I am a 5'10 woman, looking for a bicycle that would be good around town (Boston area) as well as good for some longer biking trips--such as on the cape, or around New England. I am looking on Craig's list, but am not sure what size and what type of bike I should be looking for. Hoping to spend around 200 dollars. Any advice would be welcome. thanks!
2007-05-08 14:18:35 · 6 answers · asked by cedar 3 in Sports ➔ Cycling
i would get an urban commuter type bike, that looks like a lightweight mountain bike, but it doesnt have those big knobby slow tires that are a waste of time and speed/effort on hard city surfaces. i wouldnt get a road racing bike, because the drop handlebars put you in a fast aerodynamic but kinda uncomfortable position. a basic hybrid city bike would be a good choice.
2007-05-08 14:35:41 · answer #1 · answered by martin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I sell bikes on Craigslist all the time. I sell most of them for under $75.
You need a bike with a frame at least 19-20 inchs. Frame size is measured from the top of the seat post to the center of the crank. Wheel size has nothing to do with frame size.
Buy a good mans bike. You are tall and probably have long legs. Men's bike frames are stronger inherently.
2007-05-13 10:38:58 · answer #2 · answered by mar m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mountain bike frame size would be about 18". Go to this site and use their guestimator program to help you when choosing bike style (As road frames have longer seat post tubes).
www.evanscycles.com
As for type of bike. $200 is not going to get you much. You are looking at a commuter or road bike. DO NOT GET A FULL SUSSER WITH DISCS. It will be a nasty episode in your life.
Get a simple road bike with fixed forks and 10 gears. Alli frame would be good, but if not - go for a traditional construction for steel, (Tubes rather than some downhill nightmare).
The most you should look at at this range is either a hardtail, or a highbred, but I would stick with traditional layout that has reasonable components. That said, look on e-bay. You can get reasonable second hand machines, especially ex rental for a reasonable price.
Luck
2007-05-09 04:01:59 · answer #3 · answered by Alice S 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sizing for women:
http://www.lunacycles.com/skinny.html
http://www.terrybicycles.com/cycling_savvy/fit.html
http://www.wombats.org/tips.html
http://www.blayleys.com/articles/womensfit/index.htm
For $200 you're looking at a decent used mountain or road bike, middle to low end parts. Look for a bike that was once bought new from a bike shop and has been well maintained. If it has rusty spokes, rims, brakes, handlebars or seatpost, avoid it. Rusty cables and small spots on the frame are ok. Cables can be replaced.
In Boston, you are near one of the best bike shops on planet Earth - Harris Cyclery. Stop in and they will take care of you. Also one of the best bike websites anywhere:
www.harriscyclery.com
and a bike fit article too:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html
2007-05-08 23:17:51 · answer #4 · answered by scott.braden 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have a bunch of bikes and have ridden around Boston. My choice for urban riding is a hardtailed mtn bike with slick tires.
Road "racing" bikes are too fast for the traffic and pot holes will eat them alive. Hybrids limit your ability to take it off road. I can ride my slicks on all but the muddiest/snowiest trails.
Mtn bikes also have a more upright sitting position allowing you to see and be seen. The wider tires are good for rough roads and put more rubber on the road giving you better braking.
2007-05-14 15:23:08 · answer #5 · answered by b4_999 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
martin's answer was a good one , however i would add this,,, forget about getting by with spending 200 bucks,,, plan on at least $300. for the bike,and also you will need cycling shorts a helmet and I would recommend buying some good cycling shoes , and those are a minimum of 100 bucks, , if you are gonna do it, do it right, you will be glad you did,
2007-05-08 23:56:58 · answer #6 · answered by casual_rider 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