Help for someone looking into biking?
By stagewhisper
@stagewhisper (901)
United States
July 23, 2008 1:16pm CST
Hello, one and all. I'm fairly new to the idea of living frugally, mostly thanks to rising prices of both products in supermarkets and (of course) the infamous gas prices that have been creeping up consistently for the past couple of years. Lately, I've taken to biking in the evenings, and as my endurance has increased, I've started seriously considering biking to work/school/on small errands to save on gas money. I have a shopping center, my school, and my jobs all within 6 miles of my house, so I think this is perfectly doable.
The thing is, the bike I'm using for my night rides is very old- probably fifteen years old. It's been well taken care of and in storage for the last five, granted, but I'm looking for a new model- preferably a comfort bike as opposed to the other types, since I know I'll mostly be using it on sidewalks and roads.
Problem is I have no idea what to look for now. I know that I want a comfort bike, and I know that I want one with low gears if possible to handle all the hills around my area. I also would like it to be under $500, if possible, since I have a tiny budget. But I have no knowledge on brands, and there are so many shops in my area that I have no idea where to start looking.
So I ask you frugal livers who also bike:
-Do you bike? What do you use your bikes for?
-What brand/type of bike do you use? Do you recommend it? How expensive is it?
-What tips do you have for a newbie to have when he/she goes in to be fitted for a bike for the first time? What questions shoulder I ask?
-How are YOU conserving gas, if none of the above apply to you?
Thank you, everyone. 
1 person likes this
3 responses
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
23 Jul 08
Hi Stagewhisper!
I own an Ebike and would definitely recommend one to somebody getting away from using the car for short trips..If You don't know about ebikes,they have an electric motor that backs you up on the pedals..it's described as being like somebody giving you a Push! Legally,an ebike is NOT a motorbike as it isn't designed to go over about 15mph unassisted-Work the pedals if the bike has gears,and you can go as fast as you're capable of,but the motor power fades off at it's preset limit.Range depends on the Bike,the Frame (steel or aluminium) and the Battery technology.Makers give range figures of between 10-25 miles,depending on the bike..(I wouldn't recommend Lead Acid types-very heavy!) The advantage is you can cruise on the flat using the motor,and you only have to put in about 1/3 of the effort that you'd be putting in on a conventional bike on a hill.Ebikes usually have 3 modes-Off (You do all the work) Assisted-(You pedal,and the motor kicks in to boost your performance) and throttle (Some bikes have a twist grip throttle,others a thumb lever,so in this mode you don't need to pedal-but getting you going from a standing start drains power more,so best to make a pedal start,then use the throttle to keep you moving!)UK law says you have to be 14 to ride one,Helmets are not mandatory but would be recommended-you can do 30mph downhill..Check out Walmart's bike section..they have a range of Ebikes under $350..I'd like to get a look at them if I was in the Market for a US Ebike! My current bike(geddit!?) is a 20"wheel folding Ebike,with 6 speed Shimano Gears.It's aluminium,and weighs 20kilos.Here's a photo! Good luck with your choice!
@stagewhisper (901)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Interesting! I've never heard of an ebike, though I've heard of folding ones (my mom has a folding 1 speed comfort style). That does sound pretty interesting, though I'm a bit wary about the fact that it has a battery- is the battery rechargable? I'm trying to avoid using any gas, which is why I'd like a bike. Thanks for sharing, though! I'll certainly check them out.
That does sound pretty interesting, though I'm a bit wary about the fact that it has a battery- is the battery rechargable? I'm trying to avoid using any gas, which is why I'd like a bike. Thanks for sharing, though! I'll certainly check them out.@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
23 Jul 08
That's the battery pack above the back wheel..It's removable,and you plug in a wall socket transformer to charge it,just like a cellphone.A full charge costs only pennies..When New,a full charge takes about 4-6 hours,but if I recharge after a commute or other round trip,it'll be topped up again in about 2.the battery is fully sealed,I've had the bike out in the rain a few times,but I'd rather avoid that if I can for road safety reasons rather than electrical ones!
@desertdarlene (8910)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I use my bike to run errands, commute, and for exercise. I've had a couple of different bikes during the last ten years. I would have kept one except the frame broke. Both bikes were well under $500 because I bought them used. You might want to look around if you plan to go the used route. I had to look around for quite a while before I find the ones that I like. But, you usually get a fantastic bike for a low price that has many years ahead of it. I used to ride a Bianchi Volpe, which was a cyclocross bike that looked exactly like a touring bike. The bike I ride now is a Trek 7200, both of which I think I got under $200. They retailed for way more than that, though, when they were new. The Trek was about two or three years old when I bought it and the Bianchi was about 5 or 6 years old and I rode if for about 8 years before I got the Trek.
@stagewhisper (901)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I'm definitely hoping to find one used if I can; I don't mind if it's already a year or two old so long as it's still in good condition for use. Thank you for your input!
Thank you for your input!
@happythoughts (4109)
• United States
28 Jul 08
We have been looking for a new bike for my hubby too and it is crazy what a bike can cost now. I think your best bet is to look for a used one if you can find it. You might even be able to get under the $500 limit you set. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
