Bicycle deals / tips / suggestions (Edit - Got one!)

wageslave

wageslave

CAGiversary!
Edit - I bought one from a local bike store (and a helmet). It's a Fuji Crosstown 2.0. I think I got a good deal and they'll do adjustments and tune-ups every year for free. It wasn't the biggest and fanciest store, but they're all guys that actually ride bikes and know their shit.
 
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Honestly I'd say wait for some garage sales. If you are just riding for pleasure or exercise you can probably find something that would be perfect with little to no servicing.
 
[quote name='wageslave']I want to pick up a street bicycle. Want to find something at least sort of decent for under $300. Furthest I'd ever go is 12 miles in a day and that would be rare. I don't know the first thing about bikes other than how to ride them. I assume everything at Wal-Mart and Target is probably junk but maybe I am wrong. Any suggestions / tips / deals?[/QUOTE]
It isn't so much that the stuff at Wal-Mart/Target is junk as it is that their employees are putting them together. Nothing against their employees, but they do put them together pretty fast and aren't likely the biggest cyclists. So as far as bike quality, you can get something fine there. I just wouldn't trust its assembly to be the best. People get too caught up in spending hundreds or thousands on bicycles when you really do not have to. Go to a local bike shop and they can probably show you something in your price range. Or, as already suggested, go to garage sales. Keep in mind that after buying something from a garage sale you're going to want to give it a good tuneup to make sure everything is in working order. If you're not the most mechanical person, take it to a local bike shop. Most will tune it up for a very reasonable price.

And buy a good helmet and wear it. Seriously.
 
[quote name='elwood731']

And buy a good helmet and wear it. Seriously.[/quote]

I plan on it. Don't want to bramage my drain. And thanks for the advice.
 
[quote name='wageslave']I plan on it. Don't want to bramage my drain. And thanks for the advice.[/QUOTE]
The worst injury I've ever suffered is a scarred knee that caused me to hobble around for a week. A close friend just this past weekend suffered a concussion and a night in the hospital (this despite wearing a helmet). And yet, I still see people not wear helmets. Weird.
 
like the others said, wait for a yard sale or somethin' if youre not planning on biking marathons or everyday twice a day or something. my boss gave me a nice raleigh street bike, like an early 90s bike, but works like a charm. Im an animal on my bike and have no regard for anything going on around me when I bike.. so I cant advise you to wear a helmet cause I dont wear one myself.. :/..but I can advise you that you should take good good care of it (dont throw it over fences, bike in the rain, leave it out in the rain, etc.) if you plan on it lasting. and always have spare tubes/small pump handy... it helps a lot.
 
[quote name='tiredfornow']like the others said, wait for a yard sale or somethin' if youre not planning on biking marathons or everyday twice a day or something. my boss gave me a nice raleigh street bike, like an early 90s bike, but works like a charm. Im an animal on my bike and have no regard for anything going on around me when I bike.. so I cant advise you to wear a helmet cause I dont wear one myself.. :/..but I can advise you that you should take good good care of it (dont throw it over fences, bike in the rain, leave it out in the rain, etc.) if you plan on it lasting. and always have spare tubes/small pump handy... it helps a lot.[/quote]

Thanks for the advice but I'm not planning on doing the yardsale route. I'm tall and will probably need the biggest frame size, want to be selective about what I buy plus I'm doing a little contracting work and have the extra money earmarked for a bike. Money isnt' a huge issue for the purchase and I figure I'll spend the money up front for some quality and be able to enjoy it for a long time.
 
[quote name='wageslave']Thanks for the advice but I'm not planning on doing the yardsale route. I'm tall and will probably need the biggest frame size, want to be selective about what I buy plus I'm doing a little contracting work and have the extra money earmarked for a bike. Money isnt' a huge issue for the purchase and I figure I'll spend the money up front for some quality and be able to enjoy it for a long time.[/quote]
Go to the biggest fanciest Bike store in your area.
Talk to the specialists...where I live many are pro or semi pro riders ....
Note the bike you want and what features are important.
Definitely ride all three tire styles .... RIDE THE BIKE, don't just sit on it...
Now watch craigslist.org (not a garage sale....) or get one at a discounter. I actually bought my cruiser at Wally's...but you really want to get a feel of the bike and need to ride it aroung the block, etc...something the fancy stores will let you do...
Oh, and the fancy stores will be discounting last year's models just now....

For me, tires style, bike weight, shifting style are the most important features....but I have three bikes...touring, mountain and cruiser....
 
I suggest that you check out your local bike shop. Sure, their prices are higher than buying at Wal-Mart or getting one used, but many bike shops offer free lifetime tune-ups if you buy there. That more than makes up for the added initial cost.

And be damn sure to get a helmet, good chain, and lights.
 
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