I have been living in Minnesota for three years now, and using a cheap bike to get around (A 60 bucks target k bike). But so far I have bougth a new bike every year as the winter basically kills it. So, I was wondering if anyone could advice me on what would be a good bike to buy that is more likely to survive a couple of Minnesota winters, without costing too much. Im a grad student, so Im very budget limited.. but I m willing to make a reasonable investment for a good bike...
I have been living in Minnesota for three years now, and using a cheap bike to get around (A 60 bucks target k bike). But so far I have bougth a new bike every year as the winter basically kills it. So, I was wondering if anyone could advice me on what would be a good bike to buy that is more likely to survive a couple of Minnesota winters, without costing too much. Im a grad student, so Im very budget limited.. but I m willing to make a reasonable investment for a good bike...
anyway, Thanks in advance!
Look for cyclocross bikes - Surley makes a pretty cheap one, and Colorado Cyclist has one in their Douglass line but you might have an LBS that carries something too. Cyclocross bikes have lots of clearance for big tires, fenders, snow and mud buildup, etc. Steel might be a good frame material since a winter bike might be in more dent-causing situations than a summer bike.
I have been living in Minnesota for three years now, and using a cheap bike to get around (A 60 bucks target k bike). But so far I have bougth a new bike every year as the winter basically kills it. So, I was wondering if anyone could advice me on what would be a good bike to buy that is more likely to survive a couple of Minnesota winters, without costing too much. Im a grad student, so Im very budget limited.. but I m willing to make a reasonable investment for a good bike...
anyway, Thanks in advance!
On a tight budget, you will get the best value with a good used bike-but you also appear to not know too much about bikes--so you need some help. (I would NOT recommend the ebay route unless you know exactly what you want and know how to tell the [censored] from the good with very limited information.) Find a decent bike shop that sells used bikes to help you. You may pay a bit more from a shop than buying privately, but the bike will be mechanically sound and you may likely get a short-term warranty on the mechanical aspects.
Look for cyclocross bikes - Surley makes a pretty cheap one, and Colorado Cyclist has one in their Douglass line but you might have an LBS that carries something too. Cyclocross bikes have lots of clearance for big tires, fenders, snow and mud buildup, etc. Steel might be a good frame material since a winter bike might be in more dent-causing situations than a summer bike.
This is very wise advice, with the exception of buying steel. The salt on the roads will kill your steel bike. Go with Al, it doesn't rust.
If the $60 bikes do you well for one year, they sound pretty cost effective to me. You would probably have to spend over $180 for a good used bike that would last 2 or 3 years of regular use... Then have to add a little more for new tires, maintenance etc due to the longevity.
However, I would suggest looking for a good used bike source, and see what you can get there. You will undoubtedly be spoiled by riding a better quality bike. 🙂
I was wondering if anyone could advice me on what would be a good bike to buy that is more likely to survive a couple of Minnesota winters, without costing too much. Im a grad student, so Im very budget limited.. but I m willing to make a reasonable investment for a good bike.
