Bike Recommendations

[nkotb]

I woke up this morning to find my bike stolen from my yard.  It's not too much of a bust (the bike was a mountain bike from Target that set me back $45 more than a year ago), but now I'm in the market for a slight upgrade.
 
 I don't need anything too fancy; I generally only use it to get from home to work and back, which is about a 3.5 mile trip each way, and occassionaly a trip around town.  I'd like to keep it relatively reasonable too, although I know absolutely nothing about buying a bike.  Any suggestions?

[ratioci nation]

i bet if you take a stroll around your neighborhood you will find somebody offering a great deal on a bike a lot like your old one  

[brennser]

where markie and chimbley when you need em?
 
 I would try Craiglist first.....lots of people trying to offload impulse purchases/stolen goods at a fraction of the price

[godsshoeshine]

craigs list or pawn shop

[thirsty moore]

Sorry to hear that your bike was stolen.  That is infuriating.  So you're not looking for anything fancy.  
 
 What do you consider reasonable pricewise?  Below $700?
 
 

Originally posted by nkotb:
  I don't need anything too fancy; I generally only use it to get from home to work and back, which is about a 3.5 mile trip each way, and occassionaly a trip around town.  I'd like to keep it relatively reasonable too, although I know absolutely nothing about buying a bike.  Any suggestions?

[nkotb]

Thanks for the tips, and I'll definitely see what kind of deals I can find, but I really need suggestions of what I should look for in a bike.  The past two bikes I had were both department store floors models, and were purchased because they were quick and cheap.  I know absolutely nothing about anything else.

[brennser]

get a hybrid type bike....mountain bikes are too slow for commuting, roadies too uncomfortable, but its all down to personal preference
 
 or buy a mountain bike and put slicks on it
 
 if the main goal is to get from A to B and thats only 3.5 miles theres no need for anything too fancy
 
 I commute 17-20 miles a day and my wife got me  this for xmas - I think it was around $500 - its fine and I have not experienced any of the spoke problems mentioned in these reviews and I am not gentle with it

[Dr. Anton Phibes]

I'm very happy with my Trek I purchased at Spokes in Vienna,I don't ride much and wasn't willing to spend a ton of cash.....I would hit a Spokes or a Performance Bicycles,etc. and just tell them what you're willing to spend and what your needs are and let them hook you up......gotta be comfortable or it just ain't worth it!....

[Herr Professor Doktor Doom]

The Specialized Sirrus is a nice bike, although it sounds like it might be more than you're willing to spend.

[poorlulu]

If Markie ever read the board he would probably recommend this:  <img src="http://www.hiawathacyclery.com/blog/wp-content/25Feb2006redline925_1.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 The Redline 9-2-5. No gears and around $500.
 
 Personally I would steer well clear of craigslist and second hand bikes in general until I was more bike savvy. There are so many scam artists offering there shimanoe $3000 top of the range bikes for $600 when in reality the bike only cost $400 and is 5 years old.

[dfmcpete]

poorlulu, funny you mention the redline. I spent like a weekend on bike boards/mag sites, etc., and, though I haven't bought one, that model was the clear frontrunner. I believe citybikes in DC carries them. Dig the fenders!

[HoyaSaxa03]

Originally posted by poorlulu:
 Personally I would steer well clear of craigslist and second hand bikes in general until I was more bike savvy.

what websites would you guys recommend for bike reviews and whatnot?

[ggw]

Originally posted by HoyaSaxa08:
   

Originally posted by poorlulu:
 Personally I would steer well clear of craigslist and second hand bikes in general until I was more bike savvy.

what websites would you guys recommend for bike reviews and whatnot? [/b]

www.930.com

[RatBastard]

Check my PM to you.  I may be able to help you with a deal on a bike.

[Frank Gallagher]

I agree with the decent mtb then put some slicks on it.....because I can almost guarantee that once you start riding a decent bike, you'll start taking the long way home.....then going out for rides during the nice evenings.....then getting up early on the weekend for a spin....then before you know it you'll be getting withdrawal symptons if you don't get 150+ miles in per week. And it would suck for you to have to upgrade yet again once the bike-bug bites you.
 
 I've had a trek 850 for years and the only thing it's needed are new brake pads, so for mtb's I'd have to say I'm a trekkie    , although I love the Kona "Jake The Snake" but can't justify buying one myself as long as my Trek keeps rolling along. Roadbikes are a different story, but you don't want one of those as a commuter anyway.