I am interested in buying a cost-efficient, yet decent quality bicycle for some mountain biking - but mostly biking back and forth from my local gym and running errands throughout the Galleria area (instead of driving). Any thoughts on a decent brand and what I should expect to spend? I'm all over craiglist - but thought I'd check out a Bike Barn or something as well. Any thoughts from biking enthusiasts would be much appreciated.
I've been a biking enthusiast for years, and I'm personally ready to upgrade, so I'll sell my old bike to you. I think $300 is fair. PM me.
If that is a serious offer I'm interested. Shoot me an eMail! I would seriously think if you really need a mountain bike or not. What trails do you plan to ride?
I'd like the option of riding trails - like the ones at Memorial Park. But truly - the bike will be used 90% of the time (if not more) for street riding (running errands, getting some exercise by riding up and down the streets of the Galleria, etc.) A lot of the bikes on craiglist seem to be "fixer uppers" that need work. Since I'm not bike expert - I figure that means I'd need to take them to a retail outlet for repairs. Not sure how much fixing bent wheels, replacing rusty chains, replacing punctured tires would cost... i'm getting leary about buying used.
got a specialized hardrock for christmas and love it, and it's gotten great reviews everywhere i've checked. haven't taken it on the trails yet but that will be changing soon.
trek 4500-$500 new look into diamond back racing, kona, giant as well. if buying used, bring a friend thats knowledgle about bikes. bike components are expensive, and most places charge a hefty installation fee. even that aside, if the frame is cracked, it is very dangerous therefore, fully check out the bike if you buy used.
I'm not a huge biking guy, but I've been happy with a Marin bike that I bought at REI. With a membership (one time fee of $15 or something like that) you get coupons for 20% of one item. I got my bike for around $400 bucks and I've been extremely happy with it.
If you buy used, be prepared to reoutfit a lot of the components, especially the drive train. The tires, chains, brakes, etc only have so much life in them and you have to expect to change them out just like you do the tires, brakes, oil and filters in your car. Personally, I recommend the Trek Sport Urban - I commute on mine and have logged 7k miles on it in the past 2.5 years. It's rugged enough to stand up to hard city riding, but you can still cruise at nice speeds. Evan
If you admit that the bike will be used for urban riding 90% of the time, I would suggest that you get a hybrid. A mountain bike will be somewhat pointless outside of trails, which sound like you'll only hit up recreationally. Craigslist can be hit or miss with bikes, but I've only purchased road bikes there. My current Bianchi had to be fixed up a lot (new wheel set, conversion to coaster break, etc.) I would suggest that you avoid Bike Barn like the plague. Sure, they're the big name, but I've found the employees to be less than knowledgeable and the prices to be jacked. Go to Blue Line Bike Lab in the Heights or Urban Bicycle Gallery on Durham.
Specialized or Cannondale are quality bikes. Cannondale can be pricey, Specialized are modestly priced decent bikes.
