Go Back   EcoModder Forum > AltModding > Alternative Transportation
Register Now
 Register Now
 

Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 03-14-2008, 06:16 PM   #1 (permalink)
EcoModding Apprentice
 
H4MM3R's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mackinac City, Michigan
Posts: 235
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Advice on buying a new bike?

I will be buying a bike in a few weeks. I'm looking at city~commuter or utility style. I would value any input.

  Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 03-14-2008, 06:19 PM   #2 (permalink)
Dartmouth 2010
 
SVOboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hanover, NH
Posts: 6,447

Vegan Powa! - '91 Honda CRX DX
Team Honda
90 day: 66.52 mpg (US)
Thanks: 92
Thanked 122 Times in 90 Posts
Send a message via AIM to SVOboy Send a message via MSN to SVOboy Send a message via Yahoo to SVOboy
Hope you don't mind that I moved this post...

What price range are you looking at and are you thinking about going in and getting one from your local bike shop? If so I would recommend just going in and taking a few out for test rides and such.
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2008, 06:35 PM   #3 (permalink)
EcoModding Apprentice
 
H4MM3R's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mackinac City, Michigan
Posts: 235
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
I wasn't sure if I should have started a new thread. Thanks for fixing that.

I would like to stay below $1k.

like this>> http://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...?cPath=201_204
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2008, 06:38 PM   #4 (permalink)
Dartmouth 2010
 
SVOboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hanover, NH
Posts: 6,447

Vegan Powa! - '91 Honda CRX DX
Team Honda
90 day: 66.52 mpg (US)
Thanks: 92
Thanked 122 Times in 90 Posts
Send a message via AIM to SVOboy Send a message via MSN to SVOboy Send a message via Yahoo to SVOboy
If you hurry in you might be able to pick up a deal on a last year's model of something at a shop, you usually can get a pretty good discount.
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2008, 06:59 PM   #5 (permalink)
EcoMudder
 
Harpo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 79

Harpo's Honda - '05 Honda Civic VP
90 day: 42.64 mpg (US)
Thanks: 0
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Needs some details!

1. Is it hilly where you'll be riding? No reason to tote more weight up a hill than required.

2. Commuting only, or will you take some adventures? City bikes certainly will have their limitations. A Mountain Bike with some cross-functional tires can haul butt, and hit a few trails.

3. Have you every riden a Road Bike w/ drop bars before? A cyclocross bike is a good all-arounder. I can ride mine on most trails I frequent, adn ride 'er there an back. It's fun to pass FullSuspension All Mountain bikes with my rigid Cross Bike.

These guys build some affordable and quality bikes. I have two friends that ride their IBEX Cross Bikes everywhere.

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes-Hub-Specialty.html

You can get a great bike for $1K. I'm a USA Cycling Coach, and I help people buys bikes all the time. Mountain to Tri. Remember one thing, regardless of the deal, it has to fit. Peoples biggest mistake is buying based on price, not fit/function.
__________________
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2008, 07:22 PM   #6 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 405
Thanks: 0
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Send a message via AIM to Gone4
I second SVOBoy's advice. Finding a fit at the LBS is a good idea, even if you don't buy there. I felt sort of bad about not buying there but I've gone back for everything else so I guess it's ok. Craigslist and ebay proved valuable in my search.

If I were buying a commuter I would want it to work as well as possibly while looking pretty worthless... But that maybe just because of the environment. Bikes can be stolen no matter what lock you put on them. That's why I would tend towards something used for city use. Or are you talking a more friendly environment?
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2008, 08:22 PM   #7 (permalink)
EcoModding Apprentice
 
H4MM3R's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mackinac City, Michigan
Posts: 235
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Screw the environment! Just kidding. I'm looking for something I can ride around Mackinac City Michigan. Run errands, go to the beach etc...
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2008, 01:24 AM   #8 (permalink)
Awesomeness personified
 
AndrewJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Columbia, MO
Posts: 642

Harold - '94 Honda Civic CX
90 day: 54.51 mpg (US)

Margot - '08 Surly Big Dummy
Thanks: 0
Thanked 28 Times in 18 Posts
Send a message via AIM to AndrewJ
Good choice in the Swobo Dixon, that's a pretty sweet setup.

Make sure you've got plenty of tire clearance and eyelets for fenders and racks.

Also look at Breezer, Electra, Jamis, and of course Surly.
__________________
"I got 350 heads on a 305 engine. I get 10 miles to the gallon. I ain't got no good intentions." - The Drive By Truckers.

  Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2008, 07:59 AM   #9 (permalink)
EcoMudder
 
Harpo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 79

Harpo's Honda - '05 Honda Civic VP
90 day: 42.64 mpg (US)
Thanks: 0
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
That Dixon looks very nice!

__________________
  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread




Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Selling an Insight - looking for advice on buying a Geo Metro budomove Off-Topic Tech 26 05-19-2009 11:14 PM
Summer FE options - Scooter, bike assist, etc friedlbug Alternative Transportation 16 02-20-2009 02:41 AM
Bike riding at night - pointers. AndrewJ Alternative Transportation 9 03-30-2008 03:24 AM
The Ultimate Commuter Bike NoCO2 Alternative Transportation 13 02-29-2008 01:45 PM
Road Bicycle Buying Advice Gone4 Alternative Transportation 67 02-26-2008 09:40 PM



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com