TNL Bicycles Volume I: Wild And Wacky Action Bike

[Tones]

Tonight I took the bike to go out on the town instead of my car. I met up with a few friends, who also used bicycles as transportation. It is nice having the transportation part of the fun; drink a little, ride to the next place, drink a little, go somewhere else, etc...

[Vasteel]

Tonight I took the bike to go out on the town instead of my car. I met up with a few friends, who also used bicycles as transportation. It is nice having the transportation part of the fun; drink a little, ride to the next place, drink a little, go somewhere else, etc...

As it should be! If I can't bike to the bar, I don't go.

[Tones]

Also: I felt really energized throughout the whole night, and all I have drank is beer and rum and coke. BEER MUSCLES?

[mollipen]

So hey! I'd like to ask a question. Having a job that involves sitting at a computer all day means I need to get more exercise in my life, but doing workouts (or anything like workouts) bores me to tears. So, I was thinking that it'd be nice to get a bike, as (a) I used to love riding my bike in my youth, and (b) being outside zipping around on a bike would actually be enjoyable, as opposed to exercise.

Problem is, I don't really know what kind I should be looking at getting, and my budget won't really allow for me to spend a lot on a nice bike. (If possible, I'd like to do $150 or less.)

Any suggestions on what kind of bike I should be looking at?

[Fe 26]

walmart, thrift stores and pawnshops

they might sell you a tire for 150 at a bike shop

[Finch]

Find a nice used bike on the craigslist or at a thrift store. A bike shop that sells used bikes would be best, since they would hypothetically actually test everything out before they sold it to you. Also learn basic bike repair if you plan on riding more than a few miles a week. Tires and chains need to be changed when they wear out (both are cheap, $20/tire, $7/sealant filled tube, $10/chain, $12/bottle of chain lube that will last a few years) or you'll have to replace much more expensive components down the road.

[Josh]

doing workouts (or anything like workouts) bores me to tears.

Click for full size

[Vasteel]

walmart,

No. Never buy a toy bike from one of these chain stores. You might as well throw your money away.

Find a nice used bike on the craigslist or at a thrift store. A bike shop that sells used bikes would be best, since they would hypothetically actually test everything out before they sold it to you.

This. Used bike shop is your best bet, and it'll likely be guaranteed. I only buy used, but I do think it is good to get a new bike the first time if you don't have access to a someone who really knows older bikes. The problem with craigslist is that, like everything else, you kinda need to know what you are buying. I've found some great deals, but I've also seen a lot of wrecked bikes, etc. on there.

$150 is a tough sell. It certainly can be done, but you're gonna have to really shop around. Go up to the $200-300 range and you can easily get a solid ride. You'll also find that bike shops will be having clearance sales on last years bikes in the coming weeks and months and you might luck out and find a low-end Trek or Specialized brand new for that.

A lot of places now have community bicycle collectives/workshops, and if you have access to one of these, you're in luck. By volunteering time, you can build yourself a really solid used bike for no money, access to mechanics and tools, and you'll learn a lot of valuable skills.

$7/sealant filled tube

You actually like slime tubes? I've never ever seen one save someone from a flat, but I have had them make the tube impossible to patch, and make a huge mess getting a bunch of that sinister goop in my casette sprocket.h

[mollipen]

Well, what I'm looking for right now is something that I can ride around for a bit when I have some time, and something that, if I need to sell it off in half a year or so (in case I end up moving back home), I won't cry over selling for cheaper than I should. That's why I'm kind of hesitant to really invest in a bike at this point (in combination with the fact that it'd be hard to justify $200~$300 right now on a bike).

So, even if it would be considered a "toy", as long as it would give me something to ride for a while and get me out and active again, that'd be way better than me not having anything. If I was in a position where I could also bike to work (which I wish I could), it'd be a totally different story and I'd be willing to put more of an investment in it on my first step.

[Vasteel]

When I call it a toy, I mean just that. A Wal-Mart or Target (geared) bike probably won't last you 75 miles. You won't be able to give it away when you are done, and to tune it up will cost you more than a new one. Someone (who knows their shit) told me the other day that the companies who make Magmas and Pacifics and things did research and determined most bikes bought never get ridden for more than 50 miles, and so they are built to last just that long. I'm not saying to go above your budget, but don't waste $150 on one of these. Don't waste $10 on one.

Also, consider that used, steel-frame bike will generally hold it's value if you take care of it. So if you spend, say, $250 on say, a nice Trek 850 from '92 and you don't wreck it or leave it out in the rain, you'll likely be able to sell it for $250.