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[Piano]

I'll be moving to a much more bike friendly area in about a month and need to get a solid bike! Problem is, I don't know jack shit about bikes and have no idea where to start...what kind of bike do I need, with what features, where should I buy it, etc, etc etc?

I'll be using it for commuting to and from work and riding around the city and city bike paths. No off-roading or anything like that.

I figured my best bet would be to go to a dealer outside the city (cheaper prices) and pick up a nice quality used bike in the $200-$300 range. Craigslist seems like a bad idea since, knowing nothing, I have no way to appraise the quality of the bikes.

Still, I want to know as much as I can before I trek out there. What am I looking for?

 

[GK86]

Look out for asshole drivers.

 

[Nemo]

What city? If it allows it go for a relaxed bike like they use in Netherlands

 

[Piano]

Cambridge, MA

 

[ReBurn]

Some bikes have brakes on the handlebars, some require that you apply reverse pressure to the pedals.

 

[weekend_warrior]

It'll be stolen the first week you have it.

 

[Kazerei]

If it's just for commuting and not off-roading, you don't need to know much. I'd recommend going to a bike shop and buying a used bike. You should be able to get something decent for under $100.

 

[mug]

Spend a little more and go for a Trek - really nice beginner bikes if you tend to commute often.

 

[zerotol]

Only advice I can think of is buy a good lock.

 

[Green Mamba]

You'll probably need to know how to ride a bike.

 

[Piano]

If it's just for commuting and not off-roading, you don't need to know much. I'd recommend going to a bike shop and buying a used bike. You should be able to get something decent for under $100.

Really? I'd prefer to pony up the bucks and get something high quality...unless it really makes no difference at all. But I doubt that.

Only advice I can think of is buy a good lock.

Duh.

You'll probably need to know how to ride a bike.

Incredibly, I already do.

 

[The Mana Legend]

Don't be those jerks who think it's cool to ride three-wide and take up the entire lane.

 

[Piano]

What city? If it allows it go for a relaxed bike like they use in Netherlands

http://i.imgur.com/fWtcV.jpg[IMG][/QUOTE]

Is that a class of bike?

 

[vidcons]

Generosity tip: buy from the bike shop you plan on visiting the most for repairs. In my experience, getting free tune-ups and a nice warranty at a shop go a long way.

You could also just get something off of www.bikesdirect.com.

If you're commuting, are you going to be carrying items on a bag or on a rack? Do you have space to put the bike inside? Are you living on the third floor of a building? Looking to exercise or just cut down on gas consumption?

 

[Nemo]

Really? I'd prefer to pony up the bucks and get something high quality...unless it really makes no difference at all. But I doubt that.

Most important are the wheels (give the spokes a good wiggle) and check out the profile of the tires. That's about it for the most part

Is that a class of bike?

Lady/Granny bikes

edit, although around here they can cost upwards a 1000 euros new. Not sure how it's in the US

 

[zerotol]

Really? I'd prefer to pony up the bucks and get something high quality...unless it really makes no difference at all. But I doubt that.



Duh.



Incredibly, I already do.

You asked. Great reply though.I thought I had a good lock and my bike was stolen.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

Don't be those jerks who think it's cool to ride three-wide and take up the entire lane.

It's done because there will be jerks that buzz them if they don't. Everyone is a jerk.

 

[ch0mp]

Don't be those jerks who think it's cool to ride three-wide and take up the entire lane.

Don't be a jerk and pass cyclists while not changing lanes correctly.

 

[The Mana Legend]

Don't be a jerk and pass cyclists while not changing lanes correctly.

Cyclists should not be three wide taking up an entire lane in the first place. It's incredibly annoying and there literally is no point to it.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

Cyclists should not be three wide taking up an entire lane in the first place. It's incredibly annoying and there literally is no point to it.

I just told you the point to it.

Do you think people decide to just jump on a bike and be a dick? People are inherently pretty decent and accommodating and respectful. What happens is that shortly after being the decent rider they think they want everyone to be, they realize their accommodating behavior influences motorists to take advantage of them, which in a bike rider's case means potential death. If you don't "take the lane," people will squeeze by you as fast and narrowly as they can. However, if you force them to completely change lanes to pass you, they will slow down, consider their options, and pass you properly and your life will be safe, even if you have made them potentially angry.

 

[The Mana Legend]

I just told you the point to it.

I have no idea what you mean by "buzz them."

