Thinking of getting a bike

[Breakaz54z]

I'd like to get some advice from you bike gurus here. I'm thinking of getting a bike since gas is getting expensive. As a poor college student, I think a bike is good since I use my car mainly for getting groceries or getting takeout close by.

I live in a fairly suburban/rural area but the getting around with a bike isn't much of a problem. I don't really have space in my apartment for a full size bike and one of my roommates is a little picky about putting things in their place and cleanliness. So I was thinking about getting a folding bike and just keeping it in my room or some place out of the way on the balcony. Again, I'd just be using it to go buy groceries or take out which is no more than a mile or so to and back. I can go down to campus too which would be about 2-3 miles to and back. Not sure about going on the sidewalk but I think going on the road would be fine. I'm not gonna be going off road or anything like that either.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017RHCCE/sr=1-2/qid=1210816181/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1210816181&sr=1-2&seller=

This is what I was thinking of getting.. Cheap but good I suppose. I was thinking of a Dahon but they're very expensive if I'm gonna get a multispeed. What do you guys think? Thanks!

 

[YULitle]

I can't tell from the picture, but it looks like it has eyelets near the rear dropouts. I'd email the seller to be sure. You'll want them if you ever decide to add a rack to the back for groceries. Otherwise, make sure it fits. How tall are you? The seats only adjust so far. Also, I'd invest in a cover if you plan on keeping it outside. You wouldn't want rain to get into the frame.

Good on you for getting a bike.

 

[Hot Sauce]

Get an electric bike, those things are fun to ride!

 

[Breakaz54z]

I can't tell from the picture, but it looks like it has eyelets near the rear dropouts. I'd email the seller to be sure. You'll want them if you ever decide to add a rack to the back for groceries. Otherwise, make sure it fits. How tall are you? The seats only adjust so far. Also, I'd invest in a cover if you plan on keeping it outside. You wouldn't want rain to get into the frame.

Good on you for getting a bike.

Yeah I DO want to have a rear rack on there.. other quality 20 26" ones with racks are really expensive. I'm 5'4" I tried out the montague folding bike.. i have no problem with that. I'm actually gonna keep my bike in my apartment for the most part but then again I might ride when it rains.. just take an umbrella. Do you know anything about other folding bikes? Would it be worth it to invest in a Dahon or something?

 

[LuckyR]

Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you wanted to get a bike!!

 

[CanadianChic]

I'm planning on getting a scooter next year. It will save on gas through the summer and fall.

 

[Breakaz54z]

Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you wanted to get a bike!!

Mmmm... I'll take both in that picture please lol. No I'd like to spend less money on gas. Not to mention I have no funds to get a motorcycle.. maybe I could take that woman out on a date though!

 

[Breakaz54z]

I'm planning on getting a scooter next year. It will save on gas through the summer and fall.

Good call, that'd be cool to have!

 

[LuckyR]

Mmmm... I'll take both in that picture please lol. No I'd like to spend less money on gas. Not to mention I have no funds to get a motorcycle.. maybe I could take that woman out on a date though!

Something tells me the indirect cost of access to the zipper in the pic is going to be nearly that of the bike in the pic...

 

[iplaybetter]

what about a Madison, its singlespeed/fixed gear, there is no reason to spend more on a multi speed for what you are doing
http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_detail.php?id=923

 

[TheJRK]

I'd like to get some advice from you bike gurus here. I'm thinking of getting a bike since gas is getting expensive. As a poor college student, I think a bike is good since I use my car mainly for getting groceries or getting takeout close by.

I live in a fairly suburban/rural area but the getting around with a bike isn't much of a problem. I don't really have space in my apartment for a full size bike and one of my roommates is a little picky about putting things in their place and cleanliness. So I was thinking about getting a folding bike and just keeping it in my room or some place out of the way on the balcony. Again, I'd just be using it to go buy groceries or take out which is no more than a mile or so to and back. I can go down to campus too which would be about 2-3 miles to and back. Not sure about going on the sidewalk but I think going on the road would be fine. I'm not gonna be going off road or anything like that either.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017RHCCE/sr=1-2/qid=1210816181/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1210816181&sr=1-2&seller=

This is what I was thinking of getting.. Cheap but good I suppose. I was thinking of a Dahon but they're very expensive if I'm gonna get a multispeed. What do you guys think? Thanks!

