[MSahimi]

ok, so here's my dilemma:

I currently own a 26", 21-speed, dual suspension mountain bike that I got for a birthday three years ago that I've barely ridden. I'm planning on selling it and buying a lighter road/commuter bike so I can bike to school, get some exercise, and save gas money.

My school is six miles away, making it a twelve mile journey each day, 4-5 days a week. I'm 5'9", a tiny bit chubby (not very much, just belly), and I have exercise asthma.

So I'm looking for a lightweight road/commuter bike that I can use to bike to school that won't cost too much (under $300). My budget is pretty tight, as I'm an "impoverished" university student.

After a lot of research, I think I've decided on the Forge M Street 19". It's $229 (+shipping) through Target.com, and I can use my employee 10%off discount.


So is this my best choice for my situation? And no, I can't budge on my budget. I've also tried looking at cheap used bikes that may be better, but my stint with craigslist only yielded crap or ripoffs.

Also, I'd be more comfortable with the 19" rather than 17" frame, right.

Thanks!

http://www.forgebikes.com/mstreetbk.asp
http://www.target.com/Forge-Street-Fitness-Urban-Bike/dp/B000LWDHJS/qid=1240798946/ref=br_1_5/187-6657368-5960750?ie=UTF8&node=125446011&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1

 

[Fredrico]

It'll get you there.

ok, so here's my dilemma:

I currently own a 26", 21-speed, dual suspension mountain bike that I got for a birthday three years ago that I've barely ridden. I'm planning on selling it and buying a lighter road/commuter bike so I can bike to school, get some exercise, and save gas money.

My school is six miles away, making it a twelve mile journey each day, 4-5 days a week. I'm 5'9", a tiny bit chubby (not very much, just belly), and I have exercise asthma.

So I'm looking for a lightweight road/commuter bike that I can use to bike to school that won't cost too much (under $300). My budget is pretty tight, as I'm an "impoverished" university student.

After a lot of research, I think I've decided on the Forge M Street 19". It's $229 (+shipping) through Target.com, and I can use my employee 10%off discount.


So is this my best choice for my situation? And no, I can't budge on my budget. I've also tried looking at cheap used bikes that may be better, but my stint with craigslist only yielded crap or ripoffs.

Also, I'd be more comfortable with the 19" rather than 17" frame, right.

Thanks!

No bike costing 229. is going to be a great bike, but aluminum frame and rims, SRAM shifters and derailleurs, stainless steel spokes, WTB saddle, are probably "bike shop" quality. I'd go with the 19 inch frame at your height. I would suspect riding 12 miles each day might very well lessen asthma response, as you get fitter and the immune system is strengthened.

 

[MSahimi]

Cool, I was leaning towards the 19", but just wanted to get some more advice. And that's good, since the 19" is black while the 17" is light blue.

Still, are there any other, perhaps better, bikes in this price range? I want to be extra sure I got the best I can before I buy it...

 

[tihsepa]

Buy it and ride it. It will last a while and you may end up upgrading later on.

Whatever you do get out and enjoy the weather and work on your fitness. You will thank yourself.

 

[Kerry Irons]

Think used

My school is six miles away, making it a twelve mile journey each day, 4-5 days a week. I'm 5'9", a tiny bit chubby (not very much, just belly), and I have exercise asthma.

So is this my best choice for my situation? And no, I can't budge on my budget. I've also tried looking at cheap used bikes that may be better, but my stint with craigslist only yielded crap or ripoffs.

Also, I'd be more comfortable with the 19" rather than 17" frame, right.

You should go back to Craigslist. There are legit people selling bikes, and you can get a WHOLE lot more bike used at your price point. More work for you, but a lot better bike.

 

[Fredrico]

Kerry's definitely right.

For 229. a bike that cost 500. or up a few years ago, could be had. Alot of people buy them, don't ride, and leave them collecting dust in the garage. If the tires look good and the chain is relatevly clean on a 3, 4, 5 year old hybrid, chances are the bike hasn't been ridden much. I see this all the time at the shop I work at. Trek, Specialized, Giant, Cannondale, all have excellent entry level bikes that could be had, used, for your price. K2, Fuji, Schwinn, Mongoose, GT, also make bikes selling, new, in bike shops for just under 300. on sale.

I like your choice, though. It has a solid CRMO steel fork, which could bring it in 50. cheaper than the same bike with a shock fork. Shock forks are a conceit on street bikes. They add unnecessary weight on the front wheel and don't do anything, except cushion the occassional tree root or steel plate, which the tires can do just as well.

 

[Arginine]

About your commute: that's an excellent distance and it'll get you in shape if you do it often enough:thumbsup: