What’s a good commuter bicycle for college?

I have a bike but it is totally falling apart and I would like to use a bike to help me get into shape, as a year of only walking and using a treadmill is getting dull.

I am 5 feet 3 inches and would be using the bike at least 3-5 days of the week going to class, 6 miles each day, maybe a bit more, so relative comfort is important. I would like it to be able to handle inclines (not sharp ones, though). I'm not totally athletic yet but I doubt I would have much of a problem with the inclines, but a little help would be nice

I don't know much about bikes and how universal they are, but I would like it to have a rack attached to the back or at least the capability of having a small rack attached. (I'd probably just use my book bag but just in case...) Not a necessity, though.

I would also like it to have both front and rear wheel brakes.

And here's where the problem comes in... I have a budget of 0, but perhaps I could swing 0. So that pretty much knocks out the models in bike stores.

I've already been looking but since I'm a bicycle novice, number of gears don't mean much to me, nor do the tire heights, though I think the bike I have now is a 24" mountain bike, and I think it's a 10-speed (it's old). I've heard that people who are an inch or two taller than me have a bit of trouble with 26", so I kind of want to stay in the 24" range unless the seat on a particular 26" can be really lowered.

I tried doing all the research myself but now I just feel overwhelmed and I know there are people out there who know WAY more about bikes than I do! Thanks so much in advance for any suggestions!

1. I happen to have a 15" Specialized HardRock (26" wheel) that I bought used last year. It turned out to be too small for me (I’m 5’6"). It is a terrific little commuter. It’s outfitted with fenders, upgraded shifting, smooth tires, and a high-quality wheelset (my husband, the bike mechanic, set me up!) I think it would be the correct size for you. It has rack mounts, too, and pedals included (they’re just flat–no clips) For $200 you can take it off my hands I live in Issaquah–come out for Salmon Days and take the bike home this weekend! (just kidding!)

   Otherwise, check out REI for sales/outlet. Craigslist is tough to find a good deal…but it can be done.

   Let me know if you are interested–send me an email (via the group) and I can send you a picture or further information.

   Good luck!

   ~Erica

2. I think I can help you out!

   First off, bikes with 24" wheels would be mountain bikes meant for girls. Even though you are of average height, you need a bike with 26" wheels if you are going for a mountain style bike. With road style bikes, you would either get a 650 or 700 sized wheels. Many bikes made specifically for women use slightly small wheels (the 650) so that the top tube is low enough for shorter women to clear safely. You need to be more concerned with the size of the frame, not the wheels. At your height, depending on your inseam, you should easily be able to find a bike that fits you. If you try to buy a department store bike, they often come in only one size, and that may be why you think you need a 24" bike.

   For gears, most bikes now typically come with anywhere from 21 to 30 speeds, meaning there are three "gears" in the front of the bike, and seven to ten in the back. Any of these will be fine for you purposes, but the main difference you will find is that mountain bikes have more "easy" gears for going up hill, and road bikes add more "hard" gears for gaining speed when cruising along on flats and downhill.

   If you want to attach racks and/or panniers to your bike, you need a model that has something called braze-ons. These are just little circular nubs welded onto the frame that allow you to attach racks and such. These are pretty common now on mountain, comfort, and hybrid styles, as well as road bikes made specifically for commuting.

   So, go take a look at bike shops and see what they have that fits your needs. If you shop around, you just might find what you are looking for in your price range, as this time of the year they are all trying to get rid of the 2008 models. I picked up a low-end Giant mountain bike 1/3 off a few months ago, so it cost me a whole $200 and it didn’t come from a dept. store. Anyway, a hybrid combines the more upright riding style of a mountain bike or cruiser, has wider tires that a road bike for comfort and the occasional venture through grass or gravel, but are narrower than the big aggressive ones found on a mountain bike. They usually have braze-ons for racks, and plenty of gears for the occasional hill. These can be a bit dorky looking, but do the job.

3. Don’t worry too much !

   And don’t be baffled by all the technicalities! Any bike can be used for commuting; The important thing is, find a bike that fits!

   In your case though, you will need gears (10 or more is fine) and avoid rear suspension Mountainbikes(and BMX’s of course!). Even a department store bike will suit you.

   At some point you may want to change the tyres from the knobbly ones to ones with far less tread (slicks even!) this will enable you to travel faster on the road with less effort.

   18-30 Miles a week will mean you will have to perform simple maintenance on your bike, buy a small book on bicycle repair so you at least know how to change a tube (in the event of punctures) basic lubrication etc.

   I hope this helps.

   .

4. I think you should consider a "beach cruiser" bike for the following reasons:

   They are very inexpensive (try getting a second-hand one on craigslist, sometimes people are moving and just give them away!)

   They usually have just one speed, which is fine for a beginner…you just stand up on the pedals and pump you’re legs when going up hill (like a child does on a regular kid’s bike).

   One speed means less of a chance of the gears getting messed up

   They put you in an upright riding position (easy on the back) and you can see traffic better, and they often have nice padded seats. (like a ‘comfort’ bike, but much cheaper).

   They often have old fashioned balloon tires that make the ride comfortable, can easily handle a rack in back or a basket in front.

   If you find a second-hand one, you can then take it into a local bike shop to have it ‘tuned-up’, if needed (greasing the chain, getting tires/gears)

   Do a google search for "beach cruiser" and you can see the style that I’m talking about…Good luck!

5. Children Bikes, Boys and Girls Bikes with Stabilisers…

   I found your entry interesting thus I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog …