I'm a noob, forgive my questions, we all got to start somewhere right? I just had a couple question. Currently I ride an entry level mountain bike to school (Iron Horse which aren't made anymore) about 2 miles each way, 4 miles round trip. I'm looking to upgrade to a hybrid bike since in the medical center everything is pavement, but on weekends/throughout the week I would enjoy going on trails, etc and I figured with my budget as of now, a hybrid bike would be best. My budget is probably about $350 (but again as a student, the cheaper the better lol, or rather the better bargain the better). 1) Best bet would be to go to a bike shop, any recommendations in the medical center/rice area? I don't plan to purchase a new bike, but a used one would be best until I find out what I really like. 2) Best brands for hybrids? From what I've seen, Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Giant? 3) Any recommendations on searches I should look for on craigslist? Any shops in Houston that sell used bikes? 4) I'm about 5'6" 5'7" so I'm guessing a 52-54cm (21in) frame would be best? 5) What should I look for in inspecting a used bike from CL? How much does it usually cost for a shop to look at a used bike and give me an estimate on repairs/maintenance when I bring a bike in? Any other advice would be appreciated. Thanks CF!
Search craigs list. A lot of people buy bikes and barely use them. You could find a practically new one for cheap. Jamis makes a very good Hybrid, http://jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/allegro/12_allegroxsport.html If you could find one used you could probably get it in your price range. I would recommend going full mountain though if you plan on riding trails, fixing your bike gets expensive. Specialized makes good mountain bikes right at $400 new. So used you could find it for less than $300. http://bikebarn.com/product/specialized-hardrock-72398-1.htm Some pawn shops will have a few day return period. Throw them a low ball on a bike and leave your number, they get desperate at times and just want to move inventory. You could then take it to a bike shop for an inspection. I'm not sure how much that would cost though.
I'm slightly familiar with commuting by bike so I can offer my experiences. I have about a 4 mile commute each way and 4 years ago I bought a Trek 7100 for around $450ish new. It was great for me, I really enjoyed the bike. It was just stolen last week though (left it parked overnight in public, came back the next day and someone cut through the lock) so I am in the market myself. My company is about to move so I am going to have about a 15 mile commute so I will probably be buying another commuter bike (looking at the Trek 7.4 FX). I never had any problems with the Trek 7100, even after crashing it 3 or 4 times. As for the frame size it seems like you are looking into a taller bike than you would need in my limited experience. I'm 5'8" and fit about a 18-19" frame (the Trek I had was a 17.5" frame, will probably get another 17.5" frame since the 20" is just a bit too tall for me). The best bet is to go to a couple of bike stores and try different frames. I don't live in Texas so can't give any advice on specific shops but there's nothing better than trying different sizes to see what you need.
There is Bike Barn in the Village and Planetary Bikes over on Stella Link/Braeswood. There's another shop on Shepherd just north of Alabama (Kipling). I prefer going to Northwest Cyclery (Southwest location), but I know the guys that run it. Watch for coupons and deals. At your price point, focus on frame. The components will all be low end, but most can be upgraded down the road. But you can't do anything about a heavy frame. Stay away from steel if you can afford it. The wheels will probably be the next thing - plan on replacing them down the road. Cheap wheels = cheap spokes,* and heavier. For the initial bike you get, think about what width you really need. Fatties will take more punishment and help with traction, but will slow you down. If you're going to be on streets but riding casual, look at the 1.75-1.25 inch range. I wouldn't go 700cc, personally, they will get flats more often on the Houston war-zone surfaces and you'll need to pump them up more frequently to maintain proper pressure. They're also useless off road. The last thing to plan on replacing in short order is the seat. The good news is, it's cheap and easy to switch them out. See if you can live with the gears and derailers. Be sure to let the associate know how you'll be riding - hybrids using mountain bike gearing will top out too soon on city streets and you'll be spinning in top gear wishing you could go a little faster. Don't get too caught up in brands - at your price point, it's not going to be the biggest deal. Lean on the sales associates and ask for the differences. Bare in mind, bike shops are going to be associated with a couple of brands and will not carry others. There's a semi-formal agreement among local bike shops not to cross compete with the same brands. For example - Northwest stays out of Giant and Specialized, Bike Barn doesn't feature Cannondale or Giant Have them measure you in store and get fitted for your bike. I highly doubt you'll end up on a 21 - more like a 17. The biggest thing to be aware of with a used bike is its true condition. Chains and cassettes have to be replaced periodically, almost like oil changes, even if you take care of them. Virtually everything on a bike but the frame has a lifespan (in terms of miles) - you do not want to buy a bike that "seems" fine for $300 only to discover that you've got $300 worth of repairs/replacements you have to do. Ask to have it taken in to a bike shop to get looked over, if not tuned up, as a condition of the sale - just like you would a car. If you just ride it to decide, keep in mind a big rule of thumb - if you hear ANYTHING while riding the bike - something's telling you it needs attention. Noisy bikes are in bad shape. Plenty of the local shops will sell used/refurbished bikes - just ask. *cheap spokes = trip to the shop for repairs.
