Looking to get a used bike - appreciate 2nd opinions
03-23-22, 09:23 AM
#26
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I’d recommend following up on the Giant Sedona. Sounds like what you’re after at a good price. But, of course, check it out: condition, size, components.
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03-23-22, 10:00 AM
#27
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Interesting to compare a bike to a Toyota Corolla.
For me that would be;
A steel frame for strength and less likely to be badly fatigued
26" wheels for strength with a freehub not freewheel
Thick tyres for comfort and long life
Rigid steel fork for zero maintenance
1x drivetrain for simplicity and reduced maintenance
Wide range cassette maybe 11-34T
For me that would be;
A steel frame for strength and less likely to be badly fatigued
26" wheels for strength with a freehub not freewheel
Thick tyres for comfort and long life
Rigid steel fork for zero maintenance
1x drivetrain for simplicity and reduced maintenance
Wide range cassette maybe 11-34T
03-23-22, 10:08 AM
#28
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The Raleigh Portage is the only good one in the OP list, if in not rusty condition. Has a level top tube and is 650B?
IF it's 23"+ go try it.
The first 2 bikes in post #17 look in the ballpark at least.
I wouldn't buy any 26er bike. They are crappy on streets, IMO. Totally unnecessary.
Far better is a city/ commuter bike with a rack, even better if it has an IGH. I had NO problem riding a 1973 CCM with a new SA XRD 3 speed, between Markham and DT. These are the only true 100% reliable and easy low service.
For a level top tube bike, your size is 23.5" to 25".
35 to 42 mm tires are what to look for. Frames with a steep slope top tube are HORRIBLE. Stay away.
IF it's 23"+ go try it.
The first 2 bikes in post #17 look in the ballpark at least.
I wouldn't buy any 26er bike. They are crappy on streets, IMO. Totally unnecessary.
Far better is a city/ commuter bike with a rack, even better if it has an IGH. I had NO problem riding a 1973 CCM with a new SA XRD 3 speed, between Markham and DT. These are the only true 100% reliable and easy low service.
For a level top tube bike, your size is 23.5" to 25".
35 to 42 mm tires are what to look for. Frames with a steep slope top tube are HORRIBLE. Stay away.
Last edited by GamblerGORD53; 03-23-22 at 12:10 PM.
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03-23-22, 10:12 AM
#29
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Far less "brave" and far less sarcastic.
03-23-22, 10:14 AM
#30
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Hi all, I apologize if this is posted in the wrong forum. I'm looking to get a new (used) bike and would appreciate some wisdom/second opinions etc.
A little about me: I'm young, 6' tall, enjoy biking, but not an expert in buying bikes at all. The last two bikes I rode were hand-me-downs given for free with lots of issues, e.g. one gear/7 working, rear brakes not working, flat tires etc. I fixed what I could, but it would be nice to get a bike relatively problem free.
I recently moved to Toronto, so I'm not planning to do any crazy mountain biking anytime soon, but do enjoy going on trails where possible, so I'm interested in a hybrid or mountain bike.
I'm young and with student loans, so I have a low budget (Ideally under $250 CAD) and just want something low maintenance I can ride around the city and on trails. Like a Toyota Corolla - reliable, affordable, not fancy.
I'm not quite sure exactly what to look for in getting a used bike, although I've gathered from some past posts to avoid retail store bikes and some preferred budget brands (e.g. Giant).
As a result - here's some postings I've seen, please let me know your thoughts if you think any are a good buy! Thanks in advance for your help and hope you have a great night!
$150 - Giant Sedona - looks relatively new and medium-large size, but not sure. Nor does the lady who posted when I asked her.
$160 Giant Iguana - 18in frame, 26in tire. Looks older. Maybe 90s?
$120 Raleigh Ambush - medium frame, 26in tires. Looks 5-10 years old?
$65 Raleigh Portage - 22in frame, 26in tires. Looks older - 90s?
$120 Raleigh Summit - maybe 5-10 years old? 21in frame, 26in tires
A little about me: I'm young, 6' tall, enjoy biking, but not an expert in buying bikes at all. The last two bikes I rode were hand-me-downs given for free with lots of issues, e.g. one gear/7 working, rear brakes not working, flat tires etc. I fixed what I could, but it would be nice to get a bike relatively problem free.
