Another Bike Question

[Holton181]

So, I'm looking for a city bike. My wife, a former triathlete, recomended this bike shop to buy the bike, so we went. After hearing my needs (realitivley inexpensive, great for going ten blocks to the grocery store, or on a bike path every now and then, the guy at the shop suggested this. I think it's a cool bike, don't get me wrong, but the salesman in me knows to do some research before listening to one "expert's" opinion.

What do you say bike lovers, $300 a decent amount to spend on a knock around bike? Is Jamis a good brand?

[redbike]

So, I'm looking for a city bike. My wife, a former triathlete, recomended this bike shop to buy the bike, so we went. After hearing my needs (realitivley inexpensive, great for going ten blocks to the grocery store, or on a bike path every now and then, the guy at the shop suggested this. I think it's a cool bike, don't get me wrong, but the salesman in me knows to do some research before listening to one "expert's" opinion.

What do you say bike lovers, $300 a decent amount to spend on a knock around bike? Is Jamis a good brand?

For what you want, it'll be fine. The store gets points for not trying to sell you one that cost 3x as much. Good luck.

jim

[MotoMike]

I don't see if it has braze ons for rack and panier. if you are using it for shopping, it would be good to be able to load it a bit. Other than that I say it would be a good starter bike for commuting. the upright position takes weight off your hands and wrists and makes a straight bar acceptable. usually an upright seating position causes your spine to take road shock. but with your plump seat and shock adsorber seat post you will probably be ok. a bit soft seat is ok for short rides, but if you get to where you are putting real miles on, it will be counter productive and uncomfortable. if you are going to be climbing hills you might find the gearing lacking. also if you are commuting, you might make sure that there is room for fenders which will allow you to install them if you so desire.

good luck

[greenerock]

I have an Electra Townie 21 speed and really like it. You sit more upright but it's very comfortable. You wouldn't use it for long distances but I got it for around town or the bike trail

http://www.electrabike.com/townie/

[kongjie]

$250-$300 is the range for many entry-level "comfort" bikes. These are the ones where you're sitting up nice and straight.

I think if you go with a decent manufacturer, most of these are going to be comparable. One thing you could look at is if any other models/brands offer any accessories you might need:

lights?
bell?
fenders?
rear rack?

And of course you'll need some kind of lock.

With a few exceptions, it is hard to get stock commuting fenders on any bikes, and in this price range it should be almost impossible. For carrying your groceries you can either go with a rear rack and panniers as suggested above, or you can just wear a backpack, which is what I usually do.

Depending on where you live, craigslist might be the best bet. There are going to be people who bought a bike like this and want to upgrade, and there are going to be people who thought they were going to change their lifestyle and pedal everywhere, and aren't. Between those 2 groups there is a good chance you can get something nice used.

[_JP_]

Giant and TREK both make city bikes that I like. Both brands have proved to be very well built and reliable over the years. Expect to pay $400 to $500 for a nice one in either brand.

[Suzuki]

If you buy a bike with a MSRP of less than $300, you're almost certainly getting a piece of junk.

I hate to say this, but you get what you pay for and for less than $300 for a new bike, you're buying something that's almost certainly made from inferior materials (as opposed to simply entry-level).

Jamis makes good bikes - its a lesser known brand without the marketing machinery of Trek or Specialized and they typically represent good value for the money.

This is exactly the sort of entry-level commuter that should suit your purposes - if you want something better down the road, you can still keep this one for trips to the grocery store, as its less likely to get swiped than a fancier bike.

I also agree that you should check into whether you can attach racks - critical if you want to carry lots of groceries.

[Samovar]

I would suggest a
Trek Soho one speed at 549$
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...an/soho/sohos/

It's a all around nice city bike, perfect for shopping.

Even better, why not an Africabike by Kona?
http://www.konaworld.com/08_africabike_c.htm

[Mysterion]

I don't see if it has braze ons for rack and panier... if you are going to be climbing hills you might find the gearing lacking. also if you are commuting, you might make sure that there is room for fenders which will allow you to install them if you so desire.

I also agree that you should check into whether you can attach racks - critical if you want to carry lots of groceries.

The frame has double rear eyelets for rack and fenders, and plenty of clearance. The fork has eyelets for fenders, too. (You've gotta look really hard at the photograph to see them.)

With a 42-tooth chainring and what looks like a 32-tooth cassette, gearing should be low enough for a DC grocery-getter. It's not that hilly.

Finally, please leave room in your budget for a helmet. Then adjust it properly and wear it every time you ride. No excuses.

[Suzuki]

.

Finally, please leave room in your budget for a helmet. Then adjust it properly and wear it every time you ride. No excuses.

Good point - I've been hit twice by cars - once hard enough to total my bike!

[robertw]

I have a bike with the in-post suspension. I think it's gimicky. The wide fat seats are nice for shorter rides but anything long tends to sit (no pun intended) badly with me. Of course, YMMV but, I'd look for something better in the post and seat.

[Spikestrip]

It's difficult to buy much of a bike for $300.

