<p>Dude, if you are just using that bike to zip around class and downtown, you DO NOT need a $400 bike. That is pointless to the maxc0re.</p>
<p>THAT SAID I have had VERY bad experience with bikes under $100, so do not go that route. I think a bike around $200 is probably quite decent, especially if you find one used at a bike shop or on Craigslist (make sure you know your size before going the Craigslist route).</p>
<p>If you get more serious into biking you can then decide what your next choice should be (more expensive, “real” mountain bike, more expensive commuter/road bike, etc.).</p>
<p>But while a freshman living on campus, you can stick to your budget (basically) and still be happy.</p>
<p>Yes U-locks are around $30-$50, yes they’re worth it (they can go with you from bike to bike for years so don’t worry if it’s a 1/4 of the cost of the bike hahah). I think I found one in Target for $30 so you might be able to swing that.</p>
<p>The chain lock is SORTA like what you are describing, except hte chain is coated in thick rubber…it’s probs overkill unless you have like a $1000 bike haha. The one my friend has was like $80. </p>
<p>Idk how easy your chain lock is to pick versus a U-lock. I did have a friend get her bike stolen even though she had a U-lock on it. But it was during the evening in a secluded part of campus. So again the “think smart” rule comes into play. No lock is infallible.</p>
<p>Yeah Boulder would be a nice place for a bike, one of my schools I could possibly be attending ( University of Iowa) a bike seems to be a great transportation there too.</p>
<p>it’s actually not that pointless to invest a little in a bike. Most places, unlike Target or other places that sell cheap-o bikes, offer substantially better warranties and better components on your bike. That means the bike won’t fall apart in a year or when you go over a curb the wheel won’t buckle (happens alllllllll the time with schwinns.) - that’s easily a 40-50 dollar fix. The most popular bike I see come into my shops is BY FAR schwiin, magma, and whatever cheapy off-brands are out there because it’s a piece of junk, and people end up paying for it.</p>
<p>300-400 bucks is actually a good price point for a well-made commuter bike. If you simply don’t have the money, then obviously you’ll have to go cheaper… but don’t disregard it simply because you don’t think it’s worth it - it definitely is, even if it’s just a bike for school… you’ll be on it 4-5 days a week. that’s actually a lot. </p>
<p>Now if you can get a great deal on craigslist, go for it, but get something decent.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. I’ll have to talk to my parents about it again but I think they’ll only let me go for $150 to maybe $200 after all of these posts. I’ll definitely try to search bike stores for old bikes and craigslist. Also, do you think I should try to buy a u lock on craigslist for cheaper too or just buy one online from a real retailer?</p>
<p>it comes with a u lock too and when I searched best u locks kryptonite was 1 of the top 2. Also, what’s that thing on top of the black tire? Is it possible to add the little flat areas on top of the rear tire where you always see people strap bags to when they ride or go grocery shopping? Is it recommended to get one in college ? Sorry for all of the questions</p>
<p>woofles
do you think i should try to convince my parents to let me get a 300-400 commuter bike? they’re worried that if i buy an expensive bike like that though that it will get stolen and then i will have no ways of transportation around campus and nearby other than walking. and then if i got a 400 bike stolen and had to buy a new one that would be well over 500+. i’m not sure of the theft rate at cu though.</p>
<p>For a large campus, a simple comfort bike or cruiser bike will do good. There are many for under $200, some under $150.00. All have good reviews, at least 4 out of 5 stars. The Men’s bikes do cost a bit more so I went up to $250.00. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>I used a cruiser to get around my undergrad years and it served me very well.</p>
<p>“bmx aren’t racing bikes. bmx are trick bikes without gears. the racing bikes are the same as the road bikes.”</p>
<p>Wrong, BMX racing is a sport. </p>
<p>I have a Redline MX24 that I ride around town. Its fun, fast, cool, and lightweight. Its larger then the 20 inch bikes that you are thinking of.</p>
<p>If your a girl you may not be interested in a BMX bike because of comfort and also pricing.</p>
<p>You may have some luck by going down to the local schwinn shop and finding a cheap 7 speed for under 200 bucks. They make some nice bikes also and all the ones that i have seen have nice cushy seats.</p>
<p>Get something nice so you can enjoy it, but in your price range also. And don’t worry about theft, If it happens then it happens, its just a bike.</p>
<p>I ride quite a bit and have two very nice bikes, one a Cannondale roady the other a Giant cruiser. I picked them both up off of craigslist for less than $150 each.</p>
<p>HI got a Schwin cruiser for $180 at Walmart. It’s cute, rides well and is comfortable. I went to a local bike shop and the cheapesr bike they had was well over $300. If youre well off financially and bike a lot, then it may be a worthwhile investment but I couldnt see the use in that expensive bike that expensive just to get around campus and Oxford, Oh. </p>
<p>That said I may have to get myself a U lock. Ive seen them a lot lately and I have a fairly thick coil lock and im pretty sure someone tried to steal it (it was in a completely different position then how I left it and they had popped the chain off). It cant hurt.</p>
<p>Thefts are usually impulsive, they will decide to just grab your bike for the hell of it, but if you have a lock on it that will discourage them enough to say F it and walk away. USUALLY.</p>
<p>Woofles is right about the U lock. get one of those anything else i would be embarresed to carry around. </p>
<p>The bike You were looking at at dicks sporting goods looks nice. If you get a cheaper bike and it does not shift gears properly, then you should adjust the gears which is also very easy to do you cant possible F it up unless you smash it with a hammer haha.</p>
<p>I got a Raleigh road bike as a graduation present to take. I’m feeling pretty paranoid about it getting stolen so I’m going to cover the logos and probably go with both a U and cable lock. If I was just going to use it to go around campus, I’d not take something as nice, but I’m looking to do some longer rides and get more into riding at home, too. I think any simple road bike would do the job at college.</p>