I recently moved to Toronto, so I'm not planning to do any crazy mountain biking anytime soon, but do enjoy going on trails where possible, so I'm interested in a hybrid or mountain bike.
I'm young and with student loans, so I have a low budget (Ideally under $250 CAD) and just want something low maintenance I can ride around the city and on trails. Like a Toyota Corolla - reliable, affordable, not fancy.
I'm not quite sure exactly what to look for in getting a used bike, although I've gathered from some past posts to avoid retail store bikes and some preferred budget brands (e.g. Giant).
As a result - here's some postings I've seen, please let me know your thoughts if you think any are a good buy! Thanks in advance for your help and hope you have a great night!
$150 - Giant Sedona - looks relatively new and medium-large size, but not sure. Nor does the lady who posted when I asked her.
$160 Giant Iguana - 18in frame, 26in tire. Looks older. Maybe 90s?
$120 Raleigh Ambush - medium frame, 26in tires. Looks 5-10 years old?
$65 Raleigh Portage - 22in frame, 26in tires. Looks older - 90s?
$120 Raleigh Summit - maybe 5-10 years old? 21in frame, 26in tires
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03-23-22, 10:18 AM
#31
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Craigslist here has rigid Mt.bike/hybrids from Cannondale, Trek, Gary Fisher, Bianchi, Specialized for $250 USD or less
03-23-22, 10:21 AM
#32
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If you give us a location and which used bike site you are looking at, craigslist/facebook?, we can get a better idea of what your market is. Doesn't hurt to post your area in your profile and sometimes helps with locals that might have something laying around that would work for you..
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03-23-22, 10:29 AM
#34
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The best advice I saw above was to procure a steel MTB with no suspension fork that feels comfortable; rides shifts, and brakes well; and appears to have been maintained (not left outdoors).
Last edited by 2old; 03-23-22 at 02:18 PM.
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03-23-22, 10:50 AM
#35
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Pretty clean Raleigh. If you could negotiate down a little for tires, solid utility bike.
https://toronto.craigslist.org/yrk/b...461221429.html
https://toronto.craigslist.org/yrk/b...461221429.html
Raliegh Mountain Bike for men 26 inch 23 in frame 18 speed bicycle & - $165 (Markham)
‹image 1 of 11›
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03-23-22, 10:57 AM
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If s/he was looking at multiple bikes, or something mostly for paved routes, I'd agree that a road bike with 32mm tires would probably be a good choice.
*I always assumed that road bikes capable of going above 28mm tires was only really becoming a thing in the last few years.
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03-23-22, 10:57 AM
#37
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Unless the seller needs immediately cash for other habits, that bike at its advertised price is a steal to anyone that doesn't have a bike at all.
Things Canada: after winters, when the temperature goes up, so do bike prices.
Things Canada: after winters, when the temperature goes up, so do bike prices.
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03-23-22, 11:43 AM
#38
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Is he? Is there a lot of off-road choice in Toronto? He's going to be doing more off-road than on-road? A lot of bike newbies make mistakes concerning surface availability in big cities, especially when they're new to that city.
03-23-22, 01:26 PM
#40
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https://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2...round_toronto/
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03-23-22, 01:58 PM
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my fastest 34 mile (round trip) commute was on an old 26er w/ big fat slicks (that I added), that was too small for me, that I found on top of a trash heap
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03-23-22, 03:50 PM
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"I recently moved to Toronto, so I'm not planning to do any crazy mountain biking anytime soon, but do enjoy going on trails where possible, so I'm interested in a hybrid or mountain bike."
I'd posit that you can ride on any road with a mountain bike, but you can't ride on any trail with a road bike. Heck, I gave up on a path I do a lot on my gravel bike (with 37mm off-road tyres) because I was struggling for grip, whereas it'd have been no issue with my mountain bike. I wouldn't have even tried with my 28mm road bike.
A hybrid should do everything s/he needs, well enough. If I had to only have one bike, it'd be a mountain bike style hybrid.
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03-23-22, 04:59 PM
#43
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I do it all the time with a pretty aggressive mountain bike. I tend to ride from home to trails a few miles away with 29x2.4" knobbly tires at 40psi, 780mm bars, 1x drivetrain with a top gearing of 32x11. It's not as fast as my road bike by a long shot, but it works fine.
