going cheap...but for a reason.
 

So I'm getting my first road bike and I'd like a fixie. I fully understand other importance of a quality bike and plan on buying one, just not yet. Im looking to buy a cheap bike to get me through this season so I can start riding and begin my research to make an informed purchase next year. In the mean time, cheap is what I'm after. I know I'm going to have to make repairs and even a few upgrades off the bat and I'm OK with that. After this year and after I buy a nice bike...this cheap bike will become my "beater". With that being said, here's what I'm looking at.

First -- http://www.amazon.com/Takara-Kabuto-...=road+bike+men

Second-- http://mobile.walmart.com/m/phoenix#...Large/12080282

Third--

http://m.target.com/p/magna-white-si...8/-/A-14211338

With these being my options, which would you recommend for a single year use bike? I hear the Target special can be had for $60 and under...which makes it tempting. Even if I have to throw $40-50 at it, I'm still at $100 and riding. Again, I know these aren't great or even good options..but what's the best of the bunch? Is there that much of a difference between a $60 Magna from target and a $150 Takara?

You only made this post to make your self feel better about the horrible decision your about to make.
I dont think either bike is worth the money you are about to invest.

i would find something that doesn't feel like its gonna break down on you at any moment.

Actually, that's not why at all. Knowing that I'm buying junk that ill have to repair is fine with me. I have no problem admitting that. I thought I made that pretty clear in the OP. I'm looking for opinions. Even if I buy a used bike off CL for this price range, its going to need work. Any used bike under $150 is more than likely going to need a tune up at leasdt, possibly tires/brakes/bar wrap. So we hats the difference between going new or going old, when both will require immediate upgrades? Though the brand new one will at least be rideable after tightening it up.

Get the higher quality used bike off ebay. Do some research on the bike. When you go to check the bike out spin the wheels to see if they are true. Check that the crank, sprocket and chain operate smoothly. Check that the brakes work and for any other bits that might be broken or falling off.

Know what it is going to cost you to get the bike in good working order and use this knowledge to negotiate.

You will end up with a much better bike for the money this way.

Since you don't have lots of money, your best bet is to buy a quality used bike.

Sorry mate, the others are right. Worn quality is better than new crap.

Really appreciate the feedback fellas! Thank you very much. I actually missed out on a GREAT deal on an early 90s
Nashbar for $40...ill keep sn eye out for something similar

I just bought my girl a Motobecane Track for $279 off of BD, and I felt cheap for not getting her at least a Kilo TT. Raise your standards, bro.

What is "this season" that you want to get through? Are you in the southern hemisphere?

I was in the same boat when I was looking to go fixed gear/ single speed. I didnt get anything nice, but I spent a little more money and I have had a great experience. With those Wal-Mart/Target/Cheapies, the quality is so poor that the components arent worth fixing when they break down. You are better off just throwing the parts away and getting new components. You may need a tune-up on something used, but you wont have to worry about cranks shearing off or brakes not working at all and leading you to certain death...
You can get something like this for $150 (in Asheville, not where you are) http://asheville.craigslist.org/bik/3619978843.html, so surely there is something where you are...

Judging by his Walmart link, he's in Phoenix. Having lived there, I can vouch for it being better to ride during the fall/winter than the warmer months. Cycling in 120° wouldn't be very fun.

If you're judging by the Walmart link, more like Tempe.

raisingarizonatrailerpark.gif

But fair enough.

If you're in Tempe, I'm on the other corner of Phoenix.

I did the same thing I think you want to do - buy a cheap bike with cheap components and learn to fix things as they break. The ultimate goal being trading out the junk in a year or so for quality. I'm now kind of regretting this decision. I wish I would have spent a month reading and learning rather than a week because I would have handled the situation differently. I was impatient though, so here I am.

I would watch craigslist for awhile, there's also azfixed.com which is a local fixed message board - it moves kind of slow, but every now and then bikes get posted up there. There's also a used bike/trade-in store in Tempe, if you haven't walked in there, I'd recommend it. Every now and then they post their bikes on craigslist and they don't look too bad.

Whatever you do, make sure you're content with your final decision. People on the internet will probably make fun of your first bike - such is life. People in real life will probably also make fun of it. At the end of the day, no one really gives a **** about your bike but you, so if you're pleased with it, then great. Just ride the thing and **** the haters.

Oh, and go make friends with a couple of local shops. It will be helpful. I did not do this at first because I'm an introvert and hate people and would rather just learn to do things myself but having someone nearby that you can run ideas by or talk about bikes with can go a long way. Try to support them too, so what if the water bottle cage is $2 cheaper on amazon, help out a local - maybe when you're ready to upgrade to quality, they'll have a deal for you.

ftfy

I live in Maine, which isn't exactly a cycling Mecca due to the long winter, mud, and bug seasons. Even still, there are TONS of used fixies on CL for pretty cheap. I hand built the two I ride all the time, but could have saved a lot of money if I'd bought one with the components on it already and swapped to a different frame.

Avoid the Wal-mart junk, it's too heavy and not built well. This is one of those areas that you want to start out right or you'll never stay with it. I understand it's cheap, but personally I think it's a waste of money, which makes it expensive.

I live in NJ... Thanks for all the info guys. I'll start scouting Craigslist more readily and try to come up with something from there. Im just trying to get into the sport and dont have $1200 to drop on a bike. Im trying to do it as cheap as possible, which I know is never a good way to start anything; but thats why im here, so I can learn and at least pick something up that will last me until I can drop serious coin.

I bought my SE draft for $100 with upgraded pretty much everything, just lurk CL you will find something that will fill your needs. quick tip for you, posts without pictures don't get much traffic and can end up being a pretty sweet deal.

If you're in NJ, then you have lots of time to bike shop yet...I wouldn't rush into anything just yet. I think you'll be much happier in the long run.