re: looking to get into cycling -- bike advice

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Should I look on Craigslist? How much can I get a good starter bike? I'm guessing I should look for a road bike. Any recs on a solid starter bike?

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Probably answered already but, if you buy online always have a bike shop mechanic check it out. God knows you don't want it come apart at the worst possible time. And even then check it yourself.

I would go with solid mountain bike for comfort and you can alternate between Road, gravel and maybe some beginner Mt. Bike trails.

You can get a brand new Mt. bike for around $400. Most stuff on ebay and craigslist is either junk or they want $300 for a $50 bike.

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so your point is...?

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We have different mentalities. I spend a little more to make sure I have something that is "desired" by most others. Not purely because I want to have the coolest stuff, but because it's easier to sell. I could probably sell my bikes and only take a 30% hit after 2 years (now I did get them on clearance). I sell my used shite and take offs online all the time.

I'm all for a good deal. But I don't buy something just because it's cheap. I've heard horror stories as much as good stories regarding Chinese carbon. I just don't like to gamble.

I am sure there are many great deals on ebay, if he is willing to buy something w/o even seeing it first, let alone riding it, which isn't a good plan for a starter.

OP, go to a local bike shop and tell them what you are looking for. If you aren't ready to spring for a new bike, tell them that. They may have used bikes or can connect you with someone who does. Bike shop people LOVE new riders and they should be more than willing to point you in the right direction, even if just to establish a relationship for future sales.

A hybrid is a good starter bike b/c it is versatile and easy to maneuver. You may find you prefer street riding, or dirt riding, or both. Some people will tell you the purpose of your first bike is to help you figure out what you really want on your second bike.

Stick with a road bike for what you're wanting to do.
Just want to share my experience so that it will hopefully help in your decision making.
When I first started cycling not too long ago I thought I would just ride for exercise every now and again - so there's no reason to spend a lot on a bike "I'm fine with just having a decent bike" I'd tell myself. Well what I've learned (the expensive way, after trying to pinch pennies) is that this is a pretty addicting sport and the bike I bought was not exactly what I was looking for. Even though I did my own research, read reviews on the bike, etc. I did not know it when I bought it, but in hindsight I wish I would've spoken with someone in the business or had a cycling friend help me pick out a bike.

From my experience, what I would suggest is either:
1)Search online for bike shops in your area and go to one with good reviews - tell them exactly what you're looking for. They'll be able to set you up with a nice bike and you'll be pleased you spent the extra money in the long run even if you have a little buyers remorse at first.
Looking on craigslist is tough if you're new to the sport, even if you research and find the bike you're looking for, it's unlikely you'll be able to properly inspect it if/when you view the bike in person to make sure it fits what you're looking for...
2)If you have a cycling friend willing to do this - get them to help you pick out a bike and go with you to purchase the bike.

Where I think you'll hear a lot of different opinions is the price range to spend - I'm no cycling Nazi by any means, so I don't think you have to spend $3-5k for a good bike but I would expect to spend at least $1k for a bike.
-Stipulation: This is under the assumption that you don't have a cycling friend willing to help you purchase the bike. Then and only then would I think y'all could possibly find a good bike that fits you and your needs for under $1k.


Also, as someone else pointed out - be prepared to spend another grand in bike accessories... First you buy the bike, then you need a helmet, then you need bike clips, bike shoes, bike gloves, bike computer, and on and on the list goes and it never seems to stop! lol. That being said, every dollar I've spent - frick ups from trying to buy cheap gear, then spending more money to buy the proper gear, has been worth it. Be prepared to be hooked on the sport if you're not already!

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What's the issue with getting a bike off Craigslist and then having a bike shop make any necessary repairs?

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I think one issue is you, admittedly, don't really know what you are looking for. A bike shop can help you figure that out.

Another thing is it is a good idea to sit on a few different brands (and sizes), ideally side-by-side. They won't all feel the same by any means. You might try one and think it feels fine, until you try another and realize it feels much better.

Craigslist (or ebay) is great if you know exactly what you are looking for (b/c you are knowledgeable) or if you just want something cheap to beat up. If you are serious about 'getting started' (i.e. this is en early step in a long journey), let a professional guide you in the right direction.

If you know nothing about fit, you may buy something not good for you. Local shops usually have employees that love to talk bikes and will get you on he right track. But beware, some of them suck. If you know exactly what works for you CL can be great.

Also, buying athe a local shop does have benefits. I get free service for life from my shop. Which adds up.

And don't worry. You can get a perfectly fine bike for under 1k (700ish). And you can ride a 35 dollar helmet (Giro trinity) . Shoes/pedals for 100, and kit for under 100 (canari at academy). That's all in under 1k. But if the bug bites you, it can get a lot more expensive.

My pedals are $1200! Haha. Granted they are a power meter, haha.

Definitely go to a shop, go to a few. It's a little like buying a car. You have to talk to a few salesman to see through the bullshite and see what works for you. A lot of them are really just bike guys, but many will push their brand.

After you've got a good idea, then check if there's something on CL you're willing to buy

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I HIGHLY reccomend it over road biking if you're more of an outdoors type.

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well, thats like your opinion man

where i live road biking is way more fun than mountain biking because we have some crazy climbs here and some great gravel grinders.

Is there a time of year where bike shops have big sales to get rid of older inventory? Sort of like dealerships

I bought a Trek hybrid on Ebay for less than $200.00. It is a great starter bike. Hybrid bikes have tires wider than road bikes but less thick and knobby than mountain bikes. It is a good blend.

Just a suggestion.


Do research. Trek is a good proven bike. Some are better but not many.