If so, what type is it? How often do you ride? Can a decent commuter be had for less than a 1k? There are so many options, so I'm hoping CF can help me narrow down my choices. On a sub 1k bike, is there a huge difference between trek (they seem to be popular) and Schwinn?
I have a 1500 specialized mnt bike. Pretty awesome. I'm not sure I would reccomend a hybrid bike. I would get a road or mountain. My mountain bike is 100% adequate to commute to the store etc along the street or sidewalk and then I can occasionally use it for it's intended purpose. But if you have zero interest in doing anything off-road I would recommend a specialized or trek. I bought mine at Austin bike during one of there bi-annual sales plus the guy knocked $75 off for a very minor scratch on the frame that I didn't even notice.
I bought a road bike a couple years back with the intention of doing the MS150. Never got around to it. I have started riding more casually again, maybe 10-20 miles a week. IMO you can definitely buy a commuter/city bike for under $1k, but don't forget about extras (helmet, lights, lock, etc.) If I were to put together a commuter I would want the following: Lights Bike rack Fenders Gears Tires not TOO thin Lightweight frame Everyone is going to have their preferences but you could EASILY keep it under a 1K.
90's trek 8 speed road bike. still has shifters on the tube. just changed the saddle and tape a month ago. bought it for $20
I have a Raleigh Venture 4.0. I do a sidewalk/bike lane commute 1-2 times a week for about an 8.5 mile round-trip. It's one of those crosses between a road bike and a mountain bike and they call it a Comfort Bike (a name I hate). It's held up well for about three years now. No problems hopping curbs or hitting potholes. I think you can get them for between $350 and $400.
That used bicycles depreciate in value just like every other type of used vehicle doesn't surprise me in the least, but circumstances are leading me to buy new. Trek, Schwinn, Cannondale, Raleigh. Any others or are all sub 1k bikes pretty much the same?
very similar to my situation - bought a 2013 model specialized carve mtn back a few months ago from bicycle sport shop in austin once the 14 models came out. Went from $1699 to $1299. just installed clips and went tubeless two weeks ago. i agree with pele... go one way or the other. a mtn bike is perfectly suitable for getting around town and truth be told with our streets it might even be preferable. i ride around town almost as much as i do the trails. if you plan on sticking to the streets 100% get a lower end but decent street bike. something with a solid frame that you can upgrade components if and when you get a little more serious.
I have an old Cannondale SV2000, an even older Bridgestone MB3, a slightly newer BikeE recumbent, and a slightly newer Lemond Buenos Aires road bike. You can definitely buy a good commuter bike for $1,000 and below. But what you may want to consider is a slightly used bike via a bike shop (sold direct or via consignment). Much safer than buying via Craigslist since the bike shop will make sure its in very rideable condition. What you really need to do is decide on MTB or roadbike. Roadbikes are faster on the road; MTBs are more comfortable and you can also ride them on the trail. Hard to find a bad brand, but you may want to focus on Trek, Specialized, Giant.
rocking a trek 29er for last 2 years, solid city bike. looking into getting a cross bike, id go surly if i wasnt a cheap ass
So what you're telling me is that you don't ride bikes. I lent my brother a spare bike that I found a homeless dude riding. My brother left it outside... Dumbass!
Get one that's comfortable. Get last year's model when it's 25% off. It's pretty much the same as this year's model. Most bike companies make good bikes in that price range. Just don't get a department store bike. Also, I would steer away from anything with grip shifters. I've had a about 15 bikes in the last 25 years. Most of them were pretty good.
Pee wee Herman's bike sold for $36k on Ebay earlier this year!... Goes to show you that you can't go wrong on a classic beach cruiser. ....... ....... .......
I own 3 bicycles: one mountain bike (Gary Fisher Piranha), one road bike (Cervelo R3), and one hybrid (Cannondale Quick Speed 1). I love cycling in general so I ride every evening - unless it's a thunderstorm - for 45-90 minutes depending on how I feel. You can absolutely have a decent commuter for that budget. Buy a frame and assemble it yourself with mid-range components. That being said, you sound like a novice so perhaps buying a good value commuter like a Giant Escape City for under $600 is better. My GF has it and she loves it. However, like building our own desktop, if you have the proper tools and the attitude, you can have a better bike if you build it yourself. The difference between a sub-1k Trek or Schwinn is the components used and paying your local bike shop's qualified mechanics instead of a random worker in the back of a Wal-Mart. Depending on your needs, even a Schwinn Hybrid from Target which is properly tuned by you (easy to learn online) will be your best bet for under $300. For 80% of riders, a tuned Target bike is okay.
This was $900.00 When I got it a decade ago: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fitness/fx/7_5_fx/ I commute 5 days a week 6.5 miles each way from northeast Washington DC to downtown. I don't have much to compare it to considering it's the only bike I've ridden since I've owned it. But I'm extremely happy with it. It's pretty rare that anyone passes me, even on road bikes. And It's extremely gratifying flying past all of the cars stuck in gridlock during rush hour. How's your commute? All streets, no trails?
For 1K you can get a really decent bike.. Check on CL or go to West end Bicycles and ask for my boy Luis.. he will take care of you.. I have a road bike... Specialized ALLEZ
i'm curious...i was looking into potentially getting a bike awhile back. doing some research and this bike tended to get good reviews as a budget bike for most people. http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fitness/fx/7_2_fx/# the issue is, i think its recommended you still hit up a bike store...that way you can ask questions, possibly test ride, etc. but the thing is, if you're a complete newbie to any bikes other than the crappy huffy you had as a child, what questions should you ask? its probably not like this...but in my head it feels like going into a bike shop is like walking into a car dealership...intimidating any advice on that? say i have my mind set on that bike...i know its going to be decent enough for my use/tastes. what should i be asking at the bike shop? and do bike shops order a bike if they don't have what you need or..
