mas354

Hey everyone, I am sort of new to riding. i used to have a bike i would use on and off as a girl but really i haven't ridden in over 10 years i believe- i guess teen years and adulthood kind of got in the way.

i recently returned to college and live in a town/state (providence, RI) where the public transit is so and so, plus i do not have a car. i am looking for a way to move around and a bike sounded like a good option for most of the year.

the thing is i really don't know which one to get. here is what i do know:
1. i know TREK is considered to be one of the best companies. what are some of the rest?
2. i don't see myself spending more than 500$ and even than it sounds too much.
3. i will using the bike to: travel to campus (about 5 miles total), possibly do grocery shopping (about 2 or 3.5 miles away depending on which supermarket i go to), ride to the beach (12 miles on way). and maybe ride a bit for exercise, so some fast road or bike trail riding can also happen.

I read the TREK fx 7.2 is good, any other bikes i should consider?

that's really about it. if it matters i am slightly short- 5`3 and petite about 113 in weight, and i'm a women- obviously. also i am not overly strong.

Tel0004

Test ride as many as you can, hopefully one will just feel right for you. Since everybody is different, a bike that fits one person well may not fit somebody else well.

The trek 7.2 is a great bike, Its what I own. Take a look at the Giant Escape, especially the escape city.

Also if you are new to cycling remember there are a lot of other things you need to buy, a bag for your bike, pump, helmet, etc, so don't spend 100% of your budget on your bike.

erg79

Do you have any friends with bikes? If so, see if you can ride what they have and see if you like that model or style of bike. I'd hate to see someone rush out and buy a brand new bike only for them to find out that they aren't all that happy with it. Of course, you can do this at your local shop--hopefully you have a local bike shop (LBS) nearby, and not just a big box store.

Or do you have a friend who is knowledgeable about bikes? S/he might be able to help you find a used bike, which would give you extra cash to buy a rack, panniers (bags that go on the rack), since you said you would be grocery shopping, and a lock, helmet, and lights.

Good luck!

mas354

hey erg79, sadly i do not know anyone with bikes.
all my friends have either cars or use public transport.

i do have several bike shops in town so i will be hitting those in the next week or so.

thanks!

Yo Spiff

This is what I just bought for my wife, who is a touch shorter than yourself. It is a Specialized Vita. I've always been fond of Specialized bikes, probably because my first really nice road bike was an early Specialized Allez. We had looked for used bikes for a while, but due to the need for a very short frame, we were unable to find something that both fit and was the kind of bike we both wanted for her.


We got one of the higher level models, which was about $560, the base model is around $460, which is still near the upper limit of your budget. You can find other Specialized models that start a bit less. You are probably looking at a $350 minimum for a new bike at a bike shop, even if found on a good sale.

If you can find a used MTB from the 80's or 90's, they make excellent utility bikes with street tires installed and are usually plentiful and affordable. The Trek 700 and 800 series are pretty common. You'll have to either educate yourself to know what to look for, or find someone knowledgeable about bikes to help you choose. You can post links to ads here and get some feedback, but it's not as good as having someone with you.

craigrrr

look on line for a bike co-op in RI. They generally sell used bikes and have staff there that can really help you in person.

Giant is another good brand, for what you are wanting to do a womens comfort type Giant sedona seems it would do the trick. might even check craigslist

this looks promising https://providence.craigslist.org/bik/3802482233.html

mas354

what about this bike:
https://providence.craigslist.org/bik/3832507848.html

i think he may be asking a bit higher than what it is worth, at least according to the bicyclebluebook.com website.

erg79

Ad deleted. What was the bike? Any similar ones on your local Craigslist? Maybe we could browse and point out some promising listings.

mas354

I believe it was a Trek 7200, i think he asked for 275$.
there is this one: https://providence.craigslist.org/bik/3831030483.html
which is the same model, 19inch frame he says he is a large, not sure if it will fit i am 5`3 so i need something small.
there is also a fuji for sale: https://providence.craigslist.org/bik/3834205473.html, though he is asking 450 and i feel it may be too expensive.

erg79

Yeah, I think a 19in frame would be too big for you. That Fuji is absolutely too expensive.

This is a strange listing because they couldn't even make the effort to take the bike down to have some right-side-up photos, but this could be promising:
https://providence.craigslist.org/bik/3823965901.html

Those old Trek hardtail mountain bikes make great commuters, and this one seems to be in good condition from what I can tell. You could put a rack on it and it would be a great do-it-all bike. Also, this one:

https://providence.craigslist.org/bik/3814081049.html

Looks to be a 1993 model based on the color and derailleur.

Another reliable type of old hybrid is Bridgestone. These are actually still sought out by collectors. Not all are hidden treasures, but they could also be a reliable ride. There's this one that doesn't have many photos, but might be worth checking out:
https://boston.craigslist.org/sob/bik/3804356589.html

mas354

the first one is not available, it got taken down.
i'll check the other two, not sure if they are even near me.
question how does one goes about repaiting a bike? say if you want to change it from hideous pink to any other normal color?

erg79

Repainting...you could go the quick and easy route and just spray-paint it. Results won't be pretty, but it would be a good theft deterrent! Aside from that, there's stripping the bike down to the bare frame, and having it power-coated by professionals. Time consuming, and costs around $200. So needless to say, better to find a bike in the color you like to begin with!

mas354

it may have been worth the wait?
https://providence.craigslist.org/bik/3835457373.html
the frame is 17 inches. (the current owner is 5`5 while i am 5`3 ish, i am wondering if they will fit me size wise?)

i think the price may be a bit high, but as a new one cost almost 700 i think it may be a good enough price.
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/searc....aspx?id=22625 say it's worth around 350, she is willing to negotiate, i am thinking of asking about 400 and see if she will agree.. and if not maybe try and meet somewhere in the middle, around 450?
i am unsure of the prices as a new 7.2 costs around 500$, but with a new one i have zero chances of getting a lower price.


I know the 7.3 is considered a great model. and she is asking for a bit much but still...

erg79

I think the frame might fit you. Besides the standover height, you have to think about the reach to the handlebars. Depending on how long your arms are, that may work or not.

Agreed that the $550 is a bit steep, but if the bike is in good condition like the ad says, then i think trying to talk her down is a good idea. Good luck!

lilpoindexter

The guy with the trek said he was willing to negotiate...

mas354

Thank you everyone! after a short talk she was willing to lower the price to 400 (a bit too easily if you ask me).
the bike are in excellent condition from what i could see, i wasn't really able to ride them since neither one of us brought a ranch to adjust the height of the seat; but, i checked the length of the tube and it seemed just fine, i am guessing once the seat is adjusted it will be all the way down, which is fine i guess. she said if i find the bike uncomfortable she will take them back, but i do need to let her know within a week or so.
but i'm really glad and can't wait to start using them :-D