<p>I know that we're supposed to get cheap bikes but when I went out to look, it was confusing.</p>
<p>Fenders or no fenders?</p>
<p>Hand brakes or not?</p>
<p>High handle bars or low?</p>
<p>Any other suggestions?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Whatever, you want, heh heh... all those are preference, not quality of bike. Cheap bikes are recommended, however, because it is less likely to get stolen (who wants to steal a cheap bike when someone else nearby has a more expensive one) as well as the fact that it'll probably take a beating through college.</p>
<p>You don't need a fender for a bike, I prefer hand brakes (I hate pedaling backwards to brake, I find that a nuisance), I prefer normal -- low I guess -- handle bars (most handlebars are adjustable)...</p>
<p>None of those mean a more expensive or less expensive bike... get whatever feels comfortable for you =)</p>
<p>You might want fenders so you don't end up with mud on your back when it rains.</p>
<p>are you sure you know how to ride a bike? riding a bike isn't different in college, just get what you prefer yourself... </p>
<p>i need to find one that i can reverse the brakes on... the hand brakes are the opposite sides in nth america than australia... when i was there last, i almost went over the handle bars using the front brakes instead of the back ones...</p>
<p>BTW when you get to campus be sure to buy a bike light. A popular one is a 2-piece flashlight with a clamp that goes on the handlebar and a detachable flashlight you can carry with you in your backpack so it doesn't get stolen.</p>
<p>The bike light is very important protection -- protection from tickets! The cops love to sit by the bikepaths and give out tickets to students violating the CA Vehicle Code for riding a bike at night without a light. You'd think they'd have better things to do, but I guess not ...</p>
<p>^ Wow really? You must've met a cop in a bad mood or something. I've bike around cops plenty of times at night and all seemed to not care. </p>
<p>However, they pulled me over for not stopping at a stop sign. :|</p>
<p>I assume, our college bikes shouldn't have gears because of the ocean air and tendency to rust. Right? Hopefully these questions aren't too dumb. Just want to get the right bike since it will be my only means of transportation. And wOOdy, I think I still know how to ride a bike but there aren't many beach cruisers in the city.</p>
<p>i plan on using my feet for transportation. it's not like the campus is that huge to warrant a bike. seriously it took me less than 5 minutes to walk from one end of the campus to the other, and it would have taken a lil less on a bike w/ difference being negligible. if i do need to travel to the city or whatever, i'll hop on the bus... for free!</p>
<p>i just don't understand what's the deal w/ all the bikes. :confused:</p>
<p>Your bike preference is really up to you. I happily ride a mountain bike, some of my friends cruisers, others those fast-thin land racing type bikes. I cover my bike each night with a $10 tarp, and it works really well in protecting your bike from rust. </p>
<p>I wouldn't say the difference is negligible for having a bike and walking; afterall, a minute late to class is a minute late. You wont be able to make it to Phelps/Engineering I/Physical Sciences etc area from IV Theater in 10 minutes inbetween classes by foot especially since sometimes professors like to let people off late.</p>
<p>Skateboarding to class is another popular alternative that I do also.</p>
<p>ohhhh now skateboarding is sexy!!!! it's not simple as peddling and you develop your own style. that i do appreciate :p</p>