Bicycles
Thu, 06/18/2009 - 11:25pm
 |
  15 years
|
My wife and I are thinking about getting some cheap mountain bikes for casual weekend road riding. Since they will only be used sparingly we'd like to keep the cost under $250 each.
I checked Consumer Reports but they don't have bicycle ratings. And I tried googling but couldn't find any good reviews for cheap bikes. So I'd appreciate any recommendations from my POI Factory brethren. What bikes would you recommend for under $250.
And yes, I realize that spending more money will result in a better bike. But I'm not looking for the best bike on the market, just something rideable for under $250.
Thanks.
Time to hunt.
Garage sales!
Nuvi 3790LMT, Nuvi 760 Lifetime map, Lifetime NavTraffic, Garmin E-Trex Legend Just because "Everyone" drives badly does not mean you have to.
Mountain bikes
You might try cruising some mountain biking sites. Some of them might do reviews or have recommendations for a good starter bike. Another way is cruise some mountain biking news groups and post your questions.
Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.
Wally World
Have you checked Walmart?
Garmin Nuvi 780
Craigslist
Craigslist in Phoenix currently has a Schwinn Sidewinder that looks in the photo to be in great condition for $70.00.
another suggestion
not sure about the price range, but I bought something called a comfort bike a few years ago.
mine is a Trek brand, and was a little bit more than your target price, but they may have dropped in price, or they may have a model or two below mine.
a comfort bike closely resembles a mountain bike, but instead of the typical straight across handlebars, mine are curved and slightly upswept, to allow for a more upright riding position, hence the name.
but it has the wider tires with aggressive tread like a mountain bike.
it was recommended to me at the bike shop as the best fit for my preference of riding on flat, "rails to trails" type surfaces of packed crushed stone and dirt.
— (Garmin nuvi 765T) — "people who say money can't buy happiness, don't know where to shop"
Comfort Bike
not sure about the price range, but I bought something called a comfort bike a few years ago.
mine is a Trek brand, and was a little bit more than your target price, but they may have dropped in price, or they may have a model or two below mine.
a comfort bike closely resembles a mountain bike, but instead of the typical straight across handlebars, mine are curved and slightly upswept, to allow for a more upright riding position, hence the name.
but it has the wider tires with aggressive tread like a mountain bike.
it was recommended to me at the bike shop as the best fit for my preference of riding on flat, "rails to trails" type surfaces of packed crushed stone and dirt.
A friend of mine has a comfort bike and has found that the most forward position of the pedal almost interferes with the front wheel when turning so you can't add pedal straps or have your foot very far forward.
I would shop Walmart after checking out the brake and shift mechanisms compared to higher priced bikes.
with the Trek line
there are various sized frames, and then mine was adjusted to my height as well, when I took delivery....handlebar position and rake, seat height, etc.
however these adjustments may not be enough to account for the pedal interference mentioned above.
I don't have pedal clips, but I don't have any interference issue
— (Garmin nuvi 765T) — "people who say money can't buy happiness, don't know where to shop"