<p>hi, ok so i sent in my sir to davis already like weeks ago which means i’ll be going to davis next year and we all know what davis is like. i have absolutely no knowledge whatsoever about the different types of bikes and etc…any current students or just anyone can suggest me with what kind of bike to get? i have the money in my hands and ready to go buy one right now! i’m so excited!</p>
<p>Davis is quite flat, so unless you plan to ride outside town (mountains are close by) any bike will do. Even a no-speed cruiser. There are sooo many choices now. One can find a good used bike for very little money. Or, buy a bike from a bike shop - stay away from the mass market WalMart types. One can find a bike at a bike shop for not much more than the ones at Kmart - and they really do last longer. The shop will put it together for you, and adjust it properly, and make sure the fit is good.</p>
<p>Besides a cruiser, there are road bikes (expensive and meant for racing), mountain bikes (which are heavier, have fat tires and recommended for off-road trails) - and all kinds of hybrids. Often hybrids are a good choice - cushier seats and you sit more upright than a road bike. </p>
<p>I'd suggest trying some out at a bike shop - and you'll see what you like and get an idea of size that works for you. If new ones are too much money, you can then keep an eye out for used ones. Craigslist is good place to find decent used bikes for cheap.</p>
<p>I would not recommend a very expensive or flashy bike - as it will be theft bait.</p>
<p>thanks so much anxious_mom! you don't know how much that helped me! i was planning on going to places like target or sportsmart...i don't know or heard of any local bike shop...but i'll do some research. thanks! anymore input anyone?</p>
<p>If you can be patient, there is a police auction of bikes early in October at Davis...you might find a bargain at your local police station...ask them what they do with the unclaimed bikes. A decent used bike with a tune up will be perfect for Davis...you will want a bike light, helmet and at least a rear fender to reduce the effects of riding through puddles. Welcome to Davis...go aggies</p>
<p>heh, i don't think i can be all that patient but what are the chances of finding a bike like that at the police station? i mean will there be a lot? plus i'd really like to use a bike right when i start school in september! i don't know..but thanks for the suggestion! i'll definitely go with it if i can't find the right bike.</p>
<p>There are also many bike shops in Davis so they all run sales at times. Some are better than others for run-of-the-mill bikes and some are really geared to the racer set. You could just wait until you get here to buy a bike since these shops have personnel that are very helpful and knowledgable. There are also a lot of sales geared to when the students arrive in town (this goes for many retailers, including stores that carry things that are good for making dorm rooms a little more comfortable). If you have a hard time deciding, I think you can rent (or buy) a bike from the bike barn on campus for the interim (<a href="http://bikebarn.ucdavis.edu/)%5B/url%5D">http://bikebarn.ucdavis.edu/)</a>.</p>
<p>TAPS (transportation & parking services) does bike auctions twice annually and sell about 400 bikes each time. The bikes they auction are bikes that have been abandoned or donated in Davis & West Sac areas in the past 6 months or so. They are used, some are just for parts.. but most are just fine.</p>
<p>The rule of thumb is get a cheap bike that gets you from point A to point B... and get a nice bike lock. Bike theft is an issue - especially if you have a sweet bike that the theives want. You don't need any fancy features.. just get something with fenders so you can ride in the rain, and you can put a bike light on & a basket if you want.</p>
<p>Don't wait for the UCD bike auction - I just attended the one today for the first time. My son has always ridden a mountain bike and wanted to switch to a road bike. There were very few road bikes - and the decent brands, even if very old and in junky shape, got bid up quite high. Quite a few dealers were in attendance. If you're good at doing your own tuneups, you can find some deals. After being there for 2 hours, I finally got a bike that I thought would be suitable - however I think I did overpay. I then took it to a shop for overhaul - that'll cost another $100 - (and that's at the only inexpensive repair shop in town, besides the UCD bike barn).</p>
<p>If you want a mountain bike, especially in the smaller size frames, there were lots more options - but almost all bikes need considerable work...</p>
<p>The city of davis no longer has bike auctions, so the twice annual UCD auction is it.</p>
<p>After I got home, I looked on Craigslist and found there were better bikes, already tuned up, and for better prices. Oh well.</p>
<p>get a unicycle</p>
<p>I got my 1999 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp off craigslist for $300. I love it :) I would get a new bike if i went to davis, though. I wouldn't want it stolen. craigslist just seems kinda sketch, i hate having to meet up with a stranger with a pocket full of 20s.</p>
<p>thanks for all your help everyone! i guess i won't be needing anything fancy then but just something good enough to get me around to places on/off campus. i'll wait until that summer session and buy one down there.</p>
<p>do anyone take mopeds to UCD?</p>