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#11
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How much should one spend on a bicycle?
Ablang wrote:
I know that a lot of details would factor into this, but I am wondering what bicycle enthusiasts consider when buying a new (or used) bike? I guess I don't want to underspend and end up w/ a piece of cra*, but I also don't want to overspend and risk having it get stolen. I would like to use it for daily exercise and going to the store (not more than 10 miles one way). That's a rather philosophical question. A few years back, I was going back to school. I bought a beater for about $100 so I could bike to class (downtown, not the best of neighbourhoods). It didn't take many trips by bike to pay for it (parking $5, roundtrip bus $4). After that, everything was gravy. The beater was okay, but not a great bike. After commuting a lot by bike for several years without incident, I forked out about $500 for a decent new bike with fenders and a rack and panniers. It's much more pleasant to ride than the beater. It will pay for itself in a couple more months (parking is now $8, and bus roundtrip is now $4.50). Then everything will be gravy again. You might consider getting two bikes - one for fun rides and one for commuting. Make the latter a beater and see how committed you are to cycling. If you use a beater a lot, spending a bit more might be worthwhile. If you don't use it much, you haven't spent much. |
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#12
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How much should one spend on a bicycle?
On Mon, 5 May 2008 18:26:05 -0700 (PDT), Ablang
wrote: I know that a lot of details would factor into this, but I am wondering what bicycle enthusiasts consider when buying a new (or used) bike? I guess I don't want to underspend and end up w/ a piece of cra*, but I also don't want to overspend and risk having it get stolen. I would like to use it for daily exercise and going to the store (not more than 10 miles one way). My first road bike cost $90. I was clearing $125 per week. My next road bike cost $200. I was clearing maybe $100 in a good week. It was new and upgraded when it was stolen. I'd had it for about month. The next road bike was all Campagnolo Record and Reynolds 531. All new, ~$350 with an extra pair of lightly used race wheels. My wages still totalled $100 per week, or less, but working for peanuts in a bike shop had its advantages. Five years later, when it was stolen, my monthly wages were about $1500 at union job. The next full campy bike was built-up on a 3 year old used frame. It was $2011 while I was earning about ~$1200 per month at the job I wanted. I sold the car and spent the next year riding it on ~$800 per month unemployment insurance. I rode it to work the year after that and dumped $3028 into an all new, all Euro, semi-custom touring bike. A full week's wage was $600 clear but there were days and weeks without work too. Twenty years later, I still have those bikes and about 7 others ranging from free to somewhat less than a month's salary. Today my bike budget comes from bike shop garbage. By converting old tires, freewheels, chain and spokes into wearable art I can sell more than I care to make but it's almost like free money for bike spending. -- zk |
#13
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How much should one spend on a bicycle?
Ablang wrote:
I know that a lot of details would factor into this, but I am wondering what bicycle enthusiasts consider when buying a new (or used) bike? I guess I don't want to underspend and end up w/ a piece of cra*, but I also don't want to overspend and risk having it get stolen. I would like to use it for daily exercise and going to the store (not more than 10 miles one way). That's a tough question to answer without knowing more about you and how much riding you would do. Would the daily exercise rides be 5 miles or 30 miles? Will you be riding in urban, suburban, or rural areas? Flat, hilly, or rolling terrain? On paved roads only, or occasional dirt paths? If you're just getting into riding, you might do well with a "hybrid" bike like this: http://brandscycle.com/itemdetails.c...gId=39&id=8943 A used bike might save you some money, but if you're not bike savvy you might get an inappropriate bike, or one that needs work. Avoid department store bikes like the plague. A good bike shop will help you choose the right bike in the right size, and will set it up properly for you. Remember, riding for exercise might not be fun. But riding for fun can be great exercise! Local bike clubs might have information on good cycling routes in your area. Try to develop a variety of scenic routes and destinations to keep it interesting. Good luck, Art Harris |
#14
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How much should one spend on a bicycle?
Personally? I look for the best frame I can afford in quality, fit and
suitability to my riding, then make sure it has good quality components on it. As they wear out, as they eventually do, I upgrade as I replace them. This also keeps the value of the bike from diminishing as much with time. - - Compliments of: "Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman" If you want to E-mail me use: ChrisZCorner "at" webtv "dot" net My website: http://geocities.com/czcorner |
#15
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How much should one spend on a bicycle?
