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

Broadway or BNB!

[turil.livejournal.com]

Either go to Broadway Bikes in Cambridge and get a used bike that's been fixed up to be a commuter bike or go to Bikes Not Bombs in JP and do the same thing. Both places will have a decent selection, though this time of year is the worst for buying bikes, since everyone is doing it (well, all the recreational bicyclists, anyway). I'm not sure about prices, but I'm guessing they might be in the $200 range for a really well built bike that will last you, and will come with at least a one year warrantee on repairs.

Alternately, check out Goodwill, in Davis. Ask Wayne (the tall skinny, friendly guy with black hair who is the manager there) when the deliveries come in, and then get there early, so you have a decent selection. Bring someone who knows about bikes with you and find something that will only need a few small repairs to get it in solid condition. Take it to Broadway or Wheelworks, or wherever, and get it checked out and fixed up. All told this route could cost you less than $50 or upwards of $100 depending on the repairs it needs.

Re: Broadway or BNB!

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

Seconded here for Bikes Not Bombs in JP. Plus it's up the street from the Sam Adams Brewery :) Beyond that I've never bought a hybrid so I'm afraid I'm not much help.

Re: Broadway or BNB!

[dawneliz.livejournal.com]

Thirds for BNB. Not only decent bike selection, but rockin' folks who do amazing community work. Their annual bike-a-thon is Sunday June 11. Wicked fun.