Hi I’m an incoming freshman, and I am looking for a bike to purchase. I have looked at the UCSD Cyclery Shop and some other bike shops (UC Cyclery, Performance Bike, etc.) near UCSD, but most of the carry very expensive bike. My budget is around $200-$250. Also, I heard that a U-lock, Kryptonite or OnGuard is best for security measures. Should I use 2 U-locks or 1 U-lock and chain/cable lock?
If you can get to it, there is a Toys R Us in San Diego that has cheap bikes that are ok for just getting around campus. If you know what you want, you can arrange by phone for them to assemble it so you can pick it up a few days later.
For the lock, my in-house expert suggests the 1 U-lock + chain/cable lock combo. As for the bike, I’d look on Craigslist unless you have a compelling reason to buy something new.
@BunnyBlue I see. Thanks. Do you know any other store in the area that carries decent bikes? Preferably road and hybrid bikes.
@oneofthosemoms Yea I’m going with that combo. I will look on Craigslist for them.
Barrio Bike Cooperative shows up when I search for “bike coop San Diego”
Bike co-ops are where you can go, volunteer a few hours and earn a bike for very little money. Some also have bikes for sale. You also can learn maintenance and repair.
Some years I volunteer at ours, and end up teaching how to repack wheel bearings, bottom brackets, or headsets typically. Lots of general how to use tools, true wheels, etc too.
You can Google “Best bike shop in La Jolla, CA - Yelp”. There are bike thieves who come around campus at night, so I wouldn’t buy anything that costs more than a few hundred dollars.