Inexpensive bike recommendations

[stioc]

I'm not much of a biker. I've had a Univega 900 MTB and it's been a decent bike for putting around here and there. Prior to that I had a Schwinn roadie from Walmart- that about sums up my adulthood bike experience

My gf just got a Schwinn Searcher hybrid because her cheapo Giant started having issues. The Searcher is a nice bike and looks good too. This prompted me to think about upgrading my bike but I can't find what I want. What I'm looking for is a bike that is effortless to ride but can handle rugged terrain. My objective is to have a bike that I can ride on the bike paths, beaches etc. but could also bring it with me when going offroad...mainly as a lifeline back to civilization should I suffer a major mechanical issue with the truck. I even thought about a small dirt bike on a hitch carrier but the weight and practicality of one is a bit questionable.

I guess if I were to envision a bike to meet by needs it would be a lighter aluminum framed city/commuter bike with just slightly wider and slightly knobbier tires on it and gearing that can handle steep inclines without totally wearing me out. Thoughts? suggestions?

 

[jscusmcvet]

I would look to one of major manufacturers and get a very basic hard tail. Better yet a one speed. Keep it as simple as possible. Head to your local bike shop and brainstorm with them a bit.

 

[apalmer]

What's your budget?

 

[JHa6av8r]

I got a Trek DS (Dual Sport), 8.4 to be specific, to do just what you describe. I think there are 7 models in the DS line that will fit any budget. At home I use it for my exercise and getting around the neighborhood bike. It gets loaded on the back of my rig when we go camping and does just fine for what I do off road.

 

[stioc]

Not sure about a one speed for all uphill/downhill terrain we have here even if riding on the bike paths.

The budget is around $500.

The Trek DS looks very promising, thanks for the model recommendation!

 

[jscusmcvet]

Just came across these bikes. Good reviews for the low cost:

http://bamfbikes.com/

 

[ywen]

www.bikesdirect.com great service and you get more for $500 than what you get from a local shop

At the price you're targeting.. any bike you get is just a bunch of components bolted to a frame.. there won't be much difference between the various brands of frames available at that prices range

 

[stioc]

Thanks guys. I guess the bike I'm looking for is either a hybrid or a comfort then? I was checking out nashbar too but I really want to sit on a bike because supposedly it's 70% fit and 30% bike.

 

[Silver dude]

Like a cyclecross bike? Half way between a road bike and a mountain bike. Search for them on bikesdirect.com in the road bike section to get examples. Efficiency of a road bike, ability to head offroad.

 

[Flagster]

While a cross bike could be a great option for bikepaths and the occasional dirt, I wouldn't recommend a cross bike if you are hitting beaches...and it a pretty niche setup for the multi purpose role you are describing.
They are great for city commuting as many non race frames support racks/panniers...and handle the occasional dirt just fine but if you plan on bombing around rocky single track they won't be much fun.

My suggestion would be a older steel or aluminum Mountain bike off craigslist...in socal you should have a great selection...like a trek 930 vintage late 90s...I used to have a couple of these built up and commuted for two years in Seattle on a single speed frankentrek...
You can pick up a nice older MTB for around 2-300 bucks with quality components...like shimano or suntour...and have enough money for a second set of wheels that you could throw on some fatty street tires.
Just my .02

 

[stioc]

@Flagster, I have a Univega 900 (aluminum) MTB which is a decent bike, just feels heavy and has small tires (27"?). As of late I can't shift to the lowest gears because I thought "Deraulier adjustment ought to speed up gear changes" oops, it showed me :smilies27

 

[Flagster]

The Univega DS 900 is the only model I can google. If yours is the full suspension model I am seeing I am not surprised it is heavy. Low end full suspension bikes are anchors. I would guess it has 26" wheels. Don't discount this size. I know the rage is all 29er this and that but for everyday riding you ain't gonna notice IMO. I still prefer a 26" wheel but that is just me.

As for the shifting, bike mechanics is pretty simple...I taught myself when I was younger by taking apart my dads bikes and building them back up. Broke some stuff and was frustrated a bunch but now I never go to a shop for service...my truck is a different story Most everything you can find on you tube/google. Derailleurs are pretty simple to adjust if you just set the limits correctly.

 

[ywen]

Check out this bike.. it will handle some singletrack, dirt trails, and pavement.. you can also buy a set of cheap slicks for it and go real fast on pavement..

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/zilla.htm

 

[ZMagic97]

I myself have a Diamondback hardtail and paid about $450 for it. I have had it for about 4 years with zero issues. It has been great on dirt trails, riding paths, and pavement. I highly recommend one of their bikes. I bought a Diamondback hybrid for my girlfriend for Christmas and she loves it. We usually do 10-50 mile rides.

 

[cyclist]

If you don't know anything about bikes don't buy from bikesdirect, yes you get better parts for the money but you will then need to pay to get it put together and serviced which your local shop will not be happy about. If you want to learn about bikes buying used can be a good option, if you never want to think about it go to the local shop that treats you the best and pay for not having to think about it. As a bike shop employee, if you bring in a bikes direct bike and ask me to assemble it I am going to charge at least $100 and not be happy about it because that is cutting into our core business. I have much less issue with used bikes the prior owner either bought a new bike or doesn't like riding so this doesn't affect our business. If buying used be careful on sizing, the seller will have little incentive to try and make sure the bike fits you properly, and that is often impossible or expensive to fix if you get it wrong.

As for the type question, a hybrid will be better around town and on paths as it will have a more upright position and faster tires. If you envision riding on any real 4wd trails you will want a real mtb, a $500ish hardtail will be fine. The mtb will be heavier and slower on the road than a hybrid but will be much more durable and comfortable off road.