silatix 0 Report post Posted March 16, 2009 Since the weathers getting warmer and the mta is going to raise subway fares again, seems like getting a bike would be a good asset in more ways than one. I'm looking at hybrids but having trouble finding good reviews online of bikes. So far I've looked at fuji, trek and raleigh. All seem decent. I want something all around but that will definitely move and not cost an arm and a leg. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mete_shop 0 Report post Posted March 16, 2009 My friend you are lucky to be living in brooklyn, the nyc epicenter of bike deals. plenty of shops with new and used bikes around bk. i'm planning on doing a little bike shopping myself. i'll let you know what i dig up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
augusto 0 Report post Posted March 16, 2009 (edited) Since the weathers getting warmer and the mta is going to raise subway fares again, seems like getting a bike would be a good asset in more ways than one. I'm looking at hybrids but having trouble finding good reviews online of bikes. So far I've looked at fuji, trek and raleigh. All seem decent. I want something all around but that will definitely move and not cost an arm and a leg. From those three brands you've looked at Trek is the best, but Trek begins to have nice bikes above $1000. Otherwise you're just getting a really expensive bike with a cheap frame and cheap components. Fuji's frames are aluminum, and aluminum is harsh like a motherfucker, meaning that you'll feel road vibration really bad, and your body will get tired faster from it, not a pretty comfortable ride. But, because Fuji is not a nice brand name like Trek, they outfit their bikes with really nice components. Raleigh I don't really know about. I'm a mountain biker but have a road bike for training, since I don't really care for road riding I bought a cheap ass IronHorse, the frame is aluminum, uncomfortable as fuck, but it has cool components (Shimano 105) and a carbon fiber fork... I paid 550 for it. What is your budget? Edited March 16, 2009 by augusto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silatix 0 Report post Posted March 16, 2009 Ahh thanks for the breakdown. I was trying to stay around $500.. Mostly because the odds of the thing getting stolen are pretty high. I went all over brooklyn on saturday and the deals werent as good as Id hoped. Fuji had an ok for $500.. Theres a shop near my gig that has raleighs for like 500-800 that seem comparable. Which is the better frame to have then if not aluminum.. Carbon? From those three brands you've looked at Trek is the best, but Trek begins to have nice bikes above $1000. Otherwise you're just getting a really expensive bike with a cheap frame and cheap components. Fuji's frames are aluminum, and aluminum is harsh like a motherfucker, meaning that you'll feel road vibration really bad, and your body will get tired faster from it, not a pretty comfortable ride. But, because Fuji is not a nice brand name like Trek, they outfit their bikes with really nice components. Raleigh I don't really know about. I'm a mountain biker but have a road bike for training, since I don't really care for road riding I bought a cheap ass IronHorse, the frame is aluminum, uncomfortable as fuck, but it has cool components (Shimano 105) and a carbon fiber fork... I paid 550 for it. What is your budget? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mete_shop 0 Report post Posted March 16, 2009 Also hit up craiglist hard. I mean check it every day, I bought my current bike from a dude over craigslist. It was an incredible deal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monovich 0 Report post Posted March 16, 2009 (edited) I've bought and sold a handfull of bikes here. sometimes the prices seem high because a lot of racer types buy/sell here, but great deals can be had. The buyers and sellers I've dealt with have always been legit. road bikes: http://classifieds.roadbikereview.com/showcat.php/cat/3 cyclocross bikes (which are great for city /w slicks and generally out of season at the moment, so the selection could be good): http://classifieds.roadbikereview.com/showcat.php/cat/4 edit: make sure you have a bike-dork buddy helping you narrow your list down. Brands typically don't mean so much when you consider that many many brands are made in the same factories in Taiwan and China. A solid frame with good components hanging off of it are most important. Edited March 16, 2009 by monovich Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adam_etypical 0 Report post Posted March 16, 2009 I bought one of these on ebay last year for like $250. It's a no-name brand, but has been a great bike for dirt cheap. Light, aluminum frame with Shimano parts. I dont see them on ebay anymore, but if you can find it, and dont care about a name brand, I'd totally recommend it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jasfish 0 Report post Posted March 16, 2009 You can always go custom. This is in Milwaukee, but it's a pretty sweet deal for $500. I've got to believe there's something similar in NYC. Always nice to support your local companies when you can. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