 

[ch0mp]

Try riding on the road and you might understand why it's done.

 

[BlanketFort]

I also recently moved into a more bike friendly area; however, I live in SW so I have been completely uninterested in riding for the past month. I cannot wait until the temperature drops a little bit and I (at least) double my gas efficiency by cutting out a large portion of my driving.

Onto the advice portion of things, spend the extra money and buy a better bike. In the long run it will serve to not only increase the likelihood you continue to ride but also to increase your enjoyment while riding (read as: less excuses more comfort).

Another thing to consider - find some people to ride with regularly, get your friends on board or take a class on bike repair/maintenance. These will also help your enjoyment/longevity of cycling.

 

[bangai-o]

i bought mine from a bike shop tha gives me free tune ups. so do that.

buy a blinking rear light that you can clip on. obviously so you can be seen at night but also cops can ticket you if you dont have them.

buy a u lock and line. wrap the line around the back tire between the chain. the u lock goes around the frame.

 

[-_-]

I'm moving to Brooklyn at the end of the year/early next year and I'm planning on commuting to and fro work. I haven't had a bike in a long time but what's the major difference between a 1 speed and 3 speed bike?

Although my workplace allows bikes to stored in the break room, what are some good locks and lastly, is it easy to attach rear and front basket or do you need to go to a shop?

Bike I'm saying up for--choices are 1-speed Gotham and Alhambra

Anyone who owns a foldable bike, please share your exp. with them.

 

[ch0mp]

I'm moving to Brooklyn at the end of the year/early next year and I'm planning on commuting to and fro work. I haven't had a bike in a long time but what's the major difference between a 1 speed and 3 speed bike?

Speed will be very limited with only 1 gear. You will work harder on the hills and be slower on the flats.

 

[surrogate]

The most important thing is to get measured so you get the correct size frame. A brand new Cannondale Quick 5 hybrid runs about $550, which is half the cost of my Killer V that I bought 18 years ago and still runs great.

 

[5amshift]

Cambridge, MA

Fuck yeah more Boston GAF! To be honest, it's very VERY intimidating biking in Boston at first, but you'll get used to it. Also go to Back Bay Bicycle and NOT Cambridge Bicycle, they over price everything and just about every one of the guys in there are really snobby.

DO NOT cross the bridge into Boston until you know you're ready for tons of traffic and no bike lanes.

 

[krae_man]

Don't ride at night without a light. There's a bike trail locally that crosses a set of train tracks and there are barricades that force cyclists to dismount before they cross the tracks for safety. Only they seem to be more successful at sending cyclists flying though the air from crashing into them at full speed because they ride on the trail at night without a light.

Also I second the everyone on the road is an ass, only the other asses can cause more harm to you then you can to them.

I actually just bought a bike to do the same thing. I haven't rode a bike daily in probably 10 years. I'll have to see how this goes.

 

[5amshift]

To be honest, go with a road bike. I recommend the road bikes on www.bikesdirect.com. I had bought my track bike there years ago in which it was an $800 bike marked down to $300 shipping included brand new, so check there if you wish. Or maybe just get sized for a bike in store, then order the same size frame online.

You can PM me if you wish if you have anymore questions about biking also!

 

[Piano]

If you're commuting, are you going to be carrying items on a bag or on a rack? Do you have space to put the bike inside? Are you living on the third floor of a building? Looking to exercise or just cut down on gas consumption?

Items in a backpack. I will store my bike inside my apartment. I'm living on the third floor but have my own private back entrance. Looking for exercise and to never have to use Boston's shitty public transportation when I don't absolutely have to.

I know nearly enough to order from a website - no idea what type of frame I want, how many speed, etc. And looking at bikesdirect, I don't even know what class I'm looking in - obviously not mountain bike. Comfort bike? What does that even mean?

To be honest, go with a road bike. I recommend the road bikes on www.bikesdirect.com. I had bought my track bike there years ago in which it was an $800 bike marked down to $300 shipping included brand new, so check there if you wish. Or maybe just get sized for a bike in store, then order the same size frame online.

You can PM me if you wish if you have anymore questions about biking also!

Ah, okay. Still a bunch more details I need to nail down. I'll keep the website in mind but definitely need to go out to a dealer to at least size things up.

So if I'm getting a roadbike, what other variables do I need to know? Measurements, obviously. What else?

Thanks!

