Not much out there right now in Topeka re: the list of Craig.

My girlfriend found some used bikes for $60. They looked in really good shape and it looks like they would do what I needed them to.

See if you can ride them and if they'll let you adjust things for a decent fit.

And when I say ride them, I don't mean down the block and back, I mean something substantial in comparison to one-way of your commute. If you're planning on wearing a backpack or shoulder bag, load it up like you're going to work and ride with it. That stuff will make a difference.

I'd really advise taking your time and riding several different brands if you can. If you want to use it every day you really need it to feel good.

I know my sack will appreciate it in the long run.

I may visit Capps and see if I can get fitted there -- that way I know at least what I am looking for.

If you go the used route, I'd spend a little extra to have it gone over at a bike shop. Brakes, lube, chain, gears, etc. You don't want to be flying downhill and have something fail on a bicycle.

Cyclocross bikes will start at about $900 and can run up to several thousand dollars at your local shop.

Hybrids usually start in the $250 - $300 range up to about $2K or more.

If you want to save cash AND you're very comfortable with your size and the style of bike you want, you can save quite a bit buying online from bikesdirect.com. You can get a cylcocross bike for less than $400. The bikes come partially assembled so you'll have some work to do and you may want to have it checked out by your bike shop for a small fee. You are also buying a bike you've never ridden so you'll be rolling the dice that you'll like the feel of it.

I know people who've gone this route and they've been happy. I prefer to test ride my bikes before I buy.

Let us know what you decide.

Great suggestion. My buddy bought a used mountain bike that looked to be in decent shape. He had some problems with gears slipping and learned that all of the cables needed replaced and had to shell out another $150-$200 to get it right.

I will be sure to do so.

I'm assuming those prices are brand new.

Admittedly, a little out of my price range.

So, it looks like going used - getting fitted, and doing excess repairs at a shop sounds like my best bet as of right now.

Get fitted. I have a Trek hybrid...a great bike.

Just throwing this out there, but typically a bike shop will throw in a fitting if you're buying a bike, but will charge otherwise. Of course every shop is different, but you probably don't want to spend as much on a fitting as you do on your bike.

I found this site to be decent in determining fit, at least as far as road bikes go.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO

It's not going to be as accurate as being professionally fitted, but the price is right.

Hybrid is the way to go.

Unless you're pretty mechanically inclined I wouldn't do too much wrenching of your own (partially assembled bikes). If you decide to go the bikes direct route and you're not mechanical just let a shop do the build depending on what, exactly needs to be done.

But definitely do learn some basic field adjustments. I've had to adjust the
indexing on several times on rides to use all the gears. Especially when I fail to keep things shiny side up.

That said, I had no idea there were so many cyclists on the board. We may need a "Pedro's Sweet Bike" thread to post your ride(s) in.

And anybody be interested in a CP Strava group or something? Maybe competing with you mastidges is what I need to get my fat ass in the saddle more this winter.

Feel free to use this thread as a CP bicyclist haven.

I am sure once my bike is purchased I will post here frequently.

i just thought it would be great to ride to work to save some money on car maintenance and get fit.

Just get a single speed commuter bike. Low maintence, comfortable, and TOUGH as nails. Trek makes a good one.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes..._utility/earl/

Yeahhhhhhh...

$400 is still out of my price range.

Many bike stores will have used bikes at a good price.