FLJeepGuy

The OP hasn't responded to this thread or had any activity on BF since August. I think it's a dead issue for now.

BrieLikeDcheese

Ok, I am back, for those of you who care. My budget was exhausted and then replenished during the Holidays. Yay, Christmas money. Still on a tight budget though. Upwards of around 200-300 is what I can manage. Upon further inspection of my hybrid. It has fallen down a few times, when the kickstand was failing. My fault. Otherwise, the tires are shot and i think a lot of things are bent in areas, like the fender part. I went to try and add a rack on the hindside and things didn't line up right. The breaks and gears are still really good. I'm said to get rid of it, but i think it's hopeless maybe. I don't know if it would even be good for me now, in terms of comfort. I really want a quality everyday bike that I can haul things with, especially if i want to attach a trailer. I was looking at this one. What say you about it? It's very freaking heavy. Like 2 babies worth of weight or more. Let me know what you think and i have dropped some pictures of my old hybrid for you to look at it.

Schwinn Womens Gateway 28"/700c Hybrid Bike- Cream : Target That looks like it's not very raised/upright, so that is a plus for my back, no?

My bike:

RonH

Glad you're back. Your current bike looks ok in the pictures. Have you taken it to a bike shop for an evaluation. There's no charge for that. The bike shop folks can tell you what any repairs (if needed) will cost and can tell you how much it will cost to repair the fender mounts, attach a rear rack, etc.
Let us know what you decide.

jaxgtr

Brie, if you can swing the $200 for the bike from Target, I'd say, get the existing bike looked at first and then you can get an idea on what it would take to make the corrections. I'd say it would be far less money to get it fixed than buy the new one. That kickstand probably just need to be replace with a rear stay version which can be had on Amazon for less than $25. I like them better than the center mounts.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...Stay+kickstand

The tires don't look bad from the pictures, but are they worn through or cracking on the sidewalls? If not, then I'd say no need to replace them yet.

You can your bike tuned up for less than $100, wheels trued, gears adjusted, brakes adjusted, stuff like that, and you will be back in business. Then they can help you with the fenders, rack and other items you are looking for. I can't remember if you said you lived near Town Center or just had the unfortunate experience at BD in Town Center, in any event, if you can get you bike over to bike shop near you, they can take care of you. If you do live in Town Center area, go to Performance (Tinseltown\Southside Blvd) or one of the the Bicycles Etc locations on Philips or Beach Blvd, you should be in good shape.

rumrunn6

new bikes are great fun and good motivators for actually riding them. good used bikes are what some ppl live for, so be sure to pass yours on and don't leave it in some basement lonely and lost. I had great luck w a Schwinn hybrid from target. my suggestion is to have the bike assembly checked by your local bike shop. fast assembly can lead to poor assembly. also and especially have the wheels/spokes checked and trued, then again after the 1st 100 miles.

jaxgtr

Brie....I saw where Performance has a 1/2 price tune up special going on through March 1st. 39.99 or something very close to that. Thought I would pass it along.

BrieLikeDcheese

Thanks so much for the suggestions everyone. Do you know if Performance bike shop takes in used bikes and gives you a break on the price of a new one? Or if not, can you still donate it to someone there or give it over for parts? I think I really just want a new nice looking bike. But who knows, they could change my mind when i'm there. I hope to get there soon. I also know of Dick's and that other place that starts with an A, but they seem to have really HIGH prices. I was a gasp at some of them that looked pretty average with average tires for over 1 grand!

CliffordK

From the photos, your current bike looks clean, pretty sharp, not very beat up. Anything I see is much more battered than that.

I'd encourage you to consider taking a bicycle maintenance course at your local community college, or see if there is a local bicycle co-op that you could join. hopefully with someone who would give you some tips and pointers.

I believe that anybody should be able to change a tire or a tube, pump up the tires, and tighten a few bolts as necessary. You don't have to adjust your derailleurs, but it is not that difficult to do.

I'd tell you to stop by, but you're in the SE, and I'm in the NW.

RonH

A couple of years ago when I lived in Atlanta, the Performance shops didn't take trades. Perhaps one of the shop mechanics will make an offer on your bike.
Good luck.

CliffordK

Many bike shops will not carry (and thus may not take trades) on low-end bikes, but it never hurts to ask.

You could also put it up on Craigslist... $50 to $100... Take a bit better photos, list the woes associated with the bike and say it needs a tune-up. Get the price right, and it will sell.

I still think you're better off just repairing your current bike, and much better off if you learn to do the work yourself.

jaxgtr

Hey Brie, how tall are you. I can scour Craig's List as there might be a bike that will work for you there. I've bought and sold via Craig's List several times and sometimes, you can find a diamond in the rough for a fairly easy price.

For example: Marin Larkspur aluminum 24 speed hybrid comfort bike w/commuter tires. This bike has a very upright position which would be good on your back. If you are in the 5'3 - 5'7 range, this one might work for you. Brand new this bike was $500 and they are only wanting $160, which you can probably get them down to $120-$150. I just texted them to see if they still had it by the way.

Also, do you want a geared bike? Are Cruiser\Single Speeds in consideration?

Brian

jaxgtr

If you want to get rid of it, I would donate it to the Salvation Army over on Beach near Sam's. Performance as most shops around here, will not take trade in's.

jaxgtr

Hey, this one is right up you alley. Sits upright, made by Giant, looks very clean...same seller and the other bike I pointed out, but this one is a step through frame. The picture looks funky on the handlebars, but here is a picture of someone riding the bike model on google so you can get a better idea. He still has both bikes.

26" women's Giant Suede aluminum 7 speed hybrid comfort bike