Looking for a bike to ride

[digitalputty]

I've been looking to buy a bike for about 6 months now. But, I don't know what to look for.

What Im looking for:
1. A bike that could maybe fit in Zoomer - seats down type of thing. If not that is ok. I however do NOT want a bike rack.

2. I would prefer a bike that is street worthy ... but, kinda off road-ish. Mountain bike meets road bike.

3. Probably around $300. MAX! (tax refund - yeah)...

4. As light weight as possible.

5. Gears. Gears are good. lol

I dont know anything about bikes. Last time I had one was in 7th grade ... and I left it outside all year round ... got rusted. Got trashed.

So ... advice?

Thanks!
Larissa

[from Margaritaville...]

I believe that these are available in the U.S. through Schwinn/Giant dealers. I was looking at them for my college bound daughter...

http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/giant.htm

[digitalputty]

Ooooooooooooooh Snap! :O Folding bikes! Sweet. Didnt know they existed. :P

I will look into it.

[digitalputty]

The idea of a folding bike is really sweet.

Here is another one I found:
http://www.dahon.com/us/espresso.htm

[allibug]

This is a thread I can definitely help out on!! I currently manage a bike shop and am a former professional racer. As cool as folding bikes seem to be...they are alot more trouble then they are worth. With the seats down, you can get a normal size bike in a Beetle. All you have to do is take the front wheel off, which is very simple, almost all bikes come with quick release wheels.

I would say if you are going to be doing riding on mostly paved/ gravel/ packed dirt you should look into a hybrid style bike. You can find these from most manufacturers, although I beleive Trek is the most popular, and the best designed in my opinion. If you'd like we can talk further and I can try to lead you in an exact direction depending on exactly what you are looking to do with the bike. There are so many options! It's just like buying a car these days...


Hope that helps a bit, let me know if you have any questions, I'd be happy to help!!

[taterbug]

I agree with allibug... hybrid is the way to go for road and semi off road. Please do not buy anything from a Dept store ie: Wallmart, Kmart, Costco or anywhere else!! Please visit your LBS (local bike shop)
Soooo much better customer service and usually your first couple tune ups are free and the knowledge they can provide is priceless!!!!

[digitalputty]

Pewie on Wal*Mart/Fart anyways! I wouldn't buy anything from there. BLEH!

I will surely buy from a bike shop. There is one close to me.

[Crazy_MoFo]

If I had the cash I'd get me one of these



Though this is just another Hummer I can't afford

[Beetlemania]

Like Alli said, normal sized bikes will fit with the back seat down. Mine is pretty old and doesn't have a quick-release on the wheel and it fits in there just fine. A little bit of manipulating but I manage!

[digitalputty]

Getting the bike into the back would only happen on occasion. Like while taking it home so, I guess it isn't a HUGE concern. But, who knows. I should buy an SUV so I can take my bike with me everywhere I go. IM KIDDING!

[KatWoman]

*I'm just being an ass

[digitalputty]

I would surely fall off that. :P

[Beetlemania]

Yeah, I've got one of those, too, and I've fallen off many times. At least it'll fit with the back seat still in existence.

[bluebeetlebabe]

dang this is sweet! I want one!

Originally Posted by Crazy_MoFo

If I had the cash I'd get me one of these



Though this is just another Hummer I can't afford

[Tetsa]

How about this?

http://www.sachs-bikes.de/gallerie.p...at=5&prod_id=3

[digitalputty]

That is a nice bike! Do they sell them in the states? I will look around.

[larryziegler]

Originally Posted by digitalputty

That is a nice bike! Do they sell them in the states? I will look around.

http://einsteinbikes.stores.yahoo.net/fobihulxfobi.html

What a deal....you can buy it for $1,965, instead of its usual $1,995. I say go for it!!!

[digitalputty]

*cry* ... dang it.

Well ... Hrmmmmmmmmmm.

[digitalputty]

If found myself a bike to ride 1.5 weeks ago. It is a Trek. Uhhh ... can't remember what kinda off the top of my head. But, it is ridable. LOL .... it BARELY fit in Zoomer. Felt nervous putting it in ...

I'll take pics later since right now the bike is in my messy kitchen. LOL ...

[taterbug]

Trek's rock!!!!!!

I totally wish I could keep my bikes inside!! All 8 LOL!!!
For now they're relagated to the garage.... maybe someday...

Many happy miles to you!!!