Looking to Purchse a New Bike - Need Advice/Help

  • Home
  • Looking to Purchse a New Bike - Need Advice/Help
5 replies [Last post]
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

"I am looking at purchasing a new bike over the next month or so. I have never bought a ""real"" bike before. Basically I am looking for a road bike, possibly a hybrid, that I can do some leisurly riding, as well as a little off roading. My budget is $500 max. Any suggestions would be much much appreciated. Thank you."

Anonymous's picture
Ron (not verified)

Bicycling Magazine listed their 'Best' three budget road bikes as: 1) Trek 1000, 2) Giant OCR3, and 3) Raleigh Grand Sport. They all list for around $600, but with a sale/negotiating you may get close to $500 (tax will take you over though). Test ride all three, pick the one that gives you the biggest grin.

I don't know any roadies that would suggest a hybrid. You some of both worlds, the best of neither. Pick up a $100 MTB off craigslist at a later date if storage of two bikes is not as issue.

Anonymous's picture
Carol (not verified)
LBS

Find a local bike shop where a salesperson is willing to spend a little time with you, listen to you and work with you on what's going to suit your riding style and budget. Test ride several choices and go with your heart. It's not about fancy gear, it's about having fun on the bike...and being comfortable while having all that fun, so make sure the bike fits you properly.

Anonymous's picture
April (not verified)
get used?

"Last I check, the lowest priced road bike starts around $600. And the one I could get my hands on has downtube shifters. Not the best for a beginer.

To keep the price at $500, you have to go used.

If you're considering hybrid, I'd suggest an entry level mountain bike instead. The Specialized Hardrock can be had for around $500. For road/city use, I strongly recommend exchanging the wide off-road tires for a more city appropiate size one (e.g. 1""-1.5"" slick or with very mild thread).

You can get a cheap hybrid for less. But most of them have pretty low end componentry on them. Mountain bikes, with their wider market, actually comes with somewhat better components at that price range.

And if you go used on the mountain bike route, you can probably get the equivelance of the Specialized Rock Hopper, which is a pretty nice package. With city tires, it beats the best hybrid hands down."

Anonymous's picture
Richard Jesaitis (not verified)

Never have known a cyclist who found s/he loved to ride that could stand a hybrid after the first season. Too heavy, too slow, no fun.

Anonymous's picture
Fred Steinberg (not verified)
touring bike can almost do it all

You didn't say what kind of off-road riding you want to do. If you are thinking of just trails, fire roads, etc then a touring bike might be a good alternative to a hybrid. The tourer will have drop bars like a 'real bike' and probably have clearance for 32mm tires, maybe more and of course it will suitable for road riding. Tourers are rare nowadays, and not cheap, but maybe you could find a good used one, like a Trek 520 or 420. Bikes like these have many uses and make a versitile 2nd/winter bike (fender capable,etc), when you move up.

cycling trips