I want to get a bike for riding through surburban streets and local park with paved bike paths. I am doing this for excersize, and would like to keep my purchase under $100. ...oh, and I had a 10 speed for a while as a youth, but never knew how to adjust those damn speeds! ;o) If it helps, I am a 29 year old female who has minor knee problems which is why running for excersize isn't really an option. Thanks for any tips!
2006-09-26 13:34:30 · 7 answers · asked by Colleen D 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Bikes are made for different purposes: A mountain bike is for off-road riding, a hybrid is for on-road riding, and a racer is for high-performance road racing (and will be very expensive.)
A hybrid bike will probably serve you well. It is somewhere between a mountain bike and a racing bike.
A mountain bike is overkill for suburban riding and you will find it is actually easier to ride a hybrid on paved roads or paths.
2006-09-26 13:43:40 · answer #1 · answered by iMacThere4iAm 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The only way you will find a bike that is ridable, safe and will last for any length of time for under $100 is to buy something used. Look at yardsales or the classifieds, or try craigslist. I have purchased two bikes from craigslist in the past few years for $100 or less, but I know a fair bit about bikes, so I could tell that they were in decent shape and could fix any little problems with them. Also keep in mind that craigslist is where a lot of thieves unload their booty, so if it looks to good to be true, it is probably stolen.
If you want to buy a new bike, a more realistic price range is $300-500. You probably want a hybrid if you really are just sticking to easy roads and paved bike paths. To find the right bike for you, go to a few bike shops and test ride a number of different brands and styles so you can see the difference between a road bike, hybrid and mountain bike. Also check out flat bar road bikes, primarily made for commuting and for someone who wants something a little more functional than a hybrid, but does not want drop bars.
2006-09-26 14:08:01 · answer #2 · answered by triscuit121 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go talk to your local bike shop, those guys just love to talk bikes. They can pull out a number of different options for you and let you try different styles to see how they feel.
Riding city streets and such can be done on:
1) mountain bikes - can also put slick tires on these to give you less resistance and more speed.
2) hyrbird bikes - a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike with a skinnier 27" wheel which would equate to more speed than a normal mountain bike. You will usually sit more upright on these bikes.
3) comfort bikes - a cross between a hybrid and mountain bike. Has the thicker 26" tires like a mountain bike but a smoother tread for an easier ride. You sit more upright on these bikes like you would on a hybrid.
4) Cruisers - comes in 1,3, or 7 speed versions. These bikes are not truly about exercise as they are designed to be the most comfortable sitting almost straight up and down allowing you to ride in leisure and style.
There are other bike styles and options but non of those would be close to the price range you are wanting to spend. Most of these bikes should have models coming in around $180 - 250 for a good entry level. I know there are bikes at department stores for less but the cost of ensuring these are safe and replacing worn parts within the first year outweighs spending a little more at first with your local bike shop.
Head down to your local shop and try out some different styles, most shops also offer a certain period of free tune ups which the department stores will not do. All bikes need tuned up at least once a year to keep them running well and these tune ups can cost $30-50 per tune up.
2006-09-27 06:42:22 · answer #3 · answered by Dru 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please get another 200$, spend about $300 and you will not be walking home. My opinion is that a $100 bike is not assembled correctly and not durable enough to take you off your block.
However, recently I sold an old bike in good condition for $120. You might be able to find one too. Check the web for your local bike club and see if anyone can hook you up with a good used bike.
2006-09-27 01:27:16 · answer #4 · answered by Whoa_Phat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recommend a cruiser type of bike. Maybe a three speed.
Look in your local ads, garage/yard sales, pawn shops, or even some websites like your local craigslist of ebay (but do a search for local or if you can travel, in-state, then save on shipping).
good luck!
2006-09-26 18:04:15 · answer #5 · answered by buddhaboy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
spend at least $500 on a used or new mountain bike
2006-09-26 13:38:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
mtb
2006-09-26 19:32:31 · answer #7 · answered by jp 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