In the market for a bike. Advice?

NicolelaJones
NicolelaJones Posts: 84
in Fitness and Exercise
I know this topic has been posted a lot through out the boards but I figured that my budget might be a little less then the posts I've already read.

My husband and I are both looking at hybrid (Path and Pavement) bikes but only want to spend $300ish each. (Id be willing to go over a tiny bit if i fall in love with one!) We'd like to find a good mens bike and a good womans bike.

I'm really looking for suggestions and advice! Any good websites or bikes that work great for you? I'd love to buy it online so I can have it shipped right to my house.

Thanks so much!
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Replies

  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    Hybrids are a good launching point. Look for something with a rigid front fork. Inexpensive suspension forks are generally rubbish, and are kind of a wasted effort on primarily pavement or easy dirt paths.

    I'd suggest brands like Trek, Cannondale, etc. Bike store brands. Not department stores. (But Schwinn is certainly nice, from a bike store.)

    For a quality bike under $300, how do you feel about used?

    There are a few sites that sell generic frames wiht name brand components for cheap - but these bikes often require a good deal of tuning/adjustment to get right. If learning how to do a tuneup (derailleur adjustments...) on a bike sounds like your cup of tea, then go ahead.

    Otherwise support your local bike store (LBS)

    There's also local places like Performance Bicycle that are nationwide, have a good rewards program, and offer lifetime adjustments on their bikes.
  • sillygoose1977
    sillygoose1977 Posts: 2,151 Member
    You are honestly going to have a hard time finding a quality bike for that price range. I would suggest looking on craigslist for a used one, but first go to a local bike shop and find your size.

    If you are willing to spend a little more, REI carries some decent bikes for less than you will find at a bike shop but better quality than what you will get at the dreaded WalMart or a big sporting goods store.
  • NicolelaJones
    NicolelaJones Posts: 84
    I would feel pretty confident buying used and I think Id go to my local bike shop to tune and adjust it. The only problem with buying at the shops local to me is the lowest price bike they have is around $850 and the shops are pretty intimidating.

    I'll check out your suggestions! Craigslist makes me a bit nervous, is there a reputable online bike shop that sells used bikes?

    I did check out Performance Bicycle! Loved it and its my main contender at the moment :)
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    You may be able to save a few $$ buying on-line but may, ultimately find that buying at a bike shop is a better value (don't go to the big box stores, they tend to know nothing about what they're selling) as they'll usually include at least one tune up and will fit the bike for you, and if you do have some minor warranty issues dealing with an on-line retailer can be a pain.

    My first commuter/hybrid bike was a Marin Larkspur (I forget what I paid for it but it was pretty affordable) it was well made and offered good value. I've since graduated to a road bike but the Marin is still serving my daughter's riding needs.
  • NicolelaJones
    NicolelaJones Posts: 84
    better quality than what you will get at the dreaded WalMart or a big sporting goods store.

    *shudders* I'll cry if I have to settle at walmart!
  • NicolelaJones
    NicolelaJones Posts: 84

    My first commuter/hybrid bike was a Marin Larkspur (I forget what I paid for it but it was pretty affordable) it was well made and offered good value. I've since graduated to a road bike but the Marin is still serving my daughter's riding needs.

    Thanks!! I'll be looking into this brand!
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    With performance, they give you a really good coupon book and you can buy a yearly pass for 10% rewards, plus their prices are always really low. If you spend $600 on bikes, you get $60 in store credit... enough for some needed items.'

    They sell a lot of Fuji bikes, which are very decent.
  • NicolelaJones
    NicolelaJones Posts: 84
    With performance, they give you a really good coupon book and you can buy a yearly pass for 10% rewards, plus their prices are always really low. If you spend $600 on bikes, you get $60 in store credit... enough for some needed items.'