It's about 1000 times more fun than trying to take on a rough, steep or sloppy trail with a road bike. Now that sucks.
It's about 1000 times more fun than trying to take on a rough, steep or sloppy trail with a road bike. Now that sucks.
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03-23-22, 06:23 PM
#44
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03-25-22, 09:18 AM
#46
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Thanks for everyone's help 
I went to another LBS yesterday afternoon and they had a large, 2016 Giant Escape 2 for $400.
These are the specs:
Frame: ALUXX-grade aluminum
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus
Front derailleur: Shiman M191
Crank: SR Suntour XCE, 28/38/48
Shifters: Shimano M310
Cassette: SRAM 11x32 3-speed
Chain: KMC Z72
Brakes: Tektro
Brake levers: Tektro
Wheels - Alloy, 32h, 700x32
Curious to hear thoughts on this? Seems to be a good quality bike with good quality parts, at least, relative to the price, and suits my needs well in terms of sizing, low maintenance and such. And I like that it's from a LBS and already tuned up etc.
I'm just a little concerned on how it'll fare on the trails? The gentleman at the shop assured me with some gravel tires it'll have no problems with trails, but it is a city-bike first, meant to do light off-roading.
$400 is a little steep for my budget, but it seems quite fair.
EDIT: After some googling - it looks like I can fit up to 45mm tires on there, which I think would make the off-roading/trails more possible?
I went to another LBS yesterday afternoon and they had a large, 2016 Giant Escape 2 for $400.
These are the specs:
Frame: ALUXX-grade aluminum
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus
Front derailleur: Shiman M191
Crank: SR Suntour XCE, 28/38/48
Shifters: Shimano M310
Cassette: SRAM 11x32 3-speed
Chain: KMC Z72
Brakes: Tektro
Brake levers: Tektro
Wheels - Alloy, 32h, 700x32
Curious to hear thoughts on this? Seems to be a good quality bike with good quality parts, at least, relative to the price, and suits my needs well in terms of sizing, low maintenance and such. And I like that it's from a LBS and already tuned up etc.
I'm just a little concerned on how it'll fare on the trails? The gentleman at the shop assured me with some gravel tires it'll have no problems with trails, but it is a city-bike first, meant to do light off-roading.
$400 is a little steep for my budget, but it seems quite fair.
EDIT: After some googling - it looks like I can fit up to 45mm tires on there, which I think would make the off-roading/trails more possible?
Last edited by arimnestos; 03-25-22 at 09:44 AM. Reason: more details
03-25-22, 09:45 AM
#47
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Thanks for everyone's help
I went to another LBS yesterday afternoon and they had a large, 2016 Giant Escape 2 for $400.
These are the specs:
Frame: ALUXX-grade aluminum
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus
Front derailleur: Shiman M191
Crank: SR Suntour XCE, 28/38/48
Shifters: Shimano M310
Cassette: SRAM 11x32 3-speed
Chain: KMC Z72
Brakes: Tektro
Brake levers: Tektro
Wheels - Alloy, 32h, 700x32
Curious to hear thoughts on this? Seems to be a good quality bike with good quality parts, at least, relative to the price, and suits my needs well in terms of sizing, low maintenance and such. And I like that it's from a LBS and already tuned up etc.
I'm just a little concerned on how it'll fare on the trails? The gentleman at the shop assured me with some gravel tires it'll have no problems with trails, but it is a city-bike first, meant to do light off-roading.
$400 is a little steep for my budget, but it seems quite fair.
I went to another LBS yesterday afternoon and they had a large, 2016 Giant Escape 2 for $400.
These are the specs:
Frame: ALUXX-grade aluminum
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus
Front derailleur: Shiman M191
Crank: SR Suntour XCE, 28/38/48
Shifters: Shimano M310
Cassette: SRAM 11x32 3-speed
Chain: KMC Z72
Brakes: Tektro
Brake levers: Tektro
Wheels - Alloy, 32h, 700x32
Curious to hear thoughts on this? Seems to be a good quality bike with good quality parts, at least, relative to the price, and suits my needs well in terms of sizing, low maintenance and such. And I like that it's from a LBS and already tuned up etc.
