reasonably light. Able to ride most anywhere but no serious off-roading. Low maintenance. Well built enough and high enough quality components that I won't end up getting PO'd at the shifters/DRs etc. or pointed at and laughed at by other cyclists 🙂 Cheap. (I realize that I will have to compromise on the last, just not sure how much.)
Basically looking for something that I can just step over and ride on roads and (mostly paved) trails that's a couple steps above an X-mart bike. Possibly with an eye to longer touring if I can get SWMBO into it as well. "sportiness" preferred over comfort if a tradeoff between the two is involved. I have no desire to constantly upgrade to "newest and best" so if I do buy something I'll probably keep it until it's well and truly thrashed.
reasonably light. Able to ride most anywhere but no serious off-roading. Low maintenance. Well built enough and high enough quality components that I won't end up getting PO'd at the shifters/DRs etc. or pointed at and laughed at by other cyclists 🙂 Cheap. (I realize that I will have to compromise on the last, just not sure how much..)
Basically looking for something that I can just step over and ride on roads and (mostly paved) trails that's a couple steps above an X-mart bike. Possibly with an eye to longer touring if I can get SWMBO into it as well. "sportiness" preferred over comfort if a tradeoff between the two is involved. I have no desire to constantly upgrade to "newest and best" so if I do buy something I'll probably keep it until it's well and truly thrashed.
Two words: Craig's List. Look for an old Trek 1000 or something along those lines. If you are in the average size range and live in a largish city, then you will have many options. Too bad you don't live in Portland -- here's a Trek 1000 for $350. http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/632656225.html Here's a Pilot for $750 (I'm sure he'll take $600 -- look at all the excuses for not riding. He wants that thing gone!) http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/bik/630711105.html Not that I'm sold on Treks, but they are plentiful on Craig's List. If you want a real touring frame, try this brand new Surley Long Haul Trucker. http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/632978430.html -- Jay Beattie.
reasonably light. Able to ride most anywhere but no serious off-roading. Low maintenance. Well built enough and high enough quality components that I won't end up getting PO'd at the shifters/DRs etc. or pointed at and laughed at by other cyclists 🙂 Cheap. (I realize that I will have to compromise on the last, just not sure how much.)
Quoted message said:
Basically looking for something that I can just step over and ride on roads and (mostly paved) trails that's a couple steps above an X-mart bike. Possibly with an eye to longer touring if I can get SWMBO into it as well. "sportiness" preferred over comfort if a tradeoff between the two is involved. I have no desire to constantly upgrade to "newest and best" so if I do buy something I'll probably keep it until it's well and truly thrashed.
Two words: Craig's List. Look for an old Trek 1000 or something along those lines. If you are in the average size range and live in a largish city, then you will have many options. Too bad you don't live in Portland -- here's a Trek 1000 for $350.http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/632656225.html Here's a Pilot for $750 (I'm sure he'll take $600 -- look at all the excuses for not riding. He wants that thing gone!)http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/bik/630711105.html Not that I'm sold on Treks, but they are plentiful on Craig's List. If you want a real touring frame, try this brand new Surley Long Haul Trucker.http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/632978430.html-- Jay Beattie.
Shipping to DC would be a killer 🙁 I think I probably want a 56 or 57cm frame, but other than that the $350 bike looks quite acceptable for what I want. I will keep an eye out and see if anything comes up over here.
