PathogenX

I'm sure you have gotten this question a bazzillion times I'm sorry

So here is my situation I am 16 year old male.
I have not ridden a bike since I was probably 13.

I want a bike that can get me from point A to point B. Nothing Special. I live in NYC so that is where 99% of the time the bike will be ridden. The other 1% is in the park non cement areas.

I am not looking for something over the top. I just need help making up my mind.
What kind of bike do I want?
I remember my last bike was a Kent or NEXT can't remember and it was a mountain bike if I remember correctly and I felt it was too hunched over when I rode it. Are all mountain bikes like this?

So I am completely lost and in need of dire help.
Where do I buy a bike Big box store or not?
What should i know / look out for?
What are good brands?
Tips?


I want a bike that will be light durable and comfy. Will last me a few years.

My budget is $100 - $200 ish.

I know it's low but again I don't want anything over the top.

So please guide me. Much thanks appreciated.

BarryJo

$100-200 is not going to get you "light durable and comfy"
You want a Specialized Roubaix SL2.
That's going to run you about $6000, but well worth the money.

Seriously, 100-200 isn't going to get you much.
For $800 (maybe less) you can get a Giant Defy 3 which is a nice entry level bike.

joeya28

If your looking to get around the city look at some ss/fixed gears their not road bikes but they'll get you from A - B

check out https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm

I go to school in the city and use a ss to get around, I would definitely not suggest riding a road bike as transportation the second you lock it up its gonna get stripped down to nothing.

ptle

I don't know how flat NY is, but a fixed/ss may be the best. I would just check out craigslist to see if you can find any good deals. I'd stay away from Walmart type bikes though.

PathogenX

For $6000 I can buy a car...
All I need is a basic bike $800 is still a ridiculous price.

I need the most basic of bikes. I'm not going to be in the tour de france here lol.

lol so what kind of bikes should I be looking for? Brands?
I been looking around and there are some expensive things out there. Again I just need something basic.

fadi

Get a Scott SUB 40 :-) save some money for it, and you won't regret it!
It will even encourage and stimulate you to ride more and more each day: and you will love again this activity...

Possible side effect: in a year or two you will want to buy a road bike!! So be careful that's what happened to me since 2008.
It was after 15 years of not touching a bike...

Cheers
Fadi

PathogenX

That is a sexy bike $500 is not bad.
I am getting a job this summer. Hmmmmm

I think I might save some money and invest into a bike.

I have made the mistake in the past of buying cheap and then spending on a more expensive item and in the end I just wasted money on the cheap thing.

ptle

Really I'd just check craigslist every few hours of the day. I've bought bikes that were a good deal and could get me around. This included a 1988 Trek 1200 in near mint condition for $125. A 1989 Bianchi Brava (signature) for a $100. A 1982 Nishki Marina 12 speed for $40. 2005 Specialized Hardrock Sport for $50.

All those bike were in decent condition and didn't require any more than ten to twenty bucks to get them up and running well. They are also pretty much a basic older road bike. The 2005 bike is normal entry level mountain bike.

The most basic type of bike is a fixed gear bike. It's pretty much frame, wheels, handlebars, and cranks. Yeah there are probably some expensive ones because it's kind of a fad to ride one, but they also make cheap fixed geared bikes.

This is a really cheap brand new bike. https://bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/timeline.htm I'm sure you can find a similar used bike for half the price.

mrnotwo

NYC craigslist is not worth the trouble. It's usually much cheaper to buy a new bike online/store than some very used on craigslist. Especially at this time of year.

Soma Roark

+1 agree, go with CL (but you are in an inflated market, but deals are still out there... try craiglook to make your life easier), get a nice but well used 80s bike, read sheldon brown, big tires, krypto lock (nyc is high theft area no? another reason not to buy new). Or with that budget, check your bicycle coop (there has to be one in nyc), garage sales, or the recyling center/dumps. Might need to head out to the other boroughs. But with some patience and luck, you'll have enough left for tune ups.

petalpower

Check Long Island section.

PathogenX

Hey sorry I was busy the last couple of days.

Anyways I checked out my local bike shop and I boosted my budget to $300 and they had nothing for $300.
A know craigslist has things but I want a new bike (yah I know im asking too much but I like new things)

So I think I might look for some more local bike shops.


So can someone explain to me the different types and whats the best around the city and some park.
Hybrid?
Road?
Mountain?

I am so confused. With the terminology etc...

ptle

A road bike is meant for speed. It's got very skinny tires and an aggressive set up. You'll be fast, but the ride may not be as smooth.

