Best Entry Level Bike

[sdt1890]

Thinking about starting the day with a nice bike ride. I live in the Midwest and have my eyes on a nearly new 2016 Specialized Hybrid w' "less than 5 miles" on it. Seller wants $250.

I have friends that are hardcore bikers and spend 20X that price, but they suggested this would be a good entry point.

Any bikers out there have an opinion? Primary use would likely be some street and some basic trails.

[TheStachery]

following

[sdt1890]

Also worth mentioning, price range $250 or less. Heard nothing but good things about Specialized, so perhaps a bias there.

[Chris22]

1.  One that fits you
2.  One that gets maintained (by you or others) regularly
3.  One from a big-name brand (Trek, Specialized, Canondale, etc) not a department store brand
4.  One with tires that fit your usage (not knobby offroad tires for a roadbike, etc).

[fattest_foot]

I don't have anything constructive to add, but I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of a used bike with "less than 5 miles" on it.

[Dave1442397]

That's a good deal if it fits you. As for the <5 miles, that's pretty funny. You could look for tire wear just for the hell of it, but who cares, a 2016 bike shouldn't have too many miles with your average rider.

[Midwest]

If your hardcore biker friends know all the facts and are telling  you to buy it, you should probably listen.

My bike conversations with friends usually result in their budget increasing.  Just make sure you have discussed thoroughly with them so get the right thing.  Specialized makes  a great bike. Needs to fit well be use appropriate (ie road for road biking/mountain for mountain biking).

[sdt1890]

Regarding size, it says it has a 19" (Large) Frame, has 21 speeds RevoShifters.

I'm 6 foot, 190.

[Midwest]

Ask your friends if it is sized appropriately and if necessary go to a bike shop.

MW

[GU]

Before this thread gets out of hand, let's get something straight:

Biker = person who rides a motorcycle (usually a Harley or similar bike)

Person who rides a bicycle = cyclist


p.s. I'm being sarcastic, but this distinction is useful.

[Dave1442397]

Regarding size, it says it has a 19" (Large) Frame, has 21 speeds RevoShifters.

I'm 6 foot, 190.

That sounds good. You could have a bike shop do a basic fitting to get it set up for you, but it's something you could do with feedback from experienced friends, too.

[sdt1890]

Before this thread gets out of hand, let's get something straight:

Biker = person who rides a motorcycle (usually a Harley or similar bike)

Person who rides a bicycle = cyclist


p.s. I'm being sarcastic, but this distinction is useful.

Haha understood.

[jtraggie99]

Regarding size, it says it has a 19" (Large) Frame, has 21 speeds RevoShifters.

I'm 6 foot, 190.

That will probably work for you.  I have a Specialized Hardrock that's a "19 and I am 6'01".  Specialized makes great bikes.  I bought mine used about 6 years ago for around $150 I think.  I have had to replace / upgrade some parts here and there, which is normal, but it's been great.  As for the price, you might want to find out the model, specialized has a variety of hybrid bikes.  It looks like their low-end starts in the $450 - $500 range, though.

[EnjoyIt]

Thinking about starting the day with a nice bike ride. I live in the Midwest and have my eyes on a nearly new 2016 Specialized Hybrid w' "less than 5 miles" on it. Seller wants $250.

I have friends that are hardcore bikers and spend 20X that price, but they suggested this would be a good entry point.

Any bikers out there have an opinion? Primary use would likely be some street and some basic trails.

I am not a hardcore biker,cyclist but bought a hybrid Trek about 1.5 years ago.  It seams perfect for my needs.  I figured it was a great way to cover a little from both worlds until I figure out exactly what I want from a bike.  The fact that I have a bike and use it is what is most important.  Eventually if you find you need something else you can always sell it and get a decent chunk of money back.

[mm1970]

Thinking about starting the day with a nice bike ride. I live in the Midwest and have my eyes on a nearly new 2016 Specialized Hybrid w' "less than 5 miles" on it. Seller wants $250.

I have friends that are hardcore bikers and spend 20X that price, but they suggested this would be a good entry point.

Any bikers out there have an opinion? Primary use would likely be some street and some basic trails.

Sounds like what my husband has, and he's also 6' tall.

[sdt1890]

Thanks for the responses everyone. The seller did not list a phone number, so trying to track them down through email...

[accolay]

Sounds like a decent deal.

The bike you ride is the one that works for you for what you do. Somewhat akin to cars, don't try to keep up with the Joneses. I'm going to argue that unless you're planning on turning your rides into pro training events, you can buy a lot of bike for $250 used. At a certain point, for the average cyclist, you're not going to get much more gain after a certain price point. You can always get better components, lighter frame etc. but really, how much more bike does $1000 buy? $5000?

