Buying a bicycle advice?
- Thread starter leahspig
- Start date
I got mine at Gotham Bikes downtown on West Broadway (their other stores on east and west side are called Toga Bikes)
http://togabikes.com/
They were friendly and easy to deal with and also will order a specific model that you want (which they did.)
-Terry
http://togabikes.com/
They were friendly and easy to deal with and also will order a specific model that you want (which they did.)
-Terry
I bought two bikes at Metro Bicycles and they were very nice, and give you a years worth of Maintenance. But If you just need a cheap bike, check Craigslist or even Kmart, You can find bikes for under a hundred there.
When I was in Minneapolis I bought two bikes from a guy on Craigslist for $50. They were from a target or Kmart and did the job of getting me and my friend around. They were also fairly heavy. But so what.
Alan
When I was in Minneapolis I bought two bikes from a guy on Craigslist for $50. They were from a target or Kmart and did the job of getting me and my friend around. They were also fairly heavy. But so what.
Alan
I suggest checking out Recycle-a-Bicycle.
They are a non-profit that works with NYC youth in a variety of ways - including environmental education.
They basically fix-up donated bikes so that they're like new. You need to show up at the store (in DUMBO) on any Saturday to see what bikes they have in and if you'd like to claim any of them.
They do great work - and you'll be doing good work yourself by supporting 'em. :c)
They are a non-profit that works with NYC youth in a variety of ways - including environmental education.
They basically fix-up donated bikes so that they're like new. You need to show up at the store (in DUMBO) on any Saturday to see what bikes they have in and if you'd like to claim any of them.
They do great work - and you'll be doing good work yourself by supporting 'em. :c)
I have bought two great used bikes from two different bike shops. The first was Frank's Bike Shop down on Grand St. near the FDR. The other place had no name but it's on the West Side at Morton and Hudson. Craigslist has great deals, too. Thing about buying a bike at a shop, though, is that they'll tune it up before they sell it. The bike might be slightly more expensive than what you'll find on CL, but you'll avoid having to shell out $$ on repairs should the thing break right away. Happy shopping!
Definitely go for a used bike and look for better components (shifters, derailer, brakes, etc). A used frame will look less attractive to thieves and be totally fine to ride for a long time. Most bike shop's cheapest bikes will have a new cheapo aluminum frame with crappy components, which will break after a year or so. You do want a good shop to maintain the bike, but you don't have to buy it there.
You don't have to go crazy, but if I were you I'd go down to a bike shop and find out what size fits you and figure out if you want a mountain bike, hybrid, road etc. Once you know that, I'd suggest checking out ebay. They have great search options...I got a very good deal on a used fancy road bike a couple of years ago, like $1300 cheaper than it would've been at a shop.
If you just want a beater to ride around, I'd check out craigslist. The big thing to watch out for is a damaged frame...anything dented or bent is unsalvageable. Also, stand in front of the wheel, spin it and watch where it goes through the brakes to see if the wheel is crazy wobbly. If it's a little off, a bike shop can fix it (it's calling truing the wheel)...or get the person to reduce the price to include buying a new wheel. Rear wheels are much more expensive because you have to replace the gears.
Wear a helmet and happy riding!
You don't have to go crazy, but if I were you I'd go down to a bike shop and find out what size fits you and figure out if you want a mountain bike, hybrid, road etc. Once you know that, I'd suggest checking out ebay. They have great search options...I got a very good deal on a used fancy road bike a couple of years ago, like $1300 cheaper than it would've been at a shop.
If you just want a beater to ride around, I'd check out craigslist. The big thing to watch out for is a damaged frame...anything dented or bent is unsalvageable. Also, stand in front of the wheel, spin it and watch where it goes through the brakes to see if the wheel is crazy wobbly. If it's a little off, a bike shop can fix it (it's calling truing the wheel)...or get the person to reduce the price to include buying a new wheel. Rear wheels are much more expensive because you have to replace the gears.
Wear a helmet and happy riding!