Ablang wrote: I know that a lot of details would factor into this, but I am wondering what bicycle enthusiasts consider when buying a new (or used) bike? I'd spend enough to get a Breezer or a Bianchi Milano... which is to say about $700. That way you've got a flexible 8 speed hub, good tire options, fenders, and so forth. I'd stay away from blingy-sh*t like disk brakes and carbon do-dads. Marketing-porn won't make it faster. If I were going used, I'd look for an older Trek, 800 series, cromoly trail frame. These are set up for V-brakes and have great wheel clearance. They also have excellent cable routing and great riding geometry. I'd add an 8 speed hub, plastic fenders, racks, and a dynohub/LED system. If you do it right, it will resemble a Raleigh Tourist (remember those?)... except it's going to cost $1000. And you will love it. Sheldon Brown did something along these lines, not the handle bars I'd choose though... the Trek frame is stiffer and more responsive (less trail in the fork). http://sheldonbrown.org/raleigh-competition/index.html |
#16
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How much should one spend on a bicycle?
Thanks for all the responses, guys.
I would mainly just use a bike for paved roads to go to the store. I already have a cheap beater bike, a Magna that I use to go to the stores with, usually about 2 miles one way and it takes me about 20 mins to do so. It's a inefficient bike, but still easier than a Huffy. Bike riding has to be easier. Someone here recommended a hybrid bike, and I believe that is an excellent recommendation. The '08 Trek 7000 is just in my price range too... Not more than $350. I'm going to a bike store soon. I am 5'4" and about 130-150 lbs. What size bike am I looking for? |
#17
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How much should one spend on a bicycle?
In article ,
Ablang writes: Thanks for all the responses, guys. I would mainly just use a bike for paved roads to go to the store. I already have a cheap beater bike, a Magna that I use to go to the stores with, usually about 2 miles one way and it takes me about 20 mins to do so. It's a inefficient bike, but still easier than a Huffy. Bike riding has to be easier. Someone here recommended a hybrid bike, and I believe that is an excellent recommendation. The '08 Trek 7000 is just in my price range too... Not more than $350. I'm going to a bike store soon. I think you've made exactly the right decision. I am 5'4" and about 130-150 lbs. What size bike am I looking for? It's really better to just let the bike shop guys match the appropriately sized bicycle to you. The appropriately sized bicycle may seem a little large to you, especially if, when stopping, you like to put a foot on the ground while remaining seated. That likely won't be possible on a properly sized bicycle; you'd have to stand up off the saddle and straddle the bike to put a foot down. The benefit is: you'll get maximum leg extension, allowing you to put more power to the pedals, and do much better than 6 MPH. As you say: bike riding has to be easier. Anyways, at 5'4", I'm picturing something @ a 16" frame. I could be wrong, though. It's really better to just let the bike shop guys match the appropriately sized bicycle to you. cheers & good rides, Tom -- Nothing is safe from me. I'm really at: tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca |
#18
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How much should one spend on a bicycle?
On May 11, 12:26 pm, Ablang wrote:
Thanks for all the responses, guys. I would mainly just use a bike for paved roads to go to the store. I already have a cheap beater bike, a Magna that I use to go to the stores with, usually about 2 miles one way and it takes me about 20 mins to do so. It's a inefficient bike, but still easier than a Huffy. Bike riding has to be easier. Someone here recommended a hybrid bike, and I believe that is an excellent recommendation. The '08 Trek 7000 is just in my price range too... Not more than $350. I'm going to a bike store soon. I am 5'4" and about 130-150 lbs. What size bike am I looking for? I wouldn't use this beater bike to go more than 4 miles round trip. I get very tired w/ this bike. I forgot to say that I wanted a better bike in the event that I wished to bike to a store farther away. I always lock my bike up, no matter how cheap it is, but I'm worried about parts being stolen off it anyway or punk kids letting air out of my tires. |
#19
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How much should one spend on a bicycle?
Look what my friend had to say about this bike:
-- (I meant front wheel suspension -springs- not rear wheel.) That bike has a spring under the seat known as a seatpost suspension. I've never seen them before I saw the one your looking at. I completely forgot about the bike I have and I'm not trying to steer you to buy from me. I was just saying for 300.00 you should be able to find a bike with a shock absorbing suspension, probably used but a very good bike. Craigslist stuff with a front suspension spring in the forks. Did you check that link ? albeit the complainers were all tall or heavy that didn't like them (seatpost springs), your mileage may vary. Bottom line is that the bike won't work well on trails as a mountain bike. It's strictly a commute bike. That seatpost spring might spoil a perfectly good bike in that sense. And that is costing ya a bit more for that. My bike is a 100 dollar bike. That's what I paid for it and that's about all its worth. Sorry for the confusion. -- What I said: Pardon my ignorance w/ bikes, but I don't understand anything about what you just said. Guess I'll have to try it out in the store in person someday. I assume the bike you want to sell me is superior to the Trek? -- May want to have a look at this before you buy .. Not too many are fond of the seatpost suspension... http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in...p/t-60039.html Also that's quite steep for a bike with not even rear wheel Suspension. Maybe I'm thinking used, but hey. -- What I said: I'm thinking about getting this one. http://brandscycle.com/itemdetails.c...gId=39&id=8943 |
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