    They sell a lot of Fuji bikes, which are very decent.

    oh thats great! We would most definitely spend 600 between my husband and I. Thats great news ...we have a long list of accessories we'd like! :) Thanks!
  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    You could get a GT or Diamondback hardtail MTB for that price. Add a set of slick tires, and you have a very nice street bike.
    My MTB is a Specialized Hardrock Disc that was about that price 4 years ago, it seems like the are ~$500 now though :(

    In road and mountain bikes, usually the only difference between men's and women's bikes are paint jobs. Some time women's bikes come in tiny sizes, which is only an issue if you are under 5'0". Rarely, women's bikes have a different geometry, but all of these are high end road bikes, over 10x your budget.
    Cruisers could be different, as women's bikes sometimes are "step through".
    Really, the only reasons to buy a women's bike are:
    If you are less than 5' tall
    If you really like baby blue or pink
    If you bike in a skirt
  • NicolelaJones
    NicolelaJones Posts: 84
    Wow really?? I hate the pink and curvy bikes that woman have.. thats some serious good advice!
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    If you go mountain bike, look for a 29 rather than a 26
    the 29 shares tire sizes with 700c (road bike/hybrid) bikes.
  • knightreader
    knightreader Posts: 813 Member
    i love my trek 702 hybrid. have had it for a few years, but just starting to use it more now that i have recovered from knee surgeries. i ride mostly pavement, but nice to know i can take on a easy walking trail if i wanted to. it was a little out of your price range, as it was mine, but when i researched bikes within my range, i knew i wasn't getting anything too good. to buy mine, i took my price range, then returned all the bottles in my garage, cashed in all the coins i had at the bank, and called in an early birthday present from my parents. i finally had enough. once i was at the bike shop, the owner was trying to sell me some accessories like a water bottle, kickstand and pump. i told him, "here is the money i have to spend" and showed it to him. "if you want me to buy this other stuff, you need to lower the price of the bike." he did. and i gave him all my money and walked out with the bike i wanted, a water bottle, kickstand and a pump too. about a month later i went back and purchased a mirror for my helmet and a small bag to hold my car keys, id, and a few spare bucks just in case. my neighbor has the same bike and loves his too.

    good luck...
  • NicolelaJones
    NicolelaJones Posts: 84
    WOW!!! Thats awesome! Maybe I should do that.. now that i have a better understanding of my price range I'd like to see what a smaller bike shop can do for me.

    I went to a bigger bike shop in boston and they made me feel like i didnt belong there because of my price range!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I went to a bigger bike shop in boston and they made me feel like i didnt belong there because of my price range!

    That's exactly how I ended up buying my Marin. The first shop I went to made me feel like an idiot because I wasn't planning on spending over $1,000. Then I stumbled across a smaller "Mom & Pop" bike shop run by cycling enthusiasts and loved the way I was treated. Guess where I bought my road bike?
  • samntha14
    samntha14 Posts: 2,084 Member
    If you have a local shop you would like to deal with then don't be afraid to ask them to special order if the y don't tend to carry the bike at your lower price point. I LOVED my Trek 930 WDS. It's women's geometry without that stupid sloped top tube. It was a mountain bike but I could swap out my tires for long road rides. I'm actually looking for a used bike right now myself because I can only spend $200 and I DON'T want to compromise.
  • travisseger
    travisseger Posts: 271 Member
    My wife and I both purchased Giant Sedona hybrids from a small bike shop a year ago and love them. Paid a little over $400 per bike, if I recall correctly. I ride mine at least 4 days a week, both paved and unpaved trails, and haven't a a single problem. Very satisfied.
  • samntha14
    samntha14 Posts: 2,084 Member
    29er's are crazy popular right now and very efficient to ride. my husband recommends them to recreational riders.
  • egiakatt
    egiakatt Posts: 90 Member
    I need to know this too!
  • eksb
    eksb Posts: 93
    What kind of riding do you want to do? Distance, utility/errands, exercise? Nashbar.com has some great prices. Not many bikes but when you need to get the extras like helmets, lights, parts, upgrades, etc. Lots of great advice here! Research the styles you want, go for test rides, maybe even rent bikes at first to find out what you like--upright, road bike style, etc. Then, check out craigslist to see what's available used. You can also buy a lower-priced bike from a local shop, you can always upgrade the components as you use the bike more but don't let them talk you into a more expensive bike than you need.

