Current Events > Where can I buy a good, new bicycle for under $300?

(+) Yeah! (+)

Is it possible?

depends how broadly you define "good"

personally I would say it's not possible but maybe I am more fussy than you

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Private seller. Likely a garage sale in the suburbs.

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Good
new
under $300

choose two. Youre not going to get all three.

Only way you can stretch the worth is if you're mechanically competent and already have the tools and disposables.

I imagine you just want a bike to get around, but cycling can be a fucking expensive venture. I've had to give up on a couple bikes knowing they weren't worth maintaining.

Single speed (not fixed) can rid of a lot of maintenance costs. I'd be hunting that down. If you live in a hilly area you'll have to compromise though.

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Honestly, I'm just looking for something to cruise with. On flat-surfaced, paved, scenic trails. Not looking to go crazy.

I've been hearing that bike sales are through the roof since the lockdown, especially sub 1k bikes.

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Following because I'm also interested in getting a bike on the cheap for casual riding.

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The X Dawg posted...

Honestly, I'm just looking for something to cruise with. On flat-surfaced, paved, scenic trails. Not looking to go crazy.

You might need to go up to about $500.
Think of a Trek 7.2.

They are pretty nice at the price.
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Bump your budget 1-200 more

mustachedmystic posted...

I've been hearing that bike sales are through the roof since the lockdown, especially sub 1k bikes.

Yep. I had my eye on a $300 bike in February. Listing just sat there and the owner even told me nobody had inquired about it. He ended up selling it in April for $850.

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Actually, can someone lay out the benefits of plunking down a few hundred bucks on a bike versus just grabbing a bike for grown ups at a department store?

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I'll sell you my 87 Miyata for $150

It has down tube shifters so you can feel cool talking about it and hate riding it.
Also the gears are heavy so 1-1 feels like 3-1 on a modern bike

Hope your roads are flat.
Changed my mind, $200

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AloneIBreak posted...

Actually, can someone lay out the benefits of plunking down a few hundred bucks on a bike versus just grabbing a bike for grown ups at a department store?

They are heavy as shit, and fall apart.

If you just want to ride around the block anything can work.
But if you want a bike to actually do stuff, you will want an at least reasonable bike.
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SiO4 posted...

They are heavy as shit, and fall apart.

If you just want to ride around the block anything can work.
But if you want a bike to actually do stuff, you will want an at least reasonable bike.

What counts as "actually do stuff" though? I kind of don't know the possibilities, I guess.

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SiO4 posted...

They are heavy as shit, and fall apart.

If you just want to ride around the block anything can work.
But if you want a bike to actually do stuff, you will want an at least reasonable bike.

And that's the thing. I would probably use this on a trail every other weekend or so and that's about it.

You're not going to find a decent mountain bike in that price range. Keep staring at Craigslist and praying.

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Whats a good beginner for someone that just wants to bike around on roads or like park trails

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MrResetti posted...

You're not going to fine a decent mountain bike in that price range. Keep staring at Craigslist and praying.

Don't want mountain.

AloneIBreak posted...

What counts as "actually do stuff" though? I kind of don't know the possibilities, I guess.

The X Dawg posted...

And that's the thing. I would probably use this on a trail every other weekend or so and that's about it.

TC, is talking about going on...I suppose light trails?!? Que!....But nothing too crazy.

Just hitting a wrong bump can trow a highly tuned road bike out of wack.

TC is looking for a hybrid I think. Which should be around $500.
It is somewhere between a Mountain Bike and a Road Bike.

So it is pretty good on the roads, but can take a bit of a knock...but I wouldn't push it too much with the off road stuff. Reasonable flat trails...but not total Mountain bike stuff.

~So...A good road bike, that can handle some off-road stuff. Ultimately, it will be a better road bike.
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You're not gonna find anything new for under $300 that's worth riding

Buy used.


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MrResetti posted...

You're not gonna find anything new for under $300 that's worth riding

Buy used.

Then find a shop that can tune it for you...at a reasonable price.
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SiO4 posted...

TC, is talking about going on...I suppose light trails?!? Que!....But nothing too crazy.

Just hitting a wrong bump can trow a highly tuned road bike out of wack.

TC is looking for a hybrid I think. Which should be around $500.
It is somewhere between a Mountain Bike and a Road Bike.

So it is pretty good on the roads, but can take a bit of a knock...but I wouldn't push it too much with the off road stuff. Reasonable flat trails...but not total Mountain bike stuff.

~So...A good road bike, that can handle some off-road stuff. Ultimately, it will be a better road bike.

Good info. Thanks.

I imagine that at least two people accomplished this when I was a freshman by cutting my bike lock and just stealing it.

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I bought a hybrid but honestly I liked my mountain bike better. Even for just scootin the burbs.

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CapnMuffin posted...

I bought a hybrid but honestly I liked my mountain bike better. Even for just scootin the burbs.

whats your bike!

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divot1338 posted...

