What kind of used bike would you recommend for commuting and exercise?

Question

I'm looking for a used bike that I can ride to class (1-2mi) and ride on paved bike trails for exercise. What kind of bike should I be looking for? I'm not looking to spend a lot because I am a poor college student. I've been looking at Mt. Bikes, BMX, and Road Bikes...which kind would be better....pros cons?

Answer 1

Find a used hybrid, if you can.  In fact, a new one will cost only $250-350.  Or find a good used mountain bike (not full suspension) and put smooth tires on it.  They make excellent city bikes.

Yes, there are many road bikes that would work (check out garage sales for those ubiquitous steel-framed Schwinns from the 1980s), but for city commuting, the wider tires soak up abuse better.

Answer 2

The most important words in your question were "poor college student." You will get the most for your money by finding a used hard tail mountain bike just because there are lots of them around. They are good for the kind of riding you've described. After you've worn out the tires on the bike, replace them with slicks. If you hit the bike shop sales just right you can find mountain bike size slicks for about $7 each.

Test ride any bike you're considering until you find one that fits and feels well. You can ride any bike that fits within reason for just a mile or two. However, longer rides on the paved bike trails could be quite uncomfortable if the bike doesn't fit you.

I don't think BMX bikes are appropriate for what you've described. Road bikes will work, but they are more expensive and more fragile than the hard tail mountain bikes.

HTH

Answer 3

A hybrid or fitness bike would suit your purpose best, but really, any kind of bike will work for the riding you describe.  A BMX bike would be the worst choice;  smaller wheels will make distance riding harder.

Find a bike with 700c tires and test ride a few to find the one for you.

Answer 4

You have to be the judge of what will work for you.  Visit some shops, check out the inventory, and ride what interests you.  You're ride to class is short, so the efficiency of a road bike isn't necessary.  And it doesn't sound like you need the added weight, complications, and expense that comes with an MTB suspension.  But buy whatever fits great and makes you happy (and want to ride it).  For your required use, you could get by with most any type of bike, including comfort, hybrid and cruiser types.  If you think you'll want to use a rear rack, make sure your bike of choice has provisions (brazeons) for rack attachment.

Answer 5

you can go to wal mart they got bikes that run about $99-$150 i got one and got 1,250 miles on it never give me no trouble at all because a road bike i got one it cost $400 brand new hybirds will run you $200 so mountain bikes are the cheapest of all the difference is weight and what its made of ex: steel,carbon fiber and so on but just going 2 miles then you will do well to go with a mountain bike weight will not be a issue with you