hybrid bikes under 500 image
Kaley
I am planning on 'going green' and saving some money, and thus riding instead of driving to work (5 miles each way). I'm looking for a good USED commuter bike, preferably a road bike or hybrid. Any brands that you'd suggest? What about a new commuter bike under $500? What kind of maintenance would I have to do on the bike?
Answer
If you are riding on roads, i would suggest a Specialized road bike. These can get expensive, but older used ones might cost about 500 dollars. If you ride on trails like I do, you should buy a nice Giant bike new, not a great brand but about 495 dollars. For my 15 mile commute I ride a Orca Road bike, but you probably do not want to spend that type of money. Hope that is of help to you!
If you are riding on roads, i would suggest a Specialized road bike. These can get expensive, but older used ones might cost about 500 dollars. If you ride on trails like I do, you should buy a nice Giant bike new, not a great brand but about 495 dollars. For my 15 mile commute I ride a Orca Road bike, but you probably do not want to spend that type of money. Hope that is of help to you!
What is the best type of bike for city riding? And what kind of bike would you recommend I buy?
orwellian9
I don't really have the money to replace my bike, but I will be using it every day soon and I want to have something road worthy.
I may start looking for used, but I need help deciding what to look for:
I like (need) a comfort saddle (like the kind you find on Specialized Comfort bikes).
I like to lean forward a bit (not ride in upright position).
I ride in the city, on pavement that is smooth (but for they occasional crack or bump).
Sometimes I ride hard and I desire performance; I use my bike for exercise and less often transportation (though that may be changing).
I enjoy my current ride: a cheap Specialized hybrid (comfort/mountain), but it's kind of boring, not enough balls I might say.
Specific models would be great (but keep the MSRP under $500).
Answer
"...not enough balls, I might say."
Then you are looking for a road bike. If your tendency to lean forward over the bars is pronounced enough, then you will find the 'drop' racing-type handlebars should suit your riding better than the more upright "hybrid" style, which are in essence, much like those for touring and commuting.
Be sure to determine what your correct frame size is, for a road bike. There is no substitute for going to a bicycle shop and having some hands-on help for this. If you are in the process of shopping around, you can ask for this sort of assistance without the obligation to buy. Be sure to engage them fully and give them a chance to show you their bikes. They deserve your attention even if you are sure that you are not quite yet ready to buy. You will learn from all of this, so don't shortchange yourself here.
Your budget may require looking for a deal on a quality used road bike, as $500 is usually slightly below a good new entry-level model, and the parts from your current bicycle cannot simply be switched over onto a new or used road frame. However, there are several models of new bicycles available at this level.
Also, ride quality is a consideration. Aluminum frames are lighter, but undeniably a bit harsher and less forgiving of road shock. If you are not serious about racing, you may find that a good steel-framed bicycle suits you better. After all, even for exercise, discomfort will affect motivation and make your riding less enjoyable.
You did not mention whether you prefer to keep your current bicycle. If you can sell your current bike and add the proceeds to your budget, then at $600 to $650, some decent road bicycle models become feasible. Also, in one month, many dealers will start looking to clear out inventory as the peak summer season ends. Don't overlook this: you can save $75 to $125, if you buy at the right time.
That said, for a basic road bicycle with a good ride and a price that can't be beat from a good manufacturer, try the Jamis Ventura Sport, which at 2007 MSRP $525 ('street', $470+), is the lowest price for a decent road bicycle that isn't "no-name". When buying a bicycle, keep in mind that while you can upgrade the components over time, replacing a frame usually means replacing a bike. So your wisest purchase is for a better frame with lesser components, as opposed to the other way around.
There are 'overstock' discounted prices a bit cheaper that can be dug up on deals which you can find on the 'Net for 'off-brand' bikes, but not where you can go into a shop and test ride one.
Spending a bit more does get you more. You should at least try test-riding a steel bike to feel how it rides. One bicycle that has received glowing reviews for ride quality is the Jamis Satellite (MSRP $775, 'street' price $680). Bianchi's Brava is worth mentioning here, with a steel frame and MSRP of $799.99 (sorry, it's those exchange rates pushing this one up a bit, 'street' price will be less).
In aluminum-framed bicycles, examples of good models to look for include the Jamis Ventura Comp (2007 MSRP $700, 'street' $620), and the Specialized Allez (2007 MSRP $770, 'street' $670) -- the basic, not the "Elite" or "Sport"; a good deal will bring this one down into your price range. Trek's entry in this range is the 1000, an "Alpha" model (2007 MSRP $710, 'street' $630).
A good bicycle purchase will remind you of how good or bad it is, every ride, for years. The time and effort expended here is well worth it.
"...not enough balls, I might say."
Then you are looking for a road bike. If your tendency to lean forward over the bars is pronounced enough, then you will find the 'drop' racing-type handlebars should suit your riding better than the more upright "hybrid" style, which are in essence, much like those for touring and commuting.
Be sure to determine what your correct frame size is, for a road bike. There is no substitute for going to a bicycle shop and having some hands-on help for this. If you are in the process of shopping around, you can ask for this sort of assistance without the obligation to buy. Be sure to engage them fully and give them a chance to show you their bikes. They deserve your attention even if you are sure that you are not quite yet ready to buy. You will learn from all of this, so don't shortchange yourself here.
Your budget may require looking for a deal on a quality used road bike, as $500 is usually slightly below a good new entry-level model, and the parts from your current bicycle cannot simply be switched over onto a new or used road frame. However, there are several models of new bicycles available at this level.
Also, ride quality is a consideration. Aluminum frames are lighter, but undeniably a bit harsher and less forgiving of road shock. If you are not serious about racing, you may find that a good steel-framed bicycle suits you better. After all, even for exercise, discomfort will affect motivation and make your riding less enjoyable.
You did not mention whether you prefer to keep your current bicycle. If you can sell your current bike and add the proceeds to your budget, then at $600 to $650, some decent road bicycle models become feasible. Also, in one month, many dealers will start looking to clear out inventory as the peak summer season ends. Don't overlook this: you can save $75 to $125, if you buy at the right time.
That said, for a basic road bicycle with a good ride and a price that can't be beat from a good manufacturer, try the Jamis Ventura Sport, which at 2007 MSRP $525 ('street', $470+), is the lowest price for a decent road bicycle that isn't "no-name". When buying a bicycle, keep in mind that while you can upgrade the components over time, replacing a frame usually means replacing a bike. So your wisest purchase is for a better frame with lesser components, as opposed to the other way around.
There are 'overstock' discounted prices a bit cheaper that can be dug up on deals which you can find on the 'Net for 'off-brand' bikes, but not where you can go into a shop and test ride one.
Spending a bit more does get you more. You should at least try test-riding a steel bike to feel how it rides. One bicycle that has received glowing reviews for ride quality is the Jamis Satellite (MSRP $775, 'street' price $680). Bianchi's Brava is worth mentioning here, with a steel frame and MSRP of $799.99 (sorry, it's those exchange rates pushing this one up a bit, 'street' price will be less).
In aluminum-framed bicycles, examples of good models to look for include the Jamis Ventura Comp (2007 MSRP $700, 'street' $620), and the Specialized Allez (2007 MSRP $770, 'street' $670) -- the basic, not the "Elite" or "Sport"; a good deal will bring this one down into your price range. Trek's entry in this range is the 1000, an "Alpha" model (2007 MSRP $710, 'street' $630).
A good bicycle purchase will remind you of how good or bad it is, every ride, for years. The time and effort expended here is well worth it.
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