I owned a Jamis once and it was OK. This model looks to be comparable to other $300 bikes.

If you begin to ride more than once in a while, you'll find yourself wanting a better bike.

All good advise above. Absolutely spend for a good quality helmet.

Spike

[tm3]

So, I'm looking for a city bike. My wife, a former triathlete, recomended this bike shop to buy the bike, so we went. After hearing my needs (realitivley inexpensive, great for going ten blocks to the grocery store, or on a bike path every now and then, the guy at the shop suggested this. I think it's a cool bike, don't get me wrong, but the salesman in me knows to do some research before listening to one "expert's" opinion.

What do you say bike lovers, $300 a decent amount to spend on a knock around bike? Is Jamis a good brand?

bike quality goes up in big incremental jumps with each $100 spent, up to maybe $1000 or so and then the differences are not as large. meaning that a $600 bike is going to be very different from a $300 bike, but there is not going to be that much difference going from $2000 to $2300.

so i would say try to increase your budget. you are going to love riding it and will spend a lot of time on it, so get a nice one.

imo you are on the right track with the type of bike. too much marketing is aimed at getting recreational riders on bikes designed for lance armstrong, often creating an uncomfortable and not very enjoyable result.

if possible, take a look at the Rans "crank forward" bikes. pretty innovative design.

[Holton181]

I'm so confused about prices, and what makes a good bike... For example, there's a $200 difference between the 1.0 and the 2.0 commuter models for Jamis, and I really can't see a difference between the two. What should I look for in a commuter?

[Samovar]

If money was no object, that is what I would get!
http://www.antbikemike.com/
ANT bike Alternative Needs Transportation are so nice.

[tm3]

I'm so confused about prices, and what makes a good bike... For example, there's a $200 difference between the 1.0 and the 2.0 commuter models for Jamis, and I really can't see a difference between the two. What should I look for in a commuter?

in general, more money in a bike buys better components (drivetrain, wheels, etc.) and overall lighter weight. this can make for a more enjoyable ride, better durabilty, and less maintainance. example: some of the townie bikes weigh around 40 pounds, while an upper end Rans approaches 20 pounds.

it might be a good idea to have the bike store take you through the differences as they can show you.

you want to make sure that you have a good fit on the bike, which a good store can provide. you want to make sure that you have low enough gearing for where you are going to be riding as you can hurt yourself (and hate the experience) if you are trying to push gears that are too high up a hill.

[Mysterion]

If money was no object, that is what I would get!
http://www.antbikemike.com/
ANT bike Alternative Needs Transportation are so nice.

Ant Bike Mike builds some delicious stuff, and I like the Boston bike mafia connection--I've got an early Indy Fab Crown Jewel. I do question the wisdom of a $3K "lock up" bike; the only place I'd lock that thing is between my legs.

I considered an ANT touring custom a few months back, but couldn't resist a NOS Heron Wayfarer frame, which I built up over the winter. Bringing the total to 6. Or is it 7?

[Mr. Gillette]

I would suggest a
Trek Soho one speed at 549$
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...an/soho/sohos/

It's a all around nice city bike, perfect for shopping.

Even better, why not an Africabike by Kona?
http://www.konaworld.com/08_africabike_c.htm

My father would have something to say about this:

"You look like a DAMN FOOL on that thing...that's a GIRL'S Bike!"

[Samovar]

The difference in price is often based on the component quality. Shimano produces very cheap part for Walmart type bike and some mind blowing groups like XTR or Dura Ace. Often you will get the same frame, but a different group. The quality of tires or saddle might add to the price. My saddle alone is worth 150$ and my pedals about 100$.

What is a good commuter, well it depends how far you are going. My main commuter is a cyclo-cross bicycle with pannier in the back. I spend the rest of the time on my brakeless track bike with a messenger bag. The cyclo-cross is a super plush ride and a perfect long distance bike.

A very simple bike that is fun to ride, will be better than an expensive bike that you are afraid to lock outside a movie theatre.

How fast do you want to get there? Remember that skinny tires are super fast, but you will feel every crack in the pavement.

You want a commuter to let you hook up a basket, have fenders and be unbreakable.
My best commuter ever was a sturdy Dutch Gazelle bike

I'm so confused about prices, and what makes a good bike... For example, there's a $200 difference between the 1.0 and the 2.0 commuter models for Jamis, and I really can't see a difference between the two. What should I look for in a commuter?

[DrRansom]

For what you want, it'll be fine. The store gets points for not trying to sell you one that cost 3x as much. Good luck.

jim

+1

For a knock around bike and short recreational rides that bike will be perfect and with appropriate maintenance the components should remain serviceable for some time. The big difference between the Commuter 1 and Commuter 2 is the component group, there is little if any difference in the frame (other than color). If you have the money, go for the Commuter 2, it has a little nicer components. Also do yourself a favor and have the bike shop replace the p.o.s. adjustable stem with a good fixed stem. Good luck and remember to keep the rubber side down!