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- This topic has 9 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 16 years ago by PolarBearNPR.
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April 27, 2008 at 10:00 pm #28692TigerbladeParticipant
I’m thinking about buying myself a bicycle. Gas isn’t cheap, and I could probably use some exercise, so this solves two problems at once.
I won’t be commuting to work on it, won’t be competing in the Tour de France, and won’t be hauling it up a mountain. This would be what I use to make a quick run to the grocery store, or out on the park trails for some fresh air. (I should note that I haven’t been on a bike for at least two years, since college.)
Any suggestions for a good bike to look into? Preferably relatively cheap (under $200), yet sturdy enough that it’s not going to break on me inside 6 months. Someone on here must have some good suggestions.
April 28, 2008 at 9:29 am #168814DavidParticipantMan this is just what I need too, I’m relocating out west for the summer and I’m going to want a bike for the same kind of stuff (and maybe commuting to work as well).
April 28, 2008 at 11:35 am #168817sarahtownyMemberI work with someone who is bike mad, so much so he even goes on biking holidays.
He told me to mention the Apollo range, says they are decent bikes at reasonable prices.
Good luck!
April 28, 2008 at 2:56 pm #168819imported_Ven0mMemberYeah, I need something like this too. But I’m way out in the country and too many hills to use the bike to go places. However, it can be good exercise. 🙂
April 28, 2008 at 10:28 pm #168821PolarBearNPRParticipantHmmm – there are bikers in my family, and all of the bikes are TREK However, they are also more than $200. But they are used daily for up to 3 hours of riding so . . . well, anyway. I think I’d go to a bike store, see what they have (maybe last years models) or if they have nothing in your price range, you can get a feel for and advice on what features to look for for your riding style when you head to Wal-Mart.
April 29, 2008 at 1:56 pm #168820YahooliganMemberI’ve got a Mongoose dual-suspension mountain bike that I bought online from Sports Chalet. It cost about $200 on sale (regularly $400) and I got free shipping at the time. Check online for deals and watch for the components and specs.
Personally, I like a mountain bike even for casual street riding. It’s heavier, but it’s a cushy ride, especially with the dual suspension. And it’s rugged enough to take on the trails. I’ve take mine on some pretty gnarley single-track and had a few wrecks, but the bike has been fine.
The downside to buying it online — you have to assemble it yourself.
April 29, 2008 at 4:37 pm #168815TigerbladeParticipantThanks for the input, everyone. I’m going out on some errands tonight, so I may just stop into a Walmart or Kmart or Target or something to look at what’s there.
I’m along the same lines as Yahooligan – I prefer the mountain bike style, just because it’s more versatile. Heavier, yes, which may be a factor when I’m hauling it up and down the stairs into my storage locker, but meh.
I’ll see what I find tonight and report back.
April 30, 2008 at 1:04 am #168822PolarBearNPRParticipantHeavier? That’s just another advantage! It enhances the workout. And I agree with the mountain bike – tis versatile enough for everything.
April 30, 2008 at 1:40 am #168816TigerbladeParticipantI think I may have found a decent bike. I didn’t buy it just yet, but I found a decent-looking mountain bike at Target for only $80 that seems to be just what I’m looking for. 21 speeds, front and rear shocks, straight bars, 26″ tires, etc. Not too heavy, but not going to float away in the breeze.
Pictures may follow.
April 30, 2008 at 7:09 am #168818sarahtownyMemberGlad you found the one your wanted. Happy cycling!
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