I am looking to start up cycling. I will probably start out riding about 100 miles a week and work my way up from that. I want a bike on the cheaper side, but not so cheap I am coughing up money every week on parts. Any suggestions?
2007-07-07 01:48:47 · 8 answers · asked by thetman31 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
I agree that for an entry road bike, a used should be a good choice. try looking on posting boards, such as craigslist.org, or your local bike shop may have a used section.
try to put a cap on how old the bike is, though. for example, 2000 or earlier. this would possibly reduce the risk of frame fatigue and the bike should have some updated components/wheelset.
the idea with a used bike is that you will invest less cash, you will gain knowledge (likes/dislikes), what can be changed upon for the next bike, you will enhance you rider skills (everyone crashes, just more frequently when youre starting out) and you won't care if you get some scratches on the bike.
whether used or new, there really isn't a lot that can break to give you the feeling of coughing up money for parts. bikes are pretty durable, and the most that I spend my money on these days are new tires and tubes.
do you have anyone that is knowledgeable with bikes to bring with you? this may come in handy, as sometimes buying a used road bike is a mixed bag.
2007-07-07 02:23:26 · answer #1 · answered by borracho111 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dude, don't listen to the "hardcore" bikers who just think bike shops are the way to go. What do you mean by "start up cycling" ? Have you never biked before, or you casual bikes, but now want to bike more? If you have never biked before, then I'd say I would doubt you'd be biking 100 miles per week to start, so getting a nice $200 bike at say a Target or Wal*mart is good to start. I've had a mountain bike from Wal*mart ($40, Black Friday special) and just got a $150 Target Road Bike (Magna 26" Crimson) and put about 100 miles on it already and it's very nice. Don't put in $800+ into a bike/sport that you may not continue after a few weeks. Get a nice starter and if you find you do like it, then go for something better later.
2007-07-08 22:10:26 · answer #2 · answered by DarthFangNutts 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely do not go to Kmart. You will not be coughing up money for parts. You will coughing up money for a new bike. What kind of riding will you be doing? Road? Mountain? Since you stated a mileage target, I'm going to assume road. Road bikes are very very expensive. An entry level road racing bike is going to run you around $800. A decent one around $1500 and all the way up to the sky. I would highly recommend going used for your first bike. There are so many used road bikes on Ebay and the values are much much lower. Look for a used bike with at least Shimano Ultegra components. These parts are generally very durable and will hold up under most riding over time.
2007-07-07 09:06:43 · answer #3 · answered by Jay P 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'd go quality used before getting an overly heavy and cheap bike. Here's my tip:
Go to a bike shop and get fitted. Try out some bikes. Find one you like and then look for that same model for sale a few years old. The bike shop also might have some on consignment for you to try.
Ride on!
2007-07-10 14:48:12 · answer #4 · answered by Momof2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
raliegh sport. 450 bux at a bike shop that will fit it to you and let you test ride. i would suggest picking up pedals and shoes also because the cages that it comes with are murder. 100 miles a week is doable if you are already in decent shape and its not in one stretch. i just purchased this bike, i ride about 100-120 miles a week but at 20 mile aday commutes round trip. i beat the snot out of this bike and save for tubes i havent had any probs yet. i will admit that after about a month orso i am craving a lighter faster bike but this bike will suit me untill finnances allow for some thing nicer. it would be a real shame to kick out 800-1200 bux for a great bike only to find that you dont like cycling that much and let bike rot in the garage.
good luck
2007-07-10 14:45:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you just starting to bike do not get a wallyworld bike or a target bike avoid those places at all costs. Most bikes there are poorly assembled and are heavy and cheaply made if you want a good bike for 200 check out the Iron Horse Mavrick 1.5
heres the link: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23355&subcategory_ID=3050
2007-07-09 23:33:24 · answer #6 · answered by dirtbomb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming you have mastered the three wheeler, and you're ready to progress to a bike of a more adult variety, may I suggest you start off with a one-speed bike, equipped with coaster-brakes and training wheels.
They can be a lot of fun on small hills. Wheeee!
2007-07-07 09:13:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
go to kmart, they sell stuff cheap, get a cheap bike that fits you, more than likely you will not ride it much, as you will loose interest and never use the thing.
2007-07-07 08:54:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