I am looking for an inexpensive bike that I could ride around the city and maybe some basic trails. From basic research, I understand that what I need is a comfort, hybrid, or "cruiser" bike. Here are some listing I found that seem appropriate for me. I would really appreciate some advice about these - ie. what's a better deal, more suitable for me, will last longer, etc...
Lately, it seems, the problem with shopping on craigslist is that too many sellers are stuck on the notion that anything old is "vintage." All of the bikes shown are vastly overpriced, even in Canadian dollars. These bikes were mediocre when they were new and now they're simply worn out and outclassed.
The 6-speed cruiser might be worthwhile because it looks well-maintained, although you might not like the stubby handlebar. In my part of the world, metro Denver, Colorado, USA, I might value it around $100-120.
There is a little simple assembly required on the bikes when they arrive, nothing too involved. The website has a section for finding your size. It is fairly basic, but unless you are really oddly put together, it will get you in the right ballpark for the correct size and then you can adjust it to fit. Good luck.
I think that generally the best [meaning lowest] prices on used bicycles are often found at yard sales. That said.... a low price on a cheaply made and worn out bicycle... is still money wasted.
In the United States most bicycles are sold in big box stores. These bicycles aren't generally of a high quality. Although the prices are low on the big box store bicycles many cyclist [here, and at most bicycling forums] will try to warn people away from these low priced bikes. I wouldn't expect the value, or the dependability, of any bicycle to increase with age.
You need to find a cyclist friend that can help you find a properly priced and correctly sized quality used bike. They are most certainly out there [or are around here].
