First time bike rider questions!?

Question

So, I am looking to get a used bike.... just a bike to ride around the city and to/from class (about a 5 minute bike ride).

I'm a female, but I'm 5'10...is there a huge difference between men and women's bikes? I'm having a really hard time finding a used women's bike that is big enough, but I found a few men's bikes.

Also, what is best in terms of bike locks (I live in an area where bikes get stolen regularly)?

Answer 1

You're probably talking about buying a hybrid/city bike for such a short trip. Road and touring bikes for women have significant differences in geometry from men's bikes but hybrid/city bikes are built for upright posture and easy reach, the two things women's bikes are built to compensate for (women generally have shorter arms and torsos).

In other words on a hybrid/city bike, men and women's models are about the same.

As far as locks are concerned, hybrid/city bikes are generally cheaper and easier to find so they don't attract thieves so easily. This is the first rule to avoid theft: avoid standing out.

Depending on how good a bike you buy you have a variety if tactics to keep it safe. Never letting a good bike out of your sight is a good start. But if you must, a U-Lock (You can't go wrong with a Kryptonite) is a good start. Depending on how long you plan on leaving it, you should also:

1) Remove the front wheel and run the U-lock through both wheels, the seat tube (or chain stays) and the pole you lock it to (or take the front wheel with you).

2) Get a quick release for the seat and take the seat with you.

3) Take any accessories (lights, speedo, etc.) with you.

4) If you lock the bike in the same place, leave a big chain there all the time and use it together with your U-lock.

If it really is just a five minute ride, I'd get something really cheap and treat it as expendable. The world is full of derelict Schwinn's dying to be useful in some way and $25 is an average price.

Remember, all bikes weigh 40 lbs:

A twenty pound bike needs a 20 pound lock

A thirty pound bike needs a 10 pound lock and

A forty pound bike doesn't need a lock!

Answer 2

well, there is a difference in men's and womens bikes.  the obvious bar across the top, but major companies sometimes have different geometry.  this shouldn't really matter for you, since you have such short rides in the city.  as long as the frame fits and you don't mind kicking the leg up over the top tube, go for it.  try craigslist and ebay.  there are a lot of men's and women's options there.  a plus for local craigslist is no shipping cost, and local pick up means you can check the bike out.  as for a lock, i prefer the U-locks.  they are touch, and don't make much noise when you ride and have a clean appearance.  another thing is that they are almost impossible to break.  on my bike i have a u-lock with a large chain to go around a large poll or lock my front AND back wheels.  if your bike has quick-release hubs you will want to at least lock teh front wheel.  a good u'lock can fit around the front wheel and the frame, but sometimes can fit little more than that.

Good bike buying,

-Diamond Galaxy

Answer 3

To use a bike around campus you are not going to notice the difference in a male and female bike.  Find one that fits you and that is in your price range and buy it.  I bought a bike for the price and not the comfort for riding around campus. I am only on it for like 5 min at a time and i did not want to spend a fortune on a bike that might get stolen because there are so many buttholes on campus looking to steal bikes.

That way if mine does get stolen im not out a lot of money or some great bike either.

For bike locks:

Stay away from lock and chain...... they are the esiest to break into.  Try to find one that is metal with the plastic coating.  These tend to have a 4 number combination.  I have found these to be the easiest to deal with and yet really reliable.  Dateline did a thing on bike locks and said these were the best out there for now.

Hope that helps.