Someone stole my Walmart bike - time for an upgrade!

[callmej]

I recently bought the giant avail 1 2009 model and absolutely love it. It has the 105 component grouping and was a couple of hundred dollars less than retail given it is end of season. It would fall nicely between your low end and hi end budget. However, it comes with clipless pedals, so you need to purchase your shoes and cleats.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If you are still going to be riding your new bike on campus, just remember the more expensive it is, the likely it will be stolen. Campus bike thieves are sophisticated, efficient, savvy, quick as a wink, and have great cable and bolt cutting equipment. If for campus use, I would suggest you ride a piece of junk and even then put a good lock on it or kiss it goodbye.

[buddha_bellies]

If you are still going to be riding your new bike on campus, just remember the more expensive it is, the likely it will be stolen. Campus bike thieves are sophisticated, efficient, savvy, quick as a wink, and have great cable and bolt cutting equipment. If for campus use, I would suggest you ride a piece of junk and even then put a good lock on it or kiss it goodbye.

I agree. My co-worker once left her bike outside of the store for a shift and it was gone FAST! And this is in a high pedestrain traffic area, in the middle of the day. I ride a piece of junk if I know I need to park my bike outside for grocery or to the library. Save the nice bike when you know you can leave it inside with you. Good luck!

[jetsetmeg]

Oh no worries there- after they stole my barely functioning bike, there is no way on Earth I'd ride (and leave) a nice one out and about!!

I'm on the hunt for a cheapie to get me through my last semester on campus, but am also pricing out road bikes for more training and weekend riding.

[staceysue]

Thank goodness! You should write that thief a thank you letter. When you get on your new bike you're going to be in heaven.