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How much should one spend on a bicycle?



 
 
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  #11  
Old May 6th 08, 11:03 PM posted to rec.bicycles.misc
Jeff[_6_]
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Posts: 83
Default How much should one spend on a bicycle?

Ablang wrote:
I know that a lot of details would factor into this, but I am
wondering what bicycle enthusiasts consider when buying a new (or
used) bike?

I guess I don't want to underspend and end up w/ a piece of cra*, but
I also don't want to overspend and risk having it get stolen.

I would like to use it for daily exercise and going to the store (not
more than 10 miles one way).

That's a rather philosophical question.

A few years back, I was going back to school. I bought a beater for
about $100 so I could bike to class (downtown, not the best of
neighbourhoods). It didn't take many trips by bike to pay for it
(parking $5, roundtrip bus $4). After that, everything was gravy.

The beater was okay, but not a great bike. After commuting a lot by
bike for several years without incident, I forked out about $500 for a
decent new bike with fenders and a rack and panniers. It's much more
pleasant to ride than the beater. It will pay for itself in a couple
more months (parking is now $8, and bus roundtrip is now $4.50). Then
everything will be gravy again.

You might consider getting two bikes - one for fun rides and one for
commuting. Make the latter a beater and see how committed you are to
cycling. If you use a beater a lot, spending a bit more might be
worthwhile. If you don't use it much, you haven't spent much.
Ads
  #12  
Old May 8th 08, 07:00 AM posted to rec.bicycles.misc
Zoot Katz
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Posts: 941
Default How much should one spend on a bicycle?

On Mon, 5 May 2008 18:26:05 -0700 (PDT), Ablang
wrote:

I know that a lot of details would factor into this, but I am
wondering what bicycle enthusiasts consider when buying a new (or
used) bike?

I guess I don't want to underspend and end up w/ a piece of cra*, but
I also don't want to overspend and risk having it get stolen.

I would like to use it for daily exercise and going to the store (not
more than 10 miles one way).


My first road bike cost $90. I was clearing $125 per week.

My next road bike cost $200. I was clearing maybe $100 in a good
week. It was new and upgraded when it was stolen. I'd had it for
about month.

The next road bike was all Campagnolo Record and Reynolds 531. All
new, ~$350 with an extra pair of lightly used race wheels. My wages
still totalled $100 per week, or less, but working for peanuts in a
bike shop had its advantages. Five years later, when it was stolen,
my monthly wages were about $1500 at union job.

The next full campy bike was built-up on a 3 year old used frame. It
was $2011 while I was earning about ~$1200 per month at the job I
wanted. I sold the car and spent the next year riding it on ~$800
per month unemployment insurance.

I rode it to work the year after that and dumped $3028 into an all
new, all Euro, semi-custom touring bike. A full week's wage was $600
clear but there were days and weeks without work too.

Twenty years later, I still have those bikes and about 7 others
ranging from free to somewhat less than a month's salary. Today my
bike budget comes from bike shop garbage. By converting old tires,
freewheels, chain and spokes into wearable art I can sell more than I
care to make but it's almost like free money for bike spending.
--
zk
  #13  
Old May 8th 08, 09:16 PM posted to rec.bicycles.misc
Art Harris
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Posts: 577
Default How much should one spend on a bicycle?

Ablang wrote:
I know that a lot of details would factor into this, but I am
wondering what bicycle enthusiasts consider when buying a new (or
used) bike?

I guess I don't want to underspend and end up w/ a piece of cra*, but
I also don't want to overspend and risk having it get stolen.

I would like to use it for daily exercise and going to the store (not
more than 10 miles one way).


That's a tough question to answer without knowing more about you and
how much riding you would do.

Would the daily exercise rides be 5 miles or 30 miles? Will you be
riding in urban, suburban, or rural areas? Flat, hilly, or rolling
terrain? On paved roads only, or occasional dirt paths?

If you're just getting into riding, you might do well with a "hybrid"
bike like this:
http://brandscycle.com/itemdetails.c...gId=39&id=8943

A used bike might save you some money, but if you're not bike savvy
you might get an inappropriate bike, or one that needs work. Avoid
department store bikes like the plague. A good bike shop will help you
choose the right bike in the right size, and will set it up properly
for you.

Remember, riding for exercise might not be fun. But riding for fun can
be great exercise! Local bike clubs might have information on good
cycling routes in your area. Try to develop a variety of scenic routes
and destinations to keep it interesting.

Good luck,
Art Harris
  #14  
Old May 8th 08, 09:17 PM posted to rec.bicycles.misc
It's Chris
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Posts: 438
Default How much should one spend on a bicycle?

Personally? I look for the best frame I can afford in quality, fit and
suitability to my riding, then make sure it has good quality components
on it. As they wear out, as they eventually do, I upgrade as I replace
them. This also keeps the value of the bike from diminishing as much
with time.

- -
Compliments of:
"Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman"

If you want to E-mail me use:
ChrisZCorner "at" webtv "dot" net

My website:
http://geocities.com/czcorner

  #15  
Old May 8th 08, 10:24 PM posted to rec.bicycles.misc
Will
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Posts: 109
Default How much should one spend on a bicycle?



Ablang wrote:
I know that a lot of details would factor into this, but I am
wondering what bicycle enthusiasts consider when buying a new (or
used) bike?


I'd spend enough to get a Breezer or a Bianchi Milano... which is to
say about $700. That way you've got a flexible 8 speed hub, good tire
options, fenders, and so forth. I'd stay away from blingy-sh*t like
disk brakes and carbon do-dads. Marketing-porn won't make it faster.

