FORUMS > Cycling Forum Rules

Hey guys-

Lookin to get an eraly start on my New Year's resolution to live a bit healthier than the year before. I am planning on getting a bike to help diversify my exercise regimen. Do any of you know of any good yet affordable (under $200-250) cycles that are out there? In addition, are there any sites that you may know of that are dedicated to ameture cyclists?
Thanks

~Q

livinmuyguapo wrote : "...good yet affordable (under $200-250) ..."

I really think all you are going to get for that price is a Sears special...

Most 'Decent' bikes are a bit more than that today.

Look at TREK bikes http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/ to see what I mean. even an SU 2 will run you twice that.

I just bought a couple bikes from Specialized http://www.specialized.com/; I paid a lot more than what you suggested, and that is only considered a 'middle class' - ok maybe 'upper middle class' of bike.

I was very happy with our old Trek bikes - they were great (just stopped making the models we really wanted).

I would suggest finding a shop that will spend time with you, really listen to what you are going to use it for, and let you test ride.

A quality new single speed can start around $600 and go up from there (my partner and I both have single speed bikes).

If you're not sure that you're going to ride regularly and are worried about spending to much $$$, look into a used or refurbished bike.

Above all - shop around before you buy. Check co-ops and retail stores.

Bro - go to a GOOD shop. Mountain bikes are more forgiving, and most decent shops will have entry-level versions for ~$350. Besides, they'll probably have a recommendation for a hybrid option. A road bike will run you a lot more - best to wait until you're sure about riding before you drop the card.

Welcome to the brotherhood.

I have a Montague folding mountain bike. They run a little more $ than you mention, but I found mine at a Sams club for about $350. It's a full size mountain bike that folds up small enough to carry on a plane, and small enough for the trunk of my Honda Civic. It has front suspension and front disc brakes, and can be folded with no tools in about a minute. If you have to commute or travel with a bike, but still want a full size serious bike, it's great. The only thing someone might not like is that since it's a mountain bike, it's hard to get very fast on it without pedalling like crazy, but it hops curves and goes over grass and mud great.

I have a Trek mountain bike and paid about $400 - $450... a bit more than you mentioned but I'll tell you...a great deal...love the bike.

livinmuyguapo saidHey guys-

Do any of you know of any good yet affordable (under $200-250) cycles that are out there? ~Q

In your price range, look for a used bike with low miles. If you're tuned into bikes, you'll be able to pick out a good one that might have sold for $600 - $800 new. Unless you are hell bent on riding off road, skip the mountain bikes and get a road bike as light as you can afford. Weight is your enemy. Otherwise, bike stores have 1 year same as cash deals where you won't pay any finance charges if you pay it off before the year is up. My opinion is that you need to spend at least a grand if you want to get something that you will enjoy riding enough to continue doing it. Otherwise, a new $250 bike will be so heavy that you won't want to ride it after a week. Just my opinion. I bought a Giant FCR-1 and put over 5,000 miles on it in 2 years. My next bike will be a Trek Madone road bike. It's all about having fun. Good luck!

livinmuyguapo saidHey guys-

Lookin to get an eraly start on my New Year's resolution to live a bit healthier than the year before. I am planning on getting a bike to help diversify my exercise regimen. Do any of you know of any good yet affordable (under $200-250) cycles that are out there? In addition, are there any sites that you may know of that are dedicated to ameture cyclists?
Thanks

~Q

Hey man,

Check out Craigslist for used bikes - brands to go for include Cannondale, Trek, and Specialized (not necessarily in that order). It also depends on the type of riding you want to do (mountain vs road). I just bought a Specialized Hardrock XC w/ disc brakes for 380. Its SICK and light as hell (about 25-30 lbs I guess) and offers a great ride for a mountain bike and I could not be happier.

Happy Trails. Haha.

I'd see if there's a bike co-op or used bike shop in your area. I usually go to a guy here who has a used shop in his basement. A friend of mine got a Gary Fisher frame from him, built up with components she wanted for $250, I think. You might also see if there's a bike advocacy group in your area, they might know someone who does used bikes.