Which of these bikes is best for my needs?

Question

I need a bike to ride around campus next fall. I know not to get department store bikes but I still need something that's not too pricey. I'm not looking for a really nice bike that will last me forever, just something that will last for a few years of riding to classes. I don't want to buy a used bike because I won't know if I'm being sold a piece of junk and I don't have any bike expert friends to help me out. I was looking at a few bikes online in my price range but I have no idea if they're any good or not:

http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3102769&cp=2057782.713103.1892951.2140652&filter=yes&fCat=2140652&pageType=family&fpricesort=priceAscending&parentPage=family

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=11210825&search=bike&Mo=61&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-

Or anything here under $250:

http://www.sportsauthority.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2140652&cp=2057782.713103.1892951

Answer 1

None of those places have the ability to service what they sell - simply put;  There are no factory trained people putting those bikes together there - it's the same guy that puts the grilles together that's building bikes - this is why your friend just paid for a $60 tune-up on an $80 bike.

Take your money to the local bike shop - Preferably Trek or Specialized, get your questions answered by knowlegable and trained staff and ride home knowing that if anything happens, they will be there to take care of you!

Yes, the Trek 820 is good - but heavy by todays standards, try the Trek 3700 for sure, and the Specialized Hardrock XC too!

Hope this helps you out!

Answer 2

Try the Trek 820.  It's a very basic mountain bike with front shocks for bumps. It's what I rode in college and it did great. I graduated in 1994 and still have that bike. It never broke, never needed any attention really, other than putting air in the tires. If you are on the small side, they even make a women's specific design.  The suggested retail on them is $289, but the bike store in my area sells them for $260. You have to go to a Trek dealer for it, but it's a much better bike than anything from Costco or Sports Authority.  Here's a like to the page with the women's version:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/200...

Answer 3

They're all good and all will suit your needs.  But If I had to narrow it down, I'd get the Costco one with the soft tail (rear suspension )  Wow, it wasn't that long ago a rear suspended bike was over a grand.  

But if you want to keep to $250.00 that's fine too.

Answer 4

I would definately stay away from any low-end dual suspension bikes like the second one you have listed. In my experience, they really dont provide much suspension, eventually break, and make the rear end feel more shaky then they do plush...

If its mostly for commuting to and from school, I'd recommend going to your local bike shop and looking for a cheap "hybrid" bike like one of these...

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/prof...

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/prof...

Or if you prefer the straight top tube of a men's bike..

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/prof...

If you cant find something reasonable at your local shop, then order from on online BIKE shop... stear clear of one stop shops like sports authority and such.

Answer 5

Surry to burst u'r bubble, but these bikes are much too pricey 4 u'r needs. U can get a ladies bike with 21 gears and no suspension 4 about 50$!!! It'l be a bit heavier but alot cheaper and even more durable. I would invest in a nice saddle though cus the standard saddles are usually too hard.

gud luck!!!