Need bike for temporary stint - Where to start...

[Chinook]

Hi. I'm new here and arrived through a search for the Giant Avail. I'm going to be temporarily located in Sacramento and need to purchase a bike for my commuting and training (commuting will be my training - at least on the weekdays). I'm looking at spending at least $1300 (hopefully less). I like the 105 all around. I've been looking at the Bianchi Dama Biancha or the Giant Avail 1. I'm all about trying something new, the Giant and Bianchi are also because I like Giant and Bianchi. But perhaps there is something better or different. Need to go review the Bicycling magazine again.

I'm 5'7". My goal is to get the best bike for the money and the selections I have made are based on what the shops in Sacramento carry. My commuter at home is a Bianchi Brava 55cm and it is marvelous. We get along great. I'll be leaving my Amira Expert at home...poor thing. Thank you~:)

[roguedog]

hello chinook and welcome to northern california.

i'm a bit confused by your post. is it an intro or is there a question in there?

there quite a few nice shops in davis and since it's close to graduation you may find some deals in the local school (sac as well as davis) papers.

good luck.

[crazycanuck]

There's a question in there...I saw it as a q anyways....:o

She's going to be temporarily located in Sacramento and needs to purchase a bike for her commuting and training and is looking at spending at least $1300

[Chinook]

Hi. Sorry about the confusion RogueDog - my fellow Canadian was able to understand (is it our style of conversing?)
Yes, I'm in Sacramento for the next two months, want to purchase a nice relatively nice (is it considered mid-level at $1300 or is that low now a-days?) cheap bike for commuting and training.
Looked at some of the shops online, was looking at the Giant and Bianchi's, but thought maybe there was a new up-and-coming bike on the market that I don't know about. Also, has anyone had any experience with the Dama Bianca or the Avails?

[KnottedYet]

want to purchase a nice relatively nice (is it considered mid-level at $1300 or is that low now a-days?) cheap bike for commuting and training.

$1300 is high-level in my universe.

I consider $400-500 midlevel. Lots of nice commuters at that range.

With such a large amount of money for a 2 month-long temporary bike, wouldn't it be more cost effective to simply ship your Bianchi Brava to Sacramento with you?

[Chinook]

KnottedYet - Thought about shipping the Brava but no time to pack - and it will cost just as much to have it packed and shipped as it would to buy a bike there (and resell). I like RogueDog's idea of buying bikes from the college kids who are selling the bikes their parents bought just for some quick cash...hmmm...

[crazycanuck]

Chinook-are you an Albertan by chance? :D

I think picking up a bike from some uni kid would be a great idea! I had that idea last year when I was searching for a uni commute bike..

[Cataboo]

check the local craigslist.org - I think you'll be able to find a bike that'll work for you.

[Chinook]

CrazyCanuck - Yes, SOAB. I'm here and have checked out craigslist....nothing yet.