course walking (biking?) bikes for cheapskates - GO!

[Saskatoonian]

So I’ve finally come to the conclusion that I need a bike, in part for trundling around courses. I’ve always been a “walk it three times” type, but one of my favorite events runs over one day and the XC is a solid 15 minute hike from the trailer parking, if you march. It would also be nice to have one to zip to the grocery or the barn, but don’t mind that - it’s got to cruise around an XC course.

I haven’t had a bike for decades. Any ideas what I should look for? Used, definitely. Cheap is key! Also low maintenance. No clips for god’s sake - if I won’t attach myself to a horse no way I’m attaching myself to a bike!

Any tips? TIA!

[Blugal]

Find your local bike shop and discuss with them. They may have good 2nd hand bikes that they would have checked over & serviced.

If you are more adventurous, buy a used bike at a garage sale or through craigslist - make sure you take it for a test ride before paying.

I paid $175 for my beater bike, 2nd hand, 11 years ago. It’s been a beater the whole time, but it cruises me around XC and a bit of pavement or trail riding when I need it to, with minimal maintenance. I generally only use about 10 of the 21 speeds available, partly because one of the gears is sticky.

[Equisis]

Mountain bike, with the best suspension you can find/afford. Enough gears that you can climb hills on terrain. I like a rack or a basket on mine for shows, but that’s easy to add once you’ve got it. There are some good deals on Craigslist, but to echo Blugal, make sure you can test ride it (on terrain, if possible). Pass on anything that has cracks, dents, or other visible damage. If you can, bring a bike-savvy friend to check it over, or bring it to a bike shop for a tune-up.

[Where_sMyWhite]

Also keep an eye out for law enforcement auctions. Many will often auction off items that are turned in, such as bikes. Maybe you’ll get lucky

[Hilary]

End of the year at UVM? But make sure it fits you, because riding a bike that doesn’t is impossible. The frame has to be the right size for your upper body and arms.

But why stop at bike. Get an ATV. You you want one.

[Saskatoonian]

oh yuck, no ATVs thanks. Which is not to say I won’t ride on yours! Ok, will do some research on bikes. Sort of like a complete novice shopping for a horse … but a lot cheaper to keep!

[Willesdon]

Sort of like a complete novice shopping for a horse … but a lot cheaper to keep!

You might be surprised (she says, darkly). I had a colleague at work who was a very keen cyclist. He pointed to a picture in a catalog and aid “That is what I want” so I looked politely and was was shocked to see it was the little bit of triangular metal in the middle of the bike, no seat, handle bars, gears, wheels or anything else that makes a bike, just the middle bit - and it cost £3,000! I gasped and said that the minimum bid on a OTTB at Ascot sales is £300 and good ones go for that. Cheaper? Boys and toys comes to mind.

[Saskatoonian]

hahaha - that’s why I said cheaper to keep! At least they don’t eat!