I imagine that at least two people accomplished this when I was a freshman by cutting my bike lock and just stealing it.

I hate that but it's a fun story hahaha

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AloneIBreak posted...

Actually, can someone lay out the benefits of plunking down a few hundred bucks on a bike versus just grabbing a bike for grown ups at a department store?

Very much a "get what you pay for" and honestly, that sucked learning that as I tried to bridge the gap in being self sufficient. If it wasn't for the learning experience, it was otherwise a very bad investment long term.

Derailleurs imo are the weakest points, because they're the most sensitive adjustments and upkeep really does involve being mindful of the whole cable system. And to that point, I got really fucking tired of that adjustment (especially with internal routing setups), and bought into electronic shifting. But I say that in the context of someone who'd regularly do training rides and stuff.

Wheels can suck at this level, and come out of true pretty easily.
I've noticed some department store brakes feel dangerously unsafe. What looks like stamped steel arms sometimes and just really spongy cable setups.Especially more of an issue if they let you walk out the door without at least telling you how to adjust them.

When I was a kid I had a Mongoose mountain bike I throw literally anything at. Heavy as a tank but I could do all the lock-ups I wanted, even on asphalt, and I never had to change tires over the span of like 4 years. Rear Derailleur managed to never come out of adjustment even if I sometimes did badly-timed or rapid multi-changes, and they put some thought towards putting a protective cage around it. Had a really cool looking swingarm too. I can't believe this was sold at a Toys R Us. Had a real hard time letting it go even if I couldn't fit on the thing anymore.


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The X Dawg posted...

Good info. Thanks.

TY, if you had pics of the trails you are thinking about that would help.
But if you just want a casual ride a hybrid is probably what you want.

It really depends on home much road or off-road biking you expect to do.
Or how much you intend to rely on it, say for a commute.
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KaZooo posted...

Very much a "get what you pay for" and honestly, that sucked learning that as I tried to bridge the gap in being self sufficient. If it wasn't for the learning experience, it was otherwise a very bad investment long term.

Derailleurs imo are the weakest points, because they're the most sensitive adjustments and upkeep really does involve being mindful of the whole cable system. And to that point, I got really fucking tired of that adjustment (especially with internal routing setups), and bought into electronic shifting. But I say that in the context of someone who'd regularly do training rides and stuff.

Wheels can suck at this level, and come out of true pretty easily.
I've noticed some department store brakes feel dangerously unsafe. What looks like stamped steel arms sometimes and just really spongy cable setups.Especially more of an issue if they let you walk out the door without at least telling you how to adjust them.

When I was a kid I had a Mongoose mountain bike I throw literally anything at. Heavy as a tank but I could do all the lock-ups I wanted, even on asphalt, and I never had to change tires over the span of like 4 years. Rear Derailleur managed to never come out of adjustment even if I sometimes did badly-timed or rapid multi-changes, and they put some thought towards putting a protective cage around it. Had a really cool looking swingarm too. I can't believe this was sold at a Toys R Us. Had a real hard time letting it go even if I couldn't fit on the thing anymore.

Cool post!!

Did you ever hear of Serotta?

They are more or less close now.

But I spent a lot of time in there factory back in the day.

At the time they were very high-end bikes.
My friends father was one of their master welders.

It was an interesting experience overall. We literally hung out there.
We fucked with the sand blower machine and hung out in the paint drying room.
As well as walked the shelves of the part department. Those components cost a mint, back then!

Good times actually, looking back at it.
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SiO4 posted...

Cool post!!

Did you ever hear of Serotta?

They are more or less close now.

But I spent a lot of time in there factory back in the day.

At the time they were very high-end bikes.
My friends father was one of their master welders.

It was an interesting experience overall. We literally hung out there.
We fucked with the sand blower machine and hung out in the paint drying room.
As well as walked the shelves of the part department. Those components cost a mint, back then!

Good times actually, looking back at it.

I've heard of Serotta and was daydreaming about a Ti build for some time.

Awesome you got to be in the factory, because really that's cool exposure to actually see parts of the manufacturing vs. just trying to be sold on something.

For a minute I wanted to get into the R&D side of the industry. Specialized intern position needed me to still be in school. My commute train always passed by the Ritchey office.Always wondered what was in there but they seem like a tight-staffed company.

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What do they use a sand blower machine for?

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darkprince45 posted...

whats your bike!

The hybrid I have now is a Giant Escape

I think my mountain bike was a Trek 4000. Someone stole it right out of my back yard.

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wait til dicks sporting goods does their Fourth of July sale. They sell their for 50% off.

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SiO4 posted...

TY, if you had pics of the trails you are thinking about that would help.
But if you just want a casual ride a hybrid is probably what you want.

It really depends on home much road or off-road biking you expect to do.
Or how much you intend to rely on it, say for a commute.

Basically equates to riding on the street. Paved trail specifically designed for walking and biking.

Really don't want to any off-roading at all actually.

