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What exactly is a Toy Bike?

What bike should I get?

  • After learning that my $80 Huffy is nothing more than a toy and cannot handle my 4mi uphill/downhill commute more than twice without all the components wearing out, I decided that I need to get a new bike. However, I'm on a limited budget. Right now, I'm considering one of those dept. store Schwinns that range between $150-$250. Most of my commute will be on paved roads in bike lanes. The commute is 4mi each way, and there is a small (but very noticable) slope. Towards the very end of my commute, the slope gets extremely steep (approximately an 8% grade) for half a mile, where I prefer to park or walk the bike. What type of bike would you recommend? I just need something that is safe and reliable. Comfort is a plus, but not required. What should I get? The LBS recommends that I look in the $500 range, but I live in an iffy area, and those bikes are a theft magnet.

  • Answer:

    I would say that I agree wholy with your local bike shop, no matter weather you go to the Schwinn bike from your dept store or keep what you have now you are not really doing any better. Any dept store bike is exactly what you pay for it.....cheap! However they can be maintained and will work for what you intend on using them for but you will likely have the same or similar problems again. Do you want to take that chance? You could do well to be in the $300 and up range as any bike shop bike will be far better than anything that Dept stores sell! If your bike is not "under you" then you risk the chance of loosing it to theft. If I cant take mine into the store or anywhere I go then I walk or drive instead and they dont get my $ its that simple. Locking any of my bikes anywhere for more than 10 seconds is NOT an option with me! Huffy is most certainly a TOY! Even a $300 Schwinn from your LBS would be better than a $400 schwinn from a Dept store and you get the service to go with the sale and if anything goes wrong with it then they take care of you too, Wal mart cannot do that! EDIT: High cost dept store bikes are still junk, they just cost more, and they are STILL dept store bikes.... and you will have to pay for the service on that more costly dept store bike because you didnt buy from the local bike shop....that is the way it works. Buy bikes from a store that sells only bikes and they will be more sensitive to your overall needs and the bike you bought from them and tune-ups should be FREE too!

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git a Montana bike with good shocks

Go to a bike shop for a bike; not a department store. Between the quality of the bicycle and service, it's worth the money. You'll end up with a much more reliable and durable bike and professional bike mechanics to back you up if something goes wrong. You should be able to pick up a hybrid/comfort bike at the high end of your price range. A smoother,higher pressure tire combined with the larger diameter wheel and larger geared drivetrain will suite you much better on the road. Something like the Giant Cypress ST would make your commute easier and much more enjoyable than when you were on your Huffy.

eEeEe

all I can tell you is that bike shops are just like mechanics. they'll rip you off if they can and tell you that you got a50% off deal. do research before you go to the bike shop. have in mind what brands cost what. and the features you're looking for in a bike. don't get ripped off.

Ivan M

Check out Forge bicycles at Target. Specifically their commuter bike. Compare to similar Schwinns. You don't need a front shock. Heavy and inefficient for pavement riding. Unnecessary complication. Fit is First. Go to your local bike shop, get advice about this. Try on some models. Ask a lot of questions.

Jimmy

Stay away from Walmart bikes period or any other department store bike. You can get a nice hybrid bike for $300-$400 they will be much better and will fit you. You can even buy a used one. The Forge M street bikes are nice for the money. I have a Saranac and it's bike shop quality. http://www.forgebikes.com/urban.asp

Bob A

Since your budget seems to be of high concern, you might consider searching for a used bike seller in your area. When you buy a used bike from a shop, all the work has already been done to put it in ideal riding condition and the shop will generally fix any issues that come up for a lower fee than taking it to just any mechanic. Bought my bike from a used shop for $175 when it originally retailed at $450+ Avoid the Schwinn, they are slightly more expensive, nostalgic toys. My roommate bought one new 6 months ago and it is already a sinking ship.

salt shaker

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