[WhiteTrashCash]

I bought a bike from Walmart for less than $100 and it's worked fine for me for years now. I ride that thing pretty much everywhere too. You'd be surprised how good some Walmart stuff really is. Their Ozark Trail version of the Yeti Rambler tumbler works just as well and costs about 1/5 of the price. You just have to get over the fact that Walmart is considered low-class.

[NESailor]

I bought a bike from Walmart for less than $100 and it's worked fine for me for years now. I ride that thing pretty much everywhere too. You'd be surprised how good some Walmart stuff really is. Their Ozark Trail version of the Yeti Rambler tumbler works just as well and costs about 1/5 of the price. You just have to get over the fact that Walmart is considered low-class.

True...but not necessarily transferable to mechanically complicated (relatively speaking) products like bikes.  Sure, some of the diamondback stuff they sell is OK.  They also sell horrendous 45 pound monsters with "full suspension" that could not go down a staircase before breaking into a million pieces.  They'll work and maybe even work for a long time.  But poor build quality will have an effect on your enjoyment if you ever care to ride a non-crap bike and have a reference point.  Massive weight difference, all the touch points will feel better (like the action on the shifters and brake levers and how they engage etc.).  Maintenance is another one.  They still sell stuff with poorly made quill stems that your average Joe won't be able to adjust properly.

It's not that I'm some sort of snob who rides 10K Italian carbon Colnagos (I'd love to but...).  Rather, I know you can find beautiful but perhaps a bit dated bikes on Craigslist for the same price or less than a new Huffy at Walmart.  Case in point - I got a 1966 Chicago-built Schwinn Continental 10 speed with a rack, all original for...wait for it...free!  The previous owners were going to scrap it.  Little paint thinner, vinegar, marine grease and a new set of tires and I have a bombproof commuter that rides GREAT and will work another 50 years if I choose to maintain it.  It's a tank compared to a modern road bike but mechanically it's very well built and comfortable.

I see old road bikes like this go for anywhere from free to 100s of dollars depending on just how clean they are.

[spokey doke]

as always...TEST RIDE IT...and in doing so, realize you can make a number of smaller changes (tires, tire pressure, tune shifters, seat, grips, etc.)...but just get a feel for it and it seems like a good fit and something you'll like spending time on.  Ideally, take one of your friends who knows with you.

[Dave1442397]

Here's what happened when a Wal Mart bike hit the trail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkMnk_eCDQU

[Erica]

Trek or Specialized. Both are quality bikes. Buy Used

The quality of the bike dictates whether you continue to ride.

It can be a night vs day experience


After you buy a good quality bicycle, test run it a few times. See how it feels

And wear padded shorts or pants. The padding helps ALOT

You can also sew padding into the shorts at first so you are not loosing more $$ at first

Since you spent more than a Wallmart Bike which I very much discourage

One of my Clients has a Wallmart Bike. It's horrible. She loves it, doesn't know any different.

The rides are much shorter than if she had a quality bike

[Kevin Aster Tin Obin]

Just bought this for $240 new.  Assembled it and adjusted shifters..  seems better than walmart bikes..

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/lt_sport_al_xiii.htm

[hankscorpio84]

About 12 years ago I bought a hybrid bike of similar quality/price (K2 Alturas 2.0).  I have never once regretted the purchase, and still commute (seasonally) on the old trusty steed.  To me, the hybrid is the best bike for the average cyclist.  I continue to be surprised at what type of punishment a hybrid can handle.  Last summer I finally replaced the bottom bracket, wheel bearings, chain, and rear derailleur.  Spent around $100 on parts and it rides like new, ready for another 12 years of service.  As long as your budget allows the purchase, I think you've found a good deal.

[Debts_of_Despair]

DO NOT BUY A BIKE AT WALMART!!  It is pretty much a guarantee that you can buy a slightly used bike on CL for the same price that is far, far superior.

http://www.randomthoughts.fyi/2012/01/buying-bikes-from-craigslist.html

[doggyfizzle]

As someone who has been riding a Specialized CrossTrail (hybrid) many mornings a week for the past year, I have nothing but positive things to say about my Specialized bike.  I say go for it; the price seems very reasonable.  I'd also second (or third) that you should test ride the bike first before buying it.  Make sure you have the seat adjusted properly, and that your legs can fully extend while pedaling.

[Dave1442397]

Just bought this for $240 new.  Assembled it and adjusted shifters..  seems better than walmart bikes..

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/lt_sport_al_xiii.htm

Yes, bikesdirect are pretty good. It's not the same as the old Dawes UK, but that and the Motobecane brand (also not the old French manufacturer) are good value for money.