Best Budget Bikes?

Pocket__Cthulhu

Good Morning.

So, I'm kinda sick of running. It's getting nicer out where I live and I was pondering the purchase of a road bike. However, the last time I got on a bike that wasn't bolted to the floor of the gym was roughly before I was able to get my driver license. Does anyone have any suggestions on brands that won't break my bank? The most I could afford right now would be about 3-400 dollars. Thanks!

MrWilson6

Are you looking for a road bike, or a hybrid (combination of a road and mountain bike)? If you are looking for a road bike, you won't find anything decent for what's in your price range. If you consider a hybrid, you could find a good bike within the 3-400 range. The key thing that you need to do when shopping for a bike, is find something that will fit you properly. If it doesn't fit, you will be in more pain at the end of the ride, than you were riding the one that was bolted to the floor. Most bike shops allow you to take a bike out for a quick test-ride, so take advantage of that as well. I find it is sort of like buying a car, and you want to make sure you are getting a good deal for what the bike can provide.

Hope that helps.

kcjchang

Avoid big box store bikes and temptation of getting heavy clunker wide tire (mountain) bike unless you plan to ride on trails semi exhaustively. You might want to save up a bit or buy a used one. $600+ is entry. Don't forget to pat your budget for a helmet, bottles, clothing, and tools/parts/spares to cover mishaps on the road. If your handy (or know someone) and know your sizing (Google online sizing calculator), mail order is an option.

unawind

I agree. $600 minimum for a reliable bike. As far as comfortable saddles, Brooks leather saddles are expensive but are the best. Avoid very cushy saddles. They initially feel good but ultimately cause trouble.

Go to your local bike shop first. Shop around, test ride bikes. Don't be afraid to take your time. If any bike sellers are rude or try to pres sure you, leave. You want to be happy with your ride.

Remember: the best bike for you? It's the one you actually ride.

punkrockgoth

As said above, go to an actual bike shop, not a big box store, try for a bigger budget. However, if you ignore that advice and go to a big box store, don't ignore this advice: TIGHTEN ALL THE THINGS BEFORE YOU RIDE! I cannot stress this enough. If you don't know how, take it into a community bike shop and they can help you out there.

But seriously. Don't buy your bike from Walmart of Canadian Tire.

BrianSharpe

With your budget ny recommendation would be to look for a used bike.....I don't know where you're located but you can find some real deals on slightly older steel frame bikes (I just missed a Bianchi in great shape with a high end groupset for $100......)

NorthCascades

A used bike is absolutely going to be your best bet. It's sort of like a car, in that there's a lot of depreciation when you buy a new bike. Let somebody else pay for that. Bikes are unlike cars in that they tend to go fewer miles, they're easier to work on, and the parts are much cheaper. Also a lot of people buy one with the best of intentions and sell it when they give up on their resolutions.

Have a friend who knows about bikes help you shop for one. The most important thing is that it fits you well. Don't buy used carbon from somebody you don't know and trust.

Pocket__Cthulhu

Thank you for all the advice. These were exactly the sorts of things I wouldn't have thought about.

pomegranatecloud

If that was my budget, I'd go for a used bike. You're not going to get a good quality new bike with that budget if you're looking for a road bike. Be careful if you're going to buy off of Craigslist because it's filled with stolen bikes. You might want to check with your local police departments because some have annual or semi-annual sales of unclaimed bikes, and the ones by me often have good quality and high end bikes in good condition for very cheap.