Abby0408

I need advice! Looking to buy a new, lightweight bike......Any recommendations?

I have to carry my bike up a steep flight of stairs and into my apartment so I need a very lightweight bike. I need a bike for short distances, i.e. under 10 miles per day. I am 5 ft 2 in. and weigh 130 lbs. I am looking for an every-day bike that weighs around 25 lbs or so max. I am wimpy. Not only am I wimpy, i am broke and need the bike to be under $175.

PS I don't like flat bar rides and prefer a step in bike, 26 inches but I may fit in 24 inch bikes ok.....

hermanchauw

How about a(n aluminium) mini velo/foldie? Small wheels = lighter.

Off hand i can think of Raleigh MV7 or 8, FSIR Spin series, Wheeler's Yard MB02. Plenty others out there.

SquidPuppet

Welcome.

Sorry, but no such thing as cheap and light. In the bike world you have to spend money to shed pounds. Most Cruisers are around 30+ lbs.

Philphine

both of the bikes I'm thinking of are no longer made, but you might find one on craigslist.


as a single speed, a kent la jolla. a walmart bike, but aluminum and fairly light. if nothing else you won't be out much if you find one. there was also a 24" women's model that is a bit lighter than the 26". I've brought a couple to play with lightweight cruiser ideas, plus another for my nephew. not bad for what they are.


as a multispeed, an eddie bauer hybrid-ish mountain bike. kinda walmart-ish too, and truthfully not much lighter than other big box mountain bikes, but the slightly higher pressure (26x1.5) tires will have a bit less rolling resistance. I have one of these also, but I cut it up to make a stretch cruiser and can't tell you much more about it as a stock bike.

twodownzero

It sounds like you want a folding bike.

bicyclridr4life

+1

taz777

A cruiser is likely to be too heavy for carrying up a steep flight of stairs. I can lift most of my bikes fairly easily with one hand onto my shoulder for carrying short distances on level ground, but the cruiser’s length and odd weight distribution makes this a more difficult task.

Within your budget, I’d consider a used hybrid bike which may be lighter than a used mountain bike.

Sindy

Vilano Urbana Single Speed Folding Bike: Alloy and 21.5 pounds with 20 inch wheels, they show cheaper but I would avoid 16 inch wheeled folders If you ride in/on older city sidewalks and streets as holes and cracks seem larger as wheels get smaller..

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vilano-Ur...&wl13=&veh=sem

A few extra pounds here Is of little consequence because you can find a nice wide strap and sling this bike
folded over a shoulder. I had a folder, very easy to live with.

You said you were wimpy, with this bike on your back and running up a few flights of stairs the 'wimpy' should pass
rather soon

dviada

Check out a single speed beach cruiser. If you decide you want to you can add ebike conversion to make commuting a little easier. Aluminum single speed cruisers weigh no more than 41 lbs. Great work out carrying up stairs along with a daily ride Can pick up a new cruiser for under $200 on a regular day. Check for specials in December for a better price.