Need advice on buying a bike!

I was in the exact same position as you over the past few months - wanting to get a good bike, not sure what to get, but didn't want to break the bank (i.e. <$500). After several visits to various bike shops and not really seeing anything great, a friend of a friend referred me to Velotech (College, west of Ossington, north side). Chris (who owns the place) builds bikes from scratch, with bikes at various price points, the lowest being $380, and he'll take you through it and let you customize according to what you need. After a few days, voila, it's built and ready for pickup. I've been extremely happy with it so far. The best part is that it's not a flashy bike, but functional, with a very slick matte black frame. Definitely recommend you stop by and check it out.

A good lock will cost a fair bit.

There are some good bikes in that range, maybe the Norco Rideau.
http://www.norco.com/bikes/city-and-path/hybrid-700c/rideau/
There's so much choice in styles, take your time and browse a good bike shop like Urbane.

You could go used for an even better deal, check the ads or ask around.

are consumables.

Look for something that has good tire clearance. The frame should accommodate fenders and rack(little eyelets welded on the frame and fork). You don't need suspension at all...

Look for a frame that has longer chainstays, this make the bike feel more stable and prevents your foot from hitting the panniers(bags) on the back, which you might purchase later.

Consider spending a bit more to get the frame you want. don't spend more for upgraded componentry package yet. You're going to have trouble finding a $500 bike like this, so consider saving a bit more instead of prematurely wasting your $500 on something not worth keeping in a few years.

There are some deals on craigslist, if you know a friend who has mechanical knowledge about bikes this route is an option, otherwise just stay away.

Stay visible and stay safe out there :)

$500 won't buy you a good new bike. All you'll get is a bike-shaped object that will frustrate you and result in you not becoming a serious biker.

In order to get to work in all weathers, you need a good city bike. Things to look for:

1. Internal hub gears and brakes: These are low-maintenance and reliable.
2. Fenders and fully-enclosed chainguard: These keep your work clothes clean.
3. Rear rack and/or baskets and panniers: These help you take stuff to work, groceries home from the store, etc.
4. Upright, comfortable riding position: This allows you to see traffic around you and makes riding pleasant and comfortable. The Dutch or English style is best; Batavus and Pashley are good examples.
5. Puncture-resistant tires. My Pashley came with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. I've never got a flat. Ever.

My advice: Look for a used bike with these features, and get someone with bike smarts to check it out before you buy.

Thanks guys of all your insightful tips and suggestions! To be honest, as bad as it sounds, I might just stick with a "pre-made-sold-at-Sportchek" bike for the time being. Those are only $300ish, so I could always buy something else in a couple of years?!

Nakamura Men's Impulse 09 - $279
http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/style?menuId=235&styl...

K2 Senior Alturus 1.0 - $280
http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/style?menuId=235&styl...

Ironhorse Senior Maverick Commuter - $280
http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/style?menuId=235&styl...

Ironhorse Senior Sage 1.3 - $300
http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/style?menuId=235&styl...

Should I even consider the above bikes as a temp solution until I figure out what I want?

I'm not a big proponent of department store bikes. I had bad luck with the one I bought and ended up spending far too much fixing everything that went wrong when I was using it daily (something it clearly wasn't designed for).

If you're really thinking about cheaping out on a bike for the time being, you'll do much better finding something second hand at a yard sale, Goodwill or Value Village, and spending a bit on having it tuned. I've gotten both my bikes at Goodwill (Raleigh 3 speeds) for less than 20$ each, and they're far, far better commuter bikes than anything you'd buy in the shops today for 10x that price. My partner ditto for his two bikes (MTB + Hybrid).

Or try this guy
http://www.mikethebike.ca/
I've never been to the shop, but I've spoken with him and I like the ethos. He's next on my list for stopping if I decide to lower myself to a mountain bike ;)

I bought a new Kona Dew "Plus" with disc brakes (a hybrid bike) for under $500 and I'm very happy with it and don't find it at all frustrating. (and ride it to work in all weather, although I have a second older bike for the winter because I fear salt on my new shiney bike) They also have a version with regular brakes for about $400. Kona also makes a Smoke that I believe has rack and fenders included for under $400. (my Dew did cost over $500 once I added the accessories)

I also take issue with point 4 of the upright riding position - you'll want to find what works for you. The super-upright position also makes it a lot harder going into a headwind. If your commute is short, you may not mind, if you have a long commute you'll definitely want to change up positions.

