So...what kind of bike do I need? (college student)

[cream*caffeine]

Yes, I'm a poor college student. :P But, I'm happy to getting a cheap ed, so it goes with the territory, no? Anyway, someone stole my bike, and so I'm now in the market for another. Thing is, I don't have a job at the moment, and once I get it, my paycheck is already divided into paying off various debts, so I really don't have much $$$ to spend.

My dad says that I should get a chainless bike, but I really canNOT afford $600 atm. I'd like to know what to look for, as I troll various sources. I'll be mainly biking on roads, and I'm a newb. Not a complete newb, but I'm definitely not pro.

- Since I have no idea what the future holds, should I get an all-terrain bike?
- Also, I noticed that there's different heights on bikes - how do I know (without trying it out) what is the right measurement for me? Is there a formula for that or something?
- I'll need lights and a lock, right? (Told you I was a newb!)
- Anything I should know before I plunge into the world of biking?

I think those are all my questions atm. Help is SO appreciated!

[Cataboo]

Measure your inseam - and post your height and we can probably give you a size range of what might fit - but basically you're going to have to try riding them.

You're not really clear on what you want to use the bike for - do you just want to ride around for fun or are you planning on commuting on it or ?

Check your local craigslist to see what is available. You might be able to find a cheap bike that'll fit. There are lots of people that buy bikes with the best of intentions and then it doesn't fit, it's the wrong bike for what they want to do, or they don't have time, and they never use them and eventually sell them.

I don't think you need to go chainless.

If you're mainly going to do road riding, there's no reason to get an all terrain bike. Suspension systems are heavy and you lose power to them unless there's a lockout.

Go to a local bike shop and test ride a mountain bike, a hybrid, and a road bike.

On a hybrid & a mountain bike you sit much more upright than you do on a road bike. If you're more comfortable upright - then get a hybrid or a mountain bike. If you're mainly riding on road, put slicks or tires without many bumps on them.

Road bikes, you tend to lean over more. Road bikes have skinny narrow tires so they can be a harsher ride and you for the most part don't want to take them off road - but they can go fast and they're fun.

A hybrid will probably be a comfortable bike that you can do a bit of both on.

[Zen]

Determine how much you can spend and report back
We can work from there.

Here's a short article on how to determine frame size.

[newfsmith]

Depending on where you are going to school, there may be a bike co-op near you that will have re-conditioned used bikes. Here is the Boston area, 2 leap to mind:
http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/bikeshop
and
http://broadwaybicycleschool.com/
Also, check your campus newspapers and bulletin boards. The end of a semester when students are leaving, and just before vacation periods tend to bring a lot of bikes onto the market as people are looking for money. Police auctions are another source, but they are usually only in the spring. Unless you can ride an exact match, don't try to buy on-line until you know more about your needs and size.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If you'll be locking your bike outside on campus....then get a cheapish used bike that works well and fits you ok, the uglier the better, and get HEAVY DUTY locks (a heavy U-lock AND a heavy cable if possible). Campuses are major hotspots for bike thieves. Any new bike worth $300 or more is going to be an automatic target for thieves.
Once you are not on campus anymore you can start getting more beautiful/desirable bikes.
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008...-bike-tips.php
http://www.cyclelicio.us/2005/09/lock-your-bike.html

Good luck and enjoy whatever bike you wind up getting!

[TrekTheKaty]

Like others mentioned, bikes are always looking for homes. Ask relatives (sis inherited my old hybrid that I swore I was keeping--until the LBS determined her bike was unfixable and then it was hers for the asking!) Garage sales, newspaper ads (I know old-fashioned, but I think people still do that instead of Craigs List!) There is also a reconditioned bike shop in my town--they donate to charity or sell to raise money for more bikes.

Of course, you want a bike that fits properly--but anything is a start and will help you to determine where to go from there.

[aicabsolut]

If you'll be locking your bike outside on campus....then get a cheapish used bike that works well and fits you ok, the uglier the better, and get HEAVY DUTY locks (a heavy U-lock AND a heavy cable if possible). Campuses are major hotspots for bike thieves. Any new bike worth $300 or more is going to be an automatic target for thieves.
Once you are not on campus anymore you can start getting more beautiful/desirable bikes.
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008...-bike-tips.php
http://www.cyclelicio.us/2005/09/lock-your-bike.html

Good luck and enjoy whatever bike you wind up getting!

+1
A friend of mine repainted his bike such that it looked like an Impressionist disaster. Also, remove all quick releases (on seatpost, wheels, wherever). You may want to get locking skewers for your wheels. Depending on your terrain, fixed gear or single speed bikes are pretty popular for student style riding. Some people wind up building their own fixies with parts from a mix of sources including craigslist and ebay. They require a bit less maintenance (fewer drivetrain components), so are not too bad for leaving outside. If it's too hilly for that where you are, commute on whatever kind of bike you find the most comfortable that fits your needs. If you're going to be carrying a lot of weight, you might prefer to be more upright or to have a rear rack. That will limit your frame choices a bit. If you're going to be doing mainly road riding, don't get a mountain bike. You may want some wider tires than road tires if you might be hitting dirt or gravel frequently or riding in bad weather.

If you go out looking for used bikes, first go to a bike shop and get an idea of the proper sizing for you in different bike types and ride some to decide which type of bike you prefer. Check out their end of year sales, but then take all that info and go to a co-op or poke around online.

[tc1]

It's been my experience that people love to help struggling college students, if they know them. So ask your dad to ask his friends and acquaintances if any of them have a bike they aren't using to give to you.