Ludwig Von 2 posted...

wait til dicks sporting goods does their Fourth of July sale. They sell their for 50% off.

Really? That's good to know. Thanks.

KaZooo posted...

I've heard of Serotta and was daydreaming about a Ti build for some time.

Awesome you got to be in the factory, because really that's cool exposure to actually see parts of the manufacturing vs. just trying to be sold on something.

For a minute I wanted to get into the R&D side of the industry. Specialized intern position needed me to still be in school. My commute train always passed by the Ritchey office.Always wondered what was in there but they seem like a tight-staffed company.

Ya this was a locally managed facility. And I think they went out of business at this point. But they may have sold their name, and taken some of their staff. I am not sure, I have to look into that. But Google is saying there still is something.

....But anyway.

Ya, it was interesting. There was Tig welding and Mig welding.
Sandblasting..I learned the names of all the pipes...which I can barely remember now.
And ya, the sandblasting of the frames, and the painting and decals. It was a cool thing to be exposed to.

I am pretty sure some of their bikes made it to the Tour de France. They were that high level.

But also let me say, I got a wide-eyed look at Bike snobs as well...and that whole world.
.
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The X Dawg posted...

Basically equates to riding on the street. Paved trail specifically designed for walking and biking.

Really don't want to any off-roading at all actually.

Look into a Trek 7.2 fx.
It sounds like it is exactly what you are looking for.
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what do you dudes think about walmart bicycles?

CedarPointcp posted...

what do you dudes think about walmart bicycles?

this:

KaZooo posted...

"get what you pay for"

The X Dawg posted...

Honestly, I'm just looking for something to cruise with. On flat-surfaced, paved, scenic trails. Not looking to go crazy.

Just get a Walmart beach cruiser. I bought one for my nephew years ago and we beat the shit out of it and its still rideable.

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SiO4 posted...

Ya this was a locally managed facility. And I think they went out of business at this point. But they may have sold their name, and taken some of their staff. I am not sure, I have to look into that. But Google is saying there still is something.

....But anyway.

Ya, it was interesting. There was Tig welding and Mig welding.
Sandblasting..I learned the names of all the pipes...which I can barely remember now.
And ya, the sandblasting of the frames, and the painting and decals. It was a cool thing to be exposed to.

I am pretty sure some of their bikes made it to the Tour de France. They were that high level.

But also let me say, I got a wide-eyed look at Bike snobs as well...and that whole world.
.

Yeah the industry is very complex. Even just keeping a store alive is hard and turning into an extinct venture unless it's a manufacturer store (like Specialized)

I think Serotta was involved as a "backstage" builder for custom pro builds, carrying a different brand badge. The creative and craft side of bicycles is unfortunately sounding a bit lost. I shamefully admit my current bike was a direct box purchase (Canyon Aeroad). The expense of the sport, and the general pattern of things being more disposable and proprietary (destined for obsolete), it's the only viable move I have. Maybe different story if I wanted to spend the extra to keep older stuff going, but it's not there for me.

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I paid a lot for my bike, but it's folded up in the back of my (crappy) car most of the time.
I'm pretty sure having the bike in the trunk more than doubles the value of the car.

KaZooo posted...

Yeah the industry is very complex. Even just keeping a store alive is hard and turning into an extinct venture unless it's a manufacturer store (like Specialized)

I think Serotta was involved as a "backstage" builder for custom pro builds, carrying a different brand badge. The creative and craft side of bicycles is unfortunately sounding a bit lost. I shamefully admit my current bike was a direct box purchase (Canyon Aeroad). The expense of the sport, and the general pattern of things being more disposable and proprietary (destined for obsolete), it's the only viable move I have. Maybe different story if I wanted to spend the extra to keep older stuff going, but it's not there for me.

Ya, I would say it is safe to stay Serotta was a backstage builder for custom Pro's.

I remember seeing their, idk, bike fitting, bike..all angles could be adjusted.

My friends father still can make frames...so Technically....and I am not going to do it....
....I could get are real up scale off name frame, if I wanted to, at this point.

But I'm fine with what I have, so, It's all good.

Also however to your point about the store, my locally owned store was bought out by Trek...which I like the bikes but not the corporation.

Though apparently there is a new shop in town real close that just opened.
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How do people feel about the Schwinn Loop?

Not sure, I'm sure most brands are "good enough" if you're just starting to get into cycling. Brands I like are Trek, Specialized, and Giant but there's plenty of good options out there.

Another suggestion is to look at Craigslist. There's plenty of good deals to be found there (just take precaution, it is Craigslist).

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I've always liked low end Giant Roam hybrids as a cheap ($400) bike to roll around trashed urban roads. Anything good under that you'll have to treasure hunt used listings.

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https://usa.dahon.com/products/copy-of-suv-d6-blue

Welp everyone, this is what I bought. Hopefully I will like it? Obviously more than what I wanted to spend, but it seems like it might be a good fit.

Thanks for all the help.

Cool man, enjoy and be safe!

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