I want a bike for college

steve21 · #1 04-13-2008, 01:32 PM

So, I visited my campus for next year yesterday, UCSD.

It's a beautiful campus that I can REALLY see myself at... which brings up the matter of transportation. I don't really see much need to bring my car down with me (If I change my mind and it is needed it's really easy to bring it down, of course) cause UCSD students get free access to the bus to go into San Diego from La Jolla anyways, and gas (and parking up there) is so expensive... it hardly seems worth it. But I still want a way to get around campus/La Jolla, so I want a bike. A decent bike, but one that won't be a huge target sign for getting stolen preferably, and that isn't too expensive. A comfortable ride, and one I use for at least a few years.

If it's any help at all, I'm about 5'7" and 210ish lbs (although, if all keeps going well, it will continue dropping).

Thanks in advance!

IconBasser · #2 04-13-2008, 01:48 PM

get a nice 10 speed.

FL Knifemaker · #3 04-13-2008, 01:53 PM

Steve,

I sold the two serious mountain bikes I had and bought a Specialized Crossroads Elite. It's got a very easy, upright riding position. It's very well made for the price and VERY easy to ride long distances. My days of hard core bikes are over and the Crossroads keeps my happy!!

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...d=08Crossroads

dangnewt · #4 04-13-2008, 04:44 PM

Craigslist - I can't believe the quality and prices of bikes there. Bikes are a lot like basses in terms of the price/value curve except that while I have purchased and played a new bass that cost less than $200 new; I wouldn't recommend buying a bike that cost less than $250 or so new. Especially with us big guys (I'm 200+ myself), you want the brakes beefy enough to stop you and the drivetrain stong enough to take some pounding.

You probably also want to keep it simple - a front suspension fork is not needed for around campus but if you really like the bike and it is a good price - go for it. Avoid a dual suspension bike.

In general, any of the big names make decent bike at all the price points - Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Giant.

Lastly, please buy a good NEW helmet that fits - you, your folks and the State of California are making a big investment in your brain - you can spare at least $50 to insure that investment against injury.

fdeck · #5 04-13-2008, 04:57 PM

+1 to above. Especially in a college town, it will be very easy to find a decent second-hand bike.

I live a few blocks from the University of Wisconsin, and I commuted by bike to my teaching job for a semester. Now heed my words: Get a bike that's not worth stealing or vandalizing. It might sound strange, but even seats get stolen, so replace the quick release seat post with a nut and bolt.

Another thing to note is that in a college town, bikes are somewhat of a religion, so people will do things that don't seem to make the most sense, such as operating second-hand bike parts stores. Familiarize yourself with those resources.

Here's my geezer ride: