Advice on buying a new bike?

[H4MM3R]

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

[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.

[H4MM3R]

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

[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.

[Harpo]

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.

[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?

[H4MM3R]

Screw the environment! Just kidding. I'm looking for something I can ride around Mackinac City Michigan. Run errands, go to the beach etc...

[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.

[Harpo]

That Dixon looks very nice!