    We're doing the 30 day challenge and are on day 9, it's been great to get back into the habit of riding everyday. www.tinyhelmetsbigbikes.com
  • litatura
    litatura Posts: 569 Member
    Hit your local bikeshops and see if they are having any sales on last year's models and/or unpopular sizes. I got an awesome Kona mountain bike a few weeks back for $299 (I think it was $800 regularly) because it was from last year and it was a small frame (the one good side to being short!).
  • WickedGarden
    WickedGarden Posts: 944 Member
    You could get a GT or Diamondback hardtail MTB for that price. Add a set of slick tires, and you have a very nice street bike.
    My MTB is a Specialized Hardrock Disc that was about that price 4 years ago, it seems like the are ~$500 now though :(

    In road and mountain bikes, usually the only difference between men's and women's bikes are paint jobs. Some time women's bikes come in tiny sizes, which is only an issue if you are under 5'0". Rarely, women's bikes have a different geometry, but all of these are high end road bikes, over 10x your budget.
    Cruisers could be different, as women's bikes sometimes are "step through".
    Really, the only reasons to buy a women's bike are:
    If you are less than 5' tall
    If you really like baby blue or pink
    If you bike in a skirt


    I just bought a new mountain bike, it's a Men's 18"
    I stand 5'1" and my inseam is about 27", and the bike is really big for me. I cannot even stand over the bar, I'm on my toes, when I stop, I have to lean the bike over, and it's a bit intimidating.

    Years ago, I went to REI to get 'fitted' for a bike, and basically was told I'd have to get one custom made because I have a longer torso and shorter legs. Since I cannot afford a custom made bike right now, I bought stock bike. Got it from Costco, $350. It has decent name brand parts (Shimano shifter, crank and drivetrain)

    I am assuming that the OP is just beginning in the biking world, hence she does not want to spend a lot of money. I am in the same boat, and that's why I bought the bike from Costco, if I decide I don't like the bike after the summer is over Costco will take the bike back and I can get my money back. Can't do that at a LBS, (Costco is local for me anyway).
    If I decide I *love* biking, I will go to REI (again they are local to me as well) and cough up the $1000 for a custom bike.

    So, OP, if you are near Costco, I'd check out their bikes...you can see the website www.northrockbikes.com (currently they only distribute thru Costco). i had to put my bike together, but it was really simple, and the company has a video that shows you step by step how to put it together.
    I went for a 3 mile bike ride over the weekend, the bike rode nice and smooth, I would recommend looking into them.

    Good Luck!
  • softwind
    softwind Posts: 573 Member
    I have a Trek "bike path" bike. It has bigger tires so it can go on both pavement and gravel, Love it. You could go to a bike store and get fitted and then buy one elsewhere once you know what kind of things would work. Performance Bikes is good, REI, and even smaller local bike shops depending on where you live. I bought mine at local place and was treated awesome. He went through different ones and what type of riding I planned to do etc. He never once tried to upsell me to a road bike or anything super expensive. Ride a few different types and see what feels best. Different types have different handle bar or pedal set ups, etc. Good luck!
  • TheLukePhone
    TheLukePhone Posts: 30 Member
    The Kona Dew bikes are very nice for the price (around $400) and are hybrid bikes.

    Trek has the 7.2's that are a little bit more, but also very nice.

    Cannondale has the Quicks, which are very nice also.
  • _John
    _John Posts: 27 Member
    I'm surprised no-one suggested trying ebay. For that money you really can't buy a new bike of much quality but most bikes get very little use so look for last years models on ebay. I bought a Specialized bike (a decent mass market brand) for about that price that was like new but I paid half the new price.

    --
  • aleciafeustel
    aleciafeustel Posts: 9
    The best way to get a good price 2-300 on a hybrid bike is now, in the spring.
    Last years models go on sale and, you can usually get it for about 1/2 or 2/3 the price of a new one.
    I got a GT Nomad last year for 250$ from the bike outlet shop near where I live.
    Or craigs list always have used bikes on.
    I sold my 20 year old Timberlin on there last year for $50.
    Hope that help, happy biking:bigsmile:
  • eksb
    eksb Posts: 93
    I noticed advice about settling on a bike just because it's cheaper. I really don't recommend this at all. If your bike doesn't fit you properly, you won't be able to ride it long distances and you'll begin to hate it. It will sit in the garage and never be used. You could even injure yourself terribly. You need to be able to get your feet on the ground and straddle the top tube comfortably. Can you imagine hitting that thing in an accident? Or even having to come to a quick stop and not being able to get your feet on the ground easily. Yikes!!!

    Why buy something that you won't ever get used to. Above all, get a bike that fits you.
  • mjclingan
    mjclingan Posts: 3
    I work at a small local bike shop to my area. Please try another one in your area. The one you went to was rude? Yeah, we have them here too. Find one that is willing to work with you and find the right bike in YOUR price range and size. You want the bike to fit you and your budget, be comfortable that you WANT to ride it and to fit all your needs.

    We will order last years leftover bikes in your size and give you the sale price so we don't put you on the wrong size bike. We do free inspection tune ups for life. Tons of shops in PA (where I live) are like this and for every one like us there is another one that would rather sell you whatever is on the floor no matter the size just to get it out of there.

    Wear comfortable clothing and ask for a test ride. If something feels off ask the bike shop to adjust it and test ride it again. DON'T just consider bike brands you "know" as being "good" brands. We only carry Felt and Jamis in stock (and just recently dropped Giant because we couldn't keep up with their stocking commitments.... we are a really small shop). We can also order Haro, Kona, Lynskey, Voodoo, Niner, Redline, etc. So don't be put off by random names. They are usually smaller companies with excellent bikes as well!
  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    If you go mountain bike, look for a 29 rather than a 26
    the 29 shares tire sizes with 700c (road bike/hybrid) bikes.

    It might be getting better now, but when they came out through last year, 29ers were reserved for the top of the line bikes. The cheapest 29er I've seen is well over $1k. You might be able to find a used one, but they aren't too old either.
  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    You could get a GT or Diamondback hardtail MTB for that price. Add a set of slick tires, and you have a very nice street bike.
    My MTB is a Specialized Hardrock Disc that was about that price 4 years ago, it seems like the are ~$500 now though :(

    In road and mountain bikes, usually the only difference between men's and women's bikes are paint jobs. Some time women's bikes come in tiny sizes, which is only an issue if you are under 5'0". Rarely, women's bikes have a different geometry, but all of these are high end road bikes, over 10x your budget.
    Cruisers could be different, as women's bikes sometimes are "step through".
    Really, the only reasons to buy a women's bike are:
    If you are less than 5' tall
    If you really like baby blue or pink
    If you bike in a skirt


    I just bought a new mountain bike, it's a Men's 18"
    I stand 5'1" and my inseam is about 27", and the bike is really big for me. I cannot even stand over the bar, I'm on my toes, when I stop, I have to lean the bike over, and it's a bit intimidating.

    Wow, that's big! I'm 11" taller with about a 4" longer pant inseam, and I ride a 17-18" MTB.

    I ride a 58cm road bike, if someone tries to put you on one that big, slap them! Usually women's bikes don't go over 56cm.
  • NicolelaJones
    NicolelaJones Posts: 84
    I wanted to thank everyone for the advice along the way! Say hello to my new bike:

    http://www.coloradoskishop.com/GT_Transeo_4_0_Hybrid_Bike_Women_s_New_2011_p/gt4wtrans.htm?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shoppingengine&click=30416

    k1ornp.jpg

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