Hello again! I got tons of feedback about my last post in regards to the Sunstream by Sun. If you have a moment, I need some additional advice!
I’m new to bikes and I want something that has some versatility- something I can easily ride around the neighborhood, take on longer paths, maybe some places with higher traffic and small hills. Oh and I’m very petite woman so that plays a factor.
After expressing my concerns about the brake with the seller, he offered to add a front handbrake to it. He actually already purchased the part and will put it on tonight. I asked him to hold off until I think about it because I’m a bit overwhelmed now and stressed about making the wrong decision. With the added front handbrakes, does it make this bike a viable option? (See last image.)
Here are three other used bikes I found for sale that supposedly would work for my short stature (4’11.5) I’d love to hear opinions from experienced cyclists about the value/price and if they’re good options for what I’m looking for. Thanks!
Liv Alight (not sure which version it is)
$200 sells for $450 currently
https://www.liv-cycling.com/us/alight-3-2022
Liv Flourish 4 $350 sells for $550
https://www.liv-cycling.com/us/flourish-4-2022
Specialized roll sport cruiser $450 might be able to get it for $400.. new version sells for $750 (I found the exact one for sale on eBay and it’s a 2016.)
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/roll-30-low-entry/p/216879?color=349803-216879&searchText=96122-7402&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMax%20Shopping_US_Bikes_ROI%20%28Low%20Price%29&utm_id=20065255859&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAlJKuBhAdEiwAnZb7ldzqRjFkGmCoZ8o5KP5N2eNli-9vGQ80iQWqzS26cdIgviqCaWePOhoC758QAvD_BwE
by small-girl_big-wrld
3 Comments
The teal Liv looks the most solid to me, and it already has a rack, but I’m no expert.
Oh I’d forget the sun honestly. That first Liv looks sooo pretty. The rack is a plus too
I agree that the $200 teal Liv is likely the best choice. If it fits well and runs well, I’d vote for this one. Some things OP should think about: this bike is the most set up for performance over comfort of any of these three (lower bars, narrower saddle) and looks like the hardest to step through. Depending on how the OP wants to ride this may be the best of the four or not. Some of this could be changed after purchase as well with that $150 price difference.
Brakes on all three of these look fine. Linear pull rim brakes on both Liv bikes are perfectly adequate (the last iteration of rim brake tech before disc brakes started taking off). The Specialized does feature hydraulic disc brakes which are a bit more difficult to work on but have better stopping power in wet conditions.
Not sure how important water bottle cages are to OP. My wife has tried water bottle cages on handlebars like the second Liv has and it has not worked all that well. I think my favorite water bottle position on these bikes is the Specialized.
While the Specialized has the upgraded brakes and better water bottle placement, it is also the most expensive, looks like it lacks a kickstand, and might be hard to fit a rear rack.