable of providing that advice, just as you do. Any BF member who feels as though they have some information that may prove to be helpful should feel free to offer it. Ultimately, it's up to the OP as to whether she accepts that advice or not.

I don't like Wallyworld either. However, for some people, it's just a temporary solution to an immediate problem. Of course, Craigslist should always be preferred to any BBS outlet bicycle. However, the problem there is that the novice is at the mercy of the seller, unless they know what they're looking for.

I'd much prefer to see the OP buy from Craigslist, a LBS, or perhaps even an online bicyle, before opting for a Walgoose. However, sometimes our wishes aren't granted and people just go with the popuar flow.

Bunnicula

The OP has posted her budget, knowing that theft can be a problem on her campus. So what your saying is she doesn't have common sense and is not intelligent, in your opinion. This is insulting, whether you mean it to be or not.

Money, or price, is an objective, and she has stated her range quite clearly. Her price range is reasonable for what her goals are.

I know you like to give advice. And help noobies. Just don't be arrogant about it. You really need to watch how you phrase your advice.

Once again, our wishes have nothing to do with it. We are only offering some helpful words, so that the OP can go out and find the bike that best suits her needs.

SlimRider

Bunnicula says:

Yes. The OP was ambivalent about where she would park her bike overnight and began to have second thoughts. That why she suggested that it might be best to wait until the first of August, so that she would have more information concerning her dorm situation in relation to storing her bike inside her dorm room overnight. Therefore, the campus climate of theft was of major concern with the OP. The OP indicated her concern about theft on several occasions. It was clear to me that she was having second thoughts with regards to her bicycle purchase and was awaiting more information and advice. Her behavior indicated that she was quite capable of independent critically analyzing information, once it was submitted. Therefore, the OP demonstrated cerebral resolve and common sense. She's truly an intelligent person!

Yes, in the beginning her budget was estimated, but she still had reservations about campus theft, and this is what contributed towards her ambivalence.

I'm a very passionate person, Bunnicula! That's how I've lived my life for over sixty years. I don't think that I'm going to change anytime soon.

Yes!.... Agreed! That's always been my goal! Can't you tell?

However, sometimes "helpful words" offered, need to be emboldened, ended with exclamation points, and held highly as directives.

We always want to vehemently warn our neighbors of impending doom or danger!

Bunnicula

You have gotten yourself in some tough spots in other places on this forum because of your tendency to go overboard with your statements. In your desire to help people from "doom and danger" (such as aluminum and carbon ) it would behoove you to not get carried away with your generalizations such as "your ONLY options". And remember that your advice should be given as just that, advice. Not highly held directives to others.

SlimRider

So what is there to say about yourself and your directives with respect to me?

Going overboard is a matter of perspective and given to the opinions of others. I rarely go "overboard" with either my statements or my judgements. However, in the few cases that I do, I generally feel as though it's justly warranted.

" Doom and danger" is what you would encounter when you purchase a nice bicycle and park it over night on a college campus overrun with theft. It has nothing to do with aluminum or carbon. I rather like carbon!

We should always warn the innocent about the sinister.

PS.

Bunnicula, I'm not sinister. You might want to go seek one of those people out and pester them...

Bunnicula

Slim, you have often gone overboard with your statements, especially (but not limited to) against carbon and towards the notion of the indestructibility of steel, though experience just here on this forum has told otherwise, over and over. I will not embarrass you by linking the threads where you do, as I feel that you are honestly trying to help most times. We all have our biases and likes. No, you are not sinister, though I've read a rather sinister sounding comment you made in an effort to justify yourself. I have nothing against you, and if you feel I am pestering you that is your perception. In my opinion you are at your best when you stick to offering honest advice without going to the extreme with your biases and opinions. It's up to you how you want to be perceived.

oddjob2

If you're near an REI, (duh, you're in Washington), they usually have some very good deals, perhaps only on line, via their rei-outlet offerings. But with 4th of July this week, the summer close outs BEGIN.

I am such a long time member of REI, my membership # is 6 digits.

SlimRider

Oh! Well let's not stop it there! Please do embarrass me by linking to my threads. That way, we can all see how much fluff your volume actually contains. You will be better able to see that I truly do like carbon and without the persistence of oxidation, steel IS practically indestructible using ordinary physical exertion. Let's just see how I've gone "over and over" with an opinion that has been historically wedged against carbon. All that I've ever stated negatively about carbon, is that it has its quirky moments, due to its historical lack of impact resistance, and that UV radiation weakens the epoxy bonds of its resin. Otherwise, all I've stated is that it's very stiff, durable, and very strong. That I believe, is quite an objective assessment!

* I have since recanted the statements about UV radiation, as the industry has already addressed that issue.

How I am perceived is up to those who would dare to judge me, given there own imperfections and oblique proclivities.

I tend not to be given to harsh judgement. I do recognize the fact that I have enough imperfections myself, to sink a ship. If you'd look more closely into yourself, you just might find the same.

PS.

Of course, at the same time, I'm truly a uniquely wonderful person too!

Bunnicula

Yes you are, Slim. Never said otherwise. And very unique.

SlimRider

Well thank you!

....I think

srt12141992

Thanks for all the replies guys!
It was a tough decision picking a bike, but i went with a 500 dollar GT womens hybrid. I wasn't having success with Craigslist and decided I was ready for the bike sooner then later. I was looking on craigslist for a couple months but its hard to find a used bike that fits you when your almost six feet tall and a girl, the women frames are just so much more comfortable I didn't want to settle on a mens frame like my old bike had. I also just couldn't settle for a beater bike, I know my bike is lower end components but I wanted something that was fairly decent since I had spent quite a bit of time saving for it, I wanted something that felt/looked good, haha!

I know my bike is kind of new for a high theft campus, but I'm going to dedicate my time to taking really good care of it/not leaving it out at night or in shady areas in the day. Current students who are bikers that I chatted with told me that pretty much all of the kids who have had bikes stolen while in class had only relied on a cable lock to protect their bike, I'm going to always use my kryptonite U-lock
One thing I really like about this bike is its got an internal gear hub, I love how I can shift when stopped, that was one thing I always hated with my old bike how I couldn't shift when waiting for a light.

Thanks again guys, so happy about my new bike

SlimRider

Congrats SRT!

Let's just hope for the best! You just done what most of us would have done. You've purchased a bicycle that you felt within your heart, would truly make you a happier person. That's really and truly the only way to live!

You only live once and you should always let you heart dictate the rhythm of your life. That way you'll always be in tune with nature.

GT makes excellent bikes and I'm certain that you've made a great choice in bikes. Therefore, this gives us all a good reason to be happy for your happpiness.

All I can really think of saying now is:

Yeeeaaaay for SRT and her brand new GT hybrid!


PS.

What's the name of your GT hybrid, SRT?