How come hardly anyone walks or cycles in OC? (Los Angeles: low income, appointed)
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I'm in the market for a bicycle that I plan to use for commuting. I've been looking recently and the price ranges vary greatly ($100 or so for a Kmart special to well over $1,000).
My commute will usually be no more than ten miles, but I'd like to go as far as 25 miles occasionally.
Do I really need to spend $1,000 or more to get a decent commuting bike?
I'm in the market for a bicycle that I plan to use for commuting. I've been looking recently and the price ranges vary greatly ($100 or so for a Kmart special to well over $1,000).
My commute will usually be no more than ten miles, but I'd like to go as far as 25 miles occasionally.
Do I really need to spend $1,000 or more to get a decent commuting bike?
You don't need to spend $1000 for a basic commuter bike. More expensive bikes are lighter and have better quality wheels, shifters, brakes, and derailleurs. They also have standard sized replaceable parts. The last time I had a K-Mart special, they cut so many corners that when one thing broke, the whole bike was practically trash because it couldn't be replaced with anything off the shelf. Even the cheapest "bike shop" bike is several orders of magnitude better than any K-Mart special. Then if you ever do decide to upgrade any components, you'll be able to.
I'm in the market for a bicycle that I plan to use for commuting. I've been looking recently and the price ranges vary greatly ($100 or so for a Kmart special to well over $1,000).
My commute will usually be no more than ten miles, but I'd like to go as far as 25 miles occasionally.
Do I really need to spend $1,000 or more to get a decent commuting bike?
don't buy a crappy bike from kmart, it will not last very long. while you don't need to spend $1000+, i would spend in excess of $500 if you plan on using it regularly for commuting, exercise and/or leisure. performance bike is chain of stores that has good bikes and good prices. find a location near you and check out what they have. also, consider your long term cycling goals. if you are at all interested in becoming a more serious rider in the future then maybe it's worth it to spend more up front so you don't feel the need to upgrade so soon.
also, don't get a mountain bike, at least not one with big knobby wheels. you'll want skinny wheels if you plan on riding only on paved roads. i commuted on my bike for a while and you should also know that you'll need a shower at/near your office if you plan on commuting more than a few miles. you'd be surprised at how quickly you can break a sweat. be kind to your peers and don't smell like BO all day.
I'm in the market for a bicycle that I plan to use for commuting. I've been looking recently and the price ranges vary greatly ($100 or so for a Kmart special to well over $1,000).
My commute will usually be no more than ten miles, but I'd like to go as far as 25 miles occasionally.
Do I really need to spend $1,000 or more to get a decent commuting bike?
I'd recommend spending at least $300-500 for a decent commuter. But i'd recommend checking out this commuter bike forum, lots of very knowledgeable and helpful riders:
Irvine is very bikeable-- its flat terrain and abundance of off-road bike trails make it fast. Again, comparable to rush hour traffic, or maybe faster than a bus, even in off-peak hours. You don't really need a car if you are strong and have a bike in Irvine.
You're right, Irvine is one of the best cities for cycling in OC. You have tons of trails, you have a variety of flat roads, and challenging hills. And for people who work in Irvine, commuting to work is a definite option for many. I cycle through UCI on the san diego river trail, and its very scenic and safe. And on a road bike, you can cruise at 17-20mph quite easily. I've even gotten up to 30mph on flat road with a tailwind, and I don't have a fancy bike with super strong legs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cabolissa
sounds like you have a few issues...
I was being sarcastic with that comment. I definitely don't think that!
And to the poster looking for a decent commuter bike, performance bicycle has the best prices around. I'm pretty sure that you should be able to find something in the 400 - 500 dollar range if not cheaper.
Think about it-you don't need a car even in an American suburb, providing there is flat terrain.
Let's say you can bike at an average of 10 miles/hour. So, if you are willing to make 30-minute rides one way on flat terrain, you can travel a 5-mile radius from your house. If you live within 5 miles of a train station (which is quite likely,) you can take the train for long distances--to Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, etc. You can take the flyaway bus from Irvine to LAX Airport.
For misers (which the typical Irvine Chinese is), it is a very good arrangement compared to a 20,000 dollar SUV (costs more if it is a Mercedes)!
don't buy a crappy bike from kmart, it will not last very long. while you don't need to spend $1000+, i would spend in excess of $500 if you plan on using it regularly for commuting, exercise and/or leisure. performance bike is chain of stores that has good bikes and good prices. find a location near you and check out what they have. also, consider your long term cycling goals. if you are at all interested in becoming a more serious rider in the future then maybe it's worth it to spend more up front so you don't feel the need to upgrade so soon.
also, don't get a mountain bike, at least not one with big knobby wheels. you'll want skinny wheels if you plan on riding only on paved roads. i commuted on my bike for a while and you should also know that you'll need a shower at/near your office if you plan on commuting more than a few miles. you'd be surprised at how quickly you can break a sweat. be kind to your peers and don't smell like BO all day.
I've often time rode then had to use baby wipes and a french bath but it works in a pinch. The key is to keep your cycling gear clean and bacteria free.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cnev3
You're right, Irvine is one of the best cities for cycling in OC. You have tons of trails, you have a variety of flat roads, and challenging hills. And for people who work in Irvine, commuting to work is a definite option for many. I cycle through UCI on the san diego river trail, and its very scenic and safe. And on a road bike, you can cruise at 17-20mph quite easily. I've even gotten up to 30mph on flat road with a tailwind, and I don't have a fancy bike with super strong legs.
I was being sarcastic with that comment. I definitely don't think that!
Unfortunately, there is too much truth to that in S Cal.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Haowen Wong
Think about it-you don't need a car even in an American suburb, providing there is flat terrain.
Let's say you can bike at an average of 10 miles/hour. So, if you are willing to make 30-minute rides one way on flat terrain, you can travel a 5-mile radius from your house. If you live within 5 miles of a train station (which is quite likely,) you can take the train for long distances--to Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, etc. You can take the flyaway bus from Irvine to LAX Airport.
For misers (which the typical Irvine Chinese is), it is a very good arrangement compared to a 20,000 dollar SUV (costs more if it is a Mercedes)!
Craiglist is still a good option. Plus, some of the Walmart type bikes will work fine. They may be a bit heavier but they do mostly carry shimino groupos. Once you wear out the softer metal groupo you can upgrade here and there as you need parts.
Bike shops for the most part are way way over-priced. I'm bummed Nashbar got bought out.
For misers (which the typical Irvine Chinese is), it is a very good arrangement compared to a 20,000 dollar SUV (costs more if it is a Mercedes)!
even the most basic SUVs cost more than $20k. Most SUVs are closer to $30k, trust me, I just bought one.
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