I thought you meant a road bike but that folding one is pretty cool. I'm still waiting on a car that folds into a briefcase like on the Jetsons.

I hope you have fun... and BTW, don't ever ride your bike on the sidewalk, people get hurt that way.

Before I started cycling, whenever I saw someone on the road with their bike I'd be like "WTF are you doing?!?! Get on the sidewalk!" Now when I see someone riding their bike on the sidewalk I'm like "WTF?!?!..."

 

[hollywood9826]

what about a Madison, its singlespeed/fixed gear, there is no reason to spend more on a multi speed for what you are doing
http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_detail.php?id=923

Thats a pretty cool bike but I dont think it meets the OP's demands.

It does not fold and 570 bucks seems like that is beyond his budget.


I think dude should just go with the amish scooter

 

[YULitle]

You took this poor child's soul!

 

[hollywood9826]

^^^^

At least he was happy about it.

By the way I see the kids and older teens cranking on these things. If the OP got one evryone would notice and nobody would even be able to steal it because everyone would know that it was his.

It small, has the basket for croceries, and is its own theft deterrent. I say he cant go wrong

 

[Breakaz54z]

LOL! oh you guys are freaking hilarious! If I was gonna get a scooter, I'd stick with that folding one I bought when I was a teen Though yeah.. I think I need a folding bike cause I have no space in my apt. Plus I'll be going up and down some hills and traveling at least a mile or more sometimes. Does anyone think I should just invest in a Dahon or something of the like or just get the one I posted? Doesn't look bad. Full size and all. There's Dahon I think 5 speed at a local bike shop I could get for about 320.. but that'd make me poor for a little while.

 

[Breakaz54z]

Argh so I'm now debating to get a Montague at the local bike shop for about 340 including tax or the one I posted for about 260 including shipping. Which should I get? I think Montague is a good brand but I have no idea about the frame itself for the one online. Usually frames can't be build that poorly can they? Quick, knowledgeable replies please!

 

[YULitle]

I'd go with the one from your LBS. That way you know it fits, and usually they'll throw in a few free maintenance visits, which are worth so much.

 

[Breakaz54z]

I'd go with the one from your LBS. That way you know it fits, and usually they'll throw in a few free maintenance visits, which are worth so much.

True.. though I just checked it out now. it's actually a KHS 20". Are 20" wheels that much harder to pedal on hills than 26"?

 

[YULitle]

True.. though I just checked it out now. it's actually a KHS 20". Are 20" wheels that much harder to pedal on hills than 26"?

It's he gears that do it. Take the bike for a spin up a hill. Many LBSs will let you take a bike for a day or two to try it out.

 

[LanEvo]

if u want a bike just go to wal mart and buy one they are only like 100bucks there

 

[YULitle]

if u want a bike just go to wal mart and buy one they are only like 100bucks there

*vomits* I'd rather walk.

 

[CanadianChic]

*vomits* I'd rather walk.

What's wrong with buying a bike from WalMart? Not everyone has extra cash to throw around and a lot of kids get their bikes from there. There is nothing at all wrong with a WalMart bike.

 

[YULitle]

What's wrong with buying a bike from WalMart? Not everyone has extra cash to throw around and a lot of kids get their bikes from there. There is nothing at all wrong with a WalMart bike.

There's nothing wrong with it for kids. But if you want something to use on a regular basis AS AN adult. Then you want something that is comfortable. And comfortable, they are not.

 

[CanadianChic]

There's nothing wrong with it for kids. But if you want something to use on a regular basis AS AN adult. Then you want something that is comfortable. And comfortable, they are not.

That's fine. I just didn't want anyone to have hurt feelings from reading that and knowing their bike was from somewhere not deemed as 'cool'. There are a lot of people trying to give the best to their kids with what they can afford and I always have that in mind.

 

[YULitle]

That's fine. I just didn't want anyone to have hurt feelings from reading that and knowing their bike was from somewhere not deemed as 'cool'. There are a lot of people trying to give the best to their kids with what they can afford and I always have that in mind.

Noted. All of my bikes as a kid were wal-mart bikes. I did a lot of things as a kid that were ergonomically innappropriate. But when you get older (and I'm not even there yet) it's best that things fit just so, as we are typically much less flexible.

 

[Breakaz54z]

If you type "how to choose a bike" in google, lots of sites tell you not to buy from stores like walmart because of quality issues and the lack of knowledge if you need help. That aside, I found a dahon for 200 bucks on craigslist! Too bad it was just sold the day I emailed the person.. There's some 26 inchers I'm looking at. But before the end of the day, I might just buy a 20" from amazon.. As long as it's a multispeed then it's good for me!

 

[AmericanTemplar]

Have you thought about getting a full sized bike and just getting a rack like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Racor-Gravity-Freestanding-Stand-PLB-2R/dp/B000077CPK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1210959621&sr=1-3

If you're a tennis player living in a college town it seems like it would make sense to get something that is more fun and efficient to ride. Those fold up bikes strike me as being a last resort if saving space trumps every other consideration that one might have when choosing a bike.

 

[Geonz]

Get a real bike

I landed here 'cause I set Google to find "dahon" 'cause I was shopping for one to add to my fleet.

Folding bikes are uber-sweet. I think the technology's improved a bunch so that a motor-moron like me can get it unfolded or folded in under a minute. The Dahon Speed D7 is the most popular one and while the site says it's $430, I could have gotten an '07 model for $80 less. It is worth a bit of a wait to get the Right Bike. A Cheap POS can get you places... a decent bike is a source of real transportation and joy. I *do* prefer bringing the folder inside wherever I'm going 'cause I don't want it to get swiped (and the seat is 'quick release' so even if I lock the bike outside I take the seat in with me).

When people start bicycling instead of driving, funny things happen. It is SO MUCH FUN.

Our local bike shops generally don't even work on Wal-Mart bikes. It's not a snob thing; the bikes were made to be disposable. We have a bike co-op that restores abandoned bicycles (it's a college town) ... a fair number of the big box store bikes go to the scrap heap 'cause they're worth more there.

 

[Geonz]

Hmmm... can't find the 'edit' option...

Folding bikes often "strike" people as not being efficient or fun... if they haven't ridden one. They have come a *long way.*

 

[iplaybetter]

Thats a pretty cool bike but I dont think it meets the OP's demands.

It does not fold and 570 bucks seems like that is beyond his budget.

you makea good point, but it is the concept, he could buy a old 10spd for $20 put a new rear wheel on it, do a few other minor things and have a solid fix/free bike for like 100-150, my fixie has cost me a total of like $20, i am a good mechanic and about the build a $70 wheel for it, but my point is it can be done

 

[AmericanTemplar]

Hmmm... can't find the 'edit' option...

Folding bikes often "strike" people as not being efficient or fun... if they haven't ridden one. They have come a *long way.*

Unfortunately, I think that you have to amass 50 posts before you can edit.

You're right though, I haven't been on a folding bike & the one that the OP linked to looks much nicer than the ones that look like over-sized Razor scooters with a seat. Those tires just look pretty fat for road use IMO.

 

[AmericanTemplar]

you makea good point, but it is the concept, he could buy a old 10spd for $20 put a new rear wheel on it, do a few other minor things and have a solid fix/free bike for like 100-150, my fixie has cost me a total of like $20, i am a good mechanic and about the build a $70 wheel for it, but my point is it can be done

Yeah, my roommate has an old 10 speed converted to fixed and it rides pretty well for what it is and it probably cost about $100 to piece together.

 

[YULitle]

Unfortunately, I think that you have to amass 50 posts before you can edit.

You're right though, I haven't been on a folding bike & the one that the OP linked to looks much nicer than the ones that look like over-sized Razor scooters with a seat. Those tires just look pretty fat for road use IMO.

Most commuters prefer a thicker tire I think. Something between knobby MTB wheels and true 700c road tires. For comfort.

