<p>Hello.</p>
<p>I was wondering... what portion of Rice students ride bikes around campus? Is it the great majority? And would you recommend bringing a bike to Rice? If so, I am an out-of-state student, and thus not very familiar with bike shops near Rice. Does anyone know where I can buy a bike? The specific location/address would be very much appreciated! </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Here's a previous discussion about bikes <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/rice-university/341699-questions.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/rice-university/341699-questions.html</a>
My s saw the bike owned by one of the Houston Basketball players (I've forgotten his name-- the oriental fellow) at the local bike shop in Rice Village. He said it was HUGE! LOL. Warning-- he had 2 bikes stolen, but that was 3-4 yrs ago...</p>
<p>Two bike shops close to campus are:</p>
<p>Bike Barn
5935 Kirby Dr # A
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 529-9002</p>
<p>West U Cycles
2519 Rice Blvd
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 529-0140</p>
<p>I got by two years without a bike, and it was just fine. However, I just got one yesterday because I'm living at Rice this summer, and it's my only means of transportation to get to work, the grocery store, etc.</p>
<p>Having a bike is nice for those few times you'd want to get to the Village by yourself. However, the campus really isn't big enough that you absolutely need a bike. Some people find that it's still nice to have one, though.</p>
<p>Craigslist has lots of bikes for really cheap.</p>
<p>Also if you just want a "get me to class" bike Target has some acceptable brands.</p>
<p>Rugs are oriental, people are not!</p>
<p>Best to buy an old clunker bike when you get to Rice. ;)</p>
<p>Yao Ming is probably the guy in the 2nd post.</p>
<p>Bike theft is probably the biggest crime on campus. Whatever kind of bike you get, either keep it in your room or get a nice lock (not a chain or a cable--the D-shackle lock, as it's very hard to cut through). Think of it as insurance. Register your bike with RUPD when you get there as well, that way if you're careless and something happens, it'll be easier to track down the thief (and actually catch them).</p>
<p>don't buy a bike from those bikeshops. they are very expensive. definitely go with craigslist.</p>
<p>The good thing about Bike Barn and WestU, though, is that you get free tune-ups and maintenance. Also, Bike Bark price matches, so if you can find the same bike for cheaper at Target, then you can bring that price in. Bike Barn and WestU are only expensive because they don't sell lower-quality or cheap bikes. It's like saying that the Apple Store is expensive compared to Office Depot for buying a computer. You're comparing two completely different products.</p>
<p>I generally encourage the patronage of specialty stores like bike shops, as it can be rewarding to buy from people who really know what they're doing; that said, most students probably don't want to buy a higher-end bike for pedaling around campus, so Target, Craigslist, and ebay are all decent places to look for a commuter bike.</p>
<p>Good point, Dorian. My bike is my primary mode of transportation this summer (I work a couple of miles off-campus), so I bought mine from Bike Barn. It was really nice. I told them what I needed a bike for (getting to work every day), they told me I should get a hybrid bike, I told them I don't have much of a budget, they said a lighter mountain bike would work, too. They let me ride it up and down the block to try it out, and recommended a helmet. They installed my lock holster for me, and they told me to take it in for a tune-up once I've ridden it around a bit. It was altogether pleasant.</p>