kdash4

I'm looking to purchase a bike whether new or used under $200, just for the bike. I will set aside around $150 for other accessories.
I'm a total noob so I don't know what to look for when purchasing a bike.
I know bikes are frequently stolen in universities but I don't want to crap out and get a cheap bike that barely works. Hell, I can even go above $200 but only if it is worth it.
From reading, it seems like hybrid will the best option.
I am in the LA-OC area and attending UCI.
Also, I see some good quality bikes in my school and some people leave their bikes not locked which was a bit surprising. Maybe bike theft isn't as big of an issue as in other universities.

clarkbre

Start shopping Craigslist. Anything new under $200 will be from Walmart. $150...what accessories are you looking to get? Helmet, locks, lights, bottle/cage?


First, and foremost, look for the right fit. If the bike isn't the right size, don't buy it. Second, look for obvious damage, rust, corrosion, signs of wear, and abuse. Third, look for overall condition. Does it ride, pedal, brake, shift correctly.

I would say $200 is a starting point for a used bike. You get what you pay for and you pay for what you get. If you buy cheap, don't expect much out of it.

Probably. They are a very versatile style of bike.

Don't count on it. Bike (or any theft) is an oppotunistic crime. If it's left unlocked, its only a matter of time before it gets swiped. It's like the saying goes "you don't have to outrun the bear...just be able to outrun your friend". If you bike is locked with even a cheap lock, sitting next to one that isn't, what bike will the thief take? Do yourself a favor, and protect your bike with a $15 lock. You won't appreciate that lock but I guarantee that if your bike is unlocked and gets stolen, you will wish you had one.

no1mad 

I'd suggest you start looking here- https://bike.uci.edu/services/bikeshop.cfm

kdash4

I am getting a lock hence the ~$150 set aside for accessories. I was just saying that it might not a that big of an issue at my school.
I'll be getting all the things you mentioned plus a pump and maybe other things like extra tires and fenders down the road.

Are there any specific brand/models I should be looking for on craigslist?
Also, how do I know if it is the right size for me?

kdash4

Thanks. I knew they had a bike shop but never found out.
I want to do more research before I go into a shop though. Like what brand/models are good and what are cheap walmart stuff.

no1mad 

Brands like Next, Magna, Roadmaster pass on. Schwinn and Mongoose can be tricky, as they both make low end for the big box stores like Wally World and higher end (somewhat) for the LBS. At your price point, though, Schwinn and Mongoose will most likely be of the big box variety.

The good/decent brands to look for are Giant, Specialized, Trek (those are the 'Big 3' names), Jamis, Kona, Raleigh, Gary Fisher (now owned by Trek), Cannondale... there are others too numerous for me to rattle off.

Realize that unless you spend a bunch of money for a boutique shop/custom, virtually all of the bikes sold at the LBS are made in the same handful of factories in the Far East.

Another option to explore would be check out the co-op in LA Bicycle Kitchen.

merry2

the bicycle kitchen is really far from orange county. but, if he/she wants to go, imagine it's their choice.

kdash4

Actually, my home is in the LA area and I go to UCI. I go to my house every weekend.
It looks like you do repairs yourself at bicyle kitchen and they don't sell bikes.

How are some of these?
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...321846409.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...332332077.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/3331895225.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/3332549493.html

no1mad 

How tall are you? The Windsor (first link) didn't provide sizing info, but all of those Treks did- a 52cm, 20", and 17.5". Without knowing your height or inseam, no one can really even begin to point out any CL finds they come across...

wicked ink

How about BikesDirect? https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/hybrid_bikes.htm

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

no1mad 

The OP admits to know absolutely nothing about bikes- unsure of what size frame, can't tell the difference between a X-Mart bike and LBS bike when looking at CL- going the BD route isn't the wisest move.

merry2

i actually met a guy at a festival in downtown los angeles who specializes in building bikes from used frames. he mentioned he did this for around $200 and maybe less. if i find his card i'll post the info.

merry2

okay, the website is www.rotellicyclery.com. his name was robert.

his booth was next to the tern bikes booth at a festival in downtown l.a. last summer. he seemed like a nice enough guy. he said he'd help me put together a bike if i bought a frame.

can't speak to the quality of his work or anything because i've not used him.

kdash4

5'9''

goagain

IMO, if the poster doesn't have a clue what size bike he needs and doesn't recognize even the LBS brand names, he probably isn't at the point of knowing how to have a bike built for him,etc. I knew a little more than he does, and I wouldn't have had a clue how to do that.

To the OP: I'd go to the Giant, Trek, or other brand websites and look at the info there as a start. That will give you a little knowledge about features, sizes, etc. Then you'll sort of know what to look for when you look at used bikes. And read some of the threads here. Lots of newbies have asked questions that will also help you. Best wishes in your search!

pierce

I got my college son a 80s vintage steel frame 10-speed that had been repainted (and is currently a 2x7 '14 speed'). its a very nice ride, but not nearly as flashy as a new bike. he always locks it up next to the flashiest carbon goodness so thats much more likely to get nicked.

I replaced the seat post clamp with a blind allen bolt kit, and ditto the front quick release skewer, so the seat and wheels are harder to nick. the bike has a mix of older 105 and ultegra parts on it, with some nice anodized mavic rims that carry 35c performance tires (continental gatorback hardshells) quite nicely.

anyways, what I'm saying is, get a decent quality older bike, nothing fancy, with as ugly a paint job as you can put on it, and fix it up a bit with new cables, new chain, new brake pads, lube everything, adjust.

I had built up this bike as a citybike hybrid for me, and decided it was just too short of a frame, so sold it to a local college student, she was very happy.