May 3, 2008


Dear clusterflock

I come seeking advice and counsel . . .

I’m in the market for an in-town bicycle. Because I’ll be on sabbatical this coming fall, I’ll be giving it a try as my fair-weather transportation till winter sets in for real in November; if it goes well, I’ll be using it as commuter transport in the spring. Home to work is 11 miles one way. The streets on my route aren’t in the best of shape.

$200 is my upper limit. Sturdiness is paramount. What bikes should I look at/stay away from?

posted by John Buaas in adventure, advice, dear clusterflock, products, wisdom 

comments

5 Responses to “Dear clusterflock”

  1. Sheila Ryan on May 3rd, 2008 at 5:17 pm

    John, I’m thinking maybe you should come seeking cash — especially on a Saturday night when Flockers are apt to be feeling, you know, happy. And generous.

  2. Michael Smith on May 3rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm

    yes, yes…do not buy a NEW bike for $200. That’s my advice. Also, avoid mountain bikes, they are not for commuting.

  3. Sheila Ryan on May 3rd, 2008 at 8:26 pm

    I’m thinking that now (or soon) might be a good time for anyone living near a college campus to buy a decent second-hand bike.

  4. Deron Bauman on May 3rd, 2008 at 8:31 pm

    I was thinking the same thing. $200 isn’t enough to get a good new bike, so definitely go used and maybe something in the crossover (between a mountain and road bike) segment might be good, although I don’t know about comfort with those.

  5. Michael Smith on May 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 pm

    Do you plan on riding anywhere that isn’t paved? If not, I’d suggest a road bike, maybe a flat-bar road bike (if you want to sit more upright) it will be more efficient than a “hybrid/crossover”. However, if you plan to ride on dirt at all (even just a little trail through the grass) you’ll want something with some wider tires.

    Check Craig’s list but, if at all possible, have a bike shop check the bike out before you buy (you don’t want a cracked frame).

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