The Writer’s Coin

http://www.lsureveille.com/

I usually like to find interesting/useful stuff for other people and share with others on this site, but every now and then I find that research and talking to other people only goes so far. So today I’m the one that needs help. M and I have spoken often of buying bikes so we can enjoy Chicago and the lakefront while getting a little exercise. We do go for walks a lot, but that can take a long time and riding a bike just seems like more fun. So we want to buy a couple of bikes but we don’t want to spend a whole lot of money — and we need help.

There are a couple of bike shops in our area but it’s kind of intimidating stepping in there when you don’t know what you’re doing. I’ve asked around at work and they’ve given me some tips about buying used and how much I should be spending, but I still feel a little lost. When I look at bikes online, I look at the picture and think, “This looks like it would do.” Like this bike at WalMart.com. I mean, is that a bad/cheap bike? Is buying used OK? If I just want a basic bike to ride down the like every so often, how much do I need to spend?

I’m always out there trying to find a deal, but in this case I’m a little lost as to what features I need and which ones would be silly for me to get. It might be a case of me thinking too much — maybe I just need to buy a used bike that is in good shape and make sure I don’t overpay. But when you’re obsessive about spending and not getting scammed, this is what you get. I’m thinking this is how people feel when they buy a new computer or a new gadget that they know absolutely nothing about. It’s tough.

Anyway, any and all help would be greatly appreciated!

Tags: bicycle, buying a bicycle