The extra price is worth the peace of mind, IMO.
That's evidently because
you have the money. LanEvo has already said that money's a bit tight, and for many, spending even $100 would be too much. Look, no-one is going to doubt the fact that a $1000 bike is likely better than a $500 bike which is likely better than a $100 bike, but it's important when assisting people to realise that a budget is a budget.
If you are buying a bike in a shop, the cutoff is typically around $300 or a bit higher than that. The advantage of a quality shop is that you know the bike was assembled properly and can come back periodically for necessary tune ups.
Yes, as I posted the Giant Boulder is around $330 in the US. A great first bike. But if the bike itself is outside of the budget, it doesn't matter if it's the best bike in the world if the person buying it doesn't have the funds.
Who knows how that bike on craigslist was maintained, or if it was at all?
True of any second-hand bike. But go back over my posts, and read the specific second-hand bike I've said to target - less than a year or two old, and barely ridden.
Also, the price of the bike is just a starting point. A U lock and cable are necessary, as is a helmet.
The OP has said he had a bike already, so I'm assuming he's sorted on the basic accessories front, or has separated that from his
bike budget, which is the one he gave us.
You also want to invest in a couple of good lights front and rear.
Only if you're riding in the dark. The OP wants a bike for the school run, so darkness may never ever be an issue for him.
A rear view mirror is also necessary.
I'm not going to laugh here, I'm going to simply say that a rear view mirror on a bike is not necessary (unless the bike in question is a recumbent, which in this case it absolutely isn't). Awareness and skill are necessary, a rear-view mirror is not.
$200 is simply not a realistic budget for a quality trouble free bike that can be ridden safely.
a. It is.
b. It is the budget. You obviously have enough money that $300-500 is not a question for you - great for you. It
is for some people.
If you are handy with bike maintenance already, and are willing to invest in things like new tires, tubes, pedals, etc. as they wear out or go bad on an older bike, that's fine.
Again, read my posts, check out the sort of specific bike I said to target. A 1-2 year old, barely-ridden bike will not need new pedals, hell, many bikes that are sold 'almost new' won't even need new tubes, let alone new tyres.
A bike is not a toy or an appliance. It is a vehicle and you can travel long distances at very high speeds with the proper equipment. But safety at least for me, is paramount. That means having the bike built the right way and having all the proper accessories to protect your investment and safe on the road.
You had a bad experience with a bike build, that can happen. All of the bike brands I suggested are usually only sold through bike shops, and assembled by bike mechanics. MOST (not all) but most will be assembled correctly - and much more correctly than a k-mart / wal-mart bike. Additionally, the few $ for a basic service at most bike shops could put even the most cautious person at ease.
Also, note how I repeatedly suggested to the OP to find a local friend with bike knowledge to help the purchase.
edit: I just checked prices online and you can get a $300 quality mountain bike new in a quality bike shop. Add $45 for skinny tires and tubes and your bicycles needs are met. Very easy. Then negotiate a discount on necessary accessories like lights and helmet if you buy all at the same time. Good luck!
And now, you're 100% over budget. DOUBLE the budget. Think of something you have a budget for, and then double it, and maybe you'll see how unacceptable that is.
I'll let you figure that one out. There aren't many people who can write 100s - 1000s of words on bikes off the top of their head without a good 5 or 10 years riding behind them.
