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

[charlwoo.livejournal.com]

I'm going to add another vote for Ace Wheelworks. I've found that sometimes they're a little bit snobby depending on who you talk to, but most of the people there are friendly and really know their subject matter. They're thrilled when you show genuine interest in cycling and bicycles, and when they're not busy (mornings are good) they take the time to answer questions thoroughly and make sure that you are as informed as possible. I've never felt pressured to buy anything there, and have gotten good to excellent service and prices.
However, for commuting in Boston, I'd recommend getting something sturdy and tough. Some of these roads are in bad shape -- like the stretch of JFK between Memorial Drive and Harvard Square -- especially in the spring, before potholes and frost heaves have been repaired. Keep in mind that 9 months of subway fare to and from work is about $450 -- which is about what you'd spend on a reasonable bicycle, helmet, lock and lights. So in one cycling season, you've broken even, and a good bicycle will last 10-15 years. And if you commute during the winter (a surreal and excellent experience) you'll break even on the cost of winter cycling clothing after the first year. Every year you commute by bicycle after that is gravy.

[ukelele.livejournal.com]

I do winter commuting on my hybrid, and it works fine (though I pay for some epic tuneups come March ;).