I'm just a little concerned on how it'll fare on the trails? The gentleman at the shop assured me with some gravel tires it'll have no problems with trails, but it is a city-bike first, meant to do light off-roading.
$400 is a little steep for my budget, but it seems quite fair.
This seems to hit exactly into the bike use type you outlined in your OP.
Parts are all solid, very serviceable, and appropriate for the level and type of riding on this bike.
As LBS noted, the current tires will work fine for most everything including light Rail-Trail type riding and forest lanes. Getting some 38-42 mm tires on it would certainly allow it to handle quite a bit of more rugged terrain, if that ever is a consideration.
Asking the LBS to include a free 'adjustment' service, a few months after you purchase, would be a nice bonus - taking care of some minor, but important, adjustments to the drivetrain and stretched cables (assuming LBS has replaced any cables which were doubtful...)
A much better deal than buying some private seller's nightmare. Don;t think you'd spend better on anything else.
DON:T FORGET to get the BEST LOCKING SYSTEM you can afford - it'd be a shame to be separated from such a most useful and enjoyable thing. Nice, good helmets can be quite economical, as long as they fit well.
Don't leave it un-attended - even when locked - for very long... Bike thieves are the scum of the universe and all too numerous.
Ride On
Yuri
EDIT: If the bike is stock, the cassette is likely 8 spd (not 3 - 3 is the front chainring setup). all good...
03-25-22, 09:50 AM
#48
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You bought new? If you are happy with it and it comes with warranty then all good.
03-25-22, 09:55 AM
#49
Junior Member
Thread Starter
A quite nice newer bike. Coming from an LBS, one should expect it's in top running condition; and given the current and expected bike situation for the coming year, it's a good deal.
This seems to hit exactly into the bike use type you outlined in your OP.
Parts are all solid, very serviceable, and appropriate for the level and type of riding on this bike.
As LBS noted, the current tires will work fine for most everything including light Rail-Trail type riding and forest lanes. Getting some 38-42 mm tires on it would certainly allow it to handle quite a bit of more rugged terrain, if that ever is a consideration.
Asking the LBS to include a free 'adjustment' service, a few months after you purchase, would be a nice bonus - taking care of some minor, but important, adjustments to the drivetrain and stretched cables (assuming LBS has replaced any cables which were doubtful...)
A much better deal than buying some private seller's nightmare. Don;t think you'd spend better on anything else.
DON:T FORGET to get the BEST LOCKING SYSTEM you can afford - it'd be a shame to be separated from such a most useful and enjoyable thing. Nice, good helmets can be quite economical, as long as they fit well.
Don't leave it un-attended - even when locked - for very long... Bike thieves are the scum of the universe and all too numerous.
Ride On
Yuri
EDIT: If the bike is stock, the cassette is likely 8 spd (not 3 - 3 is the front chainring setup). all good...
This seems to hit exactly into the bike use type you outlined in your OP.
Parts are all solid, very serviceable, and appropriate for the level and type of riding on this bike.
As LBS noted, the current tires will work fine for most everything including light Rail-Trail type riding and forest lanes. Getting some 38-42 mm tires on it would certainly allow it to handle quite a bit of more rugged terrain, if that ever is a consideration.
Asking the LBS to include a free 'adjustment' service, a few months after you purchase, would be a nice bonus - taking care of some minor, but important, adjustments to the drivetrain and stretched cables (assuming LBS has replaced any cables which were doubtful...)
A much better deal than buying some private seller's nightmare. Don;t think you'd spend better on anything else.
DON:T FORGET to get the BEST LOCKING SYSTEM you can afford - it'd be a shame to be separated from such a most useful and enjoyable thing. Nice, good helmets can be quite economical, as long as they fit well.
Don't leave it un-attended - even when locked - for very long... Bike thieves are the scum of the universe and all too numerous.
Ride On
Yuri
EDIT: If the bike is stock, the cassette is likely 8 spd (not 3 - 3 is the front chainring setup). all good...
I'll definitely invest in a good locking system, and luckily have secured underground parking for bikes at my apartment building too.
Yes - it was 3x8 speed
03-25-22, 11:40 AM
#50
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If it were me, I wouldn't make an "if it were me I wouldn't" statement that implied they were doing something they probably aren't and doesn't really relate to what they asked.
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