<p>are bikes really necessary for getting around campus and getting to classes on time?</p>
<p> Yes. Stanford has a huge, huge campus. </p>
<p>yes, they are (and the cheaper the bike, the better...)</p>
<p>what kind of bike would be best for someone new to bike? what features?</p>
<p>A one you get at Target for ~$100.
The one feature you'll have to add is a splash guard (so you can ride on wet roads). You will also need a helmet and a bike light, as well as a good quality bike lock.</p>
<p>thanks for the great advice! ok, will have to remember splash guard and bike light. and it sounds like it would be best to get a bike locally after arrival. i wonder if target would run out of bikes!!</p>
<p>Remember to get a good lock and always secure the wheel and the bike (I've seen just wheels chained to the stands). You might also consider registering your bike with Stanford. As for helmets, I rarely saw anyone with a helmet on.</p>
<p>Bikes are not absolutely necessary, but they'll make your life much, much easier. Pretty much everyone has one, especially freshman year. And you really need a bike light and U-lock.</p>
<p>You can buy bikes from the campus bike shop. I think one of the mailings you get this summer will advertise their deals. I seem to recall the deals are pretty good.</p>
<p>Targets DO run out of bikes, so make buying it a priority when you arrive. There are several Targets in the area, so look them up-- you may have to go to more then one.</p>
<p>Helmets are important if you want to ever leave the campus on your bike.</p>
<p>Beware of the campus police. Running a red light on your bike can cost you over $200, even though "everybody does it"...</p>
<p>There is a "bike registration" event during orientation. I am not sure how much registering your bike will help, but it won't hurt...</p>
<p>
[quote]
You can buy bikes from the campus bike shop.
[/quote]
That is true, and you'll get info about it in the summer mailing. However, the bikes they sell are much more expensive (at Target you can buy a 24-speed bike cheaper then the most basic "stanford" bike with no gears at all).</p>
<p>thanks for the heads up on how to lock the bike! got it -- wheel and bike!</p>
<p>thanks also for the campus bike shop info! wow, i guess that says a lot when there is a bike shop on campus! ... albeit expensive. i would assume that they can help students with bike problems, right? would be a good resource for those new to bikes...</p>
<p>and thanks a bunch for the heads up on the red light$! v-e-r-y good to know!</p>
<p>I am pretty sure that the local bike shop will do minor repairs on any bike, and you can buy little "special" things (like the splash guard) there. </p>
<p>The importance of properly locking your bike can hardly be stressed enough...</p>