The Observation Deck

I'm looking to purchase a bike, new or used, to commute to/from work, and to ride for exercise. Does anyone have any recommendations where to get one? I'd like to spend no more than $200 if possible. I looked at Spin's site and their bikes seem to be out of my price range.

Thanks!

David Lay wrote:I'm looking to purchase a bike, new or used, to commute to/from work, and to ride for exercise. Does anyone have any recommendations where to get one? I'd like to spend no more than $200 if possible. I looked at Spin's site and their bikes seem to be out of my price range.

Thanks!

David, you might want to stop in to Spin and see. When I bought my bike there, they also had some very reasonably priced ones as well, they just don't like them on their website.

There is suppose to be a place down in the flats where you can buy used bikes. A friend of mine bought one there a was very happy with it. I will try to find out more information for you.

Rhonda

Shaker Cycle is between the Flats and Tremont.

http://siliconvalley.citysearch.com/pro ... cycle.html

I bought a used schwinn road-mountain hybrid there a few years ago for about 80 dollars. The owner made a joke about some of the passing kids all using the same bike to run errands for drug dealers. He had to replace a few parts on my bike before I bought it. a guy on a cross country bicycle trip showed up asking for directions. his seat was tilted back at an awkward angle. we joked about it damaging his testicles when he was gone. A woman in an indy rock band showed up, and then an immigrant who appeared to work at one of the local marinas showed up. He posted a "lost cat" sign to the telephone pole.

Thanks, Ryan! I've heard about Shaker Cycle before - I think I'll pay him a visit next week.

I'd keep an eye open for police auctions. They often have good bikes for a few dollars each...

Thanks for the heads up, DL! I'd like to get a bike by next weekend, though...I think I'll check out Spin, Shaker Cycle and Ohio City Bike Co-Op and see what they have.

If anyone else has any suggestions please chime in!

The bike co-op is a great place to start!

David,

I have a bike from Spin, I purchased 2 yrs ago, and I only rode it from Spin to my house on Warren. One trip later, around the block and parked it. Back problems showed me that riding that bike wasn't a great idea.

It is not the most expensive but it is far better than even medium. At the time it was termed a "comfort bike", sort of all terrain but really more for the street.

It really is a great bike, Spin doesn't sell garbage. I'm sure I could give you a deal you wouldn't refuse. *I think*.

Give me a PM with your phone or I'll give you mine or whatever if you wish.

Mark Allan Crnolatas
"I wear the pants in the family, as long as my wife says it's ok."

David, before you buy somebody's used bike, you have to make sure it fits right. Do yourself a big favor and make sure you know how to fit a bike before you buy one. Just because someone is the same height as you does not mean their bike will fit. It may not fit them.

Also, anybody who sells you a bike should be asking questions first. You already answered the big one, “what do you want to use the bike for?â€￾

Let me ask you a couple more questions, then I'll probably have more but can begin making suggestions. One, how far will you be commuting, each way? And two, would you plan on taking on some foul weather (rain/cold/snow)? I'd also be curious at the level of exercise you would hope to get from cycling.

I've been bike commuting for almost four years. Ten miles each way. Most weather conditions. I know a lot.

My first inclination is to suggest that if you can spend only $200 you will be disappointed in the experience. You'll never get something new at that price that will be enjoyable and reliable. You can probably find a good used bike at the co-op for that price, if they happen to have something appropriate in your size. But remember, there's lights/finders/rack/storage/helmet/etc. to consider.

One more quick question. Are you comfortable with drop bars?

Tell me a bit more and I'll help as best I can.

David Lay wrote:I'm looking to purchase a bike

David. Go to Spin. Ask for Ray.

That's all you need to do.

I used to race road and crits, you can trust what Spin will offer. Ask for Ray.

Too bad lkwd doesn't hold crits in downtown Lkwd. That would draw a lot of out-of-towner's...

I can only second Tim's posting.

Tim is an inspiration to me. Thanks to Tim, I'm back on my bike.

Tim's pioneer work in the founding of BikeLakewood, and his community leadership, are to be commended.

Like Tim, I know a good bit about cycling. At least I used to. Forty years ago, I started the Lakewood Day Bicycle Races. I used to work on racing bikes. I virtually ate, slept, and breathed bikes for years, until time, circumstance, and life intervened.

Now, I'm able to get back on a bike. At least in a limited way. I'm about 15 pounds down from my worst weight, too, and the bike (and salads!) are helping.

A good bike, fit by a professional, is absolutely critical for safety and enjoyment. In addition, you need to absolutely know your machine...where the gear levers are, how you should apply handbrakes, and how they work (or don't) with wet roadways, when to shift for best efficiency, and of course, how to use the road safely with all traffic laws.

A helmet, properly fitted, is a must.

I'm a believer in getting fenders too for daily rides. One bad ride through a rainstorm will help your decision regarding fenders.

Let's get those bikes out! Be sure before you roll out though, to check them over carefully first.

David,

If you don't mind, I'll jump in with my own two cents here.

If you'll note, your prospective choice seems to have straight-across handlebars. Will that work easier for you than, say, drop bars, or the more traditional upright turned-in bars?

Hold your arms in front of you, palms down, as you normally would hold handlebars, and you will note that your wrists naturally fall at about a 30 degree angle, relative to a straight-across handlebar line. Therefore, your wrists will need to turn in somewhat, or your elbows may need to extend, to handle straight bars. Some people might find that to be an uncomfortable strain on the wrists or elbows for an extended period of time, however, there are some advantages to straight bars too, so it is a subjective call on your part. Virtually every design seems to have advantages and disadvantages, so what's right for you?

By the way, handlebar stems can often be adjusted up and down, but there usually is a maximum safe height line etched on them. Pay heed to this marking.

With this bike, and many other new bike frames, there seems to be a good allowance for top bar clearance. That's a good thing, for obvious reasons. A clearance of several inches between the bike and you while standing with your feet flat on the ground is not a bad thing at all. You never know when you need to stop quickly.

Your choice of seat is important. Many pro riders opt for hard and narrow seats, while occasional riders might prefer a gel-filled, somewhat wider saddle, or seat cover. While more comfortable, soft seats often can create heat and friction.

Some less expensive frame materials may be hard-riding and too rigid, while others might be so light as to be difficult for the amateur or weight-challenged rider to manage. Again, study up, and it will be your call.

And I use "weight-challenged" as a general thought, and not with respect to you personally.

Best wishes on a good choice for you!

I second Joe's recommendation. Go to Spin and talk to Ray. Seriously!