Looking for a leisure bicycle to ride on a road/park etc. (Pearland: sale)

[alamakota]

Does anyone know any bike shops in the Pearland area? I'd like to stay in under the $300 budget and just totally feel unskilled/unqualified just to go out to Academy Sports or Wallmart and pick up a bike... I'd love to receive some professional help with pickig up a bike which I could use daily after work and take a ride around the area on pavement and off-road in parks on weekends (hate running). Any suggestions/ideas are appreciated!

[vegankris]

I have no idea about cycling in Pearland because I cycle in the loop, but I can give you suggestions on where to buy a bike. First, do not buy a bike from a big box store. They are poorly assembled and you will not get any professional help in choosing a bike.

If you are willing to drive into the loop, I would suggest Blue Line Bikes in the Heights. The guys that work there are super helpful and will help you find a good bike in your price range. The other place I would suggest is Bikesport. They are in what I believe is the River Oaks area. We have bought a bike from each place and I would highly recommend both.

I could give you brands and models of bikes to consider, but you can get that information from the guys at the bike stores. Plus, they will let you try out the bikes before you buy one.

[d2mini]

At that price point, you dont have much choice in bikes, especially at a private bike shop.
But at least you'll know the bike is put together correctly and is safe to ride, unlike the big box stores.
Bike Barn will probably give you the biggest selection.

If you are in the River Oaks area, you can't beat West End Bikes.

[Sampaguita]

If after research you really know what you want, try Craigslist.

I picked up a Specialized Hotrock for DS and a Specialized Globe last year for myself at more than half of current retail ($60 for a $220 Hotrock and $215 for a $440 Globe). Although both were 2 yrs old, they were in barely used condition. I took them to our LBS which is a Specialized store and they looked them over and pronounced them in great condition.

[Houston_2010]

You may also find a bike shop (Cyclone Cycles, REI, Bike Barn, Bicycle World) with sale on last year's models. When I bough my road bike a couple of years ago they had taken about $500 off just because it was "last year's model" and needed to get rid of it to bring new year's inventory. I got a Raleigh comfort bike for my husband at the old West U Cycles (Bicycle World) for around $300.

Every store will also market different brands. I know Bike Barn is big on selling Specialized brand. Other stores have other varieties. Make sure it's a good fit and try it out. Also make sure you spare some cash to get yourself a helmet and gloves!

[tstone]

If you're in the Clear Lake area, there's a Bike Barn. Also you could check out Webster Bicycle. $300 for the bike itself is likely impossible though.

[Hawk11ns]

Originally Posted by alamakota

Does anyone know any bike shops in the Pearland area? I'd like to stay in under the $300 budget and just totally feel unskilled/unqualified just to go out to Academy Sports or Wallmart and pick up a bike... I'd love to receive some professional help with pickig up a bike which I could use daily after work and take a ride around the area on pavement and off-road in parks on weekends (hate running). Any suggestions/ideas are appreciated!

I wouldn't listen to all these posters touting that you should go to a local bike shop. I have been to numerous local bike shops and never found so much as a beach cruiser for less than $399 which is ridiculous!! They charge out the you know what.

You need to find a larger store that has an expert bike shop in it; this will keep your costs down. I bought a bike from REI for a steal ($349 against a price of $599). Also, performance bicycle has a lot of good deals. I imagine that there is a Sports Authority in your area. Check them out. Another place is Sun and Ski Sports. They have pro bike shops there too.

Definitely avoid Wal-Mart, Target, and Academy. Target has nice looking bikes (Schwinn) but they are of extremely poor quality!
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