Can anyone recommend a bike?

Patrick · Post by **Patrick** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:19 pm

Hi everyone. It's been a while since I've been around. School's been crazy.

Next semester my schedule will allow me to ride a bike to school and so I'm thinking about getting one to save on gas and get some exercise. My problem is I don't know jack about bikes.

Basically I need something reliable that will get me three miles to school and back, 5 days a week for under $300 US (the lower the better).

Any suggestions?

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:49 pm

For that price it may be difficult to find a comfortable and durable tour bike.

If you're lucky you might pick up a used Cannondale.

Best bike there is.

Uhh.

You are talking bicycles, correct?

Patrick · Post by **Patrick** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:58 pm

Yep. The wife made sell my Yamaha like 10 years ago

Now I'll be pedaling. I figure a little exercise never hurt anyone.

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:07 pm

I do it every day.

Cannondale, again, is the best.

I bought my Decathlon for $35.

The gentleman fixed up bikes in his garage and apparently didn't know what he had.

I gave him the cash and rode off so fast lest he change his mind.

:D

Over a years time I converted the Decathlon into a touring bike.

Mustache handlebars are highly recommended for long distance travel.

You want a lightweight bike with front and rear lighting and I luggage rack over the rear tire. As much padding as possible on the seat as well.

I think the two most important things are lightweight and the mustache handlebar.

Enjoy.

http://www.faughnan.com/touringbike.html

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:12 pm

That's the model handlebar I have. You can't make for a more comfortable ride. $16.99

Nashbar

Mia · Post by **Mia** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:14 pm

:DHow about a penny farthing

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:17 pm

Oh! And Rim Strips. I've been on the same tires for 4 years and not one flat!

Rim Strips

You want me to just go shopping with ya?

:p

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:23 pm

JacksDad;738936 wrote: For that price it may be difficult to find a comfortable and durable tour bike.

If you're lucky you might pick up a used Cannondale.

Best bike there is.

Uhh.

You are talking bicycles, correct?

Nah cannondale are way overpriced-at least in the UK try specialized.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/home.jsp? ... anguage=US

or giant

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/

Any bike hire places near you? sometimes they sell off at the end of the season to buy in new stock. Go for hybrid rather than a road bike they're easier if you are not used to cycling. Straight handle bars and fatter wheels or a mountain bike with road tyres.

You might find this useful as a basic guide half the bikes shown are american makes anyway.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/comms/s ... Cardinal=3

Now if you were in the UK 300$ would get you something halfway decent for commuting even with the exchange rate.

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:42 pm

They certainly are pricey and I'm sure even more so in The UK.

I've forgotten it's December. The '08's are out. That means you could pick up an '07 for about $300.

Specialized are beautiful but for the money I'd stick with a Cannon.

I once saw a sweet British touring bike. Very classic look but they also look heavy.

Any idea what it could be or am I being to vague?

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:44 pm

Ahh the Dawes.

Nice.

Dawes

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:29 pm

Ive got a nice Fuji Touring bike I might sell if you want to pay for the shipping also. Not sure where 33° 53' North 117° 55' West is ?

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:13 pm

JacksDad;738972 wrote: They certainly are pricey and I'm sure even more so in The UK.

I've forgotten it's December. The '08's are out. That means you could pick up an '07 for about $300.

Specialized are beautiful but for the money I'd stick with a Cannon.

I once saw a sweet British touring bike. Very classic look but they also look heavy.

Any idea what it could be or am I being to vague?

Maybe this one? they kind of lost out when mountain biking took off. Our roads are fairly lethal (verty crowded) for touring to the extent it's not much fun. But there are a lot of cycle routes being opened up and in scotland mountain biking has really taken off. The place is crisscrossed with old military roads and tracks and old railway routes and canals that keep you away from the roads. I've done all the road routes I want to.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... ct=m003037

Used to be Reynolds steel tubing as described was the best you could get. I've got two Specialised-a rockhopper now relegated to road use and an epic that I'll put disc brakes on when I can spare the cash.

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:27 pm

Indeed the Dawes is beautiful.

Someday, she shall be mine.

I'd still swap out the handlebars though. I like riding tall.

:D

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:40 pm

Patrick, Are ya talking about a bicycle? I bought mine at Targets for $150. Just walked out with it and it's been a treasure for 3 yrs. now....no problems....

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:12 pm

Yes Kathy but for a 6 mile daily commute those bikes are far too heavy.

I had a Walmart special. A Trek to be precise. Damn thing nearly killed me.

As a commuter your dealing on a daily basis with traffic, weather, pedestrians, potholes and those god damned stupid dogs.

You really need something well made for a daily commute.

And I forgot.

A pocket full of dog biscuits.

:-5

dubs · Post by **dubs** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:18 pm

JacksDad;739037 wrote: Indeed the Dawes is beautiful.

Someday, she shall be mine.

I'd still swap out the handlebars though. I like riding tall.

:D

These cost a few bucks too.

http://www.pashley.co.uk/

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:28 pm

Yes they do but damn they're sweet.

I like your snowman, Dubs.

:D