Bicycling Revelation

nissynis · #1 07-24-2008, 07:17 AM

I have a little "commute" every Wednesday night from my house to the community center where I play volleyball. It's only 1.5 miles away, and, though my ICE is still not totally cold when I leave, and I go very slowly and mostly FAS there, I can't be helping my FE doing this short jaunt, twice per week.

Then it occurred to me last night: I should bike there. Seriously, if a healthy 29 year old can't bike 1.5 miles, it is a sad testament indeed to his worldview. Now if it could just not storm on me and my $50 WalMart bike....

aca2983 · #2 07-24-2008, 08:26 AM

A $50 Wal-mart bike is a bad introduction to the joys and benefits of bicycling. Excellent used bikes can be had for not much more than that.

My mantra is that the cheapest "bike-store" bike is always better than a department/ discount store bike at any price.

WriConsult · #3 07-24-2008, 08:36 AM

Great revelation. I've had a few of those myself (and still have them regularly).

I'd agree with aca though. IF you end up riding a significant amount, you'll find your $50 bike quickly giving you more trouble than it's worth. 95% of bikes sold in the US are never ridden more than 100 miles in their lifetime, and $50 Walmart bikes are fine for those 95%.

You just put yourself in the other 5% though. Cheapo bikes and their hassles have probably turned more people off to bicycling than the automobile ever did. Keep riding that $50 bike until it starts giving you trouble. And when it does, donate it and get a GOOD $200-400 bike at a bike store.

Also when you do, don't buy features you don't need: suspension and extra gears cost money, and at a given price point just drive down the quality of the parts you do need. If you don't have any hills consider a 1-speed, the ultimate in low maintenance. If you need some gears, strongly consider a bike with 3-speed gear hub instead of a derailer with 7+ speeds. The gear-hub bike will cost as much as the derailer bike, but most bikes come with more gears than most people really need anyway. Gear hubs are far lower maintenance, more durable and don't need constant adjustment like derailers - and you don't have to be moving to shift.

BailOut · #4 07-24-2008, 08:44 AM

Good for you, nissynis! I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I started having epiphanies like this just last year.

About the bicycle, while I agree that you may wish to upgrade in the future if you find longer distances or more frequent uses for a bike I think that what you have is fine. An on-brand bike would be overkill for a 1.5 mile, once per week commute.

I'm a firm believer in using what you have for as long as is practical, then recycling it.

Bucko · #5 07-24-2008, 11:00 AM

I agree with the statement that you are much better off buying a bike from a bike store than any discount store, just from the assembly and set-up standpoint. How much experience does the discount store employee have in putting one together and ensuring its adjusted properly. Ya have a better chance at a bike store, at least most of the employees there will be enthusiasts, and someone will actually know how to fit a bike properly to the rider.

JusBringIt · #6 07-24-2008, 11:09 AM

good luck w/ your choice! enjoy your bike for as long as it will last. I never had my wheels for long b/c they usually get stolen before I can say who's there.

Right Lane Cruiser · #7 07-24-2008, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BailOut

I'm a firm believer in using what you have for as long as is practical, then recycling it.

Given the topic, should I take that as a pun?

07mpshei · #8 07-24-2008, 11:20 AM

I am a fervent believer in recycling and the idea of buying a new "made in wherever by whoever" WALMART bike makes me uneasy. Pick up a used one somehow, anyhow. There are MILLIONS of unused bikes sitting in garages across the country. Put up a sign, look on craigslist, etc.

You'll spend a fraction of the amount and reduce demand for those $50 crap bikes from soul-less superstores.

You can always take the used bike into any decent shop for a cheap tuneup.

A good lock is a essential

DebbieKatz · #9 07-24-2008, 11:37 AM

I had this same revelation last summer, & rode my Raleigh light-touring bike through the winter (when the roads permitted) to go grocery-shopping & to my local Curves

This summer, I bought a used Trek from a local bike shop for riding while my poor Raleigh is being cleaned & overhauled, & for next winter's riding. It's a cross between a road bike & a mountain bike - it's got wider, knobby tires that should serve me better on wet/slippery roads

I think new, it goes for about $300; I got it for $150

Now I need a sticker or plate for my Raleigh that says "My other bike is a hybrid"

Nanci · #10 07-24-2008, 11:48 AM

Have fun on your commute! Think of rain as better than broiling sun. If you do get rained on, just lube the chain as soon as you can.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WriConsult

95% of bikes sold in the US are never ridden more than 100 miles in their lifetime,

I'm anxiously awaiting the 7000 mile mark on my bike (Trek); less than 200 miles to go! It has never had a mechanical failure, and is actually on only its third set of tires. I've vowed to ride to work tomorrow- hopefully it will be a nice experience!

Nanci