 

[AmericanTemplar]

Most commuters prefer a thicker tire I think. Something between knobby MTB wheels and true 700c road tires. For comfort.

I just recently switched from hybrid tires to road tires and I don't really notice much of a difference in comfort. I do, however, notice a big improvement in speed and maneuverability and my bike is quite a bit lighter now.

 

[Geonz]

The Speed 7 comes with 1 1/2 inch tires - for some reason the Speed P8 comes with 2-inchers. Since I ride a *lot* I figured I'd wear these out and then decide.
I *love* the tires on my very potholed commute... but yes, they make me work harder out on the prairie. Since I'm mostly using it for in town (and lots of my prairie riding is with slower riders so a handicap is good) I'll probably stick to 'em - but that is something easy to switch off at the bike shop. That's another significant advantage to bike shop vs. big box - you can build the bike you want. That can be especially important in the seating department

 

[Deuce]

I don't know, people...

Seems to me that a bicycle used to be a basic means of transportation. Judging by this thread, however, a bike seems to now be viewed as a highly sophisticated piece of technical machinery that involves weeks of detailed research before deciding.

... or yet another symbol of some sort of foolish status.

I think some of you are taking yourselves far too seriously.

A bike is a metal frame with a couple of round wheels. They are available about anywhere - both used and new.
I bought a used bike 2 years ago. Saw an ad in a grocery store, called the guy, met him in the store's parking lot, took it for a 2 minute spin, negotiated the price for 30 seconds, gave him $90, and rode away on the bike.
I've not regretted it at all.
My previous bike - a basic Raleigh mountain bike - served me very well for over 15 years - with very little maintenance. And I got that one used, as well.

Some of you talk about comfort.
Geez... we're not talking about taking a family vacation on a bike. The OP is talking about using it around town - a mile here, 3 miles there. If anyone needs luxurious comfort for that - and is willing to pay for it - then I'd suggest the person has their priorities misplaced.

It's a bicycle. Just choose one, and buy it - as people have been doing for centuries. The basic design is essentially unchanged from over a century ago.
And, as far as I know, most people survived the experience quite well.

 

[YULitle]

I don't know, people...

You said it, killjoy.

 

[Deuce]

You said it, killjoy.

Little doses of reality tend to do that.

As per: some of you are taking yourselves far too seriously.

 

[AmericanTemplar]

I wouldn't say that bikes are simple in comparison to any piece of tennis equipment, & yet this entire board is based around obsessing over the "huge" differences between 1.22 vs 1.25 gauged tennis string or the "big" differences between the same overgrip or dampner in different colors.

 

[Deuce]

I wouldn't say that bikes are simple in comparison to any piece of tennis equipment, & yet this entire board is based around obsessing over the "huge" differences between 1.22 vs 1.25 gauged tennis string or the "big" differences between the same overgrip or dampner in different colors.

That's actually my point. Be it bikes or tennis racquets or any other thing, people today are gadget and minute-detail obsessed.
Rather than simply enjoying the pleasure of a given activity, more and more people are obsessing about getting "the exact right piece of equipment for me", and "improved technology". It's a farce.
And sad.

But then, it's a direct product of the various companies marketing exactly that kind of bull to people...

 

[Breakaz54z]

Lol hey no harm done. I like getting all the info I can get. Now I have at least some idea of what I am doing when I look for bikes. BTW, I ended up getting the bike I originally posted. IMO it's a good deal and I'll just throw on a rack when I get it. Back to 5-10 degree F cooler weather in the mountains... :|

 

[Breakaz54z]

Have you thought about getting a full sized bike and just getting a rack like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Racor-Gravity-Freestanding-Stand-PLB-2R/dp/B000077CPK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1210959621&sr=1-3

If you're a tennis player living in a college town it seems like it would make sense to get something that is more fun and efficient to ride. Those fold up bikes strike me as being a last resort if saving space trumps every other consideration that one might have when choosing a bike.

you makea good point, but it is the concept, he could buy a old 10spd for $20 put a new rear wheel on it, do a few other minor things and have a solid fix/free bike for like 100-150, my fixie has cost me a total of like $20, i am a good mechanic and about the build a $70 wheel for it, but my point is it can be done

I would get a regular bike and rack.. but I don't have space for it in the apartment. The only possible spot is in the hallway which would kinda be in the way.