Go to a few bike stores and try out their introductory commuter bike offerings of a few different brands. (definitely buy from a bike store and not a department store) Also try some of the Dahon folding bikes at Urbane, there are some under $500 and that gives you extra flexibility for transit.

I would stick with a bike you can buy at a good bike store. They probably will be about $400 as entry level rather than $300, but you'll get a bike set up properly, and if you have problems with the bike they'll generally make free adjustments for you for a period of time. If you are looking for a used bicycle, try the Community Bicycle Network. If you are just looking for a temporary solution, I'd go with Craigslist, but of course caveat emptor...

If buying second-hand...

be sure and know what size you need. One study concluded that about 95% of pedal bike riders are on bikes that are not the right size for them! (Less safe, less efficient.)
Cheers
loKc

All correct!... used is best.

Tour a few bike shops periodically until you see exactly what you need. Try not to compromise, and make sure it's the right size and has a lot of accessories, like fenders, a basket and a rack.

You can get yourself a 600.00+ bike used for about $200. And about $200.00 + tax of accessories for free. I have a $1600 used bike I bought for $450 ten years ago.

Bring cash.

I work as a mechanic at one of the busiest bike shops in TO.
My advice is.
Keep it simple. (single speed or 5-6 speeds)
Stay away from folding bikes, internal gear hubs and "european" styled bicycles.
Don't buy from mike the bike (most people that work there don't know what they are doing), they use "recycled" parts that have been doomed and destined for scrap yard.
Also don't buy from "craigslist backyard bike hoarders".

One option is to buy a bicycle on a garage sale for $20 and upgrade wheels, drive train (including bottom bracket) etc. Basically, the essential components, that would make the ride safe, comfortable and low maintenance.
It does not matter if the frame is not made from high grade steel because you are not planning to compete and set records.
I've converted many older (70's) Raleighs, Gliders and other department store bicycles into very nice machines, light, fast, reliable and, importantly, good looking.
Keeping it simple is the key, the more gears and other "advantages" the bicycle has the more you'll have to spent in maintenance...
My ideal flat city bike is a coaster brake single speed with front brake. To convert an old 10 speed into one is very simple.

Are you going to wear dedicated bike clothes and change once you get to work? Or do you want to commute in your work clothes?

How far is your commute? Is it flat or hilly?

If you have a reasonably short commute and want wear your work clothes, you might be happier with an older, upright 3-speed style bike with fenders and a chain guard. It will give you easier gears for hills (so you don't get sweaty) and protection for your clothes.

If you are wearing bike clothes, though, you might be happier with something lighter -- think older racing bike with clearance for fenders (unless you never plan to ride in the rain, fenders are very nice to have).

I wear bike clothes and shower at work (yes -- I am very lucky!). My main commuter is an old Raleigh that I pulled out of the garbage. Regular steel frame, flat bars, but I had Urbane (see www.ucycle.com -- I really like them) build me up a set of alloy wheels with a fixed rear cog.

If you like riding fixed, this set-up is bullet-proof. In three years of riding, all I've done to it is clean an lube the chain (and I've replaced a chain). I've got maybe $350 in it so I'm not worried about parking it locked up all day. And, it turns my 7-mile (one-way) commute into something approaching a decent workout (especially in a strong late-fall headwind!). It's got fenders and is great to ride in the rain.

Not the best set-up for someone just starting out, but I love it!

Just curious why you recommend against them. I think they would be better for Toronto winters if you are going with a non-single speed bike.

more like forces of nature like gravity or Pete Townsend ...
1. There is no perfect bike for all situations and each of us has our own notions of what perfection is anyway. It is true that you should spend a certain amount of thought on it up front but you will not really know until you ride how well it works for you.
2. And no ride is meant for ever. Having said that, it is also true that you cannot go back as each ride you get tends to be better (usually more expensive) but fortunately, you do not know that what you are currently riding is lame until you ride something better. (its like sound systems)

So, start basic ... it will be great until you need more (which may never happen). Focussing on hardware kills the pure joy of riding.

