Bike anyone?

[mrsboz]

I am looking to purchase a bike for $400 or under. I am going to ride it on the street and bike paths. No mountain biking. I would like a lightweight one. Does anyone have any ideas on where to purchase one or a brand name to look for? Thank you.

 

[Nicoleinwi]

I ride Specialized and I have both a mountain bike and a road bike. I have not looked at the leisure style bikes like you are referring to but I know Specialized makes them.

You will want to go to your local bike shop to look. Don't go to a big-box sporting goods store or even Walmart. You want something made of decent quality that is going to last you.

If you go to your local bike shop if you aren't particular about having this years model you could buy last years model at a heavy discount and probably get one at the $400 price range. I think the leisure style like you are referring to are about $500 entry level for current model.

I am not a fan of Trek but I know that is a very popular brand, so that is one brand you could look at. Giant is another brand that a lot of people like for affordability. It is a mid-range brand in my opinion.

Oh and the biggest thing I think you should figure out if you want is disc brakes. Disc brakes allow the ability to stop like the wheels are dry if they are wet with from rain or mud. For me, on my road bike, I did not get disc brakes. I will never ride that one in wet conditions. On my mountain bike, I did just because depending on the conditions my bike may end up caked in mud. Disc brakes are about a $100 upcharge and without knowing if you need them or not, the store will probably make you think you need them.

 

[stsomewhere]

Not sure the brand but my inlaws have foldable bikes. Very lightweigh ans they take them when traveling.

My aunt and Uncle had a differnet brand of foldable that they used to tour Europe with last year.

 

[3boymthr]

I second PP - avoid big box bicycles like the plague. They are awful long term. Try bike shops and find a bike you like and then look for it in closeouts either at that same bike shop or a different one. Around here there are bike shops that specialize in selling last years models. Also check online. A quick google search for the model you want could net $100's in savings, even after shipping and assembly. Also check craigslist after you've found what you want. We bought youngest DS a Giant off of craigslist this summer. We paid $100 for a $500 bike. The bike was in very good condition - just a tire that was the wrong color and even after replacing the tire our total cost for the bike was only $140.

Other good brands are as PP mentioned Specialized, Trek, Mongoose and Schwinn. Be very careful with Mongoose and Schwinn though, these two brands are sold both in bike stores and in the Big Box Stores so their bikes run the gamut of crappy to excellent. So research the model carefully before buying.

One thing to think about when buying a bike - the accessories are almost all interchangeable - seats, pedals handle grips. So buy the bike where the frame fits your frame - that's really comfortable when you sit on it and grasp the handlebars and that has really good high end derailers and brakes. Don't buy a bike because the seat is cushy and it has a suspension seat post. The seat is fluff and can very easily be upgraded on the aftermarket. Bike Nashbar is a good source for good seats, etc.

DH has a "commuter"/city style bike and loves it. It's perfect for the bike paths and street but can also handle a small bit of dirt if the bike path happens to be sandy or muddy.

 

[starwart]

Whatever bike you choose don't buy a bike with any kind of suspension. Shop around different bike shops in your area and wait for the sales coming up this october or black friday. Don't rush and never get a bike at target or walmart. Go to bikeforums dot net and they have a section for beginners, hybrid bikes , amkng other things. I will suggest to get a bike with 700c x 28 or 32 tires. No no no to mountain bikes fir the type of riding you are planning to do. Best wishes. Ride on!

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I just went through months of research to get my DH a bike for his birthday. We found a company called Fezzari but their prices start around $1000. I would suggest going to local bike shops and checking their reduced inventory as they are making room for next years models. Carbon frames are extremely light weight but I am not certain of a brand that will carry one in your price point. Trek might be a good starting point for you. Our local Trek bike shop sells last year trek models starting around $500.

 

[erinmomof2]

I bought an Elektra thissummer and I love it. It's a cruiser type bike and it ha been great for riding around the neighborhood and when we go camping. It rides extremely smooth and is by far my favorite books I've ever had. I had a trek bike before this one and while I did like it, the Elektra suits me much better. They are right around $400 are available at most bike shops.

 

[mrsboz]

Thanks everyone. I hae been asking around and scouring the internet. I bought a TREK bike for $500.00. I love it so far but I Have only had it one day. I hope that I continue to love it. How far do you guys ride anyway?

 

[3princes+1princess]

Get yourself to some bikes stores. Not walmart, target for sure. I would even avoid sports stores.

Every brand of bike has a line that would be in your price range. You want a hybrid bike...one with narrower tires made for road/trail biking....but not road racing.

However, every brand feels different. You really really need to try them out. You will know when you find the one you like...it will just FEEL right to ride.

I have a Cannondale Quick 5...and love it.

 

[marius97]

I was going to come make a comment on why on earth would you spend $400 on a bike...then I looked over at my golf bag and the $2,000+ worth of clubs in it (not counting my backup sets.) Good luck on finding what you need.

 

[megsoro]

I ride daily anywhere from 1-10 miles depending in what errands I'm running. I have a daily globe specialized step through. I love the bike. All internal shifting, so no worries about gears slipping or being exposed to the salty humid air here.

Cost about $700 but I've had it for two years and other than some finish issues (chipping paint) I've been very happy. Actually the company gave me a rebate for the chipping... But that went right back to my bike store anyways. I use my bike to commute, run errands, take the dogs to the vet, exercise. Everything. I have a kiddie trailer that I use as a trunk basically. It can hold my bag plus my 60lb mutt for trips to the park or downtown.

 

[Nicoleinwi]

If after work I just want to go out for a little ride, I just go from home and go around my subdivision and go about 6 miles. If I want to go to a trail then I will go at least 15 miles usually more around 20.

We buy a lot of movies and it is usually our routine on Tuesdays (movie release day) we bike to Best Buy and have dinner at Jimmy Johns that is a 12 mile round trip.