 

[5amshift]

I know nearly enough to order from a website - no idea what type of frame I want, how many speed, etc. And looking at bikesdirect, I don't even know what class I'm looking in - obviously not mountain bike. Comfort bike? What does that even mean?

You want to look in road bikes: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm

Comfort bikes are like Cruisers and you don't want that. A guy on a Cruiser in Boston will probably get jumped and stabbed to be honest. Speeds don't really matter in the city since there aren't really that many hills you'll need to climb, a single speed or a 6 speed will be fine anyways. Measurements and gear ratios really, but if you're getting a 6 speed, you don't really need to worry about that. You'll want to buy some Gatorskin tires also, the amount of crap on the road including glass and rocks will pop your stock tubes in a few months of regular riding. Gatorskin tires are incredibly tough to the point where I've literally picked glass out of my tire and it has still yet to pop.

Look into those if possible.

 

[Kazerei]

Really? I'd prefer to pony up the bucks and get something high quality...unless it really makes no difference at all. But I doubt that.

If you're riding on well-paved roads it really doesn't make a difference. I bought a cheap bike 10 years ago, and I maintain it every once in awhile. It's fine.

 

[lunarworks]

Try a few out at the store, if they'll let you.

You need to feel the centre of gravity.

 

[Tomat]

If you're overweight, make sure you get a comfortable seat, otherwise you'll run the risk of your crotch falling asleep (assuming you're a male).

 

[vidcons]

Items in a backpack. I will store my bike inside my apartment. I'm living on the third floor but have my own private back entrance. Looking for exercise and to never have to use Boston's shitty public transportation when I don't absolutely have to.

I know nearly enough to order from a website - no idea what type of frame I want, how many speed, etc. And looking at bikesdirect, I don't even know what class I'm looking in - obviously not mountain bike. Comfort bike? What does that even mean?



Ah, okay. Still a bunch more details I need to nail down. I'll keep the website in mind but definitely need to go out to a dealer to at least size things up.

So if I'm getting a roadbike, what other variables do I need to know? Measurements, obviously. What else?

Thanks!

I think a safe bet for now would be the Trek 1.1. It'll be light so going up and down stairs won't be an issue and if you eventually decide to switch to a rack instead of wearing a backpack then you'll have that option. It's a low entry bike but it's better than getting stuck with a more sport styled bike when you find out you don't like cycling that much. I recommend just buying from a shop instead of bikes direct. You're going to have to either build the bike yourself or take it in to the shop if you take one of bd's products. Might as well just get something from the shop and get that warranty and tune-up package. They'll also help you out with sizing and everything that is hard for people to assist with over the internet.

 

[DrBo42]

I have no idea what you mean by "buzz them."

Ever seen Top Gun? Haha. It's when you go past someone so fast and close that they feel da vibrations like Marky Mark.

 

[Piano]

If you're overweight, make sure you get a comfortable seat, otherwise you'll run the risk of your crotch falling asleep (assuming you're a male).

I'm far from overweight, but thanks for reminding me that I do need to make sure I get a comfortable seat.

 

[Norml]

Don't forget to pick up one of these gel seats.

 

[gillty]

I know nearly enough to order from a website - no idea what type of frame I want, how many speed, etc. And looking at bikesdirect, I don't even know what class I'm looking in - obviously not mountain bike. Comfort bike? What does that even mean?

OP: you want a Hybrid bicycle, its the go between a mountain bike and a road bike, it has larger 700cc wheels like a road bike but wider tires for more stability, but more gears like a mountain bike for easier riding, they also have straight handle bars for a more upright comfortable riding position like a mountain bike.

There are hybrid bicycles with front for suspension, however personally I would advise you avoid any suspension for two reasons: 1) Weight 2) Suspension dampens and power you put on the bike, causing slower acceleration.

Cyclists should not be three wide taking up an entire lane in the first place. It's incredibly annoying and there literally is no point to it.

I'll agree with you that cyclists should never ride 2 wide let alone 3 wide, however I will say that if they deem necessary they should take the entire lane.

Legally at least in British Columbia, it is a grey area whether a cyclist is allowed to take the entire lane. However, ICBC the government motor vehicle insurance agency, advises that cyclists take the entire lane if they feel it is necessary for their own safety.

---
examples of hybrid frames, you won't find Devinci in the US, but Trek should have similar entry level frames.

edit: Trek FX 7.1 / 7.2 would be what I would look for.