Theads13

Hi!
I'm new to the bicycle world and would like some advice on purchasing my first bike. I live in North Carolina and pretty soon it will be warm enough for me to commute to work with a bike (about 4 miles each way). I'd like to purchase a hybrid (I think) since I want to use the bike on the road as well as go on trails and occasionally mountains. I'm a 5'4" male and I'd like to spend under $300. I also don't mind finding a used bike. So I'd like some suggestions for brands or specific bikes to look at.

Thanks,
Adam

rumrunn6

I'm liking this one. it's even got schrader valves, bonus :-)

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/bik/6044409645.html

this one is a little smaller

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/5992210978.html

Theads13

Thanks!
I'm going to inquire about the trek. The one in charlotte is too far away since I'm in Raleigh. For some reason when I did my Craigslist search, that trek one didn't come up.

rumrunn6

I searched "trek fx" cuz we like them. all 4 of us have one. all different models (#s)

you can also search just trek or just fx. but started with exactly what I wanted to see if I could get lucky. other major brands have equally good bikes that look just like it. trick is getting your size correct. refer to manufacturer's websites for guidance. I'm just about 6 ft & ride a 22", but could have fit a 20"

hokiefyd 

RJ the Bike Guy recently did a video with tips on searching for Craigslist.


I never realized it before, but Craigslist doesn't seem to always show all ads, for some reason. After using some of his tricks, a ton more bikes show up for me than simply just clicking on the "Bikes" section. I think it's worth the 20 minutes it takes to watch it -- I learned a lot about how to focus a search on Craigslist.

Keep looking and be patient. One of RJ's tips is look every day. Every hour even -- get your searches set up and hit them as many times as you think is reasonable during the day. I bought my 2015 Trek Verve 3 on Craigslist last year for a third of what it cost new. The bike was one model year old and the older gent's story of having ridden it only a few times certainly correlated with the condition of the bike -- it was spotless. I think I got lucky with mine -- I found it a few days after it had been posted, but I wasn't all that determined at the time and a week or two would go by between searches. I just happened to find this one right after it was posted.

I also snagged a 2012 model Specialized Hotrock 24" for my 8 year old daughter on Craigslist for $35. It was in good condition -- the rear derailleur needed work and it just needed a clean-up. It's cleaned up, tuned up, rides like a dream, and I have less than $100 cash into it. This was a $370 bike when it was new, and new Hotrocks still sell for that today. I found this one the day he posted it, because I was on CL every day using RJ's tips.

rumrunn6

whoa! gonna have to spend some time with this!

ksywa

North Carolina ? Check the Oak City Cycling Project @
Oak City Cycling | Oak City Cycling is a local, independent cycling shop in Downtown Raleigh, NC focused on increasing bicycle ridership through sales, service, outreach, and community.

Great guys, great selection of bikes, very knowledgeable and helpful.

That is what a LBS should look like..

(not related, but I bought two bikes form them.... and drove from WV to Raleigh to pick them up).

/ksywa

Roamer2

All good suggestions!

As a fellow Raleigh rider, be sure to check out our extensive Greenway trail system...it goes all over, mostly beside the local creeks & rivers. (you can set the Google maps app on your phone to highlight the trails & bike-friendly roads by selecting "bicycle" in the drop down menu) From my North Hills location, I can do a 60+ mile ride and hardly have to cross an actual street.

There are also several low-key riders groups on MeetUp that are a bit less spandexy than the typical road guys.

Enjoy!

Theads13

I bought a 2016 trek bontrager from the link runrunn6 posted. Seems to be in 'like new' condition. I'm happy with it! Thanks for all the help!

RonH

Congrats on the new bike. Post a pic or two when you get a chance.