Recommendations? I need a new bike!

[Tim Kelley]

My commuter bike self destructed this week. The rear wheel ate the derailleur, messed up the spokes, and bent the frame. Conveniently this happened right in front of Revolution Cycles so I didn’t have to walk far. Unfortunately, the cost to fix it with parts and labor is about $250 (the bike was only $150 off Craigslist). I suppose I could take it to Phoenix Bikes to see about inexpensive parts, but even then it wouldn’t be guaranteed that the frame would hold up being bent back into shape…

So…I’m looking for inexpensive road bike. Craigslist isn’t much help at this point, and last time it took a couple months to find something in my size (62-64 cm). Any recommendations? New or otherwise? The cheaper and less attractive to thieves the better…

I don’t want to go the fixie/singlespeed route because I’ve got a few hills along my everyday commute (Rosslyn and Courthouse), but I suppose I could be convinced, especially because I’m seeing those are the cheapest new bikes…

Thoughts??

[Dirt]

You and I are similar in size, but have a different focus for what we’re looking for. I’m always on the prowl for something cool/weird/funky to ride. I definitely tend to the fixed drivetrain though.

Don’t rule out mountain bikes. I’ve bastardized many with 700c wheels and either a disc brake up front or a canti brake with the pads run up on the 700c rim. It can be done.

Do you need something quickly? Honestly I can probably put something together with parts in the shop that will get you around while you shop for a suitable replacement. It will likely be a fixie or SS since I think that is what I have laying around that wouldn’t be tempting to thieves. I need to work in the shop on Sunday afternoon. I can see what can be dug up.

[DaveK]

If you’re buying new, commuters don’t get much more ideal that this – http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott_wt5.htm. It’s a couple hundred more than their bargain-basement singlespeeds but you get the 5-speed SA internal hub for the hills. Not to mention mounts for fenders, racks, etc, etc. It’s still almost $500 though.

/edit to clarify – You still have to do final assembly on these so if you’d rather not true wheels and similar tasks it’s best to stick with a bike shop.

[Tim Kelley]

Thanks for the advice guys. Pete–I’ll email you.

[invisiblehand]

@Tim Kelley 1042 wrote:

My commuter bike self destructed this week. The rear wheel ate the derailleur, messed up the spokes, and bent the frame. Conveniently this happened right in front of Revolution Cycles so I didn’t have to walk far. Unfortunately, the cost to fix it with parts and labor is about $250 (the bike was only $150 off Craigslist). I suppose I could take it to Phoenix Bikes to see about inexpensive parts, but even then it wouldn’t be guaranteed that the frame would hold up being bent back into shape…

So…I’m looking for inexpensive road bike. Craigslist isn’t much help at this point, and last time it took a couple months to find something in my size (62-64 cm). Any recommendations? New or otherwise? The cheaper and less attractive to thieves the better…

I don’t want to go the fixie/singlespeed route because I’ve got a few hills along my everyday commute (Rosslyn and Courthouse), but I suppose I could be convinced, especially because I’m seeing those are the cheapest new bikes…

Thoughts??

Tim,

Used is the way to go. I’d look at the iBob list. For whatever reason, I’ve seen more large sized bikes on that list than anywhere else. If you want a steel all-rounder road bike, then there is no place better than that group of steel curmudgeons. Since I know those guys well, I check the list regularly. Drop me a line if you want me to keep my eyes open.

I also have a bud that is thinking of selling an 80s Schwinn Paramount touring bike. Probably too good to regularly park on the street; but I recall that he rides a 62cm bike.

-G

[baiskeli]

I just bought a bikesdirect.com bike and it’s working out great for commuting. They have a pretty big selection, organized on their website (roughly) by components in order of quality and price. Definitely check it out for a good deal. It will be cheap, but it won’t help with the thief part.

[Author]

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