Hi all! Hoping you might have some insight into my bike shopping.

I recently started working full-time about 2 miles away from home and thought it'd be a great opportunity to bike to work! I pulled my old bike out of the garage and had some issues, so I've been borrowing my mom's bike until I figured out what to do with mine (repair/replace). Hers is just an old Huffy from Kmart or somewhere, but it's been getting me to and from just fine, though I feel it is too big for me, and perhaps a little inefficient, as it is a mountain bike. (I'm riding paved roads in the suburbs.)

My dad came across Critical Cycles, and thought the dutch step-through would be a great option. After all the research I've been trying to do, it does look like a good value. It looks a little less "cool" than other options I've considered, but if it's the best quality for the money, that can be overlooked, haha.

I initially found good reviews for bikesdirect.com, and browsed their selection. The Gravity Dutch (in lime green?!) pulled me in, as it seems to be the style I'm looking for with that cool factor thrown in. However I didn't find much about it Googling other than a few Yahoo answers or so. Link: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._dutch_xii.htm

I also tried out a Northrock CL5 at Costco and it was comfortable.

I'd like to keep it at about $300 or less. As I said, my commute is a little less than 2 miles one way (which I know is next to nothing haha), and I ride around town every now and then as well. It won't see super heavy use, and it's all on paved roads, so nothing too rough, but I'd like a bike that will last me and allow me to ride longer distances as I build up to it. I'm just looking for something that isn't total garbage, and that is comfortable and efficient.

I haven't seen anything on Craigslist in the weeks I've been checking. I plan to stop at some LBSs and see if any offer older models or used, but not sure there yet.

I'm really open to anything you might have to suggest. Thank you for your advice!

Hi, i had a look at the dutch and it might be alright, it might not be. But unless i could test ride it i wouldn't consider it personally. That is the most important thing, it really is. It might be a hassle and take longer than you wanted but it really is worthwhile to visit a few shops and try a few bikes and see if they feel ok to you. You might find a great frame but it has a gear lever that is too short for you to comfortably use or a seat which just isn't right. At your local shop you can discuss and probably swap out what's not right for things that fit well just for you.
Failing that, i'd keep checking local ad's for a bargain, at least then you may have some cash spare to swap and add a few things as required.

Best of luck,

Thanks for the reply!

I'm definitely gonna check out some local shops to test ride some bikes. I agree that is important! I'm also keeping an eye on Craigslist still as well.

I came across a Korean company called Dioko Bikes too, has anyone ever heard of them? They make some cool looking bikes, but only seem to sell a few on eBay, and in their own store. This is their hybrid: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-2013-Dio...item2a2dc70015 Are the components any good?

Thanks

Those are seriously low-end bikes. Looks like someone took those Solé bikes and added a derailleur and V brakes. Notice the wheels don't even have proper brake tracks;you'll have to wait for the paint to rub off for max braking. Hi-Ten steel frameset with cheap(steel hub) deep V wheels is going to weigh a ton as well. Would pass.

Haha okay, I figured. Shame. Thanks!

Ck Bike Island. Some amazing buys there with mostly very minor flaws.

You just have to be willing to wait for your bike to appear.

Go to Sports Authority and use their 20% Friends and Family Coupon. It expires on the 20th. If you need a link to the coupon I will provide you one.

Diamondback Insight or the other Diamondback they have I forget the name of it. Might be Diamondback Wildwood. I saw they were on sale for around $300.

Good luck

Put a pair of these on and the difference will be amazing.

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...et-runner-tire

Slightly over your budget, but I just picked up a 2013 Fuji Absolute 2.3 for MSRP ($399) and it's a great hybrid that looks good as well. I got the matte black - love it. The 2014s are just starting to come in now, so you might be able to find a 2013 for a discount.