Hmmm... can't find the 'edit' option...

Folding bikes often "strike" people as not being efficient or fun... if they haven't ridden one. They have come a *long way.*

I second that.. when I sat down on the 20" at the bike shop, felt just like a regular bike.

Most commuters prefer a thicker tire I think. Something between knobby MTB wheels and true 700c road tires. For comfort.

Yeah the super thin tires on the old bike at home kinda scares me :shock:

Little doses of reality tend to do that.

As per: some of you are taking yourselves far too seriously.

Lol nicely said deuce. Do you say this on racket selection threads as well? Wise words, but kindling for a flame war no?

 

[YULitle]

Yeah the super thin tires on the old bike at home kinda scares me :shock:

If you will be commuting, do you know how to change a flat tire out? Will you be riding through residential areas where you might run into stray dogs? If you want some insight in to how people commute with bikes, there is some good information on www.bikeforums.net. They have a forum just for commuting. They also have Utility forums that are, just like it suggests, more about moving things, as well as other people, along with yourself and the bike, like information about racks, bags, and trailers.

I've learned how to maintain my bike from this web site. http://bicycletutor.com/ Very handy.

 

[Breakaz54z]

If you will be commuting, do you know how to change a flat tire out? Will you be riding through residential areas where you might run into stray dogs? If you want some insight in to how people commute with bikes, there is some good information on www.bikeforums.net. They have a forum just for commuting. They also have Utility forums that are, just like it suggests, more about moving things, as well as other people, along with yourself and the bike, like information about racks, bags, and trailers.

I've learned how to maintain my bike from this web site. http://bicycletutor.com/ Very handy.

I haven't really thought about it much. I'll be mainly on the main roads going to the grocery store or what not. If I go down to campus, I'd just take a main road and then go right into campus. If I decide to go downtown or something, which is right next to campus, it'd be all college people so I don't have to worry about too many dogs. My campus pretty much is the very existence of this town. So all real residential areas are away from campus where I usually never go. And no actually I don't know how to change a flat. Thanks very much for the links though. I think I stumbled onto bikeforums when I was looking up info on folding bikes. I wish I had run across them earlier!

 

[AmericanTemplar]

I just got a flat on my way to work today and I was unprepared. Didnt' have any tools on me, no pump, & no tube. Today I'm going to have to walk my bike to a shop on my lunch break & I will make sure to be prepared the next time around.

 

[Geonz]

If I"m on the folder I know if somethign happens I don't want to deal with I can hop on the bus. (Technically they're not allowed on the bus yet but I bet I could convince the driver - and they will be allowed soon. Or I could stick it on the rack in front of the bus.)

 

[iplaybetter]

Yeah, my roommate has an old 10 speed converted to fixed and it rides pretty well for what it is and it probably cost about $100 to piece together.

my point exactly

 

[Breakaz54z]

So the bike came in today.. Everything looks good except for a minor cosmetic scratch and there were no instructions. Didn't take long to figure out how to put the bike together though. Now all that's left is to test out this bad boy! Though I don't have an air pump with me and the tires are dead flat.. I shouldn't test it on flat tires right?

 

[hollywood9826]

Thats cool you bought a bike. But you should have went with the Glow in the dark puma bike it folds and everything

Although I cant find prices for it its probably like a grand or something.

Check that its $775. did I mention that it glows in the dark

The lock is integrated into the frame and they claim that it is virtually unstealable

http://www.biomega.dk/puma/

 

[Breakaz54z]

Thats cool you bought a bike. But you should have went with the Glow in the dark puma bike it folds and everything

Although I cant find prices for it its probably like a grand or something.

Check that its $775. did I mention that it glows in the dark

The lock is integrated into the frame and they claim that it is virtually unstealable

http://www.biomega.dk/puma/

Wow that looks freaking sweet! I like the design.. but I'm sure I'd be getting looks at night when I'm riding that thing lol. How does that work that it folds top to bottom rather than side to side? Seems like it could be a pain. Awesome find!