If you want to ride trails and your commute is only 2 miles -- consider just buying a mountain bike. I'd avoid full suspension if unless big downhill trails are your thing. Plus tough to put panniers and lights on those. CL is great. Most listings give you the model so you can just google away and see if it's a 'good' deal. Go light. Try it out and make sure it's comfy, gear changes are smooth, tires have good enough tread and everything looks in good shape. Run through all the gears. Take a close look at the frame for big dents or any cracks - esp around the welds. Look at the gears for missing teeth. Don't buy one that needs repairs. I'd pass on the bike shop inspection -- but that's just me. Spending $35 to $50 on an inspection seems overkill at that level a bike. Just don't buy one that looks in rough shape. Do do the the google search on the model name -- you'll find the retail price and reviews. Avoid the big box store bikes. Upgrading's a pain for a newb. Buy one that works for you now.
Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm going to head to bicycle world in a fit for fitment and sizing and I'm leaning towards a MTB for trails, etc. I figured I could always use it as a road bike also, not that much of a big deal, but I think I would enjoy trails and such more. As other's have stated, a hybrid just does everything OK, but my commute is that long to warrant it. With a MTB I can do trails, etc and also use it on the roads and if I wanted to get a road bike later I could always do that. Thanks for the replies, I'm new to this and I still think a used bike is what I prefer, but for now, i'll focus on the frame (lightweight) since I can always upgrade parts later.
If you have a mountain bike now are you just looking to upgrade to a better bike, or is there something specific you don't like about your current bike? And my only real suggestion is to go to a few different shops and try out different bikes to find the one you like the best. Most bikes in any price range from the major brands will be pretty similar as far as quality goes, just find one that fits you well.
Wheels, frame, gears, etc Commuters are close to road bikes, with skinnier tires, light (delicate) frames and are less upright than a hybrid. They'll be fast, but you don't want to jump too many curbs on them. Hybrids can run the spectrum, but usually are built more for cruising and comfort than speed..but typically borrow more from the general mountain bike design. Mountain bikes are built for abuse. They'll have the most durable builds (frames and wheels)(heavier - carbon would crack quick), low gears for more power in climbs, and higher end ones will have front and tail shocks.
I bought a Raleigh Route City Sport. I go about 3.5 miles each way and about 1/2 of that is on bike trails. I like it a lot so far. Comfortable for my middle-aged ass and tough enough.
That's the hardest part lol, I've only had cheap bikes my whole life (most recent being an ironhorse MTB I got from a garage sale) so anything would kind of fit me better. Thoughts or opinions of hybrids?
I replaced my car with this bike: the giant defy 3 It cost 750.00. I also outfitted it with two of these: and added: The lock I attach to the bike using the frame itself. This will cost about 1000.00. But I'm happy with my purchase.
I have a low end Giant hybrid, it's served me well and I haven't had any major problems from it. I haven't ridden any other hybrids or commuters so I can't really compare it to other bikes.