destro 0 Report post Posted March 16, 2009 I was a bicycle courier for 7 years. Biggest thing is to find a bike that fits you. A good dealer should take the time to measure you up to the bike you will buy. If the dealer looks like he's going for a quick sale then leave. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silatix 0 Report post Posted March 17, 2009 Hmm.. I tried the new giant bowery mashup single speed today.. that was pretty fun but i dont know how i feel about the thin tires. I think buying a car was easier Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nextexit 0 Report post Posted March 17, 2009 (edited) 24k Gold Fixed Gear Bicycle Edited March 17, 2009 by nextexit Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krpdesign 1 Report post Posted March 17, 2009 ^^^ in nyc, this would probably get stolen before you even finished locking it up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silatix 0 Report post Posted March 17, 2009 Ya.. Theyd probably try to steal that while you're riding it. ^^^ in nyc, this would probably get stolen before you even finished locking it up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
augusto 0 Report post Posted March 20, 2009 Ahh thanks for the breakdown. I was trying to stay around $500.. Mostly because the odds of the thing getting stolen are pretty high. I went all over brooklyn on saturday and the deals werent as good as Id hoped. Fuji had an ok for $500.. Theres a shop near my gig that has raleighs for like 500-800 that seem comparable. Which is the better frame to have then if not aluminum.. Carbon? Steel. If you can find it. Steel is the shit, but a nice steel frame starts around $400, that's without components. Carbon Fiber is way too expensive, you're thinking Lance Armstrong's bike. I've never ridden titanium, but people say it's super cool and comfortable, expensive as well. Usually bike shops give you a year of free service, so you're buying that as well. For your budget, I believe you're getting stuck with aluminum. It's not THAT bad. Then again I'm thinking road bikes with skinny tires, which are meant to go fast, and oh boy, do you go fast Don't be afraid of road bikes: they're faster and lighter than the rest. Also try to haggle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mamurphy 0 Report post Posted March 20, 2009 will you be carrying this thing up and down stairs to get it to and from the street? You plan on carrying spare tubes, etc...? Go light, Bikes get real heavy real quick if you can't roll them. Good steel frames are great but pricey. You will probably find that aluminum is in your price range. Do a quick google on bike components to get a feel for what's quality and what's not. No need to pay for Shimano XTR when Acera will get the job done. (for example) +1 on finding a bike that "fits" you. nothing worse than a frame that's too tall or too short. bleh. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mamurphy 0 Report post Posted March 20, 2009 Giant Transcend - $500 Giant FCR - $600 Trek Soho - $600 < That looks sweet! Trek Valencia - $750 Specialized CrossTrail - $400-$700 Fisher Wingra - $500 Just for some direction - These all look nice and in the price range. I used to ride a lot. Not so much anymore.... And I agree with augusto - make sure you haggle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fred Camino 0 Report post Posted March 20, 2009 I roll around on a Jamis Commuter 3.0 and just love it. Here's the 2007 model for $400. Add a basket and you're good to go. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silatix 0 Report post Posted March 20, 2009 Thanks guys for the tips.. its funny how some of these bikes look good in photos but in person its not so much. Ive been checking out some single speed bikes that are super light and have pretty good reviews. The bianchi san jose has been grabbing my attention but its impossible to find a bike shop open after work hours! Giant Transcend - $500 Giant FCR - $600 Trek Soho - $600 < That looks sweet! Trek Valencia - $750 Specialized CrossTrail - $400-$700 Fisher Wingra - $500 Just for some direction - These all look nice and in the price range. I used to ride a lot. Not so much anymore.... And I agree with augusto - make sure you haggle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
