I think what you have would count as an expensive bike. Since you can get a working bike from a place like Walmart for just about 200.
That said, if you are counting what you have in the not too expensive department, I agree completely. I got a pretty good deal on craigs list. Is an older bike, but unless you plan on going competitive, it is hard to go wrong with a quality bike.
> I think what you have would count as an expensive bike. Since you can get a working bike from a place like Walmart for just about 200.
No, that there is a cheap bike. Average bike prices are around $700 or so. An expensive bike is ~ $4K with carbon fiber/titanium frames. Sure, you can get a Walmart bike for $200, those things fall apart very soon and encourage bad posture.
I should have clarified, "to many that view bikes as a toy, a 700 bike is an expensive bike." It is not that I disagree with what you are saying. I just realize there is a majority that does not want to spend more than 200 on a bike. And that isn't "before accessories."
Myself... I just wish I biked more. I don't have the courage to bike the full 14 miles to work, and the 3 miles each way using the train just feels sorta "meh."
I am highly tempted by the bike lights at revolights.com. If anyone has experience with those, I'm all ears.
The type of bike you can get from Walmart shouldn't even be considered in the same category. It may be "working" in that it can roll when it leaves the store, but if you attempt to do any serious miles on it, it will break quickly and/or require inordinate amounts of maintenance.
$200 will get you a pretty nice refurbished bike from the 70s or 80s around here. Used parts are abundant and cheap. Unless you are racing the weight doesn't make a huge difference. Especially as you are just starting out.
That describes my bike perfectly. '86 Trek. I love the thing, but I don't exactly have a lot of experience to rate it against. All of my other bikes were either mountain bikes or Xmart specials. Great for what they were. But not something I'd want to ride every day to work.
of course, I realize I do things wrong by taking advantage of the speed my bike can get. I put the smallest tires I could easily find on them and have been having a blast with how easy hills are. Probably not the safest riding on the planet, but I have learned not to overtake cars if I can avoid it now.
That said, if you are counting what you have in the not too expensive department, I agree completely. I got a pretty good deal on craigs list. Is an older bike, but unless you plan on going competitive, it is hard to go wrong with a quality bike.