<p>I will be attending UCSB as an out of state freshman from New England this coming fall. I'm looking to buy a bike for school but I'm pretty overwhelmed. I got the email from UCSB awhile back about the different options for buying a bike, either new or used. They gave links to the auction house Bicycle</a> - Search Results | Property Room in LA, a few local shops in SB and mentioned that ucsbstuff.com sells a few types of bikes. </p>
<p>I've looked into some of these options and the new cruiser style bikes sold through ucsbstuff.com are between $200-250 new. But i'm also open to getting a cheaper used one if available. </p>
<p>What types of bikes do most students recommend? Road bikes? Mountain bikes for the trails? Cruisers for the convenience? </p>
<p>Also I'll be in SB in July for orientation and i've heard bike prices are cheapest in the summer before everyone goes back to school. What would I be able to do if I found a bike in July. Are there any storage options?</p>
<p>A road bike works well. Although the cruisers look ‘cool’ and the campus seems flat…those that have them regret their decisions. Even more important than the bike…is a good bike lock! There is a Target in SB…they usually carry a nice selection of suitable bikes which aren’t too expensive. My guess is their stock gets low during certain times but maybe you could pick one up during your July orientation.</p>
<p>Get a road bike. I switched to a road bike after my cruiser got stolen (watch your bikes carefully kids!) and getting around is so much easier! I actually like biking now.</p>
<p>Get a road bike for speed, or a cruiser for comfort. There aren’t any steep inclines on campus, so you really don’t need gears. Also, remember to use a u-lock! I’ve had two bikes in my three years here and neither have been stolen because I always lock them up with a u-lock.</p>
<p>@fred11: I think he meant K-Mart, although I wouldn’t buy a bike there…</p>
<p>A road bike is the best way to go if you are already familiar with riding a bike. (I didn’t learn to ride until attending UCSB, so I bought a beach cruiser.)</p>
<p>I’ve known a few people who found out their size in a shop and then bought their bikes online or through craigslist. Also, there is a bike auction on campus several times every quarter. The bikes, I believe, are the ones that the Community Safety Organization (CSO) impound.</p>
<p>As for storage, most every single space at every storage company is full by this time. (I called all of them). Probably some of the larger units, like 7 by 11 feet, are available.</p>
If you are staying in the dorms, your bike will be rusted after 1 year. This leads to item #2.
Get an Ug-lock. Buy a cheap bike that is so ugly, it will not be a target for thieves. If they want your bike they’ll get it. If they like your seat they’ll take it. If they like your storage rack they’ll take it. Don’t buy a status symbol for a college bike.</p>