jumpman23j

I think I have decided I want a hybrid bicycle but would like to snag a budget one. Ideally I would like one for around 200-300 or less if at all possible. Although I know I will probably have to pay 300+ to get a decent one, thanks.

pastorbobnlnh 

You should begin by looking for bikes on your local Craig's List. Depending on your market (where do you live), you should be able to find a nice bike in this price range.

For instance, on my CL-NH, there there is this bike, which can easily be built into a hybrid. Best of luck.

https://nh.craigslist.org/bik/1575492566.html

waynesworld

+1 on Craigslist. If you're patient, you can often find great deals.

Failing that, I think Fuji makes a pretty inexpensive hybrid. I don't remember the name, or the price, but you can find it online easy enough, I'll bet.

Bikes Direct also has some that are pretty inexpensive, if you don't mind putting them together. You can find good and bad reviews of them, but I've never dealt with them myself.

Good luck!

jumpman23j

How good is the Marin Kentfield FS? is it comparable to the fuji crosstown or sagres? Or what about a trek 7000? I think I should give some insight into what i'm going to use it for. I plan on riding my bike to work everyday on the roads which is only like a couple miles away which is up a good size incline and I also plan on doing some recreational riding.

travelmama

I ride a Trek 7000 and love it. Go with it!

Wanderer

And, Marin makes some really nice bikes.....

|3iker

Schwinn Tourist from Target. There are some owners here. Seems pretty good. $249 or something.

wrafl

Marin Kentfield should be a good value for you. I just recently bought from REI the Marin Larkspur for $300.00 when they have the additional 20% off sale last month, have not ridden it yet but I have already installed Planet Bike fenders, computer and awaiting for my Jannd rear rack. It's on REI outlet.com and for the price they ask for, it's not bad and you can have it shipped to your local REI store where they assemble it and get a one time tune up for free. For another $10.00 you can't go wrong with the Larkspur.

https://www.rei.com/product/799771

petflunky

I have the Marin Kentfield my wife bought me for Christmas. It was around $400 for the 2009 model. It is a really nice bike. I've probably put about 50-75 miles on it since Christmas, and it is a lot of fun to ride. I bought my son the Diamondback citi last year for around $160 from Dicks. It's a nice bike, rides nice, etc., but is pretty heavy. The Marin probably weighs around 22-23 pounds. Either one would be a good choice for you.

Good Luck!

jumpman23j

Yeah I would prefer a more lightweight bike, the marin sounds interesting. Is it more of a longer lasting bike? Also, If i'm around 5'8 or 5'9" 160 lbs what size should I be looking at? 17? 19?

GeorgePaul

Depends on your inseam, but 19" will in all likelihood be too big. I think the Giant Cypress is a decent bike and it's in your price range. Not a lightweight, though.

no1mad 

Here's some advice- go ask the staff at the LBS (Local Bike Shop). I understand your budgeting constraints (trust me), but you got no business perusing CL if you aren't even aware of what size of bike you need. And the sizing will vary, depending on frame geo, mtb/road, etc.

As far as the durability issue, just about any bike will last if you maintain it. Ignore it, and it's just a matter of time before it fails.

petflunky

My son is about 5'6", and we bought him the (I think) the 18" model bike. I'm 6'1" and have a 20.5" bike, which is maybe a 1/2" too short for me. I just need to push the seat back a little bit so I'm comfortable on it.

kennyc

Check out the bikes at Dick's Sporting Goods, if you have one close. They had a few different brands in the $200 - $500 range that looked pretty durable...Diamondback was one I remember. Had 700 tires & flat bars, 27 speed, pretty good looking seat on one & it was $329, I think? Check 'em out.
Good luck!

GeorgePaul

+1. Bike shop, not sporting goods store, not CL.

sh00k

you can find some insane deals on craigslist like everyone says. yes, you can go to a bike shop and get a budget bike but craigslist can get you a bike that was $800 new for $300 now with minimal wear. i see bikes like that all the time on CL.

jumpman23j

I went to Sport Chalet yesterday and looked at the marin kenfield fs for $340 and it seemed like a pretty good bike. I also seen a fuji absolute 3.0 for 300, how good is this bike? I think I'm going to go to a LBS to see what size bike I need but don't want to pay **** prices there. Will they usually size you up there without buying a bike?

no1mad 

1. Marin and Fuji are LBS quality bikes.
2. The LBS will give a you a general idea of what frame size you should be looking at. <-- should be free.
3. A proper fitting will cost you. There is a Specialized shop in town with 2 BG certified techs. They charge $200.

Wanderer

And, don't be afraid to try different sizes of the same bike. Many times, the one that would be considered the "wrong" size, is just more comfortable than the "right" one.

Guitarrick

I bought the Schwinn Tourist towards the end of last season. Super lightweight, slim profile. I don't know if it's the high profile rims that I'm not used to but the thing just feels rock solid when I'm on it. They actually did a halfway decent assembly job on it, I was shocked! I think it's a great bike for $250. Tubes were crap, I mean CRAP!! I replaced them with Michelin Airstops, problem solved.