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OP, if you can't afford even a bike shop's lower end cruiser, search Craig's list and find a good used Giant or Trek and have it overhauled at a bike shop. Honestly it REALLY, REALLY is not worth it to go cheap and get those cheaper bikes from Walmart. You want something that is comfortable and safe and enjoyable to ride. Getting a bike for $200 from a big box store that you won't like riding is money wasted.
Also check with actual bike shops for bulletin boards with used bikes for sale. People swap bikes out for all sorts of reasons. Even post a wanted ad there. You could first get some advice from bike shop staff to decide what features and fit work for you, do some test rides, and then do a more informed search. Some off-the-rack big box store junk bike probably won't be one you'll enjoy using and you could easily spend even more trying to tweak it to make yourself like it. It will end up adorning your garage. If you don't use it you certainly will waste your money!
Last edited by Parnassia; 07-14-2020 at 10:49 AM..
You should consider going to a bicycle shop and be prepared to spend about $300. Giant is one good brand that you get decent components in.
Those big box stores sell steel heavyweight bicycles that are simply Chinese junk. They're so heavy that they're miserable to ride.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeBear
Store bikes are garbage, maybe usable for a single season.. IMO, don't even bother with a bike less than around $400.
A few years ago my wife and I bought 5 speed bicycles at Walmart, paying around $250 for the pair. Like you, we just got them to ride around the neighborhood. Wife got back problems and couldn't ride hers any more so we gave hers to a friend's little girl and she's still riding it today. I sold mine for $80 about a year ago and it was doing fine when I let it go. Talked to the buyer a couple months ago and said the bike is getting plenty of use and doing fine. If you're wanting to do a lot of riding, like my cousin riding 30-50 miles a day 2 or 3 days a week, I wouldn't get one of these. But just for riding around town or something, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. No need to spend more.
OP here...I'm back and think I've found a source for various bikes...
Which is better (or pros and cons) coaster brakes or hand brakes?
Thanks.
Definitely hand brakes...much more responsive...
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