Hi

I just moved to Providence and started to use my walmart hybrid bike as an everyday commuter
In less than a week I started to see some rusting and yesterday my chain broke
I keep my bike outdoors and rarely leave the first speed - so I started looking at single speed bicycles thinking they might be easier to maintain and lighter

While doing research on the SE Draft (which my local bike shop is selling) I stumbled across your forum
I saw that SE has a bad rep here along with the Pure Fix (and Kilo TT has a good one - although i'm not looking for a fixie)

Could you recommend something that is under $500 that is reasonably comfy and would be easy to maintain?

I am looking to do around 2 miles on it daily - all in the city - and keep it outdoors. I'm not really interested in speed. Sealed parts would be huge plus. And i kinda like the idea of a coaster brake (but it is not a necessity)

Thanks

If you're in the northeast and you want to leave your bike outdoors year round things are going to rust. It doesn't matter the quality of the bike.

What about something like this? Save Up to 60% Off Road Bikes | Track Bikes | Fixed Gear | Single Speed Bicycles | Dawes SST singlespeed bicycles | Save up to 60% off list prices

Single speed (not fixed), front and rear brakes, more relaxed geometry than a track bike, lots of colors, just over $200 shipped.

Really, though, if you're just leaving your **** out in the rain and snow and all that then you're just going to end up with rusted, beat up, crappy bikes. Metal is metal. Sealed or not, you're not going to have a lot of luck if you don't take care of your ride.

^^^ Beat me to it.

I was just looking at this, which is almost at the same price point: Town Bikes | Classic, Stylish City Bikes | Urban Bikes | Commuter Road Bikes | Windsor Essex from bikesdirect.com

Oh, and, it's not that i won't take my bike inside but can't, because my landlord won't let me.
Maybe i should have another talk with him then

2 miles per day and no place to keep a bike indoors?

I'd just walk. Maybe jog a little.

I would. Maybe ask if you can keep it inside if you put down a couple of mats. Get some of those cheap door mats where the wheels will go and just carry the bike in and set it down. Either that, or don't tell your landlord. How often does he come in your apartment unannounced? If I remember correctly, he has to give you 24 hours notice, by law, unless it's an emergency (i.e., there's a flood, fire, etc.). And in that case, a bike would be the least of his worries.

I see no reason a landlord would not allow a bike in the building. That's just crazy. I own 4 bikes and one is a cheap Huffy big box bike, but I would not even leave it outside. It would rust away in no time.

So, if I would be able to bring my bike inside would the BD windsor essex still be a good purchase in the under $500 category, or should I go with something else?

I also don't see any way your landlord can prevent you from having a bike in your apartment. Is that written into your lease? I've seriously never heard of that and it makes no sense.

Yes, I think the Essex is a good deal for $250 if that is the style of bike you want.

He is afraid I might damage the wallpaper on the hall leading to my apartment. Oh well, i can always not tell him I guess.

I do like the style of the bike, and from what I read the important parts are decent and the rest I can upgrade as I go, so I might go with this one after all.

Thanks for all the input!

Yeah your landlord is a dick. Unless it's specifically written into your lease, I don't think he has any grounds to tell you what you can store in your space. If he wants to go after you for damages (IF they happen) he can do that when you move out. A lot of landlords seem to think they can tell their tenants how to live. This is not within their rights.

Get some mats and don't tell him.

The only difference between a fixed gear bike and a SS is the rear cog. To covert a FG to a SS, spin off rear cog, spin on freewheel. Your bike shop will do it in time it takes you to decide whether you want to buy 'this helmet' or 'that helmet'. Seriously, it's not even an issue.
What IS an issue, is that you'll need to have front and rear brakes on your SS, which is just a matter of making sure you buy a bike with them in the first place.

And while we're at it, your landlord is a dick. Ignore him and take your bike inside ... and be sure you don't damage the wall paper. This is one of those cases where it's usually better not to ask permission. Sounds like you did and he said 'no'. If you'd said nothing, he probably would never have even considered the question.

This is one of those cases where a folding bike with small wheels may work in your case. It will be much easier to carry it through a narrow hallway w/o damaging the wallpaper and take up a lot less space in your room. Given the very short distances you are riding, a folding bike should be sufficient.

That's a good bike for the money. I had one.

check out critical cycles on amazon, state bicycle co, and big shot fixed gear.....if i was to buy again i would get one of these.

So: Windsor essex from BD or Single Speed Commuter from Critical Cycles?
They are both the same price but which one do you guys think would be a better buy?
The BD bike has a chromoly frame, but the critical one just says it's a steel frame
Although the critical one has a more upright geometry, which is a plus

Robot Check looks like it has everything I am looking for (if i change the faux leather grips and saddle) but has some horrible reviews (mostly written by people who couldn't put it together)
Should i take a chance?