16 replies to this topic

[EDF]

Hey Folks...

I haven't had a bike in several years, but loved riding when I did on the trails...

anyone got an idea... how good a bike I could get for about $200-$250...

I'm not planning on joining any bike club... just something I can get on and go on the trails... another question is the kind of seat that is supposed to be used now days...

I read something recently that the wrong kind of seat can cause "issues" in men...

wouls appreciate some feedback...

Thanks

[Steve Heard]

Hey Folks...

I haven't had a bike in several years, but loved riding when I did on the trails...

anyone got an idea... how good a bike I could get for about $200-$250...

I'm not planning on joining any bike club... just something I can get on and go on the trails... another question is the kind of seat that is supposed to be used now days...

I read something recently that the wrong kind of seat can cause "issues" in men...

wouls appreciate some feedback...

Thanks

With the same concerns, I went to Bicycles Plus and to Bicycle Planet. The kid at 'Plus treated me like a dolt for not wanting a top of the line road bike and told me how I'd regret it if I purchased 'something cheap'.

At Bicycle Planet, Matt listened to me and suggested the Giant Sedona DX. It costs about $400, but it is strong, smooth and comfortable.

It also has a good seat that doesn't feel like your sitting on a razor blade.

http://bicycleplanet.net/

[Darthvader]

Hey Folks...

I haven't had a bike in several years, but loved riding when I did on the trails...

anyone got an idea... how good a bike I could get for about $200-$250...

I'm not planning on joining any bike club... just something I can get on and go on the trails... another question is the kind of seat that is supposed to be used now days...

I read something recently that the wrong kind of seat can cause "issues" in men...

wouls appreciate some feedback...

Thanks

Do some research and then check Craigslist. A lot of people think they will use these their bikes a lot and buy really nice ones then they sit after 2 weeks. I have a buddy who got a bike that probably cost ~2k for like $500.

[Dave Burrell]

Hey Folks...

I haven't had a bike in several years, but loved riding when I did on the trails...

anyone got an idea... how good a bike I could get for about $200-$250...

I'm not planning on joining any bike club... just something I can get on and go on the trails... another question is the kind of seat that is supposed to be used now days...

I read something recently that the wrong kind of seat can cause "issues" in men...

wouls appreciate some feedback...

Thanks

You don't need to spend big bucks on a bike, especially if its only going to be ridden now and then instead of all the time and for racing

I had a real nice Specialized bike that I paid $750 (new) for, a few years later I got a GT bike for $150 (new) and the dang thing was better then the Specialized! You definitely don't need to spend big bucks to get a nice bike.

Plan on spending about $200-300 for a decent set of wheels. As Darth noted, craigslist is your best bet for a good bike at a great price. The bicycle shops around here could probably set you up with a new bike for around $400-500

[Dave Burrell]

Couple of recommendations:
Get a geared bike (21 speed or around), that way you can change the gearing on the go for easier peddling up hills etc.
Get a bike that is at least 26-27", you're a tall guy and you don't want to get a short bike

here's some decent bikes on craigslist

http://sacramento.cr...1420359146.html

http://sacramento.cr...1422181472.html

this one's too pricey but its nice
http://sacramento.cr...1422012012.html

this is a really good one
http://sacramento.cr...1421965012.html

http://sacramento.cr...1421258308.html

[harrmill]

I agree on the above suggestions. You need not spend a lot to get a decent ride. The one advantage to going to a reputable bike shop is you can at least get sized properly. Even if you end up not buying from the shop, at least you will know what size bike frame to look for if you start going on craigslist. The seat can be removed/upgraded so that should not be a showstopper if you find something the right size. It would be bad to get something that does not fit you properly.

[Stitch]

Recommend Bicycle Planet (heard alot of great comments from friends), Bicycles Plus (been a customer there back when they were on F-A Rd. and havent had the attitude which sadly Steve encountered).

I also like Performance Bicycles (closest is on Madison\Sunrise next to Trader Joes). Good helpful people and service and great sales promos.

Agree with above that you can find a great under $400 bike and have fun with it. More expensive are aimed for prosumer to amateur racers who are sticklers about the materials and components. You need one that is fitted for you (height, weight, riding preferences) so that you can look forward to riding vs. feeling tired, sore, aching or uncomfortable.

Life's short, enjoy the ride.....

[Thinkingoutloud]

It will be tough to get a good bike at that price. Target/Walmart etc. have them, but they aren't made with the best materials - I'm not sure how happy you will be with one.

I went to that big bike shop in Roseville and picked up a Trek for about $400 and I'm very happy with it.

[Steve Heard]

I have lots of biker friends, and they advised me that in addition to proper fit, the other issues with buying used is that you don't know the bike's condition or history.

Most recommend that if you do buy used, that you bring it to a bike shop for a tune up. You may find that you need a new chain, brakes, and/or cables. You should also get a new saddle, as you don't want to ride on the one some other guy's been sweating on for the past couple of years. All of this can add $100 or more to your costs.

So, a $200 bike on CL may or may not be in good condition, may or may not have been in a wreck, may or may not have been stolen, and you'll may have to put another $100.

In the end, I decided to go new, getting a bike that fit me right, and came with all the the new stuff.

[Robert Giacometti]

EDF, There are lots of questions to ask before you buy a bike. The most important one is do you want road Bike or a Hybrid? I suspect you'll be wanting a hybrid to use on the trails.

It is important to get properly sized. I'd guess you'll need about 19 in frame.

Top name brands with specilized alloys to form the frame are the most expensive. You really won't need any special alloys to make the frame lighter, but make sure you get good quality componets. Look for Shiamano gear shifters on any bike you buy. The bikes at Wal mart generally will have less quality componets and will wear out rather quickly. Don't spend any money on a upgraded frame, you won't need it.

The 2 most important things you will need are a helmet, we don't want you falling and cracking the bike trail into pieces with that hard head of yours and a pair of biking shorts. The padded shorts are essential, although they may feel a little "unusual" at first you do need to use them as well.

I'd defintely buy a used bike off craigs list. They have some great deals and if you start to get into cycling you can always upgrade later. I have a Fisher that I have had for over 10 years and I gestimate I put on 2000 miles a year and I still ride it with all the original parts. I paid about $275 for it so bikes will last a long time. This is why getting a good quality used bike is a good option to consider.

Let me know when you get one we can go for a ride!

[EDF]

what is a hybrid... something in between a mountain bike with the big wide tires and one with the little skinny types that are on the races...?

[harrmill]

what is a hybrid... something in between a mountain bike with the big wide tires and one with the little skinny types that are on the races...?

Hybrid is a cross between a mtn bike, and a road bike. Has a lighter frame, thinner, lighter wheels and tires, and performs like a road bike (you will go faster than a mtn bike with fat tires), but instead of having those curved "drop" handlebars, it has straight handlebars like a mtn bike - meaning you get the performance of a road bike, without having to crouch over. Good for some light off roading, but meant for the pavement.

I agree on the saftey lesson - get a good-fitting helmet! There are 3 places you come into contact with the bike, hands, feet, and shorts - invest wisely in accessories in those areas, too.

[Robert Giacometti]

what is a hybrid... something in between a mountain bike with the big wide tires and one with the little skinny types that are on the races...?

Yes and it may also have handle bars that are more upright. This makes it a lot easier riding.

You really don't need those big wide knobby tires unless you are going off road.

[Darth Lefty]

After you get past the retail level it's pretty hard for a regular non-hobbyist to tell why one bike costs $300 and the next $1500. You don't really need wheels laced by 200-year-old blind Andean monks.

I do recommend a Brooks seat. But I'm crazy like that.

[BIG PAKO]

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