If I were going used, I'd look for an older Trek, 800 series, cromoly
trail frame. These are set up for V-brakes and have great wheel
clearance. They also have excellent cable routing and great riding
geometry. I'd add an 8 speed hub, plastic fenders, racks, and a
dynohub/LED system. If you do it right, it will resemble a Raleigh
Tourist (remember those?)... except it's going to cost $1000. And you
will love it.

Sheldon Brown did something along these lines, not the handle bars I'd
choose though... the Trek frame is stiffer and more responsive (less
trail in the fork).

http://sheldonbrown.org/raleigh-competition/index.html
  #16  
Old May 11th 08, 08:26 PM posted to rec.bicycles.misc
Ablang
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Posts: 128
Default How much should one spend on a bicycle?

Thanks for all the responses, guys.

I would mainly just use a bike for paved roads to go to the store. I
already have a cheap beater bike, a Magna that I use to go to the
stores with, usually about 2 miles one way and it takes me about 20
mins to do so. It's a inefficient bike, but still easier than a
Huffy. Bike riding has to be easier.

Someone here recommended a hybrid bike, and I believe that is an
excellent recommendation. The '08 Trek 7000 is just in my price range
too... Not more than $350. I'm going to a bike store soon.

I am 5'4" and about 130-150 lbs. What size bike am I looking for?
  #17  
Old May 11th 08, 08:48 PM posted to rec.bicycles.misc
Tom Keats
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Posts: 3,193
Default How much should one spend on a bicycle?

In article ,
Ablang writes:
Thanks for all the responses, guys.

I would mainly just use a bike for paved roads to go to the store. I
already have a cheap beater bike, a Magna that I use to go to the
stores with, usually about 2 miles one way and it takes me about 20
mins to do so. It's a inefficient bike, but still easier than a
Huffy. Bike riding has to be easier.

Someone here recommended a hybrid bike, and I believe that is an
excellent recommendation. The '08 Trek 7000 is just in my price range
too... Not more than $350. I'm going to a bike store soon.


I think you've made exactly the right decision.

I am 5'4" and about 130-150 lbs. What size bike am I looking for?


It's really better to just let the bike shop guys match the
appropriately sized bicycle to you.

The appropriately sized bicycle may seem a little large to you,
especially if, when stopping, you like to put a foot on the
ground while remaining seated. That likely won't be possible
on a properly sized bicycle; you'd have to stand up off the
saddle and straddle the bike to put a foot down. The benefit
is: you'll get maximum leg extension, allowing you to put more
power to the pedals, and do much better than 6 MPH. As you
say: bike riding has to be easier.

Anyways, at 5'4", I'm picturing something @ a 16" frame.
I could be wrong, though. It's really better to just let
the bike shop guys match the appropriately sized bicycle
to you.


cheers & good rides,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
I'm really at:
tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca
  #18  
Old May 13th 08, 02:49 AM posted to rec.bicycles.misc
Ablang
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Posts: 128
Default How much should one spend on a bicycle?

On May 11, 12:26 pm, Ablang wrote:
Thanks for all the responses, guys.

I would mainly just use a bike for paved roads to go to the store. I
already have a cheap beater bike, a Magna that I use to go to the
stores with, usually about 2 miles one way and it takes me about 20
mins to do so. It's a inefficient bike, but still easier than a
Huffy. Bike riding has to be easier.

Someone here recommended a hybrid bike, and I believe that is an
excellent recommendation. The '08 Trek 7000 is just in my price range
too... Not more than $350. I'm going to a bike store soon.

I am 5'4" and about 130-150 lbs. What size bike am I looking for?


I wouldn't use this beater bike to go more than 4 miles round trip. I
get very tired w/ this bike.

I forgot to say that I wanted a better bike in the event that I wished
to bike to a store farther away. I always lock my bike up, no matter
how cheap it is, but I'm worried about parts being stolen off it
anyway or punk kids letting air out of my tires.
  #19  
Old May 14th 08, 05:50 AM posted to rec.bicycles.misc
Ablang
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Posts: 128
Default How much should one spend on a bicycle?

Look what my friend had to say about this bike:

--

(I meant front wheel suspension -springs- not rear wheel.) That bike
has
a spring under the seat known as a seatpost suspension. I've never
seen
them before I saw the one your looking at. I completely forgot about
the bike I have and I'm not trying to steer you to buy from me. I was
just saying for 300.00 you should be able to find a bike with a shock
absorbing suspension, probably used but a very good bike. Craigslist
stuff
with a front suspension spring in the forks.

Did you check that link ? albeit the complainers were all tall or
heavy that didn't like them (seatpost springs), your mileage may vary.
Bottom line is that the bike won't work well on trails as a mountain
bike.
It's strictly a commute bike. That seatpost spring might spoil a
perfectly
good bike in that sense. And that is costing ya a bit more for that.

My bike is a 100 dollar bike. That's what I paid for it and that's
about
all its worth.

Sorry for the confusion.

--

What I said:

Pardon my ignorance w/ bikes, but I don't understand anything
about
what you just said. Guess I'll have to try it out in the store in
person
someday.

I assume the bike you want to sell me is superior to the Trek?

--

May want to have a look at this before you buy .. Not too many
are fond of the seatpost suspension...

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in...p/t-60039.html

Also that's quite steep for a bike with not even rear wheel
Suspension. Maybe I'm thinking used, but hey.


--

What I said:

I'm thinking about getting this one.

http://brandscycle.com/itemdetails.c...gId=39&id=8943

 




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