[Chankama]

Well I didn't want to hijack the other bicycle thread, so starting this one ..

I need to buy a new bike. But, I don't particularly want to spend a fortune. What are some good brands for bikes? Both for recreational biking and travalling locally.

And what are some good bike locks?..

I have typically bought bikes that are like $100. And you get what you pay for. After a few months the gear system starts making funny noises, and the brakes kindda wear off, etc. And absolutely no suspension.

[Nubius]

guess I should be paying attention to this thread myself. Once I get up to seattle I'll probably need a bike myself. Won't have a car which they actually recommend due to the amount of cars already there and parking is basically non-existant.

[Chankama]

Man I haven't "biked" regular for a while now. But, I want to get back to it. I've always done my cardio in the gym, but that's starting to get somewhat boring . So I figured, it's time to do some actual biking.

Ya when you go to university, a bike should be more than enough. When I was doing my undergrad that's all I had at first .. I did get a old second hand car from my dad when I was in my 3rd year. But I hardly used it. Only got in it when I had to go out or whatever.

[chevytrucknut]

are you looking for Touring or Mountain? Mountain would be best around town. I would go with Trek, or Cannondale and Specialized if you want a TOP of the line one.

Schwinn is also a good brand. Locks? I'd just go to Wal-mart and get one.

I'm an avid mountain biker and I go to pawn shops, buy bikes for like $30 a piece, ride the crap out of them, till they're falling apart, then get a new one! I save lots of money

[DJ-CHRIS]

The Maverick Iron Horse was considered the best bike for around 350$ CDN last time I was bike shopping. I ended up getting one, and it's great besides I had to replace a bearing (Sealed bearing doesnt mean that it's waterproof).

Now they have changed their line a bit, and I would chech out the Iron Horse Maverick Comp & Team

http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/bikes/index.asp?ID=30

EDIT: These are a trail riding mountain bike, you may be better off with hybrid's for the city (But they can be more expensive) and if you are doing downhill you want a full suspension bike.

[joshd]

umm... canondale is probably a bit expensive for your purposes. i would go for a specialized. they have some nice cheap bikes that are good, as well as their top end bikes. have a look at the demo 9 for a bike. drools. 9" rear suspension travel...

[DJ-CHRIS]

Originally posted by joshd
umm... canondale is probably a bit expensive for your purposes. i would go for a specialized. they have some nice cheap bikes that are good, as well as their top end bikes. have a look at the demo 9 for a bike. drools. 9" rear suspension travel...

You defiantly don't want a rear suspension bike for everyday purposes.

Full suspension bikes waste all your energy so you get tired.

[Chankama]

Originally posted by chevytrucknut
are you looking for Touring or Mountain? Mountain would be best around town.

A mountain bike is what I want. .. A all-purpose bike where I can go both off-road and biking in town.

As for the suspension, I am not too sure about that guys. Any reason why rear-suspension is bad for everyday biking?

So you guys think the "best" but cheap bike brand is Specialized?

[Nubius]

it's what my brother used when he was at Texas Tech University. He rode that crap everywhere. I figure it'll also benefit for the exercise reasons since I could stand to lose a pound or 70

[DJ-CHRIS]

Originally posted by Nubius
it's what my brother used when he was at Texas Tech University. He rode that crap everywhere. I figure it'll also benefit for the exercise reasons since I could stand to lose a pound or 70

Biking (In decent weather) is also much more enjoyable than a car. And around the city, it can even be faster