Just an opinion ...

If one is a commuter in Toronto's winters, internal hub gears and a fully-enclosed chainguard will save one a lot of trouble and money. Splashing road salt and water on an exposed chain and gearing all winter long is a formula for rust destroying the chain and gears.

Sure, in a perfect world I could carefully clean and lube the chain and gears after every ride. But I don't have time to spend more time cleaning my bike than riding it.

Internal hub gears and a fully-enclosed chainguard also protects my nice work clothing.

As for single-speed, even in the flat bits of downtown Toronto we still can get howling headwinds in winter. I'm not 20 years old anymore.

when it comes to internal gears, my favorite is old 3-speed sturmey archer hubs. The material they are made from is far better than modern hubs. The problem with those is rarity and "incompatibility" with some frames. And you still need to have a wheel built with alloy rim.
Very often we see Nexus and other internal hubs completely worn out from just 1-2 winters. Then the customer has to pay a crazy amount of money for a new hub and a wheel build.
Also, it costs more time/labour to fix a flat on that wheel due to a mind bogglingly unreasonable engineering, and flats are guaranteed.
It is always important to consider subsequent expenses.

You seriously suggested Velotech? Chris is a crook. I strongly discourage anyone from patronizing his home, errr business.

Chris is not a crook. He's meticulous. He's a perfectionist. He's not always friendly.. But crook? Really? I've bought two bikes from him and he took a lot of time setting them up for me. He's fixed things that were in no way related to issues with manufacturing for cost of parts only. I found him to be very fair and very committed to his craft his products and to the bike community as a whole.

I would suggest buying
1) a used frame prefrible steel-Roadbike or touring. If it has eyelets for fenders and racks all the better. Since the frame is used you will not freak out about chips our dirt on the frame. Less likely to be stolen.
2)spend a bit of dough on a reliable wheel set.
3)set it up as a single speed -cheaper-less maintance-easy to clean the winter grub off-you can easily set it up all you need is a cog,chain and spacers.
4) Use a flat bar- creates a more upright position easier to see and breath.

I personally use an old Sekine as my commuter frame-single speed set up.(built in Edmonton 80's) use it daily for commuting to work and long trips on the weekends have even been to Niagra and back no complaits and worry free. When its dry and warm I bring my nice vintage italian Roadbike 8 speed unfortunatley i do worry of it being stolen everytime i lock it up.

Wish you luck!

Chris @ velotech is a great guy - DEFINITELY NOT A CROOK!

As a previous poster said, hes meticulous and committed to finding the best balance between quality and cost - the bang for your buck factor.

I bought a hard tail mtb from him 5 years ago and I has served me fantastically - got it for $500 tax in and it was worth every penny let me tell you! Its taken me through the don trails more times than I can count, on adventure races in the Niagara escarpment and back and forth to work every day year round!

Ive recently replaced it with a single speed masi for my commute and am doing a long overdue tear down - but ill say unequivocally that measure for measure velotech bikes offer outstanding value.

two thumbs way up for velotech bikes - I highly recommend them

I stopped by a new bike store on Lakeshore Ave. It is called Cycle Butik. They had good commuting bikes starting at $325. Their phone number is 647-258-0012 or thomas@cyclebutik.com Give them a call.

I was in the same boat a 7 years ago. I purchased an early 1980's Norco Pinnacle 18 speed mountain bike from a used sports equipment store for $80. The bike was in very good shape except for some play in the bottom bracket. So a new bottom bracket for $55, Tires for $30, Lights for $30, fenders for $30. The bike already had a bell and back rack on it too. Oh and I put on a back trunk bag and hanlebar bag for $50. Last but not least new chain $20 and handlebars $30 (I didn't like the way the old ones fit me).

So all together under $500. I could have got a department store bike but not with all the commuting equipment. I have been riding it for 7 years back and fourth 9 km to work in bad and good weather at least 9 months of the year and it still is rolling well.

Just my .02 worth.

Marc