Well I've been reading up for awhile about what bike to get, but haven't had much luck...
I am a college student, and although I have the money to buy a nice bike, I don't want to invest that kinda money until I'm out of college, mainly being because of theft around here (i got to ucsb). That being said, my price range is $200-300. Whenever I see a post w/ this price range, all I every see is "save up 100-200 more and u'll get a lot more for ur money." While this may be true, I'd rather not have a flashy bike that will more likely be stolen. I just want a bike that won't break on me. I'll be riding everyday to school and back (only 5 miles), and plan on going up to the moutains once every week or two. I won't be doing anything crazy, yet.
I've called many LBS around my area, and all seem not to have any used bikes, or 03-04' models. Only 05'. I did however find a Trek 4500 for $200. Not sure the year, etc though. It was at a different location so I didn't get to see it. But so far, that one is the only one that has caught my eye.
There was a Giant Boulder, for $229 (new). None of the stores had the Boulder SE, which is more what I'm looking for, I think. I also saw a Gary Fisher tarpon for $289 and a Specialized Hardrock Sport for $330.
I figured LBS's prices would be a LITTLE better then MSRP, but all of them were right on.
So what bike would you guys recommend? I would like a bike that isn't totally crap and is upgradable. Seems most of these bikes only had Atlus or Acera parts.....execpt the used 4500. What exactly should I be looking for in a used bike?
EDIT: Just called another place and they had a used Boulder se for $189. Would this be a good bike to start w/?
EDIT2: I don't know if Copland sports counts as a LBS, but they have Haro v4 for $350, v3 for $300, and v2 for $250. Just looking at the components, these seem to be a very good deal. What are ur opinions on these bikes?
I am a college student, and although I have the money to buy a nice bike, I don't want to invest that kinda money until I'm out of college, mainly being because of theft around here (i got to ucsb). That being said, my price range is $200-300. Whenever I see a post w/ this price range, all I every see is "save up 100-200 more and u'll get a lot more for ur money." While this may be true, I'd rather not have a flashy bike that will more likely be stolen. I just want a bike that won't break on me. I'll be riding everyday to school and back (only 5 miles), and plan on going up to the moutains once every week or two. I won't be doing anything crazy, yet.
I've called many LBS around my area, and all seem not to have any used bikes, or 03-04' models. Only 05'. I did however find a Trek 4500 for $200. Not sure the year, etc though. It was at a different location so I didn't get to see it. But so far, that one is the only one that has caught my eye.
There was a Giant Boulder, for $229 (new). None of the stores had the Boulder SE, which is more what I'm looking for, I think. I also saw a Gary Fisher tarpon for $289 and a Specialized Hardrock Sport for $330.
I figured LBS's prices would be a LITTLE better then MSRP, but all of them were right on.
So what bike would you guys recommend? I would like a bike that isn't totally crap and is upgradable. Seems most of these bikes only had Atlus or Acera parts.....execpt the used 4500. What exactly should I be looking for in a used bike?
EDIT: Just called another place and they had a used Boulder se for $189. Would this be a good bike to start w/?
EDIT2: I don't know if Copland sports counts as a LBS, but they have Haro v4 for $350, v3 for $300, and v2 for $250. Just looking at the components, these seem to be a very good deal. What are ur opinions on these bikes?