Advice needed on purchasing a bike

[sweeps]

Hi folks,

With high gas prices and the need for some exercise I'd like to buy a bicycle. I'm thinking this is a good time to get some deals. Any advice on what to look for? Any hidden costs I should know about? Thanks!

[Russell]

With my limited knowledge the only thing I can advise you on the type of bike. I've always bought cheaper ($300-$400) mountain bikes but after riding my friend's road bike (the ones with skinny tires and turned down handles) I must say its the lightest and easiest bike to use day in and day out.

So test drive them both and then decide.

Also, keep an eye out for used bikes.

[shengmei]

I have a 1989 Centurion road bike (a gift by my fiance who restored it for me) It is truly an amazing bike. I love it.

It is not good to buy a mountain bike for normal use. The gear changer wears out, even though you are not changing the gear a lot. The derailer for the gears would cost $200 to replace every two or three years.

However, you can get a good road bike by Centurion or Schwann for about $20. Those bikes were made in the late 80s and early 90s. They were made in a time when bikes were made of stainless steel instead of aluminum (I love stainless steel). It is truly a great deal.

[Fern]

Sounds like you;re not in the habit of bike riding, and are just thinking of it cus of high gas prices. I'd go with a used bike in case you get tired of it or lose interest or later decide it's not for you.

[CRFSaver]

I bought (9 years ago) a specialized mountain bike. I think i got the previous year model so it was only about 250 bucks. Maybe a lot but I still have it after 9 years. I get it tuned every couple years but nothing has worn out yet and I have beat the hell out of it. Only thing I would worry about a touring bike is if you are gonna go to the store with it. I used to go to the grocery store with mine. The thick tires of a mountain bike give you a lot more stability especially if you are carry groceries or have something strapped to a rack. Also, when I was doing this in Chicago I didnt have to worry about if I hit a pothole and warping the rim. You could probably get one used.

[BAGAGT1]

To answer your question, I would need to know what kind of bicycling you plan on doing? What kind of terrain will you be riding in?

If you are looking to commute on your bicycle or paved bike paths, I would look into one of the commuter or hybrid bikes, it's kind of a cross between a mountain bike and a touring bike. We bought my wife one this year, and she positively preferred it over her mountain bike. Because the tires are not as knobby and thinner than a mountain bike, it has less rolling restistance than a mountain bike, so it is easier to pedal. However, the tires are not as thin as on a touring bike, so it is easier on bumps and potholes. Also, a lot of the newer bikes are coming with adjustable necks (stem), so you can change your riding position to suit your needs. A lot of the newer bikes also come with suspension seat posts which keeps shock of potholes from jarring your bottom. One last thing, I prefer the aluminum frames (although more expensive) it is easier to carry when lifting onto bike carriers, or if you have to carry it up any stairs.

Another area you will want to think about, is what type of shifter you would prefer, some prefer a grip shifter, other prefer a ratcheted rapid fire shifter (shift using your thumb and index fingers). I don't think one is better than the other, it is completely a personal preference.

If you want to ride on unpaved trails, then a mountain bike is in order.

If you want to ride long distances, then a touring/road bike is generally best.

Generally, a good quality new bike can be had for about $300, but don't overlook the used bikes either. I would suggest you test ride some bikes before you buy, villagecyclesport will allow you to test ride the bike in their parking lot. Try to get a feel for what you find comfortable.

[sweeps]

Hi, thanks for the replies. I plan on bicycling for light errands (bank, post office, etc.), riding to and from the commuter train station, and predominantly for leisure/exercise. I'll be riding on paved streets and trails 99% of the time.

At some point when my son (currently 9 mos. old) gets older, I'd like to tote him around as well.

Another consideration is that I'm in Chicago so I'll realistically only have about 8 months of riding time per year.

[BAGAGT1]

I'm in the Chicago Western Suburbs, so I can definitely relate. Were pretty much on the tail end of the riding season, which is great, because now is the best time to buy a bike as the stores want to get rid of this years model. I bought a mountain bike about 3 years ago, I bought a "last year's" model, and got a good deal on it. So far, I've had 0 problems with my bike, and I do ride it very often during the summer.

The important thing to remember is to buy a bike that you will be comfortable on. If a bike does not work for you, you will be less inclined to ride it.

[debtfreeme]

I just bought a bike this past weekend and i love it, even if i did get hit by a car on my way to work this am.

Find someone to go with you. Test all bikes before you buy. Don't feel bad for having them adjust the seat etc. This is an investment that if done right can last a long time.

Do not buy the extra supplise (lights, horn, racks, locks and chains) at the store you can purchase the same stuff cheaper on line or even at traget or walmart. I found the same lock and chain set they wanted $39 for 13 at walmart. ASk about whether they charge for tunes ups or if there is a year of service on your bike free. I talked to them and got two years of service, as long as i bring it in everythree months for them to inspect the bike, all for free and they had a list of 25 things they check. Also, for $5 per visit they will fix anything that is less than $100 to repair on the bike. I just have to make the choice is it worth $5 when i drop off the bike to risk saving another $95? Good luck and enjoy!

[gakline]

You should also check on hybrid bikes. They're set up for some road and some mountain biking. Generally they'll have fat tires that are slightly bald in the middle. Since you want it for the train, make sure you get something cheap (incase it gets stolen) and also think about riding in the rain, with seat covers or fenders.

[dealsaver]

I agree with anyone who reccomends checking out garage sales.

[abowers]

I just got a "hybrid bike" also called a "comfort bike" It's a women's Gary Fisher Napa bike... I got it back in August, so they were getting rid of the last of their 2005 models. I think it's a $400 bike, and was on sale for $350ish. I rode it to work 3-4 days a week for 2 months. My ride included driving down my road, along a canal bike path for 2 miles, then back on road again. I'm very pleased!

The place where I got my bike (an independent place here) will do a couple free check ups (1 month, 1 year).

About accessories -- I got a small under-the-seat-bag for something like $4 or 5 at Target (way cheaper than getting Bell or similar products from the bike shop).

I registered it with the local police department, which will allegedly help if it's stolen, but when it's home, we keep it inside, not locked outside. (I live in an apartment building) Another reason for keeping it inside was that the bike was shiny from being new at first so it kind of stood out from the other bikes. It's a bit dirtier now, so in the spring I may be keeping it outside.

[cercis]

I like the fisher bikes. It's what DH and I have. They make a nice hybrid. It's nice for trail rides with the kids.