|
|
02-13-2013, 02:32 PM | Topic Starter |
BOOM!1!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Casino cash: $8415541
|
Okay, bike (cycle) enthusiasts!!
I've decided I am going to start riding a bike to work once the weather gets a tad warmer. It's only 5.8 miles both ways.
Any recommendations or brands to target, or stay away from? I'm not looking to spend a lot of money -- and will probably wind up just buying something used. I'll dish out a couple of extra dollars if I can get sweet, red/blue KU streamers and a sweet horn too. So, that won't be an issue. Thanks! |
Posts: 18,934
|
02-13-2013, 02:42 PM | #2 |
Mahomes Fanboi
Join Date: Apr 2004
Casino cash: $1874969
|
|
Posts: 19,756
|
02-13-2013, 02:46 PM | #3 |
Badass!
Join Date: May 2010
Casino cash: $9886579
|
I'd look for a cyclocross or performance hybrid bike. I wouldn't worry too much about brand name. Just ride them and buy the one that feels right.
|
Posts: 6,541
|
02-13-2013, 02:52 PM | #4 | |
Y'all are brutalizin' me!
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Jim Bob Cooter 4 Heisman
Casino cash: $10000985
|
Quote:
__________________
MASTER CYLINDER! |
|
Posts: 1,096
|
02-13-2013, 02:49 PM | #5 |
Veteran
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: St. Louis :(
Casino cash: $9989900
|
What's the route to work? On the road or on a bike trail?
Do you have any thoughts of riding recreationally in the future, or is this purely a commuter deal? |
Posts: 2,313
|
02-13-2013, 02:58 PM | #6 | |
BOOM!1!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Casino cash: $8415541
|
Quote:
I'm doing this mostly to get exercise, save on gas money and wear/tear on my car. Just commuter, mostly. |
|
Posts: 18,934
|
02-13-2013, 03:07 PM | #7 |
Veteran
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: St. Louis :(
Casino cash: $9989900
|
|
Posts: 2,313
|
02-13-2013, 03:12 PM | #8 |
BOOM!1!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Casino cash: $8415541
|
|
Posts: 18,934
|
02-13-2013, 03:25 PM | #9 |
Y'all are brutalizin' me!
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Jim Bob Cooter 4 Heisman
Casino cash: $10000985
|
Like anything else you can spend as much or little as you want.
Figure out what size you need and what you like then watch the list of Craig. Lots of people get bored or buy something that doesn't fit and end up not being able to ride and dump them there. If the terrain is mild between you and work you could also think about a single speed and not have to worry as much about maintenance.
__________________
MASTER CYLINDER! |
Posts: 1,096
|
02-13-2013, 03:45 PM | #10 |
Badass!
Join Date: May 2010
Casino cash: $9886579
|
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. |
Posts: 6,541
|
02-13-2013, 03:10 PM | #11 |
Y'all are brutalizin' me!
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Jim Bob Cooter 4 Heisman
Casino cash: $10000985
|
Since it's going to be a commuter you might also want to consider something with fender and/or pannier mounts in case of unexpected weather or if you need to carry much.
__________________
MASTER CYLINDER! |
Posts: 1,096
|
02-13-2013, 02:49 PM | #12 |
Badass!
Join Date: May 2010
Casino cash: $9886579
|
Also, if you haven't already, go to a local bike shop and get fitted. That way, if you decide to buy used, you won't waste time looking at the wrong bikes. Make sure the bike you buy fits you well.
|
Posts: 6,541
|
02-13-2013, 02:58 PM | #13 | |
BOOM!1!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Casino cash: $8415541
|
Quote:
There's a place in Topeka called CAPPS I plan on checking out soon. |
|
Posts: 18,934
|
02-13-2013, 02:51 PM | #14 |
Changes pants while driving
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Washington D.C.
Casino cash: $4420495
|
Avoid the KU colors unless you desire to get "doored" by MU fans.
|
Posts: 16,720
|
02-13-2013, 02:57 PM | #15 |
BOOM!1!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Casino cash: $8415541
|
|
Posts: 18,934
|
|
|