Comments on: Ask the Readers: A Bike?

By: Jason at Steel Bike Deals

Jason at Steel Bike Deals — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:31:23 +0000

Lots of good advice here in this thread. While I’m something of an eBay proponent for a lot of bike related things, local options are definitely the way to go for someone just getting into cycling. Your local bike shop would be my first recommendation, followed by craigslist or the classifieds if you have a pretty good idea of the size and bike type you want to get.

By: Jesse Kanclerz

Jesse Kanclerz — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:32:26 +0000

Are you still looking for a bike?

I recently got my bike off of Rochester Craigslist. It’s a GT Saddleback mountain bike, originally retailed at $300 and got it for $95.

Anyhow, the guy I bought it from fixes up used bikes as a side business. He might have a bike which suits your needs.

If you’re interested shoot me an email, and I’ll send you his contact info.

By: Anitra

Anitra — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:54:40 +0000

Craigslist!! Also, if you go to a local bike shop to do research, you can also ask the employee(s) if they know of any place to find good used bikes, since you’re on a really tight budget.

As others have said, do NOT buy from WalMart, Sears, etc. They used to sell decent bikes ten years ago, but the ones they sell now are junk, and you’ll wish you had spent a little more for a good bike.

You should be able to get a “good-enough” new or almost-new bike for around $200. If someone is asking $100 or less for a new bike, I would be very wary and do some research online into that brand and model.

By: Peter Mottola

Peter Mottola — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:26:44 +0000

http://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:58:35 +0000

I agree with most of the comments here. Buy a hybrid, non-Walmart, used bike from CL. I got mine for $5 at a yard sale.

By: CHB

CHB — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:36:19 +0000

My trusty 10-year old bike was just stolen, and I bought a used ok-quality bike on craigslist to replace it. I’d say educate yourself on the brands out there so if you buy used (much less expensive) you’ll know if it’s from Wally World or a higher quality company. My old bike was a Giant and it was fabulous. The one I have now is Schwinn, which I’d say is a step down from Giant but definitely up from the ‘Marts. Also I recommend getting a “hybrid” bike, which are designed to do well on road and dirt/gravel, or a light mountain bike, but definitely not a strict road bike. Good luck!

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:55:18 +0000

On top of these suggestions, go to http://www.bikeforums.net. It’s a big forum for bikers and they have a plethora of knowledge.

By: jim orange

jim orange — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:48:17 +0000

hi; go to the salvationarmy.goodwill,yardsales or a secondhand store. look for the mountain bike type of bicycle! depending on your inseam determines what size of bike you need! most adult bikes are about 24”-27”in size! all bikes have some kind of manuel adjustment for seat’s & handelbar ’s. the tires should be a semi knobby type of tire this allows for trail & street use! handelbars come mainly in 2 styles ! depending on your physical shape i would use a handelbar that allowes you to set up straight less strain on the lower back.also a bigger seat will help with a sore setting down place! i wouldn’t spend more than 75$ for the basic bike then add the more comfortable seat & handelbar 15-30$ for both items depending on your local pricing! customize to your desires & comfort! the work is very easy if you can use a adjustable wrench! make absoutly sure that all bolts & nuts are tight failure to do so could cause physical harm. a male family member or friend should be able to help . hope this helps, jim

By: JD

JD — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:50:40 +0000

My wife and I are in our forties and we both have bikes. I recommend going to a bike shop. One of the most important things about buying a bike is getting the right size bike - otherwise it will be uncomfortable and you won’t ride it.

We have Trek’s. The cost (7 years ago) was about $500 a piece. They are hybrids - not touring or racing (extra thin tires) and not Mountain bikes (extra wide knobby tires). We like them as a general purpose bike for bike trails (both paved and dirt/stone).

Most bike shops will allow you to take a short spin - just like a test drive with a car. I recommend doing that to see which bike you are most comfortable with. Also, don’t be afraid to ask ton of questions. They are there to help - they want to get you the right bike as much as you do (so you tell your friends and they go buy bikes!).

Have fun!

By: Money Blue Book

Money Blue Book — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:48:56 +0000

Don’t get one of those street bikes with skinny wheels. They are terrible on dirt or gravel roads. Even paved bike trails occasionally stray into dirt roads like the local paths near my place. You’ll want good handling on all surfaces

Buy a mountain bike in my opinion. Happy trails!
-Raymond