Bike decision???

[joyrider]

Hi, I'm new to this forum. Just got back into cycling - I am a 36 year old homemaker, mother of two, living in the Silicon Valley, California. And you know, even though it's been so many years and I'm a lot older and it's so much harder now, I still just love riding! So, I decided to set a fitness goal of preparing for a charity ride coming up this autumn. I'm riding about 30 miles a week now, and although I know that doesn't sound like much to you ladies, keep in mind that before I started this I got winded just walking to the cookie jar. Anyway, I was trying to make my old Specialized ('92 Crossroads!) limp along until at least after the ride, but after my husband took a good look at it the other day, he just shook his head and said the cheapest thing to do would be to get another bike. Not that I'm too sad, because it was a heavy, hard to shift crotch-masher on the best of days. So my issue is: we don't have all that much to spend. MAYBE 500 on the outside. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm afraid that my price range pretty much keeps me in the "comfort" "hybrid" or "casual rider" type models. I'm wondering if that means I'll be sacrificing reliability by having to be cheap? Any input would be super-appreciated! I've really enjoyed reading these boards over the past few days and already feel I've learned a lot!

[CorsairMac]

Howdy Joy: Welcome to the board. There's a thread under Open titled "getting to know you" gives you a chance to meet us and - if you're so inclined tell us something about you.

As for a new bike: Some of the suggestions I've heard, and you'll get more are: try the want ads, police auctions and pawn shops if you don't mind used. You might be able to find a really good bike cheap. There are lots of people here that will have more ideas too. Good luck on the search and let us know how it turns out!

[SadieKate]

Hi there and welcome! I think the suggestion of a used bike is excellent! Try Craiglist.org. If you find something that looks interesting, ask the group. Someone will probably have had experience with the bike brand and parts and can offer an opinion.

[Pedal Wench]

I just saw my saw that the bike that I bought last year for abou $1800 is onsale for about half of that right now. Bike shops are dumping their 2004 models, so you might even find a terrific deal on last year's model.

[joyrider]

I went shopping today! Didn't buy anything, just lookie-looing. Yes, there are a lot of great sales right now, bringing some good bikes down into my range, esp. the '04's. Although my first thought was to go on craigslist for something used, my husband is really pushing for me to to buy something new. I think he just wants me to get a bike that he won't have to work on. At least for awhile. Does anyone else here ride an inexpensive bike? I'd love to hear about it. Thanks again!

[SadieKate]

My impression with this forum is that if it has two wheels and requires human-power, it ridden by at least one member, though I may be mistaken. Anyone ride unicycles or tricycles?

SK

[DeniseGoldberg]

Anyone ride unicycles or tricycles?
SK

Actually I'd be surprised if there aren't some trike riders on the forum. Today's trikes are very cool! (No, I don't have one - I'm afraid if I try one I will end up adding to my stable of bikes...)
--- Denise

[SadieKate]

I was very tempted last fall to buy an old British racing tricycle. It was very cool!

[joyrider]

I've checked them out online. Room for groceries and everything. But where would you store it?

[Ered_Lithui]

My family picked up a great Raleigh road bike and a basic mountain bike for $10 each at different yard sales. And at least one other bike for $20. Sometimes if you go to a yard sale and just ask about bikes, people will pull one out of the garage and offer it to you. So many people have good bikes but never ride them. They just need a good home....

I want to ride a unicycle! I just don't want to worry about getting on. Or off.

[KSH]

Well, here in Texas, I bought a Trek 1000 for $699.

Yes, a bit over your price range... but it's a very nice entry level bike.... maybe you can do a search on the Internet to learn more about it?

I really love it... even though it was the cheapest road bike in the store!

Finally... if you are buying a used bike... keep in mind that you need to be fitted to the bike and ensure that you are buying the right size.

I tried the used bike route, but it was very hard for me to find my size, in a used bike. And honestly... most of the used bikes were going to cost the same or more... as my TREK.

Best of luck!