A mountain bike is mean for off road riding. It's usually got fat tires with knobs to keep traction off road. Mountain bikes are much slower than road bikes and have less of an aggressive position.

A hybrid is a mix of both. It's got flat bars for a more upright position, but has medium sized tires. That way you get the best of both worlds. A hybrid is commonly used as a commuter because it's not as aggressive as a road bike, but it's not as slow as a mountain bike.

I like to commute on my road bike commuter. It's got bigger tires than road bikes (by just a bit) to keep the ride smooth. It's also fast, and my commute is very short so I don't mind using a road bike. However my commute is so short, if I were to take my 29er single speed mountain bike, I would only save a few minutes off my time.

gus6464

That is an insanely good looking bike!

knobster

go check out the bikes at walmart. You can get one there for less than $200 and it will get you from a to b. For a little while. Learn to work on it and it'll probably last for awhile. there are some guys on the commuting forum that use them and they've lasted a couple years now.

PathogenX

Thank you very much.

My last bike ages ago if I remember correctly was a mountain bike and it was too hunched over and my back hurt too much and I really disliked riding it. I much prefer my back to be upright.

How about BMX bikes?
I found this bike here
https://www.bayridgebikes.com/eastern-cobra-p-52.html

it looks great its $300 and at a shop near by.

Do you recommend I get a BMX?
For commuting around the city?

FlatSix911

No go on the BMX for commuting in the city ... try a Hybrid bike (Road/Mtn combo)

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

gus6464

Here is a good deal.

GT ZuM $349
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...7_20000_400306

I am pretty sure you have a performance in NYC to go check it out.

PathogenX

Really? They seem to be the most available and best price. Is there a reason for me not to go bmx?

That is NICE. $50 out of budget but hey I can always add 50 bucks.

Any other bikes that are hybrids that are $200 - $300

I really appreciate all the help from everyone. It means a lot to me. I am trying to pick out the perfect bike.

gus6464

Unfortunately the majority of the bikes in your price are going to be walmart type stuff. That GT is a nice deal because it's on sale and it's a solid machine for city riding. I think there should be shops in NYC that cater to the commuter crowd and might have some stuff in your price range. But definitely go to a local performance and see what else they have.

catonec 

the bmx will make you pedal your *ss off and go nowhere quick (small wheels) plus youll look like a 12 year old punk.
hybrids are made for adults but still pretty comfortable as far as riding position (flat bar) and shock dampening (tire width). it will feel more like a mountian bike or bmx but less rolling resistance.
a fixed gear bike will provide the same benefits but why not have a few different gears at your whim.
make sure to budget yourself enough to get a good lock or 2, a geeky helmet, and maybe a rear blinky light.
ebay is a great place to find just what your looking for, especailly the ones listed as buy it now or BEST OFFER. youll be surprised what people will take just so they can unload an extra bike.

ptle

A BMX bike is probably the furthest from a commuter bike you would want. The bike is too small to ride (great for doing tricks), the gearing is usually really low, and BMX bikes are meant for doing BMX stuff.

A hybrid is probably the way to go if you're buying new. They aren't going to be as expensive as road bikes. And they are more suited for commuting than mountain bikes are.

PathogenX

So a hybrid it is!
Thank you I appreciate all the help.

Now just a few more questions... I apologize I am a nuisance but your information is worth more than gold.

Brands? What are good what to stay away from?
tire size? (im 5'9)
How many speeds?

and anything else you can give me tips on. Would be wonderful.

I really want to make this the right purchase.


There is also no performance bike shops in NY state at all...


I do not want to resort to big box stores just yet. I will keep looking till I find something.

PathogenX

Looking around at performancebike.com

Found some pretty good looking bikes

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...7_20000_400322

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1511000_400322

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1511000_400322

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1511000_400307

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...7_20000_400307

ptle

Tire size depends on what you want. You could have 700x28 and they'd be a fast commuter tire, but it wouldn't be as plush as 700x35 tires, which would be a more comfortable ride, but you'd sacrifice a small amount speed. 700x32 is a good middle ground. Your weight should really determine your tire size. Lighter people tend to like smaller tires and larger people tend to like bigger tires. However if you're 250 pounds, you can still use a 700x28 tires. It comes down to preference.

Of the bikes you listed, I didn't really like any. You don't really need suspension for commuting and most of those are comfort bikes. Also some of the bikes listed did not come in the size you probably need which is probably a 17" or 19" bike.

The number of speeds won't really matter. More gears are better, but it may not be worth it to get an 8 speed instead of a 7 if it costs more.