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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

2587.0. "Beginner $300-$400 range" by LEDS::AMBERSON () Thu Jun 03 1993 15:07

      Help!  Im currently looking for a bike in the $300 to $400 range.  I
    haven't ridden a bike in 25 years.  Im looking for something to be
    ridden mainly on the roads while occasionally going on decent dirt
    riding trails.  My main concern is that it be comfortable because if it
    isn't I won't ride it!  I've looked at a Hardrock Ultra for $399 and a
    Bridgestone for $349.  Both seemed like decent bikes with one 
    difference being that the Bridgestone had Shimano C20 components while 
    the Ultra had Shimano A10? components (I think).  Whats the diffence?
    Any comments or suggestions out there?
    
    Thanks
      Jeff  
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2587.1Try a hybrid...STOWOA::FLYNNFri Jun 04 1993 16:3922
    Jeff,
    
    You might want to look for a hybrid style bike.  I bought a Trek 700
    this past March and am very pleased with it.  At the time, I was able
    to purchase the bike for only $270 because it was a 1992 model and
    the store (Bicycle Alley, Worcester, MA) was having a sale.  I think
    the 1993 model was $330.  The only difference between the models was
    that the '93 brakes were a bit better than the '92.  I think my bike
    has Shimano AS100 components...come to think of it, I really can't
    remember what number they are!  Another thing you definitely want to
    look for is a Cro-moly frame.
    
    When you go looking for a bike, make sure you can take it for a test
    ride.  This is the only way you will be able to decide if a bike is
    right for you.  Also, tell the salesperson where you will be riding. 
    You mentioned that you will be doing more riding on roads and some
    riding on dirt trails.  I've found that my Trek is fine for the road
    and still goes well on dirt tracks.
    
    Good Luck!
    
    Kathy
2587.2'92 models are good dealsBAHTAT::HILTONBeer...now there's a temporary solutionFri Jun 04 1993 17:515
2587.3Bike Shop RecommendationsAKOCOA::SELIGThu Jul 15 1993 15:3629
    Just as points of reference, I recently bought 3 new bikes, for my son
    (11 yrs old), my wife, and me. I did lots of comparison shopping and
    found what two shops that I highly recommend:
    
    Milford Bicycle
    Rt 85 and Rt 16
    508-4737955
    
    They carry Trek, Univega, Diamondback and a few others. I bought a
    '93 Trek 700 Hybrid for my wife @ $279. And I bought a '92 Univega
    Rover STI (black chrome) for $270. There prices were very competitive
    and they had lots of "prior year" left-overs that were especially good
    deals. David and Sara were very knowledgable and spent lots of time 
    letting us try different bikes.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Bill and Andys
    30 Chelmsford St
    Chelmsford, MA.
    508-256-8811
    
    We bought a Raleigh M30 MTB for my son @ $219.....plus they offer 50%
    off helmet prices with bike purchase. So we also got our son a new Bell
    Triumph hardshell helmet for $25.  B&A's was $50 less than any other dealer
    for the Raleigh M30 and we liked the personalized service and the time they
    spent fitting the bike to our son. I am also confident that that they will
    provide excellent service when needed.
    
2587.4MR1PST::N2ITIV::LEEFS, Very FSFri Aug 06 1993 15:2216
       On a similar note, my SO is eager to buy a bike for
       recreational/fitness riding on local roads (Marlboro).  She's 
       been to Landry's in Framingham and picked out a Specialized 
       Crossroads (bright red, of course). Apparently it's a 21-speed,
       which seems a little excessive to me, but then what do I know. 
       Anyway, I thought I'd ask and see if that's a reasonable bike for
       her needs or if the salesdude is trying to put one over on her.

       Any feedback or suggestions would be helpful.




	-Andy

2587.5Make sure the interest has staying powerODIXIE::RRODRIGUEZWhiskey! ALL you want!Fri Aug 06 1993 15:3815
2587.6PCCAD::RICHARDJPretty Good At Barely Getting ByFri Aug 06 1993 18:1112
    RE:0

    I purchased a Schwinn Crisscross last March for $369.00. It has 21
    speeds as well. I love it and I'm glad I didn't try to skimp by
    buying a cheaper model.

    BTW, I use all 21 speeds. When your huffing and puffing going up a steep
    hill, you don't want to be thinking about the 21 speed bike you could have
    bought, but you were to cheap.


     Jim
2587.7ALL those speeds are useful when you need them!NCBOOT::PEREZTrust, but ALWAYS verify!Mon Aug 09 1993 01:2916
    I've been through this with a daughter and two friends in the last
    year...  How much interest does the SO have (how often riding, how far,
    etc?)  If even a moderate level of interest I'd recommend NOT skimping
    (you don't need to dump a grand in a bike not to skimp, but the average
    Sears Free Spirit just isn't gonna hold up for more than the monthly 6
    mph ride through the park).
    
    Anyhow, check out what's available in the price range you're willing to
    spend.  This has been a POOR year here in the midwest and the shops are
    already starting bigtime cuts to dump their stock.  Look through this
    file and you should find a lot of brands, and several discussions
    caused by questions similar to yours...
    
    Good luck, and have fun.  Remember, whatever gets bought (new or used)
    you and the rider will live with it for a long time.  Get the one your
    SO REALLY likes...