<p>Anyone have suggestions as to what kind of bikes to get? The primary use for it is to get around campus. Looking for relatively cheap bike.... Thanks.</p>
<p>I’d suggest looking at a new hybrid bike (~$300-$400) or old road bike ($200). Whatever you do, test ride it and get it from a real bike shop (or do research before buying from a private party).</p>
<p>My first “real” bike was a Trek 7000 hybrid I purchased for $340 brand new at Missing Link. I now ride a Fuji Newest 4.0 road bike that I got for $380 at Recycle Bicycles.</p>
<p>The thinner the tires, the better – with all those hills, knobby mountain-bike tires = pain to ride.</p>
<p>Doesn’t really matter, imo. If you’re buying used, ride it around the block a few times before buying.</p>
<p>I was two types of bikes while I was there. Over-sized mountain bikes with knobby tires, and hipster fixed gear bikes. I would go with a road bike, but not too expensive of one because it might get stolen.</p>
<p>Now I’m an incoming freshman, so I actually don’t have any practical experience. But I did spend quite a bit of time browsing these forums and other places when I was shopping for my bike. The consensus I got was that a hybrid bike is the best choice for biking around the area. A road bike MIGHT be better, but you’ll be spending 100-200 dollar more for a road bike.</p>
<p>As far as the bike I finally purchased… I got a Diamondback Edgewood LX hybrid. I’ve ridden it around my city (which is entirely flat) and am very satisfied with it.</p>
<p>No matter what you get, be sure to get great locks: a cable AND a U-Lock. Kryponite is the big name-brand that I ended up getting, but maybe there are other equiv products out there. But definitely don’t put your 200-300 dollar bike in the hands of a 15 dollar wal-mart lock.</p>
<p>I completely agree with crystalknight’s comments. Bike thieves are usually equipped to cut either a cable lock or a U-lock, but almost never both at the same time.</p>
<p>As for the road bike – you’ll know when you want to get one. Before you figure that out, you will find a hybrid cheaper and more comfortable.</p>
<p>I’m quite the bike noob so if I ask any stupid questions, please forgive me, lol. Are there any specific places that you guys go to look for bikes? (Whether online or bike shops).</p>
<p>Also, I noticed that each bike has different sizes (15inch, 17inch etc etc). How do I know which one fits me best?</p>
<p>Honestly, just go where it’s cheapest. I went to Karim’s Bikes, and it was SKETCHY AS HELL, but I got a good bike out of it. </p>
<p>The most important thing is DON’T GET A CRUISER. I bought one and my husband made me return it. They’re too heavy and you’ll be dying going up and down all those hills.</p>
<p>Part of the advantage of going to a real bike shop is that the price includes fitting. That is, they will make sure that the bike is the right size and adjusted for you before they sell it.</p>
<p>Don’t buy online unless you know exactly what you want. After all, shipping is going to be a pain, and you don’t get to test ride it beforehand.</p>
<p>Here are my recommended places:
- Missing Link (Shattuck & University)
- Mike’s Bikes (University & Shattuck Square)
- Recycle Bicycles (Sacramento & 63rd)</p>
<p>Karim also seems like a solid choice, even though I’ve never been there. There’s also Solano Cyclery and Performance Bikes.</p>
<p>Recycle bikes are the way to go for used bikes from a store around here, otherwise craigslist</p>