Bicycles

[georgy.livejournal.com]

I'm looking to buy a bicycle. I don't want to do the time-consuming CL rigamarole. I know there are a few places in town (the place in Powderhouse Sq., Ace Wheelworks, Park Ave. Bicycle on Somerville Ave -- any others?) but I don't know a lot about the difference between them, which place is best, etc. What I'm looking for is a dependable hybrid bike that will get me around the city and the bike path for less than $200 (and the less, the better!). So, does anyone recommend one place over another?

Or, failing that, does anyone have a bike to sell? :-)

Thanks.

Comments

[ellf.livejournal.com]

You're apt to regret a sub-$200 bike, especially if you're buying it from a store. It is going to have cheap, breakable parts, won't hold up well to commuting, and won't ride well. If you just want to ride on Saturdays, you might get a few years out of a clunker, but in the long run you'll save money by purchasing something a bit more reliable -- think $300-$400.

That said:

Ace Wheelworks is a "big bike store" -- they have a large range of bikes, but they are not going to do much besides sell you a bike from the shelf, and build it up. Don't expect much, but you can find the less expensive rides here.

Paramount is the place in Powerhouse. Tyler, the owner, is very talented and very honest. However, he largely sells in the $800+ range, with the exception of some of his used bikes. He is easily the best mechanic and general cycle guy in the area, though.

No experience with the Park Ave.

[turil.livejournal.com]

I bought a cheapy used old-style mountain bike (no silly shocks) at Park Sales for $75 about 5 years ago. It was a decent, solid Trek that I added skinny tires (which I got free from a trashpicked bike) to make it a good hybrid for short touring trips. Carl, the owner is a good old Somerville townie guy.

I was there the other day and didn't see much selection of used bikes, but there may be some on the second floor.

Oh, and if you are a MassBike member, don't forget to tell the shop so you can get your discount! Most shops give the MassBike discount, actually.