Buying a Bike
05-11-18, 12:24 AM
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Buying a Bike
Hello,
I want to buy a bike for commuting (5 miles one way) and doing some bike rides (30 miles) and I'm wondering if there are any tips for finding and buying a good commuting bicycle. What kind of bikes should I look out for and what should I do to inspect a used bike?
I've found this bike near me but I'm worried about the age of the bike and the wear on the frame.
losangeles.craigslist. org/lac/bik/d/cannondale-53cm-18-speed-road/6585784480.html
I'm really new to all of this and the biking terminology is a little bit overwhelming. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Best,
Ryan
I want to buy a bike for commuting (5 miles one way) and doing some bike rides (30 miles) and I'm wondering if there are any tips for finding and buying a good commuting bicycle. What kind of bikes should I look out for and what should I do to inspect a used bike?
I've found this bike near me but I'm worried about the age of the bike and the wear on the frame.
losangeles.craigslist. org/lac/bik/d/cannondale-53cm-18-speed-road/6585784480.html
I'm really new to all of this and the biking terminology is a little bit overwhelming. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Best,
Ryan
05-11-18, 02:55 AM
#2
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The link just takes you to a list of several bikes for sale as opposed to any specific one??
05-11-18, 05:39 AM
#3
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Commuter bike selection is somewhat dictated by the commute conditions. In general, though, commuter bikes are workhorses, while 30-mile ride bikes are more like quarter horses or thoroughbreds. Commuter bikes are built for day-after-day use on varying road conditions. Very often they have straight handlebars (for easy maneuvering), fairly fat (beefy) tires, fenders, and can easily carry gear. Also, I'd consider disc brakes in case of wet conditions. While a commuter bike can be used for a 30-mile ride, I wouldn't do it routinely.
BTW, no matter which bike you select, make certain you get good lights for front and back.
For now, if you intend to commute by bike look for one that meets that need. Here's an example of one:
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...olorCode=black
BTW, no matter which bike you select, make certain you get good lights for front and back.
For now, if you intend to commute by bike look for one that meets that need. Here's an example of one:
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...olorCode=black
Last edited by Tony P.; 05-11-18 at 05:44 AM.
05-11-18, 08:23 AM
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Commuter bike selection is somewhat dictated by the commute conditions. In general, though, commuter bikes are workhorses, while 30-mile ride bikes are more like quarter horses or thoroughbreds. Commuter bikes are built for day-after-day use on varying road conditions. Very often they have straight handlebars (for easy maneuvering), fairly fat (beefy) tires, fenders, and can easily carry gear. Also, I'd consider disc brakes in case of wet conditions. While a commuter bike can be used for a 30-mile ride, I wouldn't do it routinely.
BTW, no matter which bike you select, make certain you get good lights for front and back.
For now, if you intend to commute by bike look for one that meets that need. Here's an example of one:
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...olorCode=black
BTW, no matter which bike you select, make certain you get good lights for front and back.
For now, if you intend to commute by bike look for one that meets that need. Here's an example of one:
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...olorCode=black
Last edited by Bill Gem; 05-11-18 at 08:43 AM.
05-11-18, 08:13 PM
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All i can tell you is you have a long way to go its a long road you start and stay on it and if your lucky and dedicated enough you get to the end and you look back at your former self and you are changed foreever .... Good luck pal....
05-12-18, 08:44 AM
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You can ride 5 miles on any old piece of garbage bike but riding comfortably for 30 miles requires a bike that fits. It is easier with decent components and a lighter weight bike. Back when I was into riding road bikes (now ride recumbents) the change from a 29 pound road bike to a 21 pound road bike was a profound difference for longer rides.
If you are funds limited, remember it now takes about $500 just to get out of entry level bikes. We are not talking mass merchandiser bikes, just those sold by bike shops. You can do much better with an older bike. Unless a bike has been abused, the frame isn't the problem. It's wear on the components and the need to replace older parts that are made of rubber like tires and brake pads. They get hard with age and should be replaced. I don't have a diamond frame bike less than 25 years old and they are all safe and perfectly usable after all those years. Find somebody who is an avid rider and who knows bikes well enough to be able to judge the quality of the bike and if it will fit you properly before you buy a used one.
If you are funds limited, remember it now takes about $500 just to get out of entry level bikes. We are not talking mass merchandiser bikes, just those sold by bike shops. You can do much better with an older bike. Unless a bike has been abused, the frame isn't the problem. It's wear on the components and the need to replace older parts that are made of rubber like tires and brake pads. They get hard with age and should be replaced. I don't have a diamond frame bike less than 25 years old and they are all safe and perfectly usable after all those years. Find somebody who is an avid rider and who knows bikes well enough to be able to judge the quality of the bike and if it will fit you properly before you buy a used one.
05-12-18, 10:11 AM
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Hello,
I want to buy a bike for commuting (5 miles one way) and doing some bike rides (30 miles) and I'm wondering if there are any tips for finding and buying a good commuting bicycle. What kind of bikes should I look out for and what should I do to inspect a used bike?
I'm really new to all of this and the biking terminology is a little bit overwhelming. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Best,
Ryan
I want to buy a bike for commuting (5 miles one way) and doing some bike rides (30 miles) and I'm wondering if there are any tips for finding and buying a good commuting bicycle. What kind of bikes should I look out for and what should I do to inspect a used bike?
I'm really new to all of this and the biking terminology is a little bit overwhelming. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Best,
Ryan
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I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
05-12-18, 03:33 PM
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https://losangeles.craigslist.org/la...585784480.html
It looks reasonable and the height they recommend should be correct but I bet some of the users here can find some better options.
It looks reasonable and the height they recommend should be correct but I bet some of the users here can find some better options.
05-12-18, 03:46 PM
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https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sg...580315649.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lg...568438703.html
Are you six foot plus? Here is a nice centurion if so.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/la...582780879.html
Only 60 bucks for KHS alite 150. It's a steal if it fits and is rideable
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...585427557.html
Nice trek mtb if you are short
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...587332565.html
I like these old raleighs but they are not usually for short rider
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...587329821.html
If you can get them to come down a bit this trek could be good
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...587288442.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...565516236.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lg...568438703.html
Are you six foot plus? Here is a nice centurion if so.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/la...582780879.html
Only 60 bucks for KHS alite 150. It's a steal if it fits and is rideable
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...585427557.html
Nice trek mtb if you are short
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...587332565.html
I like these old raleighs but they are not usually for short rider
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...587329821.html
If you can get them to come down a bit this trek could be good
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...587288442.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...565516236.html
05-12-18, 04:43 PM
#11
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You can use one bike for 99% of what you do, though if you can avoid it do at all cost. One racy and another with fender and mount racks is preferable.
I have one bike that I commute on and ride 50 mike rides on the weekend. My second is a beach cruiser, which my wife cannot understand why I wouldn’t commute on nor ride more than 2 miles when we are at the beach together. If I could, there would be another sportier aluminum or carbon bike just for the weekend, my weekday bike is a little too heavy for my preference as a road bike, not to mention maintenance.
I have one bike that I commute on and ride 50 mike rides on the weekend. My second is a beach cruiser, which my wife cannot understand why I wouldn’t commute on nor ride more than 2 miles when we are at the beach together. If I could, there would be another sportier aluminum or carbon bike just for the weekend, my weekday bike is a little too heavy for my preference as a road bike, not to mention maintenance.
05-14-18, 09:56 AM
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What's your ballpark budget? That will likely affect your choices more than anything else.
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