New to Biking
Hello fellow cyclists!
I would like to begin to do some recreational riding in and around Toronto (the Junction area). I'm looking to purchase a bike, but don't want to spend too much money since I'm not sure how comfortable I'm going to be while riding.
I haven't rode a bike in close to 15 years, but definitely would like to give it a try. I'm looking to spend about $100-$150 on a bike (new or used) that will get me around the city, and allow me to go up some hills when required (in no way am I attempting mountain biking, just the city hills).
Can anyone offer advice/suggestions/comments to help me get started?
Thanks so much!
Ashley
For that price range you're looking at a used bike. Even the cheapest department store ones start around $150. You'll get a much better, pleasanter riding bike for the money if you buy used.
I'd recommend trying bike pirates for the bike.
http://bikepirates.com/index.shtml
They're over towards your side of the city (Bloor/Landsdowne) and sell used bikes for very reasonable prices. They are super-helpful about, well, everything, and its money to a good cause.
For the accessories (lights/helmets/locks) MEC is your best bet - by far the cheapest/best selection.
Happy cycling :)
The Bike Pirates sound great, especially if you live in the western parts of the city.
I get asked once in a while by folks for a recommendation and I would send them there, except the folks I talk to are in the eastern part of Toronto. Is there anything similar over here? Anything East of Yonge would be fine...
Unfortunately the Bike Pirates don't currently have any used bikes available.
Any other thoughts?
Bike Sauce sells used bikes, too, but they're at the other end of town: 235 Broadview Avenue, at the intersection of Broadview and Dundas.
Toronto Bicycling Network has a Buy & Sell section. The bikes are often pricey, but sometimes there are less expensive ones.
Good luck and good riding!
Vivien
I checked Bike Sauce's website and it looks they no longer sell bikes. But there's link to an organization that maybe you had in mind and those guys sell re-conditioned bikes: http://communitybicyclenetwork.org/bikes . They are on 761 Queen Street West - thus a bit out of the way. But it's a possibility... Thanks!
There are a couple of shops in Kensington market that sell reconditioned bikes : Mike the Bike and Red Arrow. Or, at least they did when my friend was looking for a bike in the spring. No idea what the service/honesty of the places are like, but might be worth checking it out.
Bike sauce still sells bikes! They dont have any listed on the site but if you make it down to the shop they will have some for sure! and if they dont have one built for your needs you can go pick a project to build your self with their help and save even more money!
Thanks, guys - I guess I'll have to drop by and check out these stores when in